Nominations sought for master teacher

The search is on for the Lawrence public school teacher capable of walking in Pam Williams’ footsteps.

Williams, now in her 28th year as a teacher at Broken Arrow School, was the district’s 2002-2003 master teacher. Nominations are being accepted for the 2003-2004 master teacher.

The district’s master teachers are nominated for the Kansas Master Teacher program sponsored by Emporia State University.

The ESU program recognizes teachers who through more than five years of service to the profession exemplify teaching effectiveness, constructive service in the community, zeal in promoting the advancement of education and sincere interest in professional organizations.

There is no nomination form. Anyone may send a letter of nomination to the school district. The deadline is Nov. 7.

Send letters to Lawrence Public Schools USD 497, Educational Support and Distribution Center, c/o Julie Boyle, 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence 66044.

KU pharmacy dean appointed to FDA panel

Jack Fincham, dean of the Kansas University School of Pharmacy, has been appointed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee.

The 14-member committee provides input to the FDA on whether to switch drugs from prescription-only status to over-the-counter status, among other responsibilities.

Members serve four-year terms, and meetings are conducted four times a year.

Plasma donations needed for fund-raiser

The Eudora Township Fire Department will be raising money for the Children’s Mercy Hospital burn unit through a plasma donation drive that ends Oct. 31. Those who donate plasma to ZLB Plasma Services, 816 W. 24th St., can put their earnings into a fund for the hospital. First-time donors can earn $20 for the burn unit, and repeat donors earn $15. For money to benefit the hospital, donors must tell ZLB staff they are donating on behalf of the Eudora Township Fire Department.

Donated plasma, which helps burn, shock and trauma victims, will be distributed nationally. Though the fire department will be told how many donated on behalf of the burn unit fund-raiser, donors’ names will be kept confidential.

Volunteers with questions can call ZLB at 749-5750.