SCHOOL NEWS.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Agency gives suicide prevention grant

The Northwest Health Foundation has awarded Looking Glass Youth and Family Services a two-year grant to expand the agency's SAFE:TEEN suicide prevention program. The $34,200 grant will allow Looking Glass to offer the program at six more high schools in Lane County, on top of the eight already using it.

SAFE:TEEN is a comprehensive, school-based prevention program that educates staff, parents and students about warning signs for depression, risk factors for suicide and how to get help. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 in Oregon, SAFE:TEEN prevention specialist Jill Hollingsworth said.

Founded in 1997, the Northwest Health Foundation aims to advance, promote and support the health of Oregon and Southwest Washington residents. The organization has a strong interest in improving the mental well-being of youth by offering grants to nonprofit organizations. Looking Glass is a Eugene nonprofit organization founded in 1970 to respond to the needs of teenage runaways. Today it is a leading provider of services to at-risk youth.

School foundation awards small grants

The Springfield Education Foundation has announced the award of $8,400 in small grants for 17 projects developed by district teachers. The grants, of up to $1,000, are awarded to teachers proposing projects in the arts, humanities or sciences. This year's recipients are:

Clark Moberg, Springfield High School, $119.98 for DVD players to play European DVDs for foreign language classes.

Treva Thompson, Ridgeview Elementary School, $800 for literary software for kindergartners.

Donna Ellickson, Douglas Gardens Elementary School, $799 for a projector to be used to teach computer skills.

Wayne Strong, Goshen School, $1,000 for a sound board to enhance student performances and presentations.

Darlene Linahan, Agnes Stewart Middle School, $968.90 for science-related books for resource room students.

Brian Watson, Thurston Middle School, $500 for hands-on experiences to teach students about plant life cycles and $500 for dissection kits and to repair classroom microscopes.

Ian Tripp, Douglas Gardens Elementary School, $229.75 for dry erase boards with magnetic math manipulatives.

Rebecca Anderson, Mount Vernon Elementary School, $500 for additional drums for a music classes.

Martin Weissbarth, Ridgeview Elementary School, $300 for guitar method books for the Learning Center.

Miriam Hickey, Thurston High School, $1,000 for Basics of Biology to enhance key concepts.

Kim Hanson, Thurston High School, $699 for software for digital arts curriculum.

Sandy Carter, Yolanda Elementary School, $893.70 for expository text books for reading proficiency.

Margo DeYoung, Yolanda Elementary School, $580 for a wireless sound system to improve student performances.

Treesa Broughton, Douglas Gardens Elementary School, $500 for literature books.

Heidi Rice, Page Elementary School, $500 for literature to enhance understanding of historical events.

Apryl Smith, Page Elementary School, $799 for a projector to enhance learning.

The foundation is raising money by selling a 16-month calendar of student artwork. The calendars are $10 each and are available in Springfield schools and several area businesses.

Two local board members join coalition

Two local school board members, Beth Gerot of the Eugene School Board and Dean Livelybrooks of the Crow-Applegate-Lorane School Board, were elected last month to the new board of directors of the statewide Coalition for Schools. The coalition is committed to statewide advocacy for excellence in Oregon's public schools. Formerly called the Coalition for School Funding Now!, the group is refocusing its mission to educate and inspire citizens and policy-makers to invest in public education.