Tri-Cities briefs

Parents to learn

The Batavia Parent Academy invites all parents to attend Parent University from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 24 at Rotolo Middle School, 1501 S. Raddant Road. The morning begins with a keynote session on discipline, presented by child psychologist and radio host Ray Guarendi, followed by a choice of one of three breakout educational sessions on Internet safety, parenting based on birth order or raising children in an environment of affluence. Refreshments and child care will be provided. To register, go to bataviaparentacademy.org.

Founders Day Brunch

Elgin Community College will hold a 60th Anniversary Founders Day Brunch on its main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 25. The meal will begin with a champagne reception and includes live entertainment, an awards ceremony and prizes. Funds raised support student financial aid and instructional programs. Cost is $75 per person. Contact Katie Michel at (847) 214-7277 or kmichel@elgin.edu for more information.

High school prep

Geneva High School has its eighth-grade Parent Night at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 in Viking Commons at the school, 416 McKinley Ave. It will provide information about the departments and progression of courses, and services provided by the counseling department. For details, call assistant principal Scott McPeak at (630) 463-3800.

Ice harvesting program

You can learn how farmers once harvested ice and stored it in their own icehouses during a program from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 22, 24, 25 and 29 at Kline Creek Farm in Winfield. Staff members and volunteers will take to the frozen surface of Timber Lake - weather permitting - and demonstrate the age-old techniques. The program is free. The farm is on County Farm Road, about a half-mile south of North Avenue. For details, call (630) 876-5900.

IMSA accepting applications

Applications for the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Class of 2012 are available online at imsa.edu/admissions. Students enrolled in the equivalent of a freshman program are eligible for consideration to the three-year advanced college preparatory program. Students live on campus. Tuition and most room-and-board expenses are provided by state funds. Written applications must be postmarked no later than March 1. Students may obtain the applications online or contact their high school guidance counselor or IMSA's admissions office at (630) 907-5028.