Nominate an excellent teacher

OnPoint Community Credit Union has opened nominations for its Educator of the Year prize and is extending it to three teachers instead of the usual two.

The prize pays each teacher's rent or mortgage for a full year.

OnPoint will also give five Community Builder Awards for special school projects that need financial support.

Nominations close Tuesday, April 13. Visit onpointcu.com/onpoint-prize/educator-of-the-year/ to nominate an outstanding educator or apply for a Community Builder grant.

OnPoint will announce this year's Community Builder awardees and Educator of the Year finalists on May 11.

Citing the innovation and commitment shown by educators during the pandemic, Rob Stuart, president and CEO, of OnPoint said "Now more than ever, we're called to help lift up our teachers, celebrating their efforts to educate and engage our young people through the challenges of this past year."

STEM demo day rescheduled

Oregon MESA (math, engineering, science, achievement) will have an online demonstration day for East County and other students to show off their inventions.

The demo day is from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 6.

Local participating schools include: Centennial HIgh School, H.B. Lee Middle School, Reynolds High School and Alder and David elementary schools.

This year's theme is "design for equity & la familia." Participating students were tasked with designing something to "minimize or eliminate barriers for opportunities for success." Students interviewed a "client" and designed something to allow them to overcome a barrier.

For more information, or to register as a guest, visit oregonmesa.org/demo-day-2021/.

Volunteer to shape outdoor classroom

Clear Creek Middle School is creating an outdoor science classroom and needs volunteers to come to the school to plant native species.

The work party is from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 6, at Clear Creek Middle School, 219 N.E. 219th Ave. It is being organized by the nonprofit Solve.

No expereince is necessary, but face masks are required.

Dress for the weather and bring a filled water bottle. If volunteers have gloves, they should bring them.

Pre-registration is necessary so social distancing can be maintained. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3azqDYi.

Reynolds gets financial reporting award

Reynolds School District received The Association of School Business Officials International Award for Excellence in Budget Presentation with the Meritorious Budget Award for the 2020-21 budget year.

The district also received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada and a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report from the Association of School Business Officials International.

"Continuing to receive these awards year after year showcases our District's goals of being consistent and accountable to our students, families, staff, and community," Danna Diaz, Reynolds School District superintendent said in a statement.