School Briefs: March 3, 2010

JUMP into diversity Thursday
Hays CISD’s annual Jump into Diversity event is set for Thursday, March 4, 4-7 p.m., at the Performing Arts Center. Student works in art, writing, dance, costumes, performances and more are expected at this free-to-the-public show. New this year will be a presentation to all elementary schools of a Texas flag flown over the Capitol courtesy of the Buda Masons. For more information, contact Angie Mendez at mendeza@hayscisd.net.

Marine JROTC hosts ‘Texas Round-up’
Hays High School Marine Corps JROTC hosts its “Texas Round-up” Military Skills Meet Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to observe a number of the events that will involve up to 600 cadets from 16 Marine Corps JROTC units from across the state. Seven events will run simultaneously through the day, including five outdoors (marching and physical fitness events). A lunch will be available. For more information, contact Major David Hamil at hamild@hayscisd.net.

Final FAFSA Saturday
The final “Financial Aid Saturday” is set for local high school seniors this Saturday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at Lehman High School. The events are designed to assist seniors and their parents in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in anticipation of financial aid for college.

One Act Plays at PAC
The annual Hays CISD Middle School One Act Play Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 1-8 p.m. The day includes “A Little Princess” from Simon, “Seussical” from Barton, “Nothing Says I Love You Like Bad Poetry” from Wallace, “Winners” from Chapa and “The Tell-Tale Heart” from Dahlstrom. Lehman High’s “Arms and the Man” and Hays High’s “The Rabbit Hole” will also be performed and the Lobos’ Marissa Meek and the Rebels’ Dana Naughton, theatre directors, will offer critiques of the middle schools, including naming All-Star Cast and Best Actor and Actress. Admission for the entire day – seven plays – is $5.

Starlight Symphony Sunday
The Starlight Symphony, including a number of local student musicians from Hays and Lehman high schools, will perform in concert Sunday, March 7, 4 p.m., at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center. The program is free to the public, with donations accepted. The concert is billed as the Youth Artist Showcase; A Celebration of Youth, with Dr. Donald Miller, artistic director and conductor. Also featured is the Starlight Youth Orchestra. For more information, see www.starlightsymphony.org.

March is Youth Art Month
Student artwork from across the school district will be on display at the Curriculum and Instruction Annex – Academy High School until March 12, after school, 4-5 p.m. The rest of the month viewing will be open during the school day. A March 30, 6-8 p.m. reception will feature a silent auction benefiting art scholarships.

SLR cameras wanted
Hays High School photography classes are seeking donations of those now largely-unused SLR film cameras. Instructor Dan Niendorff says, “Yes, we still use film cameras and process our own black and white film. It’s a great learning tool for our students to help in understanding light, shutter speed, aperture and camera controls!” To pass on your camera to this worthwhile cause, write niendorffd@hayscisd.net.

Fundraiser Forecast
Play-a-thon for Haiti at Buda Elementary, Monday, March 8, 3-4 p.m.

Buda Chili’s Night for Fuentes Elementary, Tuesday, March 9, 4-10:30 p.m. (flyer required).