Education briefs, Dec. 9-Dec. 11

Parkite invites families to attend Scout project

Park City Boy Scout Madison Loverso is inviting families to come receive free child ID kits he is making for his Eagle Scout project. According to an email, Loverso, his troop and two police officers will be handing out the kits at Basin Recreation from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 12. The kits, which are designed to speed up the Amber Alert process, include places for fingerprints, a small bag for hair samples, and provide parents with information about what to do if their children ever go missing.

State Board adopts new science standards

The Utah State Board of Education voted Friday to adopt new science standards for grades six through eight. According to a press release, the standards will go into effect in the 2018-2019 school year to allow time for teacher training and will "incorporate engineering concepts and reflect current research." This is the first time the middle-school science standards have been changed since 2003 and the first time any engineering concepts will be included in any standards. Before adoption, the standards were released for public review and modified based on public feedback.

Utah Attorney General holds poster contest

The Utah Attorney General’s Office is holding a poster contest to raise awareness for 2016 National Missing Children’s Day. According to a press release, fifth-graders throughout Utah are eligible to submit an entry to the contest. This year’s theme is "Bring our Missing Children Home." Posters should be 14 inches by eight-and-a-half inches wide and incorporate the theme words. Entries should be mailed to the Attorney General’s Office by Jan. 30, 2016. For more information and detailed instructions, visit attorneygeneral.utah.gov. "We have exceptionally talented fifth-graders in Utah and I encourage all to apply," said Sean Reyes, Attorney General, in the release.