(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) -  All students are getting ready for this year's bigger-than-ever Science Fair. The learning is linked to our science instruction already happening in our classrooms. Students have been working on their experiments in botany, physical science and earth science. Scientists and other community members will judge the fair. Some of our fair entries will go on to the cluster Science Fair at Patrick Henry on June 3.

Garden enthusiasm is spreading at Hearst! The second grade classes have transformed another underutilized space on campus into a garden where students can maintain vegetables and herbs. Volunteers, led by parent Mary Kessler, transformed a spot previously used for storage (and covered with weeds) into a garden with two beautifully painted raised planters. The planting beds in our kindergarten area will soon be surrounded by a new rabbit-proof fence, thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Dylan LeMieux. As part of his journey towards becoming an Eagle Scout, Dylan has planned, designed, and will build and partially fund a new fence for our students.

Our Hummingbird/Butterfly garden is on its way to becoming certified as a "Backyard Wildlife Habitat" through the National Wildlife Federation. Once we get our water feature established, the garden will contain all elements necessary to sustain and nurture wildlife. We've already provided habitat for several species of butterfly and hummingbirds, native and migratory birds, lizards, earthworms and spiders.

Hearst recently began instituting "No Tardy Parties" in an attempt to wipe out tardies in the morning. When a classroom achieves perfect punctuality for the entire week, it receives one gold star. When the room earn four stars, it's party time!

Hearst has a new friend, Sunny, a Therapy Dog and also an associate of the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) Program. It is a privilege to have this very special dog and his owner, Gloria Taube, as a new partner.

Congratulations to Mrs. Barbara Kirkness, Hearst Elementary School's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Kirkness, a fifth grade teacher, was chosen by the teachers for this honor. Last year Mrs. Kirkness taught fourth grade and looped with many of her students to the fifth grade. "We are so fortunate to have such an extraordinary professional on our staff. She exemplifies what good teaching is, "says Hearst Principal Robin Stern. Mrs. Kirkness will attend the School Board Meeting later this spring when all teachers are recognized and the district Teacher of the Year is announced.

Congratulations to Cameron Kock, Grace McMullen and Brianna Pinto who were honored at the Benjamin Library on April 14 for their winning essays entered in the Friends of the Library Essay Contest.
The Hearst community thanks parent volunteer Ann Golumbuk for her 8th year directing the annual Talent Show which took place February 22 at Lewis Middle School. This year's theme was Daddy-O, The King of Swing. Golumbuk said the show was brimming with the local talent of Hearst dancers, singers, musicians, and other creative acts, such as "Barbie Girls," performed by the fourth grade boys and a moving tribute to our teachers by the fifth grade Girl Scout troop. With the backstage management of Michelle Gilmore and sound by Mike McSweeney, the show was smooth and super cool.

Funds raised from this year's PTA Jogathon, held on April 23, are earmarked to provide instructional supplies for the next school year. These funds are needed to assist the school in these very lean budget years. Thanks to all parents and community members who supported the Jogathon.