SMARTer Kids^™ Foundation Connections program accepting applications for 2001-2002 school year

Grade five and six classes across Canada and the U.S. eligible to participate in innovative, collaborative learning program that focuses on teamwork and developing self-esteem

Calgary, AB --- September 20, 2000 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2001-2002 Connections program. Connections strives to foster in each participating student a greater sense of self-understanding and of connection to family, fellow students and the global community. Teams of grade five and six teachers from schools in Canada and the U.S. are eligible for the Connections program. The Foundation will select six to 10 teams to participate and the deadline for applications is November 20, 2000.

Connections enables students to accept and embrace differences among their peers in the same classroom or across the continent. The program provides a supportive environment in which students may grow in self-confidence and self-discovery. Working on joint projects throughout the year, students have the opportunity to develop new friendships, discover common bonds and share experiences with other students across North America. Technology is integrated into the curriculum to create an interactive learning environment. Connections activities are designed to develop strong communication and planning skills, leadership qualities and increased confidence.

"The Connections program changed the lives of the children in my classroom," says Jane Gutierrez, 1999-2000 Connections teacher at Brush Elementary School in Cleveland, OH. "As we moved from our introductory stage to projects on which we collaborated with other schools, the class began to come together as a cooperative team. This would be a fabulous outcome for any class, but for this class it was incredible."

"Through the Connections program we want to help students better understand themselves and how they can impact their world," says Julie Freedman Smith, manager, Connections program. "By supporting children in their quest for self-confidence, the Connections program is helping children across North America achieve their goals, one child at a time."

Program Details
The SMARTer Kids Foundation is offering the Connections program to teams of grade five and grade six teachers and their students for the 2001-2002 school year. Once selected, one Connections grade five teacher from each school will receive training on topics such as integrating technology into the curriculum. Upon their return, these teachers will train all other grade five teachers in their schools. The following July, one grade six teacher from each school will train in Calgary and return to lead the grade six teachers through the 2001-2002 school year of the program. The grade five Connections students will continue to participate in the program when they move to grade six. In the spring of 2002, a select number of grade six students will participate in the Calgary Student Visit, accompanied by the grade six teacher.

Costs associated with the Calgary Student Visit and the teacher training, including airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation and admission to Connections-sponsored activities will be covered by the SMARTer Kids Foundation. The Foundation also donates leading-edge technology to each of the participating schools – technology that is theirs to keep upon completion of the program.

How to Apply
All accredited, not-for-profit public and private grade five and six classroom teachers in Canada and the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications are available online at www.smarterkids.org/connections/appform.htm or from the Foundation office at 403.228.8565. All applications must be received by midnight on November 20, 2000. Applicants will be notified of their application status by December 5, 2000.

     ###

Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.