A class of fifth-grade students Friday opened up ping-pong balls with small science experiments inside after they returned from a trip to the “edge of space” inside the Earth’s atmosphere.

Though she’s going to miss seeing her students grow in their love of books, Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary librarian Sue Race said it’s time for her to move on.

Students and staff at Kyrene Altadeña Middle School are hosting a fundraiser dinner for their beloved choir teacher this week.

Summer School … these two words can sound like a one- to two-month jail sentence for students in school.

As anyone who has ever taken a standardized test knows, the last step in preparing for the test is to sharpen your No. 2 pencil. That may not be enough, however, for those thinking about taking college entrance exams. Planning and preparation for the ACT/SAT should begin now for rising seniors. Here are some topics to consider as you establish your test-taking strategies.

The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) announced that 28 Arizona public schools earned the A+ School of Excellence award for the 2012-2013 academic year including one in Ahwatukee Foothills, Kyrene de los Cerritos Elementary School in the Kyrene Elementary District. Darcy DiCosmo is principal.

Keystone Montessori • 1025 E. Liberty Lane

Principal Shelley Conner said she’ll miss camaraderie the most at St. John Bosco in Ahwatukee.

Seattle Pacific University 2013 winter quarter dean’s list has been announced.

When Victoria Burton heard about a girl in preschool at St. John Bosco Interparish School in Ahwatukee, she immediately wanted to help.

Out on the grass between classroom buildings and the baseball field at Kyrene Centennial Middle School, a group of 7th graders were measuring indoor temperatures of their model homes for an urban heat island project last week.

Phoenix Conservatory of Music received a three-year $120,000 grant to support its City Music Program from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. The Phoenix Conservatory of Music’s City Music Program is a free college preparatory program for grades 4-12.

It’s all about community.

Sonoran Science Academy

Kyrene School District is hosting its second Parent Summit this week with educational classes for parents that includes dinner and childcare.

Students in Kevin Willis’ brief calculus class are learning more than just numbers this year.

Mari A. Funabashi of Ahwatukee, a member of the class of 2013, was been named to the honor roll at Phillips Academy for the winter term.

Getting started with its second session, which lasts through June, newLife Church is offering a series of classes for all ages through its new university.

The Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies is hosting a teacher training program in Ahwatukee, and applications for interested teaching students are being accepted.

James Moeller of Ahwatukee Foothills was recently named to the High Honor Roll for the fall term at Pomfret School. A student earns honors with a 3.0 GPA and no grade below a B-. Moeller, a member of the class of 2013, earned the distinction of High Honors.

The Montessori Exploratory Committee has moved forward in its year-long proposal to build a stand-alone Montessori high school within Tempe Union, gaining added support from parents.

Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy • 14620 S. Desert Foothills Parkway

Chandler Angell of Ahwatukee was named to the dean’s list at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the fall 2012 semester. The dean’s list recognizes full-time students who maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 and have no grades below “C.” Angell studies electrical engineering.

Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School in Ahwatukee attracted local government officials and representatives on Friday morning for its 20th Annual Patriotic Day honoring veterans and service members.

What you get out of your tutoring is directly related to what you put into it. Preparation and attitude play a huge role in getting the most out of the tutoring sessions. Following the 10 guidelines below, your tutoring sessions should be enjoyable and fulfilling for parents, student and tutor.