SHERBURN – Martin County West kindergarten teacher Abbey Smith explained the Donors Choose program to the school board this week.

The program offers schools as an opportunity to ask for donations of things over and above regular classroom supplies. Smith said the items may not be available regularly from the district but make a big difference in the classroom.

Anyone can donate, even those in different states or countries. Those interested can go online to Donors Choose and see what the school of their choice has requested. Then they can donate for specific items.

The kindergarten class has received four robots called BeeBots. They are used each Wednesday as a special way to teach the children. They also have an OSMO, an interactive iPad program. Other classes have received a document camera and I Excel program. The high school is requesting a microscope.

In other action, the school board:

o Set a public hearing on the budget and proposed levy for 6 p.m. Dec. 16. The board has approved a levy limit at the maximum because it can be lowered but not increased before final approval.

o Hired several teachers: art instructor Chelsea Brolsma, FFA adviser Jonah Mayo and Bob Millette as long-term substitute for fourth grade.

o Discussed homecoming events. Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 4, with the coronation at 2:15 p.m. at the high school and a chili feed at 4:30 p.m. The football game will be played that evening.

o Heard a report from the superintendent, who said there are 684 students enrolled at Martin County West.

o Heard a report that pool painting is done, with lighting to be completed soon. The pool will be cleaned and filled and the district hopes to have it open by mid-October.

o Heard a report that the Trimont Empower after-school program will begin in October.

o Learned that the next school board meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14.­