By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NORTH AVONDALE - Cincinnati Public Schools' North Avondale Montessori Ropin' Rockets demonstration and competition jump-rope team will appear on national television in October and perform at the 2003 Smart and Sober Celebration Oct. 15 in Columbus.

The team finished sixth in a field of 67 teams at the 2003 USA Jump Rope national competition, which took place in June in Orlando, Fla.

The competition will be broadcast at 1:30 p.m. Oct 5 on ESPN2; 1:30 p.m. Oct. 23 on ESPN and at 2 p.m. Oct 26 on ESPN2.

Sponsored by the American Heart Association and McDonalds, the Ropin' Rockets is made up of students from Grades 1-6 and two junior high students (former North Avondale students) from Shroder Paideia School.

Golf outing benefits Kenton foundation

ERLANGER - The Kenton County Schools Educational Foundation golf outing is Oct. 11 at the Pioneer Course at Kenton County Golf Course.

Deadline to register is Wednesday.

Tee times begin at 9 a.m. Cost is $75 per person and includes an 18-hole scramble with cart, buffet, refreshments, contests and prizes.

All proceeds benefit the Kenton County School District Educational Foundation, which provides annual scholarships to seniors at Dixie Heights, Scott and Simon Kenton high schools.

Information: 331-8851.

Students invited for look at skies

FAIRFIELD - Central Elementary School hosts its first stargaze astronomy watch Friday on the field behind the school, 5058 Dixie Highway.

Teacher Judy Weekley, her husband Bob, and friends will set up telescopes for students to see the quarter moon, stars and Mars. Viewing will begin shortly after sunset. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held the following night.

Mariemont alums have homecoming role

MARIEMONT - The Mariemont Alumni Association hosts a hospitality tent at Mariemont High School's homecoming Friday. After the homecoming parade, the football game begins at 7:30 p.m. with the Mariemont Warriors playing the Finneytown Wildcats at the school's Kusel Stadium, 3812 Pocahontas Ave.

Information on a revised Mariemont High School Alumni Directory and Alumni Association plans will be available in the hospitality tent.

Sycamore Arts Groupe to perform 'Snapshots'

MONTGOMERY - Sycamore High School's Sycamore Theatre Arts Groupe presents Snapshots at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at the school's Little Theater, 7400 Cornell Road.

Admission is free.Information: 489-0405.

Attention parents, teachers and students

We want to talk to you.

In an effort to better understand the issues and challenges associated with classrooms and schools in Greater Cincinnati, The Enquirer is bringing together readers to discuss education-related issues. We are forming panels of teachers, parents and students who will meet occasionally on a weekday evening.

To participate, send your name, home address, e-mail address, school and daytime phone number by Oct. 3 to Cindy Kranz, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202; fax 768-8340; e-mail ckranz@enquirer.com.