Students running on a school field is nothing new. But at Buena Vista Elementary School recently, students ran across their field with big smiles on their faces — the first ones to step foot on a brand new field.

The school held a special ribbon cutting ceremony recently to open the new field and two playgrounds. The project has been in the works for three years, according to Principal Heather Duncan. Parents, staff and students helped to plan the field and playgrounds — one playground is for younger kids, the other for older students.

Most of the money for the improvements came from Measure C bonds. Other improvements include a new irrigation system for the field, more room for softball and soccer leagues and a new track. At the ceremony, the school's youngest student kindergartner, Lameck Murey, was chosen to cut the ribbon because he will have longest time to play on the playgrounds and field.

All 466 students from Buena Vista participated in the ceremony, as did Superintendent Patty Wool, Katie Pena, board member and other district leaders.

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    Youth service groups in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Sunol, San Ramon, Alamo, Danville, Walnut Creek and Concord may now volunteer and request collection sites for the eighth annual "Youth Food Drive" to be held March 6. Groups can sign up at www.youthservicecouncil.com/Volunteer/Volunteer.html

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    Youth service groups will go door to door to collect non-perishable food and return it to the closest collection site. All donations will go to local food pantries in the Tri-Valley or to the Contra Costa Food Bank. Details of the program and locations of collection sites are available online.

    Girl Scouts, youth ministries, and 4-H Clubs will be participating.

    For more Information, call 925-998-6513.

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    Las Lomas Theater Arts presents William Shakespeare's comedy "As You Like It," as a new look on a classic tale. People are invited to a night of confusion, romance and comedy Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 19-21. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the Las Lomas High School Theater, 1460 South Main St. in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

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    The Acalanes school board honored this year's recipients of the Su Stauffer Friends of Education Award at its Oct. 21 meeting.

    The award is given annually from the district and each school to outstanding volunteers from the community. It is named after Su Stauffer, a parent volunteer who helped organize foundations to support Lamorinda and Walnut Creek schools and advocated for music and arts to be included in the University of California admissions requirements.

    This year's recipients were Judy Carney, for the district; Ina Paven, for Miramonte High School; Joni Avery, for Acalanes High School; Dave Pinkham, for Campolindo High School; and Cindy Gershen, for Las Lomas High School.

    To submit an item for School Notes reach Elisabeth Nardi at 925-952-2617.