Homecoming Spirit Week at the high school "Believe in Magic, Dreams Do Come True" includes:

·Oct. 10: Homecoming floats are built all day, Homecoming game against Easton. Floats displayed during half-time parade. Float judging begins 5 p.m. at Orefield Bus Garage.

·Oct. 11: Homecoming Dance, 7:30 p.m. at high school. Crowning of king and queen at 9 p.m. Camelot House is this year's nonprofit to receive proceeds from Homecoming festivities, organized by Student Council. Julie Wood is the club advisor.

Announcements

On Oct. 2, the school board was awarded the 2014 Arts Education School Board Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania Arts Education Network due to its deep commitment to sustaining and expanding arts education in the district.

The school board is credited for showing great leadership in developing comprehensive K-12 music, dance, theater, and visual arts curricula; committing financial resources to sustaining and expanding arts programming; and developing partnerships with local businesses and organizations to foster community interest and investment in school arts programs – all culminating in the annual Parkland Festival of the Arts, an outstanding community event that celebrates the abundance of art available in their schools and neighborhoods each May at the high school.

Orefield Middle School received a grant for a bird and butterfly rain garden.

Located in a vacant courtyard behind the school, the rain garden will include birdhouses, bird feeders and birdbaths.

Students helped plant 75 native plants to start the garden which is designed to attract local birds so students can study migration and eating habits.

The Lehigh County Conservation District secured $3,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education Grant Program for the project.

A $500 grant from the Captain Planet Foundation will be used to implement a bird exploration program at the school. The Conservation District spearheaded the project in partnership with South Whitehall Township, the school district and Keystone Consulting Engineers.

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, visited Parkland High School's Political Science Club. He spoke to the club about his job responsibilities and then had a question-and-answer session.