Judging from the cheering Centennial Lane Elementary School students, it seemed as though someone famous had just walked into the cafeteria.

No, it wasn't Hannah Montana or one of the Jonas Brothers. It was a group of PTA moms handing out free, healthy granola bars.

The moms, dressed in fun, striped and polka-dotted aprons embroidered with the words "Healthy Snacks, Healthy Kids," are the organizers of the school's Wellness Initiative Snack Program.

The aim of the program is to add five snacks to the school's snack food selection that are made from whole grains, are low in sugar and fat, and are free of chemicals, additives and preservatives, according to Lisa Regnante, the PTA's Wellness Initiative chair.

"Parents are concerned about what kids are eating," Regnante said.

CLES's healthy snack initiative serves as a pilot program for the rest of the county.

Some students were surprised food that was supposed to be healthy for them would actually be palatable.

"2001 million thumbs up," Robert Silverstein, a second-grader, said when asked what he thought of the granola bars.

"It looks like junk," second-grader Evelina Howser added.

The snacks prices, which range from 50 cents to $1, garnered some complaints from a few students.

"The price is sort of too high," Jinia Sarkar, a fifth-grader, said of the granola bars, which would be on sale for 90 cents the following day.

The PTA moms introduced a new snack every other day (free of charge), since the first day of school on Aug. 25. The day after the snacks were introduced, they were available for sale. The samples were provided by the school system and included snacks such as organic yogurt squeezers, cheese puffs and fruit leather, Regnante said.

What is the favorite snack so far? Tings, a snack that look and taste like Cheetos, but are not made with cheese, according to Regnante.

"Tings are the best," fifth-grader Emily VanKeuren said.

The last day free samples were handed out was Sept. 4.

* The Howard County Public School System's educational access channel has moved from Channel 72 to Channel 95 as part of Comcast Cable's reorganization of channel designations.

* Marriotts Ridge High School PTSA will sponsor an instructional course in preparation for the fall PSAT and SAT tests Thursday evenings beginning Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

The course will be taught by Martha Gagnon. Cost is $185 for three sessions. Go to www.marthagagnon.com or call 410-442-1600 for more information.

* Running Brook Children's Nursery has openings for 4-year-old children in its 2008-2009 class. For more information, contact Wendy Silver at 410-997-4662.

* Dunloggin Middle School in Ellicott City is selling engraved bricks to commemorate its 35-year anniversary.

The bricks are $35 and can have up to three lines, with 14 characters per line. They will be planted in the flagpole area in front of the school. Proceeds will go toward new choral risers and replacement desks.

For more information, call Lori Willoughby at 410-313-2831 or e-mail her at lori_willoughby@hcpss.org.

* The Veterans Elementary School PTA will sponsor a free back-to-school ice cream social on Friday, Sept. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the school. The school is at 4355 Montgomery Road, Ellicott City.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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