Here’s a look at some items of educational interest as the school year begins…

With classes beginning today for many families, I’m sure plenty of parents aren’t at all surprised with projections for back-to-school spending.

Families with children in grades K-12 were expected to spend an average of $603.63 on school supplies, apparel and electronics, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. The forecast was down slightly from the $606.40 average forecast a year earlier.

“Families aren’t opposed to spending on what they need, but parents want their children to take a good look around at what they already have before deciding what to buy for back to school this year,” said Matthew Shay, the federation’s president and CEO. “Retailers understand consumers are extremely focused on value and are taking this opportunity to offer substantial savings on merchandise.”

The federation reports that Americans are compensating for the difficult economy by buying more store-brand or generic items, comparison shopping more often online, and shopping for sales. Nearly half of survey respondents said they were spending less in general, because of the economy.

I’m curious how folks around here are feeling about their back-to-school-spending. I certainly saw plenty of people out there shopping for dry-erase pens, No. 2 pencils and all those other folders, erasers and other educational accoutrements required this time of year…

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Jeff Plinsky, who teaches and coaches debate and forensics at Lawrence High School.

In case you’re wondering what a difference some changes at the high school level in the Lawrence school district can make…

I ran into Jeff Plinsky, who teaches and coaches forensics and debate at Lawrence High School, as he was picking up materials in the school office late Tuesday morning.

He’s in for a busy year.

Plinsky has 73 freshmen and sophomores enrolled in introductory debate this fall, or about three times the usual number. He has another 46 signed up for forensics, or more than twice the 19 enrolled a year ago.

An obvious change is the addition of freshmen to campus, instead of them attending classes in what had been junior highs last year.

Also leading the charge: The addition of a seventh period to the high school schedule, giving students more opportunities to explore more co-curricular and other elective courses.

We’re reported previously about the boost in interest, but seeing the actual evidence through class lists has folks like Plinsky plenty stoked.

“We’re here to offer kids opportunities,” he said, during freshen orientation at Lawrence High. “This has really increased the kinds of opportunities we can offer.”

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An area company is teaming up with Kansas University’s School of Engineering to recognize outstanding teachers of science, technology, engineering and math in Kansas and Kansas City-area high schools.

Through the Educating Excellence program, each month a teacher earns a $1,500 award, as determined by a committee whose members are Perceptive Software employees and representatives from the School of Engineering.

“We are overwhelmed by the positive response to the Educating Excellence program by our area schools, students and parents,” said Scott Coons, president and CEO of Perceptive Software, which is based in Shawnee and produces content management software. “It’s our pleasure to continue recognizing teachers who are making a difference in the lives of students throughout our state and the metro area.”

To nominate a teacher, visit educatingexcellence.org. After a nomination is submitted, the nominator is asked to submit three letters of reference — one each from a current student, a colleague and a community member.

The deadline for letters is Dec. 1, for awards to be presented in the spring.

Questions? Send email to educatingexcellence@perceptivesoftware.com.