On Aug. 13, Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab was host to its eighth annual scholarship day, which raked in more than $4,000 to be divided among the lab’s college-bound employees. Aaron Friedman, Macie Burd, Lacey Stewart, Mary-Kate Smith, and Miriya Rubalcaba benefited from the fundraiser. In order to be eligible to receive a scholarship, employees […]
School Scene Articles
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After-school program brings youth center closer to Pioneer Valley
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is welcoming students from Pioneer Valley High School to partake in free after-school activities at the Edwards Community Center from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The program started on Aug. 19 and provides recreational activities, snacks, games, and more for the students. Recreation and Parks Department Associate Teresa Rayburn […]
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What Kids Are Reading: The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
By Rodman Philbrick; recommended for ages 9 to 12
The Civil War is tearing apart the country—and families, as Homer P. Figg’s older brother, Harold, is sworn into the Union army. Shortly after the elder Figg’s departure, however, Homer learns that it was an illegal conscription carried out with the help of the boys’ degenerate uncle and a corrupt judge in exchange for money. […]
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What Kids are Reading: Lulu and the Dog from the Sea
by Hilary McKay
Lulu and Mellie are not merely cousins, they are also best friends. And the important thing to know about Lulu is that she loves animals and has a lot of pets. “The rule about pets in Lulu’s house was: The more the merrier! As long as Lulu cleans up after them!” Besides several goldfish, a […]
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What Kids are Reading: The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
by Christopher Healy – recommended for ages 8 to 12
In your classic fairytale, you’ve got a young woman facing horrible prospects or peril—think Snow White’s poison apple, Rapunzel’s imprisonment, Cinderella’s horrid home life, and Sleeping Beauty’s curse-triggered enchantment—only to be rescued by a prince. And not just any prince. Prince Charming. Such a feat of daring, you’d think, would immortalize the hero in song, […]
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Rodeo association kicks off high school season with an initiation meeting
The California High School Rodeo Association District 7 Commission will welcome past and future members at a general meeting on Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. at the Madonna Inn. Junior high and high school students interested in participating in the 2013-2014 rodeo season are invited to attend the meeting, which kicks off another year. District […]
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Robotics challenge pits LEGO machines in battle
A robot battle showcase topped off an eight-week robotics program held by the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County in Lompoc. On Aug. 13, small teams of elementary and junior high school students in third through eighth grades built and programmed LEGO robots for various tests and competitions. The “Sumo Challenge” showcase […]
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Salvation Army sponsors school supply shopping spree
Santa Maria’s Target store was bombarded with 30 boys and girls on Aug. 6. They picked out clothing, backpacks, and the school supplies to fill them with as beneficiaries of the Salvation Army in Santa Maria. The organization provides families in need with social services that include youth programs, utilities assistance, food assistance, and more. […]
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Getting orientated to some new digs
Incoming Pioneer Valley High School freshmen had a chance to preview student life at the fifth annual Link Crew orientation event on Aug. 9. More than 600 freshmen were expected to attend. “It’s about making them comfortable,” Pioneer Valley adviser and business teacher Marcie Guerra said in a press release. “We want to establish a […]
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Young golfers tee up to raise funds
The inaugural Santa Maria Saints Golf Classic will help high school students pay for a season of swings. The golf classic will benefit the Santa Maria High School boys’ and girls’ golf teams. The fundraiser will start at noon on Aug. 24 at the Marshallia Ranch Golf Course near Vandenberg Air Force Base. Santa Maria […]
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Santa Maria’s library celebrates the new building’s fifth birthday
A day-long celebration in honor of the Santa Maria Public Library’s fifth birthday will take place on Aug. 24. Two local bands, a barbecue lunch, and various children’s activities are scheduled for the day. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the library and outside in the Lavagnino Plaza. The only […]
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Van Leuven will take the helm at the accrediting commission
Retired Santa Ynez Valley Unified School District superintendent Fred Van Leuven was selected as the new executive director of the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Van Leuven will begin his new leadership role on Oct. 1, replacing David Brown, who served in the position since 2002. Before his 11-year run […]