SMARTer Kids Foundation accepting applications for 2001–2003 Connections program

Grade five and six classes across Canada and the U.S. eligible for innovative learning program

Calgary, AB --- February 9, 2001 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2001–2003 Connections program. Connections is an innovative learning program that equips upper elementary schools with leading-edge technology and promotes collaborative projects between schools. The program culminates with teachers and selected students meeting in Calgary for a week of friendship, adventure and learning. Teams of grade five and six teachers from schools in Canada and the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by April 1, 2001.

The Connections program strives to foster in each participating student a greater sense of self-understanding and of connection to family, fellow students and the global community. Through product donations, training and travel opportunities, the program provides an interactive, enriched learning experience for all participants. By collaborating on projects and communicating with each other via e-mail, students have the opportunity to develop new friendships, discover common bonds and share experiences with other students across North America.

Connections provides exciting opportunities for participating teachers. Together they will develop collaborative projects, share ideas and create a valuable support network. Through these shared experiences, teachers develop strong bonds that extend beyond the duration of the program.

"We feel so incredibly fortunate to have been selected to participate in this year's Connections program," says Patty Langley, 2001–2002 Connections teacher at Bells Elementary School in Bells, TX. "Being part of such a program is an opportunity of a lifetime for these kids. Given the considerable benefits and the ease of the application process, I strongly encourage teachers to apply."

"Since the program launched in 1999, Connections has provided hundreds of children with learning, travel and cultural opportunities that would otherwise not have been possible," says Julie Freedman Smith, manager, Connections program. "Watching these children interact and mature as they move through the program is inspiring to all involved. We look forward to the next year of the program and many more to follow."

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 and 2002–2003 school years. Once selected, one Connections grade five teacher from each school will visit Calgary, Alberta, in July 2001 to 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 2002–2003 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 2003, 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.

Product Donations
All Connections schools will receive a SMART Board 580, Floor Stand 570, SMART Board Software and an NEC VT440 projector. These products will be integrated into the curriculum to support collaborative learning projects. The SMARTer Kids Foundation thanks SMART Technologies Inc. and NEC Technologies, Visual Systems Division for these product donations. All product donations become the property of the Connections school to keep upon completion of the program.

How to Apply
Teams of grades five and six teachers from the same accredited, not-for-profit public and private schools in Canada and the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications are available online at www.smarterkids.org/connections/appfillout.htm or from the Foundation office at 403.802.2598. All applications must be received by midnight on April 1, 2001. Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 15, 2001.

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Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.