Middle school Principal Thomas Ralston has received the Pennsylvania Middle School Association Administrator's Award, presented annually to one principal in the state.

"We are tremendously pleased with the work Mr. Ralston is doing with our middle school students," Superintendent Valerie McDonald said.

"Mr. Ralston, along with our teachers, make education so exciting that students and staff don't want to miss a day. They uniquely make personalized learning a model for the state," Dr. McDonald added.

Mr. Ralston was nominated by instructors Amanda White and Kelly Walbush.

Last year, Avonworth Middle School was named among the national "Schools to Watch," one of only six to receive the honor in Pennsylvania.

Highlands Middle School will present "Once Upon A Mattress" March 26-27 in Highlands Middle School, 1350 Broadview Blvd., Natrona Heights in Harrison.

North Allegheny Intermediate High School will present the mystery comedy, "Murder Can Be Habit-Forming," at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday and Saturday in the auditorium of the school, 350 Cumberland Road, McCandless.

Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 412-369-5530.

• The district's Student Assistance Program is sponsoring a Community Connections Seminar titled "Before They Know It All: Talking to Tweens & Teens about Sexuality" from 7 to 9 p.m. April 14 at Marshall Middle School, 5145 Wexford Run Road, Marshall.

The free seminar is geared for parents and students in grades six through 10 and for teachers and others who have contact with students.

This seminar is open to the community. ACT 48 credit will be provided for educational professionals who attend.

For more information, call 724-934-7260.

Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School students, in conjunction with the "Love a Child" organization in Florida, recently created "kid kits" to help Haitian children after the January earthquake.

The children packaged 95 individual packs for boys and girls and shipped an additional two large boxes containing the miscellaneous supplies that were left over. In all, 10 boxes, with items valued at $4,000 to $5,000, were shipped. Alex Paris, of Paris Contracting, paid the shipping costs of $220.

Shady Side Academy's Hillman Center for Performing Arts has received a $5,000 literacy grant from the Verizon Foundation to continue the Real Art Develops in Community and Leadership, or RADICAL, mutual mentorship program.

Bill Carnahan, vice president for external affairs with Verizon Pennsylvania, presented the check this month.

The program, launched in fall 2008, partners Shady Side Academy students with students from the Afro-American Music Institute and the Neighborhood Academy in Downtown Pittsburgh to discuss and write about issues such as art and diversity in Pittsburgh communities.

The school district is accepting nominations through April 30 for new members to its 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Shaler Area Athletic Hall of Fame will recognize individuals, teams, players, coaches, administrators or supporters who have contributed to the success of the athletic program.

Nomination forms are available on the school district website, www.sasd.k12.pa.us, or in the administrative offices of the schools.

Completed forms must be received by May 1 at: Shaler Area High School, Amy Bodenlos, 381 Wible Run Road, Pittsburgh 15209.

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