Once this Tim Burton weather is behind us, the rest of the weekend is expected to be beautiful. What in the hallow are you doing? Let us know in the comment section.

Today: Tonight is opening night for St. Marks and Hockaday students participating in  Fiddler On The Roof. Curtain call is 7:30 and is hosted at the Hockaday Fine Arts Center. There is also a Saturday night performance and Sunday matinee if you miss tonights.

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Kneeling: Adam Russell, Sam Suarez, Mac Rodvold, Jake Lewis Standing: Esme McGaughy, Kristine Brockahgen (Lower School PE Coordinator), Caroline Martineau, Thomas Philip, Luke Peron Standing with rope in background: Will Koonsman

Last Friday, ESD fourth graders participated in the 23 annual Jump Rope for Heart event, a charity event by the national American Heart Association which raises funds and teaches students how to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke. In science, the students were learning about the cardiovascular system, so the event also reenforced their current curriculum.

“Teaching children and their families how to stay heart-healthy is an important component of our physical education and science curriculum,” said Kris Brockhagen, lower school physical education coordinator in a press release. “It is fabulous to see the support not only of our students, but our families and faculty, as well. There were over 400 participants at ESD event. This program can literally save lives.”

Not much changed for Hillcrest, Jesuit, Thomas Jefferson, and W.T. White with the release of the University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment and reclassification of districts on Thursday morning.

In fact, those schools will have only one new team each in their districts for the next two school years. Jesuit and W.T. White will remain in the current District 9-5A with Skyline, Sunset, Richardson, Berkner, and Lake Highlands. The district will lose Samuell and pick up Pearce, which should make things a whole lot easier for Richardson ISD athletic officials. Pearce moved up from Class 4A.

Meanwhile, Samuell moves over to the current District 12-4A to make it an eight-team league. The Spartans will join Hillcrest, Thomas Jefferson, Bryan Adams, Conrad, Lincoln, Spruce, and Woodrow Wilson.

Five Ursuline seniors will sleep well tonight knowing that their college search is over and paid for. Today, the student athletes received scholarships and signed letters of intent.

Elizabeth Balido will play basketball at Trinity University, Candace Johnson will play soccer at the University of Missouri, Caitlin Jancuska will play soccer at the University of Tulsa, Jana Jeffrey will play soccer at Boston College, and Courtney Taylor will play lacrosse at William and Mary.

Franklin Middle School congratulates Shawn Burns for being the 2011-2012 teacher of the year. The school said Mr. Burns is an exceptional teacher, and exemplified teaching effectiveness, high student achievement, involvement with students, parents, and community, and awareness of educational issues at the school.

Burns is the designated AVID teacher at the school, an elective students in the “academic middle”  can take which raises the bar for learning and prepares them for high school and college. During his five year tenure at Franklin, Burns has also served as the debate coach and is in charge of the school store.

William Harris was also recognized by the school and received ”Best Teacher Assistant Award.” Harris works in the special education department and gives one-on-one attention to special needs students.

“He’s wonderful, patient, and calm with the children,” said the office secretary at Franklin. “He’s been here for three years and the teachers and staff really appreciate what he does.”

The Kurz Group, a property tax consulting firm based in Preston Center, turns 25 this month, and Samantha Kurz, spokesperson for the firm, says they are gearing up for the upcoming tax season.

The group, managed by brothers Rick and Jeff Kurz, currently represents approximately 6,000 properties, and is one of the oldest property tax consulting firms in the neighborhood. With a May tax deadline for commercial property owners, Preston Hollow residents are encouraged to contact the group at kurzgroup.com for consulting help.

Jesuit receiver Jake Oliver runs a route against Coppell. (Staff photo: Chris McGathey)

Jesuit junior wide receiver Jake Oliver was named to the first team of the 61st Annual Collin Street Bakery/Texas Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A All-State Team.

Southlake Carroll’s Sabian Holmes was the other first-team receiver. Spring Dekaney running back Trey Williams was named the Offensive Player of the Year, while Carroll’s Will Davis was the Defensive Player of the Year.

Oliver finished the season with 108 catches for 1,637 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Rangers went 8-3 (6-1) under first-year head coach Brandon Hickman last season.

On Saturday, Hillcrest High School will compete in the final round of the DISD Mock Trial competition. The Panthers are one of only four teams to advance to the city championship and will face defending champs Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Skyline High School, and Judge Barefoot Sanders School of Law.

The winning team will advance to the state championship in March.