Events

EVENTS AND CONTESTS


2/27 § **ASCD Express Calls for Submissions **ASCD Express is looking for short, 600- to 1,000-word essays on the theme "Teaching Social Responsibility." The many challenges the world faces in the 21st century -- such as global warming, social inequity, world conflict and technological innovation -- demand that schools prepare students to participate as informed, productive members of society. This issue of Express will explore programs that teach ethics and social responsibility, prepare students for active participation in the democratic process and encourage development of character. In your submissions, consider the question, "How can we prepare students to be responsible citizens and wisely use the freedoms their society offers?" **Please send us your submissions by March 2. **  §  See the guidelines for submissions at [|Write for ASCD Express]

2/20 [|ABC-CLIO's Annual Research Competition for Secondary Students]: Secondary students will work in teams, coached by their social studies teacher and/or school library media specialist, to "select the top 10 people, events or places that have shaped the course of history" and defend and present their choices to ABC-CLIO in an electronic format (i.e. slide show, online essay, video or animation, or an audio podcast). Teams must use and cite at least one of ABC-CLIO's 8 online history databases in their research. Free access to databases will be available for 90 days for schools not currently subscribed. Entries should be submitted in standards-aligned curriculum categories for high school and middle school grades. High school categories are U.S. History, Ancient World History, Modern World History, U.S. Government and Civics, and Geography. Middle school categories are Ancient Civilizations, World History and U.S. History and Government.

2/13 We’re trying to help kids prepare for the SAT* by offering fun and free videos about SAT vocabulary, made by YOU! We’re offering $600 in prize money to the video that receives the most number of votes. $200 of the payout will go to the maker(s) of the video and $400 to the class or school club of his/her choice. And to make this viral, we'll give out 1 free iTunes download for every 5 videos you submit or referrals you provide.* [|Submit entries] by March 16th, 2009. [|Contact us] if you have questions. http://www.brainyflix.com/
 * iTunes downloads available for first 1000 videos only.

2/6 h[|ttp://www.intelligenic.com/blog/?page_id=82] Way back in 2005 we began challenging teachers and students to create podcasts that demonstrated how this new medium could be used in teaching and learning. Our podcasting contest yielded dozens of examples that helped others see the both the big picture and specific examples. Well, this year we are back for another round! This spring, Intelligenic will be sponsoring another round of podcasting contests featuring lots of prizes from some of our favorite partners. The contest will be organized around several categories for students and several for teachers. Winners will be recognized in each category. Stay tuned for an announcement soon… <!--**Students** Podcast drama Sound seeing tour Documentary Debate / Discussion Public Service Announcement Variety Show (segments) Where in the world Professional Reflection and Outreach (Two Minute Soapbox) Curriculum Supplement / Learning
 * Teachers**

1/9 The Christopher Columbus Awards is a national, community-based science and technology program for middle school students. The program challenges the students to work in teams of three to four, with an adult coach, to identify a problem in their community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution to that problem. Eight finalist teams and their coaches will receive an all-expense-paid trip to //Walt Disney World//® to attend National Championship Week and compete for valuable U.S. Savings Bonds and the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant, plus a $200 development grant to further refine their idea.

12/21 It is never too early for children to implement sound energy principles, and soon, students of all ages will have the opportunity to showcase their best "green" ideas, while earning a prize. Students across the nation will be able to vie in the eighth annual [|Igniting Creative Energy Competition], where they can present projects that express their understanding on solutions to conserve energy.

Any K-12 student from the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec, can join the competition from now until March 13, and the winners will be revealed on April 17.

The challenge provides winners with significant educational experiences and the opportunity to meet national leaders and energy policy-makers in Washington, D.C.

"It's vital to instill in students the idea that they can creatively contribute to conserving natural resources," said Bob Poulson, president of the [|National Energy Foundation], a sponsor for the competition. "It results in improved leadership, character development and service to others, not to mention a better environment."

The entries should demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do in their home, school or community to conserve energy and help the environment.

Students have the option to convey their ideas in any innovative format, such as science projects, essays, stories, artwork, photographs, music, videos, Web-based applications, multimedia projects, etc. They can also submit a recent service project.

A total of four grand prizes will be awarded to three students and one teacher. Three students, one in each grade cluster, whose work best addresses the challenge criteria, will receive a hosted trip to Washington, D.C., for themselves and a parent or legal guardian.

The teacher with the highest average score of student work from 15 or more qualifying entries will also receive a trip for two to Washington, D.C., for the same educational experience.

While in Washington, D.C., students will share their winning entries with government and energy leaders during the 20th [|Annual Energy Efficiency Forum] at the [|National Press Club].

In addition, the highest scoring student in each state or province will be eligible to receive a $1,000 U.S. charitable donation to help beautify their school, educate their peers or impact their community. 12/14 =NFSPS Poetry Contests for 2009  =  2009 ANNUAL CONTESTS  The NFSPS conducts poetry contests in the spring of each year. Given below are descriptions of the contests. These contests have a March 15, 2009, postmark for their deadline. Note contests 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 20, 22, 28, 32, 33, 38, 42, 44, 45, 48, and 49 are open to members of NFSPS only. Additional [|contest rules], such as the format required, follow the descriptions of the contests.  For a copy of the 2009 contest brochure, send an SASE to Caroline Walton 6176 W. Pinedale Circle Crystal River, FL 34429

<span style="font-family: Arial,Arial,Helvetica;">website: http://www.nfsps.com/poetry_contests.htm

11/28 ABC-CLIO, an award-winning publisher of history reference and research resources in print and online, welcomes you to the first annual <span class="green_blue">//**History Uncovered**// competition. It’s a unique opportunity for teams of secondary school students, their social studies teachers, and school library-media specialists to participate in a meaningful competitive endeavor that emphasizes research skills along with historical and critical thinking.

This Year’s Challenge: <span class="green_blue allcapsBig">Select and defend the Top 10 People, Events, or Places that have Shaped the Course of History
With separate competitions for [|middle grades] and [|high school] teams, you’ll have the opportunity to win valuable [|prizes]. So get your school-based teams together (teams consist of two-six students) coached by a social studies teacher and/or school librarian. //Get the details. Get your team together. Get going on your Entry. The sooner you submit, the sooner you’re eligible for monthly prize drawings! [|Contest Website]//
 * All participants will have **FREE** access to all eight of the ABC-CLIO online databases for 90 days during the competition. Competitors must use resources from ABC-CLIO’s award-winning history databases.
 * Student teams can submit Entries in a variety of electronic formats, including a slide show, an essay, a video or animation, or an audio podcast.

11/21 =Google Earth rebuilds ancient Rome online= A virtual version of ancient Rome's Colosseum is shown in an animated map provided by Google Earth. November 13, 2008 - 9:36AM Google today resurrected ancient Rome online, opening a three-dimensional virtual version of the city for cyber-explorers interested in trips back through time. People using free Google Earth software can seemingly fly past more than 6500 buildings that stood in the city at the peak of the Roman Empire in 320 AD. Online visitors can swoop in for close-ups of structures and peruse pop-up information "bubbles" written by historians. Some buildings feature full interiors. Internet surfers can visit the Roman Forum; linger in the Colosseum; pass through the Arch of Constantine and follow in the footsteps of gladiators in the Ludus Magnus. Rome is the first ancient city recreated at Google Earth, an interactive online Atlas that provides tools and technology that enable people to explore the world. To commemorate the launch, Google is inviting US educators to take part in a contest promising prizes for innovative lesson plans based on the virtual Ancient Rome feature.
 * [|Saved]

11/21
 * WIN YOUR OWN PERSONAL "TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY!" ** Northpoint Horizons invites you to win $300 worth of classroom supplies, $200 worth of personal gift certificates, and a new CAVS or Math Elevations intervention program — All delivered to your classroom! [|**CLICK HERE**] to enter. All entrants receive an English-Spanish picture dictionary. Enter by 12/15/08.

11/14 [[http://Odyssey%20of%20the%20Mind%20is%20an%20international%20educational%20program%20that%20provides%20creative%20problem-solving%20opportunities%20for%20students%20from%20kindergarten%20through%20college.%20Kids%20apply%20their%20creativity%20to%20solve%20problems%20that%20range%20from%20building%20mechanical%20devices%20to%20presenting%20their%20own%20interpretation%20of%20literary%20classics.%20They%20then%20bring%20their%20solutions%20to%20competition%20on%20the%20local,%20state,%20and%20World%20level.%20Thousands%20of%20teams%20from%20throughout%20the%20U.S.%20and%20from%20about%2025%20other%20countries%20participate%20in%20the%20program.%20%20What%20makes%20Odyssey%20different?%20Odyssey%20of%20the%20Mind%20is%20a%20competitive%20program,%20but%20it%27s%20nothing%20like%20your%20typical%20sporting%20event.%20The%20competitive%20element%20encourages%20kids%20to%20be%20the%20best%20that%20they%20can%20be,%20but%20it%27s%20a%20friendly%20competition.%20Kids%20learn%20from%20and%20even%20cheer%20on%20their%20competitors.%20Odyssey%20of%20the%20Mind%20is%20not%20a%20college%20bowl%20or%20a%20competition%20about%20knowledge.%20It%27s%20all%20about%20creativity,%20an%20often%20overlooked%20element%20in%20the%20growth%20and%20development%20of%20many%20students.%20Kids%20are%20rewarded%20more%20for%20how%20they%20apply%20their%20knowledge,%20skills%20and%20talents,%20and%20not%20for%20coming%20up%20with%20the%20right%20answer.%20In%20fact,%20in%20Odyssey%20of%20the%20Mind%20problems,%20there%20isn%27t%20one%20right%20answer.%20Ever.%20%20How%20do%20students%20benefit%20from%20participation?%20In%20Odyssey%20of%20the%20Mind,%20students%20learn%20at%20a%20young%20age%20skills%20that%20will%20last%20a%20lifetime.%20They%20work%20in%20teams%20so%20they%20learn%20cooperation%20and%20respect%20for%20the%20ideas%20of%20others.%20They%20evaluate%20ideas%20and%20make%20decisions%20on%20their%20own,%20gaining%20greater%20self-confidence%20and%20increased%20self-esteem%20along%20the%20way.%20They%20work%20within%20a%20budget,%20so%20they%20learn%20to%20manage%20their%20money.%20They%20see%20that%20there%EF%BF%BDs%20often%20more%20than%20one%20way%20to%20solve%20a%20problem,%20and%20that%20sometimes%20the%20process%20is%20more%20important%20than%20the%20end%20result.%20%20How%20does%20it%20work?%20S%20chools%20or%20community%20groups%20purchase%20a%20membership%20and%20form%20teams%20of%20up%20to%20seven%20students.%20Each%20team%20chooses%20one%20of%20five%20competitive%20problems%20to%20solve.%20The%20problems%20appeal%20to%20a%20wide%20range%20of%20interests;%20some%20are%20technical%20in%20nature,%20while%20others%20are%20artistic%20or%20performance-oriented.%20Under%20the%20guidance%20of%20an%20adult%20coach,%20teams%20work%20on%20their%20solutions%20throughout%20the%20school%20year%20and,%20if%20they%20choose,%20present%20them%20in%20organized%20competitions%20in%20the%20spring.%20The%20%22friendly%22%20competitive%20aspect%20encourages%20students%20to%20be%20the%20best%20that%20they%20can%20be.%20%20What%20are%20the%20competition%20levels?%20I%20n%20the%20U.S.,%20the%20first%20level%20of%20competition%20is%20usually%20within%20a%20region%20of%20a%20state.%20Teams%20who%20place%20are%20invited%20to%20compete%20at%20the%20state%20level.%20These%20championship%20teams%20are%20then%20invited%20to%20participate%20in%20the%20annual%20Odyssey%20of%20the%20Mind%20World%20Finals,%20where%20they%20compete%20with%20teams%20from%20countries%20around%20the%20world,%20including%20Canada,%20China,%20Germany,%20Hungary,%20Japan,%20Kazakhstan,%20Lithuania,%20Malaysia,%20Poland,%20Singapore,%20and%20Uzbekistan.%20New%20countries%20join%20the%20program%20each%20year.%20%20How%20are%20teams%20judged%20in%20competition?%20T%20housands%20of%20volunteers%20from%20around%20the%20world%20judge%20the%20competitions%20and%20serve%20in%20various%20positions%20to%20help%20make%20the%20tournaments%20a%20success.%20Teams%20are%20scored%20for%20their%20long-term%20problem%20solution,%20how%20well%20they%20solve%20a%20%22spontaneous%22%20problem%20on%20the%20spot,%20and%20%22style%22%20--%20the%20elaboration%20of%20their%20long-term%20problem%20solution.%20|http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/viewevents.php?assoc=GA&url=http://www.georgiaodyssey.org/]]
 * //<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">Odyssey of the Mind //** is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Kids apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and World level. Thousands of teams from throughout the U.S. and from about 25 other countries participate in the program.

Odyssey of the Mind is a competitive program, but it's nothing like your typical sporting event. The competitive element encourages kids to be the best that they can be, but it's a friendly competition. Kids learn from and even cheer on their competitors. Odyssey of the Mind is not a college bowl or a competition about knowledge. It's all about creativity, an often overlooked element in the growth and development of many students. Kids are rewarded more for how they apply their knowledge, skills and talents, and not for coming up with the right answer. In fact, in Odyssey of the Mind problems, there isn't one right answer. Ever.
 * //<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">What makes Odyssey different? //**

In Odyssey of the Mind, students learn at a young age skills that will last a lifetime. They work in teams so they learn cooperation and respect for the ideas of others. They evaluate ideas and make decisions on their own, gaining greater self-confidence and increased self-esteem along the way. They work within a budget, so they learn to manage their money. They see that there�s often more than one way to solve a problem, and that sometimes the process is more important than the end result.
 * //<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">How do students benefit from participation? //**

S chools or community groups purchase a membership and form teams of up to seven students. Each team chooses one of five competitive problems to solve. The problems appeal to a wide range of interests; some are technical in nature, while others are artistic or performance-oriented. Under the guidance of an adult coach, teams work on their solutions throughout the school year and, if they choose, present them in organized competitions in the spring. The "friendly" competitive aspect encourages students to be the best that they can be.
 * //<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">How does it work? //**

I n the U.S., the first level of competition is usually within a region of a state. Teams who place are invited to compete at the state level. These championship teams are then invited to participate in the annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, where they compete with teams from countries around the world, including Canada, China, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, and Uzbekistan. New countries join the program each year.
 * //<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">What are the competition levels? //**

T housands of volunteers from around the world judge the competitions and serve in various positions to help make the tournaments a success. Teams are scored for their long-term problem solution, how well they solve a "spontaneous" problem on the spot, and "style" -- the elaboration of their long-term problem solution. 11/7 [|TEAMS,] JETS flagship program, is an annual academic competition that gives students, in grades 9 - 12, the opportunity to discover the practical applications of math and science by solving some of today's greatest engineering challenges. More than 14,000 students compete every year in this fun and fast-paced competition that inspires creativity, teamwork, critical thinking and valuable insight into the world of engineering. Through TEAMS, students make the real-world connection between math and science to engineering by solving actual engineering scenarios. Questions are focused around a common theme and in 2009 the theme will be: **Behind the Scenes: Theme Parks.** Students will discover the engineering involved in designing, building and running America's theme parks! Competitions will take place between **February 2 and March 15** at multiple locations across the country and are hosted by colleges and universities ([|click here for a complete list]). Even though the time frame to compete is six weeks, the competition only takes one day and the date is selected by the Host.
 * //<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">How are teams judged in competition? //**
 * TEAMS…**
 * Brings math and science to life.
 * Gets students involved in the classroom or after school club/group.
 * Fosters creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving skills.
 * Energizes students with new academic topics and challenges.
 * Inspires students by showing them what's possible with a career in engineering.
 * Answers that age-old question, "When am I ever going to use this?"
 * Want to know more?** Get involved and learn how you can [|coach a team] or [|host a competition].

10/31 Sponsor: HP and Tech&Learning Prize: HP xw4550 workstation Deadline: October 31, 2008 Details: Teachers and students visit the Tech&Learning forum to tell us what innovative projects they would do with the new HP xw4550 workstation. Schools can invite colleagues, administrators, parents, and students to join in on the conversation. The winning project idea receives a HP xw4550 workstation.

This one is easy, you just respond to a threaded discussion with the added bonus that you see everyone else's entry. http://forums.techlearning.com/showthread.php?t=2034

10/24

**<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">Georgia Educational Technology Conference - GaETC 2008® ** **<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">Keys to Continuous Improvement ** <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">November 5-7, 2008 <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">Georgia International Convention Center College Park, Georgia <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">The deadline to register online for GaETC 2008 has been extended. You can still register online between now and this coming Monday, October 27th. If you and your colleagues haven't registered, now’s the time!!! You can register at the on-site rates online by going to http://www.gaetc.org/reginfo08.htm. After October 27th all registration will take place on-site. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">Don’t miss RON CLARK, our keynote speaker for the opening session. Ron is the best-selling author of The Essential 55 and the inspiration for the film The Ron Clark Story starring Matthew Perry. He and his students have received many national awards and recognitions. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">You will also want to attend Friday’s closing session which is known for its DOOR PRIZES!!! This year’s prizes include iPods, a Promethean ActivBoard, a “Heavenly Bed” set from Westin Hotels and Resorts, and many others. Don’t miss the excitement!!! <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">Register today for an opportunity to network with thousands of Georgia educators, hear outstanding featured and local speakers, and choose from over 250 concurrent sessions. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">WORKSHOPS - Workshop registration is also available. For an additional fee, we have a wide range of workshop topics on the latest issues and trends in educational technology. Please go to the following URL to view the workshop titles and descriptions - http://www.gaetc.org/workshops08/1workshops08.htm .. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">IMPORTANT REGISTRATION UPDATE !! **
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">EXCITING OPENING AND CLOSING SESSIONS **
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST: **
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';">TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP FORUM **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Helv','sans-serif';"> - The Technology Leadership Forum is a new addition to the GaETC schedule. It will be held Tuesday, November 4, with sessions customized specifically to meet the needs of technology leaders and district level technology staff. The full-day schedule will open with Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools, include a luncheon with a guest speaker, and conclude with a reception at 5:00 p.m. in the exhibit hall. This forum is an additional fee which can be combined with a full conference registration. Sessions will continue in the Technology Leadership strand during the conference Wednesday, November 5 - Friday, November 7. Please note that lunch at the Leadership Forum is NOT guaranteed if you register onsite at the conference.

10/10

Portraits of Learning 2008
//Technology & Learning//'s Digital Photo Contest for Kids Sponsored by Adobe Digital Kids Club [|**CLICK HERE TO ENTER**] Examples: To see last year's winners, visit our [|2007 winners]. The contest is open to all K-12 students who may submit digital photos taken between January 1, 2008 and October 1, 2008. Fill out an entry form for each photo and be sure to include descriptions on the entry form. Photographs must be received by midnight, October 17, 2008. Teachers may submit classroom and/or individual photos OR students may submit their own individual photos. If photos are being submitted over the summer, either parents (for young students) or students may submit referencing their grade level and teacher from the recently completed year. All Portraits of Learning materials must be submitted electronically — Submit your digital photo as either a tiff, eps, or jpeg. [|**CLICK HERE TO ENTER**] First place winners receive Adobe Photoshop Elements and a digital camera. Student's school wins an Adobe Digital Kids Club Digital Photography Lab Kit, including three digital cameras (or equivalent) and accessories. Second place winners receive Adobe Photoshop Elements. The best digitally-enhanced photo will receive Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 3. **Prizes awarded to US and Canadian residents only.** If an international student is chosen as a winner, they will receive a special recognition from Adobe. While the photographer retains ownership and copyright of the photographs, entry of your photo in the contest gives //Technology & Learning// and Adobe Systems, Inc the right to reproduce and display the photo (in multiple media, including techLEARNING.com, //Technology & Learning// magazine, and Adobe Systems, Inc's promotional materials and Web site) for promotional and educational purposes. We will not be able to return photographs. The photographer must obtain all the necessary consents and authorizations from persons photographed. Please download the appropriate forms, have them signed, and submit via fax (650.238.0263) or regular mail to: Jared Stearns, //Technology & Learning magazine//, Portraits of Learning, 1111 Bayhill Drive, Ste 125, San Bruno, CA 94066. While we recommend that entrants include permission forms with their entries, they need not accompany submissions to be considered for the contest.
 * Previous Awards of Excellence Winners ||
 * [|2007] | [|2006] ||
 * What**: //Technology & Learning// invites K-12 students to participate in the sixth annual digital photography contest. The competition, open to all K-12 students, challenges you to capture—and share—your unique vision of the world. If you have an artistic side, you also have the option to digitally enhance your photos with your favorite imaging software. The best digitally enhanced photo wins a special prize from Adobe. Other prizes include a digital camera, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and more!
 * How**: Enter the best possible photo. Your photo may be submitted "as is" or you can manipulate it using photo editing software. If you do choose to manipulate your photo digitally, submit both the original and the manipulated photo so we can compare.
 * New Deadline Oct 17th!**
 * Write**:
 * A short description of no more than fifty words about how your photograph reflects your point of view.
 * (For manipulated photos only) A description of what kind of software you used and how you manipulated your photo. For tips and help on photo manipulation - see "[|Photo Tips and Guidelines]".
 * Who Can Submit**:
 * How to Submit**:
 * Winners**: 12 winners will be named, with 1 first place and 3 second place winners in each of the following categories: elementary, middle school, and high school.
 * Prizes**:
 * Ownership Rights**:
 * Consent Forms**:

from http://www.techlearning.com/portraits/index.php

10/3
 * Pearson Math Matters Contest ** Two 'Grand Prize' winners in the Math Matters video contest will receive a Canon ZR950 miniDV camcorder for their school. This contest is open to any school using Investigations.

[|More...]
 * 1) **Showcase** in under 8 minute how math matters to your students in your classroom and beyond.
 * 2) **Add** an intro screen to your video
 * 3) [|**Upload** your video] to SchoolTube.com before March 9, 2009. See the [|FAQs] for more information.
 * 4) **Mail** your signed contest release forms
 * 5) **Vote** for your favorite video at SchoolTube.com

9/26 Recitation and performance are major new trends in poetry. There has been a recent resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the immense popularity of hip-hop music. **//Poetry Out Loud//** builds on that momentum by inviting the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English class.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with State Arts Agencies of the United States to support the expansion of //Poetry Out Loud//, which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. This exciting program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

After successful pilot programs in Washington, DC, and Chicago, the second phase of //Poetry Out Loud// was launched in high schools across America in the spring of 2006 with tens of thousands of students participating. Last year, over 200,000 students competed. Shawntay A. Henry from the U.S. Virgin Islands was named National Champion on April 29, 2008.

The program will continue to grow during the 2008-2009 school year, culminating in the 2009 National Finals in Washington, DC, on April 28, 2009.


 * CONTEST STRUCTURE AND AWARDS**

//Poetry Out Loud// uses a pyramid structure that begins at the classroom level. Winners will advance to the school-wide competition, then to the state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals.

More information about the contest's structure can be found [|here].

Each winner at the state level will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington to compete for the national championship. The state winner's school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. A runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. A total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends at the National Finals will be awarded to the winners.


 * PROGRAM MATERIALS AND SCHEDULE**

//Poetry Out Loud// curriculum materials include print and online poetry anthologies, a teachers guide to help instructors teach recitation and performance, an audio CD featuring distinguished actors and writers, promotional and media guides, and a comprehensive Website. Hard copies of all materials are free for schools participating in the official program. All curriculum materials are also available for download on the //Poetry Out Loud// Website. Schools not officially involved in the official contest are welcome to use the online materials.

While teachers, students, and poetry lovers everywhere can use this website and its accompanying educational materials to organize their own recitation contests, the official contest is limited to the programs run by each state's Arts Agency. If you are an educator interested in participating in the official program, please contact your [|State Arts Agency].

//Poetry Out Loud// materials are sent to high schools in September 2008, and participating schools will run the program through early winter. (The program requires only two or three weeks of class time.) States will hold their competitions by March 18. Following the state finals, the National Finals and Semifinals will be held in Washington, DC, April 27 & 28 2009. [|Georgia Council for the Arts] Melanie Eisenhart (404) 814-2063 melanie.eisenhart@gwtw.org

9/19 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">WIN A "GREEN COMPUTER LAB" FOR YOUR SCHOOL! ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">INSPIRE your middle and high school students to be leaders in the Green Schools movement--and your school could win a state-of-the-art computer lab! The "Green Light Contest" essay competition, sponsored by PC Mall Gov, in partnership with HP, InFocus and T.H.E. Journal, is seeking entries from students in two categories: grades 5 - 8 and 9 - 12. In essays of 1,000 words or less students are asked to describe how they and their teachers can utilize technology to protect the environment, with the grand-prize-winning composition being awarded a 30-seat "green" computer lab for the author's school. Two additional first place winners (one from each grade-level category) will each receive a "green" laptop. Winning essays will be published in T.H.E. Journal and winners will be recognized at FETC, January 21 - 24, in Orlando, FL. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">***APPLICATION DEADLINE is December 1, 2008. Winners will be announced at FETC, January 21 - 24, 2009, and notified by mail no later than January 31, 2009.** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">  *Complete essay and submission criteria are available online at: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">http://www.1105info.com/t.do?id=1685344:867756

9/5

=International Student Media Festival=

Last spring, a select number of Clarke County School District students' work was sent to the International Student Media Festival (ISMF) competition, with winners to be recognized during this year's AECT conference in Orlando, FL November 4-7. The winners have been announced and are listed below: Underground Athens (Poster) **Juan Guzman Cedar Shoals High School** Study in Color (Photo) **Juan Guzman Cedar Shoals High School** No Evil (Poster) **Shadonna Smith Cedar Shoals High School** CSI Athens (Live Action) **Caitlin Clark and Clara Nibbelink Cedar Shoals High School** The Truth (Sequential Stills) **Matthew Dellaria Clarke Middle School** Women's Abuse (Sequential Stills) **Mattie Jasivlevieius Clarke Middle School** Nature Photo: Hillside w/Path (Photo) **Justin Van Wicklen Cedar Shoals High School** More information about the festival is located at http://www.ismf.net/ns/.

Plans are under way for this school year's Student Media Festival. Please check this space next month for details on how students in your school can participate.

= =

5/2 ** 3rd Annual ‘The Teachers’ Podcast’ ** **<span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Best Educational Podcast Awards! ** <span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> ** Submission Deadline is July 5, 2008 ** <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> ** Awards will be made in the following categories. **  **Deadline- all entries must be submitted by July 5, 2008 to** ** teacherspodcastawards@gmail.com ** **We suggest you might like to visit last year’s contest (includes a link to the winners) @** http://www.podcastforteachers.org/PFTbestpodcastawards.html __**Contact Us**__ **Join in the //a-c-t-i-o-n// with the TTPOD Family !** (C) Transformation Education LLC, King & Gura, 2008. [|www.transformationed.com]
 * The “best” podcasts will be selected by a committee of expert judges who look for:**
 * CREATIVITY, EFFICACY, AND PRACTICALITY**
 * The winning entries will:**
 * **Address educational objectives (efficacy)**
 * **Understand and engage their audience (efficacy)**
 * **Demonstrate creativity in the use of digital media (creativity)** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> **Be adaptable and replicable by students and teachers (practicality)**
 * **Best Teacher Podcast**
 * ** Best Student Project Podcast ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> ** Best Professional Development Podcast **
 * The** **First Place** **recipient in each category will receive a certificate of and letter of award to the head of department/school/district __and will be featured in an interview on The Teachers’ Podcast__.**
 * SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:** **simply send an email with an MP3 file of your podcast attached or include a link to your podcast feed in the message.**
 * ** In the body of the email write: “Entry - Best Educational Podcast Awards” and **
 * ** Give the name of the student, class, school, or teacher who produced the podcast. **
 * ** State the category for which you are applying as well as the name, address, email and/or website of the school or institution. **
 * ** In the “Subject” field of the email also write: “Entry - Best Educational Podcast Awards”. **
 * ** Be certain to name a contact person and all contact information in order to be informed in the event that your podcast is a winner… **
 * Be part of The Revolution in teaching and learning!**
 * You can contact Mark and Kathy about other topics related to the podcast, instructional** [[image:http://teacherspodcast.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/fb-logo4a.thumbnail.jpg width="75" height="74" align="right" caption="TTPOD-facebook" link="http://fordham.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9953658948"]] **technology, teaching, learning and speaking engagements**.
 * leaving a comment here on the blog/site
 * emailing us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com [[image:http://teacherspodcast.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/facebookdotcom.thumbnail.JPG width="85" height="36" align="right" caption="FaceBook" link="http://fordham.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9953658948"]]
 * posting to the discussion in the [|**Teacher’s** **Podcast //Group// in //Facebook//**]
 * phoning us at **(201) 693-4935**