Higley Elementary and Middle School is undergoing a transition to a back-to-basics style of instruction in 2013-14 - the inaugural school year as “The Higley Traditional Academy.”

The Gilbert Unified School District will hold public forums this week to gather input from the community on the attributes it wants in the district's next superintendent.

The Grand Canyon, copper, and Arizona's history will be celebrated Saturday as the Southeast Regional Library hosts a "living museum" event 1 to 4 p.m.

Gilbert residents are being asked to give their input on goals and strategies for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will guide future actions. A public open house on the master plan will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road. Learn more at gilbertaz.gov/parksmasterplan. For information or special accommodations, call (480) 503-6272.

“The Mesa Public Library requires photo identification to renew a library cards but no ID is required to vote.”

Gilbert residents are invited to voice opinions and share ideas at the Parks and Recreation Master Plan open house Tuesday, March 5.

In celebration of Black History Month, Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert is hosting an exhibit of West African art on loan from local genealogist Joyce Reese McCollum.

“There ain’t nothin’ more powerful than the odor of mendacity!”

Southeast Regional Library will hold its first Genealogy Fair Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9 for teens and adults.

Businesses looking to learn the tricks of the “RFP” trade may be interested in attending the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce’s small business procurement expo, slated for Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Gilbert is having its 11th annual Pet Food and Supply Drive to help homeless pets as they await adoption into permanent homes.

Residents who live in the area of Val Vista Drive from Riggs to Appleby Roads are invited to a neighborhood meeting to learn about and provide input about a project that will impact their neighborhoods. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Perry Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Road in Gilbert.

New Gilbert residents are encouraged to gather information about their new community at the New Resident Social on Jan. 19.

Among common resolutions to eat better and exercise more are often pledges to improve the intellect — by reading more books, say.

Check this deal. Take four people out to an evening movie; buy each a ticket, a small popcorn and a small drink for a total of $24. Where? Well, you are about to find out. The costly holidays are upon us, so let’s save some money on movies.

Editor's Note: These letters to the editor have been sorted by topic by the Tribune editorial staff in an effort to allow readers to read varied opinions on the issues, candidates, and other circumstances surrounding the 2012 general election. These submissions are the opinions of the author, not the Tribune, and have not been edited for grammar or content.

I’m really getting tired of reading columnists who invoke the principles of the Founding Fathers as their touchstone, e.g. Linda Turley-Hansen, Oct. 13, 2012. Just which Founding Father is she referring to — Alexander Hamilton, who thought state governors should be appointed by Congress; James Madison, who didn’t think the Constitution needed a Bill of Rightsl; or Patrick Henry, who said he “smelt a rat” when asked why he declined to attend the Constitutional Convention?

Kids love Halloween — the costumes, the candy, the craziness and the fun — but when it falls on a weeknight, like it does this year, it can be a hassle for parents. Thanks to all the carnivals and trunk-or-treats going on around the East Valley this weekend, the whole family can enjoy themselves without having to worry about getting up the next morning for school.

Ten Arizona mayors formed a roundtable to use their influence and leverage city resources to improve education last week.

Children grab books and find a place to read in the kindergarten class at Tempe’s Bethany Christian School. It’s quiet reading time in the class.

Mayors from Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe will join a new group “dedicated to improving education statewide,” it was announced Friday.

The seven candidates seeking spots on the Gilbert Unified School District governing board have been invited to participate in a candidate forum 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert.

Whether you want to explore a classy art festival or cheer at the ostrich, or even Chihuahua races, the East Valley has it! Let’s take advantage of our Arizona paradise and dance outdoors to live music, indulge during a cook-off, put on our boots for the rodeo and Old West Days, or run foot races.