Calgary, AB --- May 1, 2002 --- The SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada announces the selection of nine schools from across Canada and the U.S. to participate in the 2002–2004 Connections program. Each school will receive leading-edge technology from independent program sponsors and teachers will be trained on how to integrate this technology with curriculum. The Connections program will follow students through grades five and six, culminating with student representatives and their teachers meeting for a week of fun and learning in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in May 2004. During the next two years, students from all nine schools will collaborate on projects and communicate with each other over distances. They will be exploring their similarities and differences, with the goal of developing a common understanding as well as friendship and respect. This fully funded program is entering its fourth year, with more than 1,000 children already having benefited from Connections.

In July 2002 one grade five teacher from each participating school will meet in Calgary to plan collaborative projects and receive technology training. These teachers will introduce the Connections program to the grade five students and other grade five teachers at their respective schools. In July 2003 one grade six teacher from each school will train in Calgary and return to lead the then-grade-six students through the 2003–2004 school year. Throughout this program, participating teachers will develop a support network and create opportunities for ongoing student interaction.

"The Connections program provides a unique learning opportunity for students and teachers from across North America," says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. "The Foundation hopes that participants will develop lifelong connections as well as become more aware of their potential to positively impact the global community."

2002–2004 Participating Schools

U.S. schools:
	Central Middle School, Van Buren, Arkansas
	O'Neill Public Elementary, O'Neill, Nebraska
	PS 165, Ida Posner School, Brooklyn, New York
	Red Mesa Elementary, Teec Nos Pos, Arizona
	Susan Moore Elementary, Blountsville, Alabama
Canadian schools:
	Barr Colony School, Lloydminster, Alberta
	David Livingston Elementary, Vancouver, British Columbia
	Kingslake Public School, Toronto, Ontario
	Ranchlands Elementary, Calgary, Alberta

Previous Participants
Schools from the following provinces and states have participated in previous Connections programs: Alberta, Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Quebec, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Connections Creed
The Connections Creed captures the values and ideals of this program:

In my life, I can stand alone without being lonely. I can reach out and feel connected to family, friends and teachers. I will surround myself with people who inspire me to be the best person I can be. I am connected to others in many ways, but what matters the most is what is within me and who I choose to be.

Product Donations
All schools participating in the Connections program will receive a minimum of one SMART Board 580 interactive whiteboard, a Floor Stand 570 and an NEC VT440 projector. These products will be integrated with curriculum to support collaborative learning projects. The SMARTer Kids Foundation thanks SMART Technologies Inc. and NEC Solutions America, Visual Systems Division for these product donations and their ongoing support.

For more information on Connections, visit www.smarterkids.org/k12/connections.

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Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.