Hunger banquet planned for Wednesday
MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon High School’s Earth Club is hosting a hunger banquet to raise awareness of world hunger and funds for the club and the Skagit Food Bank.
Attendees will not know until they arrive whether they will eat a lavish meal at a nice table or a have a meager plate of rice with tea while sitting on the floor. The guest speaker will be Carol Miles, a vegetable specialist at the Washington State University Extension.
The banquet will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the school cafeteria. Donations are accepted and split between the club and the food bank. For a reservation, contact Michael Thimgan at or 428-6104 ext. 2157.

Anacortes Schools to hold volunteer orientation
ANACORTES—The Anacortes School District will hold a Volunteer Orientation meeting from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. March 25 at the Anacortes Middle School Library, 2200 M Ave. The orientation will cover basic school volunteer guidelines including roles and responsibilities, staff expectations, school culture, communications and confidentiality and safety concerns. Childcare available with advance registration. Call Jayne Branch at 293-1234.

College offering campus visitation day
MOUNT VERNON—Skagit Valley College will offer a free Mount Vernon Campus visitation day for prospective students from 10 to 11:45 a.m. April 2, at 2405 E. College Way. The session will provide students with an opportunity to experience the campus first-hand and learn more about degree and program opportunities. For information, call 360-416-7697.

B-E Schools to hold Kindergarten Round-up sessions
Burlington-Edison School District will offer the following programs:
* Kindergarten program information night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Lucille Umbarger Elementary School, 820 S. Skagit St.
* Dual Language Orientation at 2:45 or 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 21, at West View Elementary, 515 W. Victoria Ave.
* Kindgarten Round-up for last names beginning with A-G from noon to 7 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the district office, 927 E. Fairhaven Ave.
* Kindgarten Round-up for last names beginning with H-Q from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the district office.
* Kindgarten Round-up for last names beginning with R-Z from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at the district office.
For information, call 360-757-3391.

Teacher of the Year nominations being accepted
Nominations are being accepted through April 30 for the Washington 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. The winning teacher will receive $1,000, plus a $500 grant for their school.
The state winner will be eligible for the national award, which includes special recognition and a $2,500 travel certificate. Nominees will be judged on their ability to motivate students, their special talents and their contributions to their school, students or educational community.
To submit a nomination, visit http://www.teachers.com and explain in 250 words or less why this teacher should be chosen as the Teacher of the Year. Winners will be announced at the beginning of the next school year.
The contest is sponsored by Teachers’ Insurance Plan, a car insurance program exclusively for members of the educational community.

Grants for educators available
The Washington State School Retirees Association Unit 21 has extended the application deadline to March 31 for $100 grants to active educators in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. The local Unit 21 Retirees group has awarded $9,300 over the last eight years and has $1,300 available this year. Visit http://www.sisra21.org or call Barbara at 360-856-2190.

Info session on Running Start and Tech Prep programs planned
MOUNT VERNON—Skagit Valley College will hold an information session on Running Start and Tech Prep programs from 7 to 8 p.m. April 23 in Hodson Hall room 112, 2405 E. College Way. The program will include the step-by-step process of how to apply and general information about both programs. 360-416-7632 or .