Hawai'i Pacific University has been named one of the top 30 colleges and universities for military service members, according to Military Advanced Education magazine.

"We are pleased to have been recognized as a member of an elite group of academic institutions who serve military education," said Robert Cyboron, HPU dean of Military Campus Programs.

According to the magazine's Web site, schools that are selected are "significant players" in military education, whether for the number of military contracts, number of military students served, availability of financial aid and scholarships, or other "military-friendly" qualities.

This is the first year Military Advanced Education has reviewed the top colleges and universities for military service members.

An independent panel of judges analyzed more than 100 colleges and universities to narrow down the list to the top 30.

For more information, go to www.military-advanced-education.com.

PAUOA SCHOOL GIVEN $88,584

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has awarded Pauoa Elementary School an $88,584 grant to help integrate its math and science curriculum and promote literacy and critical thinking, the school has announced.

About half of the 416 students at Pauoa are of Hawaiian ancestry.

The grant also intends to help economically disadvantaged students, who tend to score lower on standardized tests.

The grant money will be used for training tutors to help students with math and science, implementing different teaching strategies and building parent involvement.

Pauoa Elementary School last year met its benchmarks for reading and math under the federal No Child Left Behind law.

PARKER SCHOOL TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE

Parker School on the Big Island will hold an open house on Saturday for parents and family members looking to learn more about the school's programs.

Parents will be introduced to the school's award-winning visual and performing arts program, advanced placement and honors classes and the school's interscholastic sports program.

The open house will be from 10 a.m. to noon for kindergarten to fifth grade and noon to 2 p.m. for sixth to 12th grade.

Parker School is at 65-1224 Lindsey Road in Kamuela. For more information, call 808-885-8709.

2ND QUIZ BOWL TO BE HELD FEB. 9

The second annual Quiz Bowl sponsored by College Connections Hawaii will be held Feb. 9 at the Japanese Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Teams of three to five are now eligible to register for the 2008 Quiz Bowl. Registration forms are available for download at the College Connections Hawaii Web site at www.collegeconnectionshawaii.org.

Teams can register through Jan. 18, with all team information due no later than Jan. 25.

Registration fees are tax-deductible and sponsorship levels range from $5,000 to $250. Admission tickets are available for $60 each.

All proceeds from Quiz Bowl benefit the ongoing educational programs of College Connections Hawaii.

For more information about CCH, please visit www.collegeconnectionshawaii.org or call toll-free 866-233-0777 statewide.