Nine schools selected for 2001-2003 Connections program

More students from across North America to benefit from innovative learning program

Calgary, AB --- June 25, 2001 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation announces the selection of nine schools from across Canada and the U.S. to participate in the 2001-2003 Connections program. Each school will receive leading-edge technology and teachers will be trained on how to integrate this technology into the curriculum. The program will follow students through grades five and six, culminating with student representatives and their teachers meeting for a fun-filled week in Calgary in May 2003. Throughout the program, students will collaborate on projects and communicate with each other via e-mail. This fully funded program is entering its third year, with over 700 children already having participated in Connections.

In July 2001 the selected grade five teachers will meet in Calgary to plan collaborative projects and receive training. The teachers will introduce the program to the grade five students and other grade five teachers at their respective schools. In July 2002 one grade six teacher from each school will train in Calgary and return to lead the then-grade-six students through the 2002-2003 school year. Throughout this program, participating teachers will develop a support network and create opportunities for ongoing student interaction.

"We want to congratulate the nine schools selected for the 2001-2003 Connections program," says Nancy Knowlton, executive director, SMARTer Kids Foundation. "From Louisiana to California and Nova Scotia to Alberta, students and teachers will have the opportunity to be part of a learning experience that, based on past participation, will benefit them both personally and academically."

2001-2003 Participating Schools U.S. schools:
	Winchell Elementary School, Fresno, CA
	Saline High School (K-12), Saline, LA
	E.W. Fritsch Elementary School, Carson City, NV
	William T. Machan School, Phoenix, AZ
	East Sunflower Elementary School, Sunflower, MS
Canadian schools:
	Parkdale Elementary School, Calgary, AB
	Mount Carmel Elementary School, New Waterford, NS
	G.R. Davis Elementary School, Fort Macleod, AB
	Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, Okotoks, AB

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 and their ongoing support.

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Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.