This month, Ivar's and Kidd Valley are looking to the kids in our community for pictures and teacher award nominations.

In recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Month in May, the two local chains will each be awarding prizes to teachers of grades K through 8. Love your teacher? Let them know by sending in a nomination! You can pick up entry forms at local Ivar's or Kidd Valley restaurants, or you can submit your nomination online at the Ivar's or Kidd Valley Web sites. Ivar's and Kidd Valley will award one grand prize each, with plenty of awards for runners up. The top winners will receive $250 for classroom supplies, plus chowder or burger parties for their classses.

If your child agee 12 to 18 is artistic, consider an entry in the contest for the Jul-Ivar's poster. The winning submission will be used for the promotion of the 44th annual July 4 fireworks bonanza. Original artwork or electronic submissions are being accepted now. See the Ivar's site for more details. In addition to being a talented artist, the winner should be a fan of seafood; this year's winner will be loaded up with $500 in gift certificates to Ivar's.

The deadline for the teacher nominations and the artwork is May 23. Good luck!

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