Class Notes

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Summit Preparatory Charter High School and Everest Public High School would like to invite parents and students to learn more about their schools. These public, tuition-free, charter high schools in Redwood City strive to provide students a small and personalized educational environment with guaranteed college preparation in a physically and emotionally safe environment.  

The final recruitment open house, where families can learn about the academic program, the student community, school culture and the application process is happening 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24 at Summit, 890 Broadway in Redwood City.  For more information visit  www.summitprep.net and www.everestphs.org.

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Brewer Island Student Council members and the fifth grade classes are sponsoring a special community service project on behalf of all Brewer Island students. They will be working hand in hand with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise money to help grant a special wish for a child with a life-threatening illness. The "Pocketful of Wishes” donation drive will take place from Jan. 26 through Feb. 25. The entire school has set a goal of collecting $1,500. Each Friday the fifth graders will visit each of the classes on campus and assist with counting the money in the banks. A giant thermometer is posted at the front of the school and each week the students will fill in the monetary progress toward their goal.

In March, the Brewer Island student council has invited a member of the Make-A-Wish team to come to the school so they can present their "Pocketful of Wishes” earnings. The entire student body will assemble in the schoolyard for this presentation.   

This community service project has given the students an opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization and give back to this amazing cause by helping to grant special wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.   

For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation visit www.wish.org.

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North Star Academy in Redwood City will be presenting an all student production of "Seussical The Musical!,” based on the treasured stories of Dr. Seuss, March 4 through March 7. Each character will come to life dancing and singing their way through this whimsical composite of Dr. Seuss stories. This is a family friendly production — great for all ages and a testament to the efforts of volunteers dedicated to the arts. Without volunteers and donations, there would be no North Star play.

Though the arts have been under funded in California schools for years, the current budget crisis makes this play that much more extraordinary.

"Given my budget constraints, the only way North Star can provide a theatrical experience like a play for students is if it is completely self-sustaining, meaning there is no cost to the school or the district,” said North Star Principal Wendy Kelly. "This leaves us totally dependent on gracious volunteers and generous donations.”

Kelly points out that in addition to being fun, participation in theater arts is part of the California State Standards for Education. With an emphasis on time management, memorization, physical coordination, oratory skills, teamwork and commitment, participating in a theater production teaches the kind of life skills that lead to future civic participation. Theater also helps children to learn about story telling and encourages them to express themselves in creative ways. Seussical the Musical! is very creative. Director Maureen McVerry has encouraged the cast to bring these characters they love to life in their own unique ways.

Performances are 7 p.m. March 4 through March 6 and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7 at the McKinley Auditorium, 400 Duane St., Redwood City. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door.  Special $6 child tickets available Thursday, March 4. Tickets are currently available online at Northstartix.com.

Class notes is a twice weekly column dedicated to school news. It is compiled by education reporter Heather Murtagh. You can contact her at (650) 344-5200, ext. 105 or at heather@smdailyjournal.com.