Rosary College Prep In Aurora To Hold Entrance Exams Dec. 6 And 13

Rosary College Prep, a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young women in Aurora, will hold scholarship-qualifying entrance exams for those looking to become part of the Class of 2030 at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13, at the school at 901 N. Edgelawn Drive.

Prospective students must test on one of those days to be eligible for Rosary scholarships, according to a press release from the school. Financial aid is also available.

Additionally, Rosary will offer extended time during the exam for those students with a qualifying 504 plan, the release said.

Providing extended time on the placement test allows students with documented learning differences or diagnosed conditions to demonstrate their true abilities in a setting that reflects their daily learning environment, school officials said. This accommodation doesn’t offer an unfair advantage – it levels the playing field, ensuring testing conditions align with those already in place for academic success, officials said in the release.

To register for an entrance exam at Rosary or to find out more about financial aid, go to www.rosaryhs.com/admissions.

New nature program announced for kids

Building on the popularity of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s “Little Saplings” preschool series, the district has introduced “Twigs to Trees,” a new nature program designed specifically for school-age children in kindergarten through second grade.

Each session of “Twigs to Trees” invites participants to investigate a seasonal nature theme through hands-on discovery, guided exploration and nature-based play, according to a press release from the district.

Led by district naturalists, participants will spend time outdoors learning about the woods and wild places around them, the release said, noting it is a drop-off program, so caregivers will not stay with their children during the session.

All upcoming “Twigs to Trees” programs will be held from 4 to 5 p.m on Tuesdays at Creek Bend Nature Center in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles. Scheduled sessions include “The Pines” on Dec. 9, “Owl Prowl” on Jan. 13 and “Native American Maple Sugaring Traditions” on Feb. 17.

There is a $5 fee per child for each program, according to the release.

Advance registration is required. To register, go to www.kaneforest.com/register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, go to www.kaneforest.com or follow the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.

Geneva site set for Toys for Tots

Geneva residents are invited to drop off new, unwrapped gifts for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program at two Geneva locations: the foyer of the City Hall Building Division, 109 James St.; and the vestibule at the Geneva Public Works Department, 1800 South St., city officials said.

The last day to donate is Wednesday, Dec. 3, according to a press release about the program.

The American Public Works Association – Fox Valley Branch, of which Geneva is a member, is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s annual toy drive, the release said. The need for toys remains high as many families continue to face economic challenges, organizers said.

Nominations sought for Montgomery decorations contest

Registration is officially open for the annual Holiday Decorations Contest in Montgomery, organized by the Montgomery Beautification Committee.

Montgomery residents are invited to nominate their own property — or a neighbor’s — for the competition, according to a press release about the contest. Nominations are being accepted now through Sunday, Dec. 14.

On Wednesday, December 17, the Beautification Committee will take a tour around town to judge the nominated displays, so participants should be sure their lights are on by 5 p.m. that evening. Participating homes or businesses honored by the volunteer judges will receive a recognition sign to display at their property.

To nominate a property, go to montgomeryil.org. For questions regarding the contest, email rmason@montgomeryil.org.