The eighth-grade class raised a record $4,585 for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Free Care Fund during the middle school's recent Penny Wars.

More than 300 students who were divided into three teams deposited change into large plastic containers in each room the week of Dec. 8.

The Dragon team defended prior team wins by past eighth-graders by contributing $2,001.52. All-Stars team placed second with $1,425.25 and Yellow Jackets team finished third with $1,157.44.

Members of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and local business people are invited to a 45-minute tour at 11 a.m. Jan. 22 followed by the networking luncheon in the school's restaurant.

The meal will be prepared and served by students in the Culinary Arts program.

The luncheon is part of the school's 40th anniversary celebration.

The tour will offer the business community an overview of the programs available to high school students who attend half days in two- or three-year programs, ranging from computer and automotive to health, cosmetology, and construction industries.

Parkway offers training for high school students from 12 school districts in the western suburbs of Allegheny County in these programs:

Auto body repair, automotive technology, business technology, computer technology, construction technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, digital multimedia technology, drafting & design, health assistant, information technology, machine tool technology, public safety technology, and welding technology.

For details about the luncheon, call the chamber office, 412-264-6270.

Registration for the 2009-10 session of Little Lions Preschool will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 19 in Room FA226 in the high school, Old Oakdale Road.

Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be residents and be four years old by Sept. 1.

There are four classes. One class meets Wednesdays, Fridays and some Mondays while the other class meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Mondays.

The classes meet from 8:15 to 10:40 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.

There is a $100 nonrefundable registration required.

After Jan. 19, applications will be accepted by mail and names will be placed on a waiting list. A copy of the child's birth certificate, immunization records, and a recent picture of the child is required for registration.

For information, call Judy Morally, 412-221-4542, ext. 520.

High school English teacher Jennifer Jones received a Communications Award from the Pennsylvania State Education Association for outstanding communications materials.

She was recognized in the print category, primarily for a monthly newsletter she produces and distributes to the West Allegheny Education Association.

• The middle school Turkey Trot Nov. 26 raised $434 and collected 300 cans of food through a 20-minute run/walk around the gymnasium and a tug-of-war.

Students donated a nonperishable food item or two dollars in cash for the West Allegheny Food Pantry.

• McKee Elementary School student council members donated more than $750 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Students held fundraisers such as Steelers Hat Day, Pajamas Day, Gum Day, Crazy Hair Day, Backwards Day, and a candy gram sale.

• Fourth graders at Wilson Elementary School decided to forego gift exchanges and teacher gifts in order to send presents to U. S. troops abroad.

Care packages and student-designed Christmas cards, were sent through the organization Students for Troops to the Tomahawk Troop, which is part of the 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment stationed in Iraq.