Congratulations to several northern Wake schools that have claimed an award from the American School Counselor Association for outstanding school counselor programs.

That associaiton has given the Recognized ASCA Model Program designation to Baileywick and Pleasant Union elementary schools and Millbrook and Wake Forest-Rolesville schools.

The designation is given to schools that have implemented school counseling programs that have boosted student achievement, attendance and behavior. Wake now has 20 schools that have received the award.

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Pleasant Union Elementary School recently received a $1, 000 environmental education grant from NC Beautiful to construct a rain garden.

The rain garden will capture and filter runoff rainwater. It will teach students water management concepts and raise awareness, according to a news release about the grant.

The grant is part of the annual Windows of Opportunity Program, which NC Beautiful oversees. The program has awarded thousands of dollars to North Carolina teachers for their creativity through education projects, the release states.

"We are delighted to receive this generous grant from NC Beautiful and plan to use the funds to further beautify our school grounds, create educational opportunities for students, and promote community awareness on important local issues like water management," Pleasant Union principal Kevin Biles said in a news release about the grant.

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Millbrook High School is offering a four-week review session for students planning to take the SAT on May 3. The sessions will be held on Sundays at 6 p.m. starting April 6. Sessions will end April 27. The sessions cost $60.

For more information, call 850-8787