E-News

Parents May Comment on Proposed Special Education Rule Changes by Dec. 24

Written comments on proposed changes to the Minnesota Department of Education special education rules will be accepted into the public record if received by the Office of Administrative Hearings by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24, 2007. Rebuttals to these comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2008. At a Dec. 3 hearing, more than 50 people testified on the proposed rules, which can be viewed at http://education.state.mn.us/mde/legislation/rulemaking/index.html. Comments may be sent to rulecomments@state.mn.us.

Special Tax Savings at Year's End

A special tax law, the Pension Protection Act of 2006, allows donors age 70½ or older to contribute up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to PACER and avoid the income tax that is normally required on IRA withdrawals. The contribution must be made by Dec. 31, 2007, when this law expires. Please note: Some IRA custodians take two to three weeks to process withdrawal requests; funds must be transferred by Dec. 31 to qualify. Please contact your financial advisor for specific advice on your charitable giving and its impact on your taxes. Questions? Call Mary Schrock or Willa Hathaway at PACER Center, 952-838-9000.

Exciting News! Earth, Wind & Fire to Headline PACER's 2008 Benefit!

The legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire will take the stage at PACER Center’s 26th Annual Benefit on April 26, 2008. Winner of eight Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, and a well-earned place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this popular group will wow the crowd. Be part of it. Order your tickets now!

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Holiday Shopping Just Got Easier

Good news for early-bird shoppers! Holiday gift certificates are now available for PACER’s 26th annual Benefit on April 26, 2008. The event features the incomparable multiple Grammy Award–winning band Earth, Wind & Fire. To purchase your one-of-a-kind gift certificates, call PACER at 952-838-9000 or go to www.PACER.org. A beautiful gift certificate will be sent to you or the person you designate.

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Second Annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week Gains State, Federal Support

PACER’s second annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, Oct. 21 – 27, garnered media coverage across the country, from local news stations to USAToday. In addition, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting the goals of the week, the Minnesota governor’s office issued a proclamation, and groups across the country joined PACER as partners to help prevent bullying in their schools and communities. Cosponsors included National PTA, National Education Association, American Federation for Teachers, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, and School Social Work Association of America. PACER will continue its efforts throughout 2008 and is developing a bullying prevention Web site for middle school and high school students. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week 2008 is Oct. 5 – 11.

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Give, Groove, Go to HOT Party 2008

PACER Center’s fifth annual HOT Party, COOL Cause is Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at Solera in downtown Minneapolis. Back again for the hottest bash in Minneapolis, it’s Christy Love, featuring former members of Boogie Wonderland! The event benefits children with disabilities and their families through dozens of programs at PACER.

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Report Shares Trends in Rural Education

“Why Rural Matters 2007: The Realities of Rural Education Growth” provides information on the condition of rural education nationwide and uncovers new trends and challenges facing rural educators. While enrollment in rural schools is up by 15 percent overall, there’s a 55 percent increase in rural minority students, with some states experiencing increases of more than 100 percent. Many rural schools continue to face a number of challenges, including high poverty levels, low student achievement, low teacher salaries, and uneven distribution of Title I funds. The report was issued by the Rural School and Community Trust.

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