Business

E. Stanley Kroenke, billionaire investor and owner of Kroenke Holdings, purchased the 42-acre vacant site at Walnut Hill and Central Expressway. He hasn’t announced plans for the property yet, which was originally zoned for $300 million for retail and residential space.

Community

Preston Hollow Early Childhood PTA will host a program, “Six Strategies for Effective Discipline”, at 9:30 a.m. at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston. Family therapist and author Dr. Brad Schwall will speak about practical techniques and tools for dealing with behavioral challenges. For details, visit phecpta.org or send email to info@phecpta.org.

North Dallas Early Childhood PTA will host a program, “What You Need to Know to Stay Safe”, at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6 at Chapel United Methodist Church, 9027 Midway. Jim Dryburgh, owner and instructor of Kenpo Karate, will teach the basics of self-defense. For details, visit ndecpta.com or send email to northdallasecpta@yahoo.com.

The Jewish Community Center will host an open house for The J Early Childhood Center 9:30-11 a.m. Jan 11. Parents can meet with teachers, tour the facility and submit applications for the 2011 year. The center is at 7900 Northaven. For details, call 214-239-7157 or send email to tohayon@jccdallas.org.

Education

Marcy E. Cathey has been named the new Head of School at Good Shepherd Episcopal School and will begin her term on July 1. Cathey has nearly 20 years of experience and is an active member of professional associations, serving as vice chairperson of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Episcopal Schools. Cathey holds a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Science from nova Southeastern University.

W.T. White was among six DISD high schools that received the 2010 College Readiness Award from the Texas ACT Council. The award recognizes schools for maintaining or increasing the number of students taking the ACT test over the past five years while also increasing achievement levels. Fewer than 6 percent of all high schools in the state received the award.

People

Logan McGill, a student-athlete at Greenhill School, formed a 60-person relay team for the White Rock Marathon, breaking the event’s fundraising record. The team raised $50,000 for the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. McGill suffers form scoliosis and wanted to help other kids with similar conditions.

Steven Perez, a W.T. White student and member of the choir, won $1,000 during a talent competition at the House of Blues where he performed an original song. He received $500 for his talent and $500 for most fans at the show.