Jeannette Brossart, a Durham artist, was selected by the Office of Public Arts for its 2008 Artists@Work Program based on her submission to create a "100" mosaic totem sculpture with the fourth-grade class of Ephesus Elementary School in Chapel Hill.

The totem not only celebrates the school district's 100th anniversary, but also acknowledges the 100th day of school, generally recognized as a milestone in teaching and learning.

"For elementary students, the understanding of 100 is an important achievement," Brossart said. "This sculpture is a significant, identifiable, heartwarming and permanent expression of this fundamental concept -- while also marking the anniversary date of the school system for the community."

The students' art teacher, Nara Strickland, and Principal Phil Holmes were involved in the selection of Brossart and have been enthusiastically supportive of her work, which involves students in making their own model of the sculpture to scale, as well as collaborating on the final project itself.

The "100" mosaic totem sculpture will be dedicated at a special ceremony February 4, 2009 -- the 100th day of class for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools.

School district seeks volunteers

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools are seeking volunteers in a number of areas.

Volunteers are especially needed in three areas: School Reading Partners, ESL tutoring and the Coach Write program.

School Reading Partners help beginning readers practice reading skills, 1-2 hours weekly. Training is scheduled for Jan. 21 or Jan. 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. To pre-register, e-mail srp@chccs.k12.nc.us or call 967-8211, ext. 336.

ESL volunteerrs help K-12 students that are learning English during the school day. Training is scheduled for Jan. 22 or Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Pre-register by calling 967-8211, ext. 339 or by e-mail to gmccay@chccs.k12.nc.us org.

Coach Write volunteers conference one-on-one with students to improve their writing skills. Training is scheduled for Jan. 20 or Jan. 29 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Preregister by e-mailing sphillips@chccs.k12.nc.us or calling 967-8211 ext. 369.

For other volunteer opportunities, see www.chccs.k12.nc.us.

Send school briefs to chnclerk@nando.com