Move beyond the boundaries of your classroom walls with a program that helps celebrate the multicultural richness of students across North America. Connections offers a range of cross-cultural activities for grade six teachers and students from the U.S., Canada and Mexico designed to foster respect and appreciation for similarities and differences.

Curriculum-based projects are created by the teachers, so students and teachers can collaborate and communicate with each other via e-mail, online bulletin boards and conferencing, regardless of geographic location. The Foundation equips participating schools with education technology for easy, effective collaboration and also provides teacher training. The program culminates in the spring with teachers and select students visiting Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for a week of friendship, adventure and learning.

Once a school is accepted, the program runs as follows:

	Selected grade six teachers come to Calgary in July for teacher training
	Upon returning to the school, the teachers train other grade six teachers at their school, if applicable
	Grade six students engage in collaborative learning projects with other participating schools throughout the school year
	A select number of grade six students and their teachers participate in the Calgary Student Visit at the end of the school year

Participation Agreement
Successful applicants are expected to fully participate in the program's activities. Commitment on the part of the teachers and administrators is critical to the success of the program. Your administrator is required to sign a Participation Agreement, which clearly states the Foundation's responsibilities and your school's commitments and obligations. It includes a stipulation that your school will supply substitute teaching coverage during teacher training (if necessary) and the Calgary Student Visit.

Costs
Most costs associated with the Calgary Student Visit and the teacher training are covered by the SMARTer Kids Foundation. These costs include airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation and admission to Connections-sponsored activities. These costs do not include souvenirs, personal photography and development, personal transportation, meals and snacks not arranged by the Foundation, and alcoholic beverages.

Questions?
Contact the Connections program manager at info@smarterkids.org or 403.451.2131.