The community is invited to A Night in Venice, a gala event to benefit the new Classical Academy High School from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Serra Center at the Mission San Luis Rey, 4070 Mission Ave., Oceanside.

The school, a state public charter school in Escondido, is celebrating its inaugural year. The school hopes to raise $100,000 for a science lab for students.

Sponsored by Qualcomm and the North County Education Foundation, the event will feature a champagne reception, gourmet appetizers, full buffet dinner, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions. Escondido Mayor and honorary Chairwoman Lori Holt Pfeiler, along with TV anchor and auction chairwoman Estha Trouw will greet an expected 400 parents and other community members.

Tickets are $75 each; tables for eight are $1,000. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.ClassicalAcademy.com. To donate auction items, call (760) 213-6136.

The Classical Academy High School offers a flexible, personalized learning program that incorporates technology into every subject. Its goal is to prepare students for college, careers and citizenship by focusing on relevant and integrated learning.

PHS senior serves on national board

Heather Hernandez, a senior at Poway High School and daughter of Rebecca and David Hernandez, recently was selected to serve as chairperson of the National Students Against Violence Everywhere Youth Advisory Board.

Recognized as a leader in her school and community, she will join a six-member team to discuss school violence issues and develop action plans not only for her SAVE chapter, but chapters nationwide. Board members will develop their leadership skills through participation in training sessions, discussions of best practices to prevent school violence and practice of educational activities for sharing with other SAVE students. They will create goals for the year and a proactive action plan to combat violence through the implementation of the three essential elements of SAVE: crime prevention, conflict management and service projects.

One of her major responsibilities will be to help plan and organize the 11th Annual National SAVE Youth Summit and National SAVE Day on Oct. 18. The event will take place mid-way through America's Safe Schools Week, Oct. 6 through 20. SAVE chapters will plan and conduct violence awareness activities, inform peers of ways to reduce youth victimization and improve school safety and hold service projects that enhance school and community safety efforts.

This year will mark Heather's fourth year involved with SAVE and her third year on the board. She has held various leadership roles in her school and community, including four years as the Associated Student Body vice president. She has been a member of the Student Council, peer counseling program, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Poway Women's Ensemble. She is a volunteer with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and her church youth group. Heather was selected a Scholar for the United States Achievement Academy and is involved in Link Crew. She also is the recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.

Richland plans rummage sale

SAN MARCOS -- Richland Elementary School, at 910 E. Borden Road, will hold its annual HUGE Rummage Sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 30. Most items will be priced at between 25 cents and $1. All proceeds will benefit teachers and students. To volunteer or donate items, call Cat at (760) 744-0733.

SPHS Athletic Boosters to meet

ESCONDIDO -- San Pasqual High School's Athletic Boosters parent group will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18 in the school library.

The purpose of the organization is to promote the individual growth and development of students through athletics; support the school, coaches and students in athletic endeavors deemed appropriate; increase the bond of understanding between parents, youth and school personnel so that all may learn to work cooperatively for their common good; and to provide financial and other assistance to ensure a well-balanced, outstanding, total athletic program.

The Athletic Boosters meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each school month in the library. For more information, call (760) 291-6000.

OG parent volunteers sought

ESCONDIDO -- Volunteers are needed for the Orange Glen Elementary School Site Council and English Language Advisory Council.

The site council includes representatives from the school staff, five parents and Principal Ramon Cusi. The council meets monthly to discuss, review and approve various aspects of the School Site Plan. The plan directly impacts all students and focuses on efforts to improve instruction through the use of federal and state funds provided for this purpose.

Parent representatives serve a two-year terms. Interested parents must be willing to meet monthly with the council at a time agreed upon by the majority of the council members. Three parent volunteers are needed. If more than three parents volunteers, an election to choose three will be held English- and Spanish-speaking parents are both encouraged to join.

The Orange Glen English Language Advisory Council includes representative from the school staff, five parents and Cusi. The council serves a role similar to the site council, but focuses on the needs of English language learners. Four or five parents are needed.

Parents interest in participating on either councils should call the school office at (760) 432-2487 or send a note to Cusi.

Fallbrook 4-H schedules registration

FALLBROOK -- Fallbrook 4-H is an organization for youths ages 9 to 19 intended to promote hands-on learning and is based on parent and volunteer participation. Club membership requires attending monthly community meetings and project meetings.

Registration takes place at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Fallbrook High School cafeteria and youths must be accompanied by a parent. The cost to join is $22 with a $10 family fee. With that fee, participants can join as many projects as they want.

Projects include archery, beef, community pride, cooking, crafts, dance, demonstrations, floriculture, fishing, goats, photography, horses, poultry, small animals, sewing, sheep, swine, veal and veterinary science.

For information, call (760) 723-6171.

Drama department schedules production

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook High School Drama Department will present Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "The Skin of Our Teeth," directed by Florene Villane, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 and 7 in the Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts at 2234 S. Stage Coach Lane.

"The Skin of Our Teeth" premiered in 1942. Wilder hoped to offer audiences an explanation of humanity's "endurance, aim and consolation." It looks at the struggles and survival of a single American family.

Villane said she chose this play because it has many lessons about global climate change, war, extinction of animals and the decline of family values in American society. The family endures through forgiveness, love and faith in God.

General admission is $10, $8 for seniors, children under 12 and students with an ASB card. They will be be available at the box office at 7 p.m. For reservations, call (760) 723-6300, Ext. 6304.

Ag Boosters auction planned

FALLBROOK -- The annual Fallbrook Ag Boosters Auction will take place Oct. 21 at the ag department at the high school, and items are being sought for the fundraiser.

The organization also is accepting new items and gift certificates from local businesses wanting to support local youths. The Fallbrook Ag Boosters supports the members of Fallbrook 4-H, Fallbrook FFA and Bonsall 4-H. The group also awards five $1,000 college scholarships each year. To donate items, contact Doug Sehnert at (760) 723-6300, Ext. 2508. Pick-up can be arranged for large items.

Fallbrook FFA hosts tri-tip dinners

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook High School Future Farmers of America chapter once again is hosting its tri-tip dinners before all home football games. The dinners will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the ag department, which is located at the east end of the football field.

Meals include tri-tip, beans, salad, dinner roll and a drink. Cost per dinner is $8. Call the ag department at (760) 723-6300, Ext. 2509 for more information or just show up.

Proceeds help support leadership development activities throughout the school year. The home games are Sept. 29, Oct. 13 and 20 and Nov. 9 (a Thursday due to the Friday holiday).

Teen Read Week programs planned

FALLBROOK -- Fallbrook Library has two programs planned for Teen Read Week. From 4 to 5 p.m. Oct 12, artist Sylver Kinsella will present a craft program on making miniature books, approximately 3" to 6" in size. She furnishes all the supplies and decorations, and the little books may be used for notes, photos, autographs, journals or albums.

From 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 19, professional movie makeup artist Christine Friel will present a demonstration of special-effects makeup. Some may want to use this as the opportunity to find finishing effects for Halloween costumes.

Both programs are recommended for children in grades 6 and above. Sign up at the reference desk or by calling (760) 728-2373.

Class of 1961 plans reunion

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook High School Class of 1961 has several events planned for its 45th reunion. Members will attend the high school homecoming football game at 6 p.m. Oct. 13.

A wine-tasting tour is planned for 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 14. There is a tasting fee at each of the Temecula wineries of between $5 and $10 per person. The reunion social will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Embassy Suites Hotel at 29345 Rancho California Road in Temecula. There will be a no-host bar and hors d'oeuvres. Cost is $35 per person. For information, call Judy Payne Crawford at (619) 579-1454.

Luncheon set for program participants

FALLBROOK -- Fallbrook High School will sponsor its annual School to Career Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 28 in Room 201 of the high school at 2400 S. Stage Coach Lane. Entree choices are Chinese chicken salad or beef tostada. The luncheon recognizes program participants. For reservations or information, call (760) 723-6300, Ext. 3211.

Poway resident is science finalist

POWAY -- David Cohn III of Poway, a student at The Rhoades School in Encinitas, is one of four middle school students in California and one of 40 in the United States to be selected as a finalist in the 2006 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

The challenge is the nation's premier science contest for students in grades 5 through 8. The competition, created by Discovery Communications and Science Service, gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and push their limits as they explore the world of science.

This year's theme, "Disease Detectives," features a series of challenges in which selected students investigate global health concerns, their causes and their impact -- from avian flu to obesity. The focus sparked the interest of the National Institutes of Health, which will collaborate in the final round of the challenge, including hosting this year's program.

The 40 finalists were chosen based on their written essays about science fair projects that each had presented at their local science fairs across the country. During the finals, the finalists will present their research to judges and the public, using their communication skills and creative thinking as science communicators to explain the complexities of their research. Finalists will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."

Finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. Oct. 21, where they will take part in the four-day finalist competition at the National Institutes of Health campus in Bethesda, Md. They will compete in team-based, interactive challenges designed around the theme of "Disease Detectives." The young scientists will have to use their scientific know-how to find solutions to this year's challenges. At the end of the competition, a national Top Young Scientist of the Year will be named.

Before entering the Discovery Channel challenge, David won first place at the California State Science Fair in Los Angeles. For his project, 'From Ashes to Life: Burned Region Plant Regeneration/Soil Transformation,' David was awarded the prestigious Dr. and Mrs. Arnold O. Beckman Project of the Year Award -- Junior Division, and received a $5,000 cash prize. He also took first place in the Environmental Science division at the fair. Before the state competition, he won the top award -- the Sweepstakes Award in Life Science -- at the Greater San Diego County Science and Engineering Fair. His project focused on the regrowth of plants and soil chemistry changes seen in the fire area for the last 2 1/2 years. "The Cedar Fire nearly destroyed my home," David said. "I watched the flames come closer and closer to my home from my bedroom. I wanted to turn this frightening experience into something positive."

Monte Vista to host ventriloquist

VISTA -- Monte Vista Elementary School, at 1740 Monte Vista Drive, will host a show by comedy ventriloquist Kevin Johnson at 7 p.m. Sept. 29. Johnson has appeared at Legoland and on the NBC TV show "America's Got Talent." Limited tickets cost $5. The Monte Vista PTA is holding a pizza dinner before the show. For more information and tickets, call Teresa McGuire at (760) 724-3040.

Parenting course offered

CARLSBAD -- The Pacific Rim Elementary School PTA will sponsor a five-week parenting course presented by Susie Walton. Walton is a recipient of the San Diego Parent Educator of the Year Award. The course will cover a variety of subjects, including learning how to avoid power struggles, tools to help a child become more responsible and self reliant, and creating peace and calmness within the family.

Classes will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday mornings starting Oct. 12 and are for Pacific Rim parents only. Cost is $30 for books. To register, contact Robyn Swick at robynswick@gmail.com.

Volleyball clinic offered

VISTA -- The Vista High girls volleyball program is offering a boys and girls volleyball clinic for youngsters 10 and older from 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 21 . Cost of the clinic is $40. Instruction will be provided by the school's volleyball coaching staff and assisted by the Lady Panther volleyball players. A free hotdog lunch with the Lady Panthers will be provided at the end of the clinic. All proceeds benefit the Vista High School Girls' Volleyball Program. For more information or to register, contact Coach Julie Kaiser at (760) 941-8801 or e-mail athleticfusion1@cox.net.

Independent school plans meetings

CARLSBAD -- Pacific Ridge School, a new independent school to open in the fall of 2007, will hold an admissions orientation from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 18, at the Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Drive.

Families interested in learning more about the school and applying for enrollment in the 2007-08 school year are invited. The orientation will include in-depth information on the school's curriculum and application process, and provide opportunities for parents and potential students to ask questions of Eileen Mullady, head of the school, and other PRS staff. The meeting is one in a series of events planned through January to provide news and information about the school to the communities it will serve. Orientations also will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Quail Botancial Gardens in Encinitas, Nov. 19 at the Museum of Making Music and Jan. 10 at Quail Botancial Gardens.

Admission is free. For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the event, call (877) 843-4424 or visit http://www.pacificridge.org.

OHS wrestling program needs sponsors

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside High School wrestling team is seeking donations and sponsors to support the wrestling program. The team raises money for equipment, uniforms, trophies, tournament fees and transportation throughout the year through ongoing raffles and donations. To make a monetary donation, make checks payable to OHS/Wrestling Team. Send donations to: Oceanside High School, One Pirate's Cove, Oceanside, CA 92054, attention OHS/Wrestling Team. For more information, call head coach Ron Sigler at (760) 722-8201.

Calavera Hills needs auction donations

CARLSBAD -- Calavera Hills Elementary School is looking for donations for its Auction for the Arts, to be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 4 at The Windmill in Carlsbad.

The major fundraising event will feature a "casino night" theme. Proceeds from the event will fund many vital programs in the school curriculum. Contributions are tax deductible and can be a service, product or gift certificate. The deadline for recognition in the auction program is Oct. 20. Donors will also be recognized in the PTA newsletter, which is sent home to the entire student body.

For more information, contact auction co-chairs Kim Miller, 720-3837, or Susan Arnold, 720-2922.

Calavera Hills Elementary teacher awarded

CARLSBAD -- Nona Loftis, a kindergarten teacher at Calavera Hills Elementary School, recently was awarded a Crystal Apple Award from the Horace Mann Companies in Carlsbad. The award honors teachers for their commitment to improving the quality of education. Loftis also received $250 worth of gift certificates for Macy's and Nordstrom's. The selection process for the award includes nominations from parents and school staff members, including the principal. A committee from the Carlsbad Unified School District office makes the final selection.

School seeks instruments

CARLSBAD -- The music program at Hope Elementary School is looking for good quality instruments for its instrument loan program. The instruments will be made available to students with financial needs who are unable to rent or buy an instrument.

Violins, trumpets, clarinets, saxes, flutes, trombones, percussion instruments, bells and snare drums are needed. For more information or to make a donation, call Sharon Evans at (760) 331-5900.

OPE seeks reading tutors

CARLSBAD -- Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School in Carlsbad is seeking volunteer tutors for its award-winning Everyone A Reader Volunteer program. Tutors will be trained and will work in weekly, 90-minute sessions with students in first through fourth grades. For more information call Elaine Barton at (760) 943-2027.