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AN OVERVIEW OF ALL SCHOOLS

RAINBOW HOUSE HELP: Sixth-graders at Oakdale Elementary in the Westside Community Schools participated in a community service project that helped the Rainbow House. The students visited the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House for a tour and baked cookies for the guests staying there. The Rainbow House provides accommodations for families and patients undergoing acute, long-term treatment at Children's Hospital & Medical Center. The sixth-graders plan a project each quarter for the Rainbow House. Second quarter is a toy drive; third quarter, students will make dinner for the guests; and fourth quarter will be a kickball tournament.

PHONING FOR DOLLARS: U.S. Cellular will make a $1 million donation to schools through its Calling All Communities program. From now to Jan. 15, individuals 19 years or older can visit any U.S. Cellular store to get a code to vote online for their school. There is no purchase necessary, and you don't have to be a U.S. Cellular customer to vote. The 10 schools with the most votes will receive $100,000 to use however they choose. Last year, Humphrey St. Francis in Nebraska was among the national winners.

IB FUNDRAISER: The Millard North High IB Boosters, in conjunction with the Barnes & Noble at 3333 Oak View Drive, will host a book fair on Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The students will be showcasing their talents, reading holiday stories to children and providing free gift wrap to store patrons. The IB, or International Baccalaureate, program offers a challenging curriculum that fosters intercultural respect.

THREE-DAY BREAK: Students in the Omaha and Papillion-La Vista districts won't have school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday, however, will be a staff development day for teachers. The Thanksgiving break means days off for everyone Thursday and Friday.

ON TIME AT SOUTH: On time. Every day. All day. Building Bright Futures and the University of Nebraska at Omaha are working with South High School to provide incentives for perfect attendance. Every two weeks, names are drawn from among the students who achieved perfect attendance for the previous two-week period. Prizes include gift certificates and iPods. The prizes are given away in the cafeteria during lunch.

TOP STUDENT COUNCIL: The Marian High School 2008-09 Student Board was recognized as an Outstanding Student Council in the Nebraska Association of Student Councils annual conference this fall. Marian's student council also was recognized by the Make-A-Wish Foundation because it raised more than $1,000 and made the wish of going to Hawaii a reality for a girl named Molly.

SAYING NO FOR YES: The Papillion-La Vista South Sapphires Dance Team has taken on a community service campaign this year called “Light the Night Right,” encouraging young people to say no to drinking, drugs and violence. They have pledged a portion of their fundraising money to Youth Emergency Services. On Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. the dance team will host a charity dodgeball tournament. The Titan students will be matched up against the Papillion Police and Fire Departments. The proceeds will be given to Youth Emergency Services.

ENSEMBLES TO PERFORM: Lewis and Clark Middle School has set its winter concert lineup. On Dec. 3, the vocal music ensembles will perform selections in two- and three-part harmony. They will be joined on a couple of selections by the Creighton University Gospel Choir. On Dec. 8, the instrumental music ensembles will showcase their skills. Both concerts will be in the Lewis and Clark auditorium, 6901 Burt St., at 7 p.m.

SCHOLARSHIPS CAUTION: The Skutt High School newsletter offers this caution: Parents of high school students will likely begin receiving letters from companies promising that for a fee they can find college scholarships for your children. DO NOT pay these companies for their services. All of the information they provide can be found at fastweb.com and the Education Quest Foundation in Rockbrook Village. Before paying any fees when applying for scholarships, see your child's guidance counselor.

NORTHWEST METRO SCHOOLS

KEEPING STUDENTS INFORMED: Roncalli High School keeps students up-to-date on career exploration and job shadowing opportunities with notices on a bulletin board outside the school library. Opportunities to explore careers in the legal system, criminal justice, photography, athletic training, engineering, architecture and interior design, robotics and health care are currently posted. Also posted are the latest job opportunities.

CENTRAL METRO SCHOOLS

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS AT PONCA: Ponca Elementary School started its after-school clubs this month. The clubs operate with the help of the school's PTA. Three clubs are offered: Little Explorers for kindergarten through third grade, Sports Club for fourth through sixth grades and Investment Club, also for fourth through sixth grades. In December, a Holiday Craft Club will be added.

‘PASSPORT TO READING': Edison Elementary library hosted a Discover Africa night as part of its yearlong “Passport to Reading” program for third- through fifth-grade students in the Omaha school. The program encourages students to read multiculturally and look at the world from a new perspective. All students had to first read a book set in an African country and then answer six questions in their “Passport to Read.”

WEST METRO SCHOOLS

BUSY AT CATLIN: The PTA at Catlin Magnet School had folks moving this week. Tuesday was Family Fun Night at Pump It Up. And on Wednesday it was time to haul home the items that children sold for the PTA fundraiser.

SOUTH CENTRAL SCHOOLS

FUN WITH FOOD DRIVE: Several schools conducted food drives this week. At Belle Ryan in the Omaha district, the student council tried something a little different to keep the interest high all week. Each day the students brought in different kinds of foods. For example, they donated boxed food on Tuesday and desserts on Thursday.

READING ROUTINE: How can I help my child in school? The newsletter at Beals Elementary, in the Omaha district, suggests a daily routine for your student: 1. Read to himself or herself; 2. Read aloud to someone; 3. Listen to someone reading aloud.

SOUTH METRO SCHOOLS

MUSIC PROGRAM: La Vista West Elementary will hold its fifth- and sixth-grade music program Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Papillion-La Vista High School auditorium.

DRESSING TO FIT THE THEME: Trumble Park Elementary celebrated American Education Week this week . Students had theme days and dressed up for each day. Monday, the students wore exercise gear to remind themselves to “Exercise Your Brain With a Great Education.” On Tuesday, the theme was “Round Up a Great Book” and they wore cowboy/cowgirl gear. It was PJs on Wednesday for “Cuddle Up and Read.” They donned neon-colored clothing on Thursday to “Brighten Up Your Day With a Lot of Learning.” And Friday, to remind themselves that “Education Can Take You Anywhere,” they dressed for the job they want when they grow up. The school is in the Papillion-La Vista district.

CREDIT AND BUDGET LESSON: To commemorate the month in which Smart Money Week is observed, Papillion-La Vista South High School business students attended a presentation on credit and budgeting. The presentation was conducted by Wells Fargo.

WESTERN IOWA SCHOOLS

RESEARCH VISITS: Students from Kirn Middle School and Abraham Lincoln High School visited the State Historical Library in Des Moines, the Iowa State Archives and the Parks Library in Ames this month. The Council Bluffs students learned different ways to look for information and how to narrow searches to make them more effective. They also learned how to use the Library of Congress classification system to find materials and were able to see some artifacts at the historical library and the archives.

NEW TREES AT CRESCENT: With the help of the Crescent Elementary PTO, students planted nine trees on the school property last month. Six flowering trees were planted in the front to help beautify school grounds, and three trees were planted near the nature trail to add shade and attract birds. The school is in the Council Bluffs district.

NEBRASKA SCHOOLS

CALVERT BIRTHDAY: Calvert Elementary School in Lincoln will celebrate its 80th birthday at a party Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and will include tours, refreshments and entertainment at the school, which is at 3709 S. 46th St. The students held their own celebration on Friday.

TEACHER PORTRAIT: Teacher Amy Baxter of Adams Elementary School in Lincoln joined other honorees Monday when her portrait was hung among other winners of the annual Scottish Rite Teacher of the Year Award. Baxter was selected last spring as the recipient and received a prize of $1,500. The portrait now hangs in the front lobby of Lincoln Public Schools offices.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL': Lincoln Southwest High School will present “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. Call 402-436-1306 (ext. 66039)for tickets and information.