Family night at DMS to focus on advisory period's house concept

Parents and students are invited to attend the second Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dayton Middle School.

The series, one planned for each month, is a "positive outreach" to get parents more involved while learning about different aspects of their child's education and daily happenings, said teacher Dusti Houk.

The topic of this segment will be advisory period, explaining its purpose and what occurs there, as well as answer any questions parents may have regarding the school's newly-implemented "house" concept.

Each "house" includes sixth, seventh and eighth-graders with the idea that by grade levels interacting, the younger children will be mentored and watched out for while seeing what it is they can expect the next year or two, and the older students will begin to use more understanding and compassion with the younger ones.

Good behavior and kind deeds among students will earn them house points and at the end of each quarter, the house with the most points will receive a "hooray" and trophy.

"We want to encourage the kids to do good things," Houk said. "And we want parents to have a better understanding of what their child's day looks like and have them involved in the school in a positive way."

Upcoming segments will address math and science with dates to be announced.

Call the school at 246-6250, for information.

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Once upon a time.

I'm kidding!

In the spring of 2002, I called Gina and Ruggero Gigli at Villa Gigli Restaurant in Markleeville, Calif., to see if we could assemble the many artists residing in Alpine County for a story.

Graciously, they opened the restaurant, even though it wasn't during their open season, and about 30 amazingly talented men and women showed up to break bread and share with me the many art forms in which they partake.

It is a day that will stay with me always.

For those who don't know, Alpine is the smallest county in California in terms of population. Its hills hide many treasures.

From that first meeting, the idea grew that each year, as the colors changed in the high country, that Alpine artists would open their studios to the public.

2002 saw the first ever Markleeville Artists Autumn Open Studios Tour, a tradition which, now in its fifth year, takes place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The event showcases the work of 18 artists - including a few new additions - and is free to attend. Bring spending money though, because I guarantee you'll find things you can't live without.

Pick up the map at Markleeville Chamber of Commerce or get it and more information at www.markleevilleartists.com.

•••

The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services (Rural Regional Center), has agreed to send a representative to the Proactive Parents of Dayton, "P-Pods" meeting, 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 17 at Bouncerz on Deer Run Road.

If you or someone you know would like their questions and concerns addressed, this is the time to be heard. Pizza will be available for a nominal donation and children are welcome. P-Pods is a support group for families of children with disabilities. Call 246-8028, for information.

• Karel Acona-Henry can be reached at kanconahenry@sierranevadamedia.com or at 246-4000.