Here’s a little Halloween trivia for you: Did you know that pumpkins are the fruit of the pumpkin plant, which grow from flowers after being pollinated by ants and other insects?

The Northwood High School Theatre Department will stage four performances of “The Diviners,” a thought-provoking drama by Jim Leonard, Jr., Oct. 27 through Oct. 30. Here's a quick plot overview, courtesy of the show's director:

BY SUPERINTENDENT GWEN E. GROSS, Ph.D. This week, bands of heavy rain swept over the Irvine Unified School District, and thunder boomed intermittently. Yet rigorous instruction persevered in the dry confines of our classrooms.

Get ready to drop, cover and hold on.

Thousands of IUSD schoolchildren and their families are expected to abandon the family car in favor of comfortable shoes on Thursday, Oct. 28, in conjunction with International Walk to School Day.

The Irvine and University high school football teams are set to square off at 7 p.m. Friday at Irvine Stadium.

Vehicle shade structures outfitted with energy-generating solar panels are quickly taking shape in the parking lot behind IUSD’s District Office, and rooftop solar panels may be coming soon to a school near you.

IUSD NewsFlash just received word that a Northwood Elementary student is set to appear Wednesday night on a fast-paced Nickelodeon game show.

Being a parent today can seem more difficult than ever, as so many kids and adults are struggling with social and emotional pressures.