DaVinci students 'explore' during annual Immersion Week

Last week, DaVinci Academy students gave their annual "Immersion Week" presentations, the culmination of a week of study on a particular topic. This year's theme is "Explore."

Middle School students divvied up presentations and performances by subject, with Language Arts students will "exploring" the history of comedy by performing famous comedy routines; social studies students delving into how history influenced 20th century music; math students exploring green energy and how to reduce energy consumption; and science students looking into forensic science.

Prekindergarten through fourth-grade students also presented a number of different projects in their classroom.

Kindergarten signup: Families who plan to enroll a child in Elgin Area School District U-46 kindergarten next fall can preregister for classes at the district's kindergarten orientation, April 1-21.

Boys and girls who turn 5 on or before next Sept. 1 are eligible.

Families should register at the school that their child will be attending. If you're unsure what school that is, check out the attendance boundary map at www.u-46.org and head to the School Information menu, or call the communications office at (847) 888-5000 ext. 5040.

At the orientation, parents should remember to bring their kids birth certificate and three proofs of residence in the district. Parents can apply to the county clerk in the county where the child was born to receive a copy of the birth certificate. Registration forms, immunization requirements and other materials will be distributed at the orientation.

A news release sent out this week by the district reminds that Illinois State Law requires physical examinations for kindergarten- and sixth-grade students; and up-to-date immunizations for all students. The state also requires a vision exam completed by a licensed eye doctor for all kindergartners; and a dental exam for kindergarten, second and fifth grades. A lead screening is required and a Mantoux test for tuberculosis is recommended. Immunity to diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B is required. All immunizations must be recorded on the state approved examination form.

Got questions? call the District U-46 Health Services office at (847) 888-5000, extension 5335.

Nominations sought: Judson University in Elgin is inviting community members to nominate friends and colleagues for the D. Ray Wilson Volunteer Service Award.

The award is given annually to an individual who has contributed to the greater good within the community by serving others emotional, physical, intellectual or spiritual needs.

Past winners include former sportscaster Floyd Brown and Elgin Chiropractor Clare Ollayos.

To be considered for this award, the candidate must live and volunteer within the "Golden Corridor" communities of Elgin, East Dundee, Carpentersville, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, and Barrington.

Candidates should be nominated by a co-worker, relative or friend through the nomination form found at www.judsonu.edu/DRWAward2009.aspx.