When you think of biology, do you think of yogurt?

Students at Thurston and Springfield high schools will likely always be reminded of their high school biology class when they eat yogurt after a recent experiment with the formation, breakdown and recycling of biomolecules, bacteria enzymes pH, viscosity and fermentation.

About 650 freshman and sophomore students at the two high schools recently partook in the experiment, in which they made yogurt using their knowledge of biomolecules – organic molecules such as carbohydrates, protein, lipids and nucleic acids – that are responsible for the survival and growth of living cells.

So, how did the yogurt taste? "Disgusting," according to some. Check it out.

The community is invited to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s' social values in our community at the 22nd annual MLK Jr. march and celebration! The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 20 and will include art, speeches and musical entertainment. Join us!

Members of the Springfield School Board will be recognized for their volunteer service prior to the regular board meeting set to take place at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13. The community is invited to an informal reception to celebrate Board Appreciation Month with our board members and district staff. Cake and punch will be served.

Thank you, board members!

Mt. Vernon Elementary School recently received a large, $31,700 grant, from Weyerhaeuser, which will allow the school to purchase 50 Apple iPads, 100 Chromebook computers and software for the devices.

Prior to the grant award, Mt. Vernon had less than half of the devices needed to allow all students the appropriate access to technology. This additional technology will allow teachers to facilitate more productive, efficient and relevant learning for each and every one of our students.

"We were shocked that we actually got it!" said Mt. Vernon Principal Shelley Nurre. "We're totally excited and overwhelmed with the kindness and honestly in disbelief."

We want to celebrate the great things going on in our district, as well as the wonderful humans that make it all happen. Please send any information about fun, notable or great things happening across the district to be featured in SPS Applause.

In addition to SPS Applause, we recently launched a new social media project called Humans of SPS! The weekly Instagram posts aim to capture Springfield Public Schools staff and showcase some of the hard work, passion and heart that they bring to SPS buildings and our community every single day. We want to hear from you about who you think the unsung heroes of the district are. To nominate someone for Humans of SPS, send an email to the SPS Communications Department at pr@springfield.k12.or.us