THE CHALKBOARD: ‘Screenagers’ warns of the dangers of too much technology

A local showing of the “Screenagers” documentary was presented by Live Oak Charter School on Wednesday in partnership with the Petaluma Library. Matthew Morgan, director of Live Oak School, said the school offered the film in English and Spanish. The documentary has gained industry praise for starting the conversation on how families can create balance in a world inundated with technology. For more information on future screens in our area, visit the website at screenagersmovie.com.

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Petaluma’s own Kala Brand Music brought the joy of music to Sonoma Mountain Elementary School last week. The internationally known ukulele and guitar craftsman is a favorite among musical artists. The company donated 40 new ukuleles to the school for student use. Students are excited to start learning to play these handcrafted instruments and share their accomplishments with their school community at future musical performances.

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St. Vincent de Paul Elementary students toured the campus in search of the Gingerbread Man who was off creating mischief in the school office, nurse’s room and even playing around with the school bell. This longtime tradition of helping the school’s youngest students become acquainted with offices, classrooms and other areas on campus makes for a fun activity and learning adventure.

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Harvest Christian School started the school year on Aug. 23 and welcomed new teachers. Mrs. Karen Gorin will teach second grade for the Harvest Lions. The school launched its inaugural transitional kindergarten year with Mrs. Rachel Connrique as the teacher. Connrique was formerly the school’s second-grade teacher.

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McNear Elementary School had a booth at the National Heirloom Exposition at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds from Tuesday through Thursday this week. The display offered a sneak preview of plans for the school’s new Habitat Garden project. Principal Sheila Garvey shared that members of the school’s volunteer Garden Committee put together the booth for all to enjoy. You can learn more about the National Heirloom Exposition on the event website at theheirloomexpo.com.

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In the course of 24 hours, students from several local schools joined hundreds of other supporters on Aug. 27 for the Relay for Life event at Casa Grande High School to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. This year’s event set a goal of $135,000, but according to the event website, this year’s gathering ended with an inspiring total of $165,925.12. The event included Opening Ceremonies, Survivor’s Lap, Caregiver’s Lap, Luminaria Ceremony and Closing Ceremony. What an amazing way for local students to experience coming together as a school and joining the larger community in support of a common cause.

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This Saturday, the Petaluma Educational Foundation is hosting its annual BASH gala fundraiser. The event features live and silent auctions, dinner and dancing, but the highlight of the evening is always the Fund the Future paddle raise where 100 percent of the pledges go to support the nonprofit’s grant program. For the past 35 years, PEF has provided support for local schools and students through the annual PEF Impact Grant and PEF Scholarship programs. Application deadline for this year’s PEF Impact Grant program is Oct. 3. For more information, visit pefinfo.com.

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(Maureen Highland is a Petaluma mother and executive director for the Petaluma Educational Foundation. She can be reached at schools@arguscourier.com)