And a few in North Raleigh have had the red carpet rolled out for them in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.

PTA groups and students across northern Wake have provided treats such as coffee and doughnuts, fresh flowers, gift certificates, baskets with school supplies and lunches.

Since 1984, National PTA has encouraged all citizens to show appreciation to teachers during the first week of May. Visit the national Web site at www.pta.org for more ideas.

Durant Road Elementary School is singing for a good cause.

The students have recorded a CD with patriotic songs to help children of the tsunami in Southeast Asia.

Proceeds from the project "Children Helping Children" will go to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The students will perform a few selections from the CD at the school's spring event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 13.

Durant principal Teresa Winstead said the school is taking orders for the CD, which costs $10. To order, call 870-4220.

Join East Millbrook Middle School for an evening of spoken word, food, music and dance starting at 7 p.m. tonight at the school at 3801 Spring Forest Road. Students will perform some monologues along with a few guest artists. Tickets are $4. For more information call 850-8755.

Leesville Road High School's Pride Athletic Club is sponsoring several sports camps for all students ages 6 to 15 starting in June. The camps include boys and girls basketball, cheerleading, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

Coaches of the school's varsity sports teams teach the camps.

For more information, visit www. leesville.org and click on Leesville Sports.