Education briefs

Two Oklahoma schools have been named National Title I Distinguished School Award winners. Ripley Elementary School and Sweetwater Elementary School were cited for the positive work done at each school. Each school will receive $15,000. To qualify, schools must have a poverty rate of 65 percent or higher. The winners were selected by the state Education Department. Ripley Elementary was honored for showing strong academic progress for the past two years. Sweetwater was honored for closing the achievement gap between high- and low-performing students.

Hunger curriculum offered

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is offering a free curriculum program for Oklahoma schools to teach students about the issue of hunger. Hunger 101 is already offered in 35 schools in Oklahoma City. The program is designed for students in third through 12th grade. For more information or to schedule a guest speaker or a field trip, call 600-3160.

Alternative education award open

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is accepting nominations for its Oklahoma Award for Outstanding Achievement in Alternative Education. A $5,000 award will be presented to a public school alternative education program in operation for at least three years in Oklahoma. Nomination forms are available at www.ofe.org. The deadline is March 18.