Muirlands’ Teacher of the Month — Muirlands Middle School history teacher Mark Heinze was named UPforEd’s March Teacher of the Month for his quest to advance American education through his proactive leadership and challenging classroom curriculum. Since shifting from a career in law to teaching 20 years ago, Heinze has challenged the students in his social studies classes and encourages parent involvement. All Parent Choice Award winners will be recognized at the first UPforEd Parent Choice Award Celebration on May 30. For more information, visit www.upfored.org. LJHS robotics team — La Jolla High School’s (LJHS) robotics team, Team 2984, recently won the title of Regional Finalists No. 1 at the seventh annual San Diego Regional FIRST robotics competition in early March. In this year’s challenge, teams were tasked to design and build a robot that scored points by flying discs into goals, followed by a climb up a pyramid. BRE to-be students — Bird Rock Elementary is hosting an informational kindergarten and new-student registration on April 17. From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., families can register new students and learn more about the programs BRE has to offer in the school auditorium, 5371 La Jolla Hermosa Ave. All families who register on or just after April 17 will be invited to a special, “Welcome New Bird Rockers” celebration in mid-May, followed by a “Getting Ready for K” presentation by kindergarten teachers in June. Check the school’s website, www.sandi.net-/birdrock or call the school office at (858) 488-0537 for more information about registration. This year’s incoming kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before Oct. 2 to be eligible. Books and art — Barnes and Noble Del Mar is hosting a fundraiser to support Torrey Pines High’s visual arts program from April 13-21. Paintings, sculptures and woodwork by students will be on display around the store, while some local chefs will be in attendance to sign books and lend support. Call the store at (858) 481-4038 for more information. Volunteer spotlight — Philanthropic online marketplace DonorNation has teamed up with Sprouts Farmers Market to launch the School Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing the top three school volunteers. The grand-prize winner will receive a $5,000 donation to his or her school and one year’s worth of free groceries from Sprouts. The runner-up will receive a $2,500 donation and six months worth of groceries, while third place will receive a $1,500 donation and three months worth of groceries. The nomination phase will be open until April 19. Principals and directors of any San Diego County school may nominate a volunteer. Nominations will be divided into elementary and secondary school categories. Submissions will be accepted at www.schoolvolun-teeraward.org. Preuss teacher heads to Washington — Preuss School teacher Anne Artz has been selected as one of only 27 K-12 educators nationwide to be a congressional fellow for the 2013-14 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program, where she will serve for an academic year as a representative and promoter for STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math). Artz teaches advanced biology and environmental science at Preuss. She will begin her fellowship in September in one of the Congressional offices, where she will spend 11 months providing input on legislation, meeting with constituents to discuss education policy and attending hearings to promote the importance of STEM education. Time to learn about bilingual education — San Diego French-American School, 6550 Soledad Mountain Road, will host an open house for prospective families with children entering preschool (ages 2-4), kindergarten and first grade at 8:45 a.m. on April 16. Guests are invited for a presentation about the school’s bilingual French-American curriculum. RSVP at [email protected] or by calling (858) 456-2807, ext. 306. For more information, visit www.sdfrenchschool.org.