The briefs
Hersey to hold 'Motivation' talk
John Hersey High School invites parents to attend an hour-long presentation, "Motivating Your Student," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, in the school library, 1900 E. Thomas, Arlington Heights. The program is scheduled for the beginning of second semester when academic weaknesses of the first semester can be targeted and addressed. Topics include graduation requirements, how to motivate students, a review of current Hersey student academic progress, and parental strategies to promote student success.
Parents can register for the free program by calling Deb Hogan, Student Services Assistant, at (847) 718-4866. To leave a message, speak clearly, spell your name, leave a daytime phone number, and indicate how many will attend. Or e-mail deb.hogan@d214.org and include the above information.
District 214 offers arts, writing contest
Members of the communities served by Northwest Suburban High School District 214 are invited to enter the annual Arts Unlimited Community Writing & Art Contest co-sponsored by the district and the Daily Herald.
The contest is for original poetry, prose and visual art, with entries due by Feb. 1.
The contest is held in conjunction with District 214's month-long celebration of the arts, which includes dance performances, band, choral and orchestra concerts, art exhibits and speech and debate events for students.
Poetry submissions may be in any style on any subject. Prose may be either fiction or nonfiction with a 1,500-word limit. Visual art must be 2-D media, color or grayscale, submitted as either a photograph or copy.
No entries will be returned. Three winners will be named in each category.
Two copies of each entry should be mailed to Liz Schrenk, Arts Unlimited 214, Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. The entrant's name, address and telephone number must be recorded on the back of one copy of the entry, leaving the other copy with the title only and no other identifying information.
For more information, e-mail Liz Schrenk at liz.schrenk@d214.org.
Center honors 'Year of the Rat'
Celebrate the coming of the Year of the Rat with the Des Plaines History Center on from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 3 at 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. The event is free of charge. Festivities during the day include craft projects, free Chinese food, a lesson in drawing Chinese characters, and free photos with a friendly dragon. The Kinder House museum will also be open for tours during the New Year celebration. Call (847) 391-5399.