SMARTer Kids Foundation accepting applications for innovative learning program

Grade five and six classes from across North America eligible for 2002–2004 Connections program

Calgary, AB --- October 1, 2001 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2002–2004 Connections program, a collaborative learning program for grade five and six classes from across North America. Connections equips upper elementary schools with leading-edge technology, provides teacher training and promotes collaborative projects between schools. Teams of grade five and six teachers from schools in Canada and the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by March 15, 2002.

While participating in Connections, students collaborate on projects and communicate with one another via e-mail, with a goal of encouraging mutual respect and understanding for others, regardless of their geographical location. The program culminates with teachers and selected students meeting in Calgary for a week of friendship, adventure and learning. Connections is entering its fourth year, with more than 700 children already having participated in this fully funded program.

"In 2000 I took six students with me to Canada, and the trip remains a very positive experience for them," says Carol Etter, a Connections teacher from Denn John Middle School in Kissimmee, Florida. "One former student recently asked me, 'Do you remember when we went to Canada and all the fun we had?' We started laughing and reminiscing about the snow, the food and the late, funfilled evenings. The student still draws upon these pleasant memories."

"The Connections program has already touched the lives of hundreds of children across North America through new friendships, technology and travel," says Candace Beaton, manager, Connections program. "The Foundation is excited to welcome a new group of teachers and students to the Connections family with this round of the program."

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 2002–2003 and 2003–2004 school years. Once the teams are selected, one Connections grade five teacher from each school will visit Calgary, Alberta, in July 2002 to receive training on topics such as integrating technology into the curriculum. More importantly, the teachers will work together to plan collaborative projects for the coming year. Upon their return, these teachers will train the other grade five teachers in their schools. The following July, the grade six teacher from each school who will be receiving the Connections students will train in Calgary and return to lead the other grade six teachers through the 2003–2004 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 2004, a select number of grade six students, accompanied by the teacher, will participate in the Calgary Student Visit.

Costs associated with the Calgary Student Visit and the teacher training, including airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation and admission to Connections-sponsored activities, are covered by the SMARTer Kids Foundation.

Product Donations
All Connections schools will receive at minimum 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. All product donations become the property of the Connections schools to keep upon completion of the Connections 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 or from the Foundation office at 403.802.2549.

All applications must be received by midnight on March 15, 2002. Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 1, 2002. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a participation agreement with the Foundation. Full program details and requirements are available online.

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For more information, contact:
Public Relations
SMARTer Kids Foundation
403.228.8559
pr@smarterkids.org