Wake County Public School System's character trait for November is courage. I challenge all my young readers to show this trait in their schoolwork and play. And parents, if you're looking for ideas to help the youngsters, log on to www.wakeptacouncil.org for parent tips and ideas for discussing courage at home and school.

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Congratulations are in order to the marching Spartans of Sanderson High School. The marching band placed second in music selections and overall field show, with an excellent rating, at the recent Cary Band Day. The band also received a third place recognition for marching techniques.

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A round of applause also goes to Angelika Barth, a sixth-grader at Ravenscroft School, whose artwork of kids sledding will be featured as one of five designs for Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center holiday cards.

Angelika took part in an unveiling of the cards ceremony Tuesday hosted by Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

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Wakefield High School at 2200 Wakefield Pines Drive will host a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday sponsored by the PTSA on reassignment and how it will affect Wakefield. Christina Lighthall, Wake school's senior director of long range planning will be the guest speaker.

Also join the school at 8 a.m. Wednesday for coffee with principal Steven Takacs.

For more information, call 562-3600.