Education Notebook: School news and events for Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2015

UNLV State of the University address planned

UNLV President Len Jessup is set to give his State of the University address at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Judy Bayley Theatre on the campus, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. The event is free and open to the public. Visit tinyurl.com/unlvjessupaddress, call 702-895-3102 or email mediarelations@unlv.edu.

Smith Center announces Heart of Education Awards

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave., recently announced the inaugural The Heart of Education Awards. Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, the awards aim to assist the Clark County School District with honoring, recruiting and retaining great educators.

Inspired by a program created by George Stevens at the Kennedy Center, which has been credited with helping teacher recruitment and retention in the Washington, D.C., area, The Heart of Education Awards aspires to do the same for education champions in Clark County. The awards will recognize hundreds of finalists in a celebratory evening that will include a red carpet, swag bags and fine entertainment on May 8, 2016, at The Smith Center. The festive invitation-only show, which is the culminating event of Teacher Appreciation Week, will be marked by a grand presentation where approximately 20 teachers will be awarded $5,000 in appreciation for their outstanding efforts.

To pledge support, contact Tanja Brennan at 702-749-2342 or tbrennan@thesmithcenter.com. For more information, visit thesmithcenter.com/theheartofeducation.

Bank of Nevada collecting supplies for students in need

Bank of Nevada is collecting school supplies through Aug. 28 for students in need at Sewell Elementary, 700 E. Lake Mead Parkway; McMillan Elementary, 7000 Walt Lott Drive; Innovation International Charter School, 1600 E. Oakey Blvd.; and Virgin Valley Elementary in Mesquite.

The public can drop off new school supplies at any of the 11 Bank of Nevada branches in Southern Nevada from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit bankofnevada.com.

Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet collecting school supplies through Aug. 30

The Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet, 1717 S. Decatur Blvd., is collecting school supplies for local students in partnership with the Clark County School District-Community Partnership Program. The drive is planned through Aug. 30, and guests who donate at the swap meet will receive free entry and be included in a raffle for the chance to win a $500 gift card.

Supplies needed include: paper, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, erasters, glue sticks, tissues and binders. Donations collected will go directly to Clark County students in need.

Visit fantasticindoorswapmeet.com.

Business strategy classes planned

The city Of Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency is partnering with SUMNU Marketing to sponsor a series of business strategy classes this fall at the Urban Chamber of Commerce Business Development Center, 1951 Stella Lake St. Classes are planned from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays beginning, Sept. 9.

Topics planned are: Sept. 9, The Transformation; Sept. 16, Strategic Business Development; Sept. 23, Your Company's DNA; Sept. 30, Marketing Strategies; Oct. 7, Business & Marketing Development; and Oct. 14, Project Pitches & Certification.

Class size is limited. To sign up, contact Darren Harris at 702-229-6862 or dmharris@lasvegasnevada.gov.

ACLUNV announces sex education essay contest

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada is hosting a sex education essay competition for Clark County students attending public schools. Specific limits within the district's current sex education program, student exclusion and delays in updating the curriculum, prompted the ACLUNV to create an opportunity for students to express themselves freely about their perspectives on sex education.

ACLUNV encourages students in grades nine through 12 to write a 600- to 750-word essay explaining their needs and perspectives about what sex education should be. Students should provide perspective in their essays on who should receive sex education, what sex education should include, what would make it more inclusive and effective, why sex education is important, what they did and did not learn in their previous sex education class, what they wish they had learned, and how sex education can be taught more effectively in schools.

Essays will be accepted until Sept. 18. Winners will be announced publicly Oct. 5. Scholarships totaling $10,000 will be awarded, with $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place.

Visit aclunv.org/sexedsay.

Tutoring services available

Local business owner and English as a second language teacher Munazza Abbas is offering tutoring services through Zain Learning Center, for $5 to $10 per hour. Services offered include instruction in English as a second language, general learning needs, job searching and resume writing, as well as test preparation including high school proficiency and GED, Core Academic Skills for Educators and PLT, Graduate Record Exam preparation and Test of Essential Academic Skills.

Visit zainlc.com or call 702-882-1068.

Track Break Club planned for year-round students at Midbar Kodesh Temple

A Track Break Club for students who will be attending year-round schools is set to begin in August at Midbar Kodesh Temple, 1940 Paseo Verde Parkway. Students ages 5 to 12 are welcome to join in the camp-like fun, which will also include math, science, reading and computer technology. The club will coincide with the Clark County School District's year-round school calendar. Before- and after- care options are available.

Catholic Daughters offering scholarship for Bishop Gorman student

Catholic Daughters of the Americas Nevada State Court is offering a one-time scholarship of $720 to Bishop Gorman High School for a Catholic girl entering as a freshman in 2015. Applications will be accepted Sept. 1-Oct. 1.

Email State Regent Jina Couvrette at cdascholarshipnv@cox.net.

International Experience USA seeks host families for exchange students

International Experience USA, a nonprofit high school student exchange organization approved by the U.S. Department of State, is seeking host families in the Las Vegas Valley to provide room and board, help with transportation and provide emotional support to exchange students. The students provide their own insurance and personal spending money.

Visit ie-usa.org or contact Carol Myint at 507-301-3615 or c.myint@international-experience.net.

4-H membership drive planned for October

The 4-H youth development program plans its annual membership drive during October. The program, offered throughout the Las Vegas Valley, focuses primarily on positive youth development and is open to all youths 5 to 19.

Visit http://www.unce.unr.edu/4H/.