For a while now the city school system has been pushing for all eighth-graders to select the high schools they want to attend. Now it's promoting the choice concept among younger students as well. Next Saturday, the system will hold its first annual middle school fair for fourth- and fifth-graders and their families. Information will be available on charter, transformation and other middle schools of choice. Students who don't submit an application will be assigned to their neighborhood middle schools.

The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 24 at the Roland Patterson complex, 4701 Greenspring Ave.