Tag Archives: Teaching

Teacher’s Pet makes the iPad a Teacher’s Best Friend in the Digital Classroom!

House of File, a mobile developer focused on a wide variety of applications, is excited today to announce the launch of Teacher’s Pet on the App Store. Created specifically for iPad and iPad Mini and is the ONLY App that Teachers need to make their iPad the ULTIMATE Teaching Assistant.

First, you can create your lesson plans by date, grade, or subject, and save it to your calendar, or email the lesson plan to your colleagues or supervisor. Then, to prepare your lesson, this app will allow you to prepare notes, use an interactive whiteboard that you can preload with a picture or graphic, import PDFs or PPT presentations, upload videos, pictures, or record lectures and create flash cards, and then save your lessons to your calendar by date and subject. You can create lessons for as many subjects as you need each day. Finally, after your lessons are saved to your calendar, you can easily retrieve them for presentation. The app lets you present any of your material through your overhead with a VGA connector, or wirelessly through an Apple TV. Your lessons can be emailed or shared over Bluetooth, or you can use the print function to prepare handouts for students.

A well rounded app, Teacher’s Pet features password protection options, as well as full iCloud backup support to ensure that your lessons and other data will never be lost. Setting up the app is as simple as inputting your name, school year, and classes that you teach. You’re free to set up appointments, reminders and other alerts within the calendar as well.

Teacher’s Pet is currently available for download on the App Store for $4.99 in the Education category.

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Texas Students To Receive State-Of-The-Art Supplemental Science Learning Materials

Students from 5th through 12th grade will, this school year, have internet learning assistance to improve their science grades.

In June, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) had panels of assessors reviewing internet learning submissions from a number of companies. The subject matter review experts on these panels determined which submissions were compliant with the new science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) statements, which include 5th through 8th grade as well as high school Biology, Chemistry, Physics and IPC. Following the reviews the Commissioner, Robert Scott, recommended a list for adoption by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). On July 22, 2011 the SBOE voted to adopt a number of submissions. From the adopted list, schools can elect to purchase access to the software that they feel will suit their students best.

For students, these interactive learning programs will include; virtual experiments, animated simulations and instantly marked assessments, all designed to motivate students to explore the world of science.

In the present economic climate it must be good news that this dynamic learning material is available to Texas students at a fraction of the cost of traditional textbooks.

One of the systems adopted has been created by Texas entrepreneur, Tim Brown.

Tim, the President of Technical Laboratory Systems, has funded a partnership between his Texas-based team and a world leading company in the design of e-learning materials, to produce learning programs for all eight grade levels that are totally compliant with the new science TEKS*.

It is Tim’s opinion that this new TEA initiative creates a real possibility that more Texas students will succeed in school science and then choose to follow careers in science, technology or engineering.

Tim says;

“As a provider of technical education equipment to Texas schools and colleges for more than thirty years, I have been saddened to see the decline in the number of quality students opting for careers in technology and engineering. Middle and High School science is the bedrock for college studies in science, technology and engineering. Science teachers, who do their utmost to motivate students, will find that difficult task so much easier with this software. It was a logical step for me to invest in new technology to improve the prospects of our young students. Here in Texas we have world leading companies in all the technological areas, if we cannot provide them with the skilled and innovative workforce that they require, they will be forced to go elsewhere.”

Academics have lobbied hard for our policymakers to address the state’s declining SAT scores and maybe their message is being heard. Perhaps this new initiative by the TEA will go some way to ease the concerns of many in Texas, that the present financial constraints will damage the prospects for our schoolchildren.

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Finally it is Teacher Appreciation Week

“Teacher appreciation makes the world of education go around.” Helen Peters. Whether you are 8 or 18 years old, you live in South Korea or in Sweden, you are black or you are white. Everyone around the world has at least one teacher who has inspired them and motivated them to keep on going and never give up. The only thing we can give back is showing our appreciation for their work and effort. This appreciation makes teachers aware of what their efforts mean to us and keeps them doing the great things they do. Students from different country celebrate this in their own way, with their own and unique habits and on different dates.

Finally it is Teacher Appreciation Week

Today starts the week during which students of the US can express their gratefulness for what their teachers have taught them. Today starts the week where for once the teachers don’t give, but the students do. Today starts the week that entire classes work together to surprise their teachers. Today starts the week that makes teachers feel good about what they do. Today starts the week that makes the world of education go around. Today starts Teacher Appreciation Week.

Until May 7th, teachers will walk out of their homes with an even bigger smile on their face than usual. Because they now that this is the week that they get recognition for all the effort they put into this job. “Teachers appreciate being appreciated, for teacher appreciation is their highest award.” - William Prince. They work so hard by teaching us how to write, read and count. They treat us as their own children and from today on, we can show them that we treat them as our second parents. Although we give them headaches and make them upset all the time, there is one week to make it all up and make sure that they don’t forget why they do so much for us.

During this week and especially on Tuesday, everyone does their best to be as creative as possible and surprise their teachers with the most amazing and original ideas. On teacher appreciation info you can find a lot of initiatives that were done in the past and different tips. One tip is to keep in mind which teachers you are surprising. Try to know as much as possible about them and use this to create a present. In this way, your present means much more to those particular teachers and gets a personal touch. Your teachers are happy and so are you, because for once, you managed to give them something that means a lot and not the other way around.

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‘Don’t Mind The English Weather, It’s Unpredictable’

Planning to travel around the United Kingdom this Spring and are clueless what kind of weather to pack for? Travel guides and tour operators will advise you to prepare for all eventualities. So pack an umbrella or a raincoat, a sweater and shawl to brace against chilly winds if you are heading towards Scotland or the seaside, and some summery cotton clothes for an impromptu barbecue or a picnic in the meadows.

'Don't Mind The English Weather, It's Unpredictable'

“It’s funny that there are all the jokes made about how when two Englishmen meet, they ease into a conversation about the weather. Well, that’s because the weather is the most unpredictable and fluctuating element in English life”, says Graham Chestner, a tour operator in Bristol who has to tackle a lot of weather queries all year around.

In spring, summer and autumn are wonderful seasons to be travelling around Britain. Travel advisors always warn tourists to remember to carry something warm to wear in the evenings, even during the summer months. After a very hot day, when the sun finally sets, temperatures are likely to plummet in the evening. If you aren’t a native English speaker, then spring is the perfect time to head to England to learn English. One of the short English course UK will help make your vacation even more enjoyable. Or if you fancy pursuing an education in England, then make good use of the extended English summer to sign up for pre-sessional programmes UK that will help you understand and speak English better. What better excuse to enjoy an extended summer in England than to combine it with some useful education?

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Bunny Bear’s Holiday Special CD Offer

Bunny Bear’s Adventure’s in Diversity Land will make you laugh and make you sigh! Surprise your youngsters with this brand new collection of stories they can enjoy all year. Buy 2 audio CDs by November 30 and get one Free! Join story teller, trainer, and award- winning author Deborah Levine as she and Bunny Bear tell you about trying to fit, about being the new kid, the different one. Enjoy the humanity of trying very hard and how success comes in many unexpected forms. Teach youngsters how to make being different a positive life lesson. Stories are a big hit with ages 6-11 and adults will find themselves laughing and sighing along with them.

Here’s what grandmother and teacher Mary Jane McKinsey says about Bunny Bear. “I so much enjoyed listening to Bunny Bear’s Adventures in Diversity Land. I think that if I were a young child who has just moved to a new country, I would love to hear the adventures and the difficulties and the homesickness and the fun of a person like Deborah Levine. Your experiences in moving to the United States from Bermuda are so heartwarming and sad and happy, all in one little girl’s life.”

Don’t miss this special holiday opportunity! Mary Jane wants you to know, “I would highly recommend your CD to any child who is the new child on the block. You make one feel that anything is possible in a new situation. And your voice would make any child feel as if you are talking to just him.”

Don’t miss out! Order 2 copies and get your Free CD before the end of November. Go online to the CD Department at www.ADR-Store.com to the Bunny Bear Holiday Special.

Bunny Bear’s Adventures in Diversity Land is an original creation of the American Diversity Report LLC and is available in the ADR-Store of our online magazine at www.americandiversityreport.com.

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Drug Education For Children

Narconon provides free drug education for children at Monterey County Fair. In an effort to educate as many people as possible about the harmful effects of drugs, Narconon Northern California strives to have a presence in community settings where people congregate. Last week Narconon Vista Bay had a booth at the Monterey County Fair, which is one of the largest in the state. This provided the team an opportunity to share information and to mingle with members of the community.

The Narconon booth included a prize wheel and gifts. During the extent of the fair over 4000 pieces of printed drug education material was placed in the hands of children. Parents and other members of the community expressed appreciation of the positive and proactive approach that Narconon provides in drug education and prevention.

Drug abuse has been a cause of concern for parents and the nation for generations. Rather than simply focusing on ‘just saying no’, Narconon drug education focuses on realistic aspects of drug use and abuse. The real facts are presented without the use of scare tactics. When kids have the entire picture of what drugs can do to their life they are more likely to make the right decision. Humor is a huge part of the program for kids’ presentations and trainings.

These training programs are in place in schools across the country as they assist in meeting several criteria for the US Department of Education, Title IV, (Safe & Drug Free School) funds. In order to keep the presentations and training materials up to date and current, trends of youth substance abuse are tracked and monitored and modifications are made as needed. Being proactive results in prevention of drug use, which is the true goal of drug education.

The Narconon Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment, which has more than a 70% success rate, is a drug-free method for rehabilitation. The program actually consists of two stages or components: detoxification and rehabilitation itself.

“Narconon Drug Rehab” has successfully graduated thousands of individuals that have gone on to live stable, productive, and drug-free lives. “Narconon Prescription Drug Treatment” focuses on eliminating drug abuse through drug education, information and rehabilitation. Preventative efforts focus on proactive presentations and training materials provided by professionals in a realistic way.

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Brilliance Academy Bloggers Shed New Light on Daycare in Dallas

Brilliance Preschool & Academy provides an opportunity for local parents to get information on local news.

There’s nothing more important than a child’s education. For over a decade Brilliance Preschool & Academy has been reaching out to the students in their community, helping pave their way to a better future through a blend of customized learning techniques. Now they’re sharing their knowledge and experience with the parents in the Dallas community with the launch of the Brilliance Blog.

The Brilliance Blog being launched will give parents the latest headlines in Dallas daycare and education, along with a healthy collection of parent resources, including information on early childhood education and helpful tips for helping their children thrive both in and out of the classroom.

The Brilliance Blog is the next step in reaching out and connecting parents and their children with the Dallas community. “Brilliance Academy is a change leader in the new millennium, providing an opportunity for…active parents to develop intellectual skills in children that will help them succeed in a competitive and global society,” says Kelly Mayberry, Director at Brilliance Academy. When Brilliance Academy first launched in January of 1996 the institution set-out not to be another Dallas day care. Over the years their commitment to excellence and their dedication to building a positive learning environment for their students have made them the premier early childhood education center for preschoolers and elementary students through grade 4.

“Brilliance Preschool & Academy was founded in January of 1996 to fill a need for preschool education,” Ms Kelly Mayberry exclaims. In the following years, the institution added 1st – 4th grades based on the success of their original programs.

This growth is directly attributed to the positive development that parents have witnessed during their children’s preschool attendance at Brilliance. She adds, “We inspire, in our students, creativity, exploration and social skills that will be valuable in the years to come, as well as fully preparing them for the integration of new technologies and world cultures.”

Check out the Brilliance Blog at http://www.BrillianceAcademy.com/blog.htm and visit Brilliance Academy on the web to find more about their early childhood education experience at http://www.BrillianceAcademy.com.

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New Website for Students and Educators By Fascinating Learning Factory

Fascinating Learning Factory (FLF), a non-profit organization and a leader in innovative, engaging educational programming for classrooms, television and the World Wide Web, has launched an entirely new website offering new on-line tools, information and links for students and educators, and better reflects the breadth and quality of its programs and initiatives.

“The new site is brighter, bolder and lots more fun,” says FLF’s Executive Director Bunnie Strassner. “For teachers and students, the site now features hundreds of educational stories and cartoons f r o m the popular “Our Fascinating Earth” books by Drs. Phil and Nancy Seff, as well as current programs and new projects in development. Plus, we have opportunities for visitors to offer their own ideas for programs. Teachers and students are invited to join the Fascinating Learning factory for free and we will offer new and unique items for sale in the on-line store.”

Another recent addition is 30 one-minute animated features called Facts of Congress, a fun way to teach civics and government.

“I’m very excited“, comments Heather Boyle-Noland, Development Director at the ‘Learning Factory, “It’s a great new step we have taken to bring educational information to the web in a user friendly and engaging. We are also hoping it will drive new donors to visit us and get out our message of the critical need for higher quality and a broader reach of programming.

The site was designed by, and is being maintained by Flashback Media Productions of Lafayette, Colorado.

The Fascinating Learning Factory, a Colorado 501(c)(3), is dedicated to improving the quality of educational programming for ages 10 through adult. Some of their award winning, broadcast programs include “Guerrilla Guide to Politics, “Our Fascinating Earth”, and “Shoshone Voices, Native Choices”, a documentary about the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and their participation in the artifact identification program at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian. For more information, please visit their website, www.fascinatinglearningfactory.org, or call 303-545-9955.

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Over 2.5 Million Inspiring Audio CDs Distributed Worldwide Since 2005 By Lighthouse Catholic Media

Lighthouse Catholic Media, NFP announces that they have achieved the milestone of having distributed over 2.5 million inspiring audio CDs distributed worldwide since their inception in late 2005.

Over 2.5 Million Inspiring Audio CDs Distributed Worldwide Since 2005 By Lighthouse Catholic Media

Lighthouse Catholic Media’s CDs are distributed two ways: through their FAITHRAISER Kiosk Program displayed in over 2,000 parishes, Catholic schools and missions, and via their popular CD of the Month Club. The CD of the Month Club is a subscription-based service to individuals and parishioners at an amazingly low rate.

What’s more, when the parish sponsors the CD of the Month Club for their parishioners, the parish receives a percentage back for the purpose of funding religious education, or whatever purposes the parish sees fit to utilize the funds. There is no cost or investment for the program, nor is there any administration by the parish; the program, which is both a faith-raiser and true fund-raiser, has grown substantially in the last year.

Recently, Lighthouse Catholic Media received an endorsement by the archbishop for the US Military Services, Archbishop Broglio, recommending Lighthouse Catholic Media’s inspiring Catholic audio CDs to soldiers, sailors and airmen serving in over 450 military bases around the world.

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Escuela Del Sol Has Hired A Design Firm To Help Communicate Its Unique Brand Of Creative Education To Its Constituents

Albuquerque’s Escuela del Sol had a problem. Even after 40 years of continuous operation, there was growing confusion among parents as to what the Montessori system offered their children, how it differed f r o m other educational methods, and what results they should expect. The lack of communication was making it difficult to maintain, much less grow, enrollment, and had caused some dissatisfaction with currently enrolled families.

Now if Montessori schools know how to do anything, it is how to prepare kids to be creative thinkers and problem solvers. So the school’s board decided to practice what they teach. They put on their thinking caps, thought like a business and came up with a business solution-applying the very same traits they strive to nurture in their students.

This creative bit of problem solving led them to Ripe Inc., an Albuquerque-based design firm that specializes in building brands and identities for businesses. Normally. But the chance to work with such a forward thinking school was too good an opportunity to pass up. Ripe had to be equally creative in taking on a branding assignment f r o m a school. But they did their homework well.

Working closely with the school they developed an engaging, informative, visual and verbal communication system to clarify and deliver the brand message. The message was developed through intensive workshops in which consensus about the key attributes of the school’s brand were uncovered and documented. The analysis and evaluation became an internal brand reference guide book provided to all faculty and staff members-so there’s common understanding and consistent language when communicating the Escuela del Sol brand.

It also became the conceptual platform for developing the graphics libraries, website, messaging system, and electronic template that facilitates the school’s unique educational approach. And for developing its award-winning print collateral as well. The school’s new logo & stationery design has been s e l e c t e d to appear in PRINT’s 2009 Regional Design Annual. Planned advertising campaigns will focus on specific challenges-like boosting enrollment, and increasing parent engagement in the school’s educational process.

Escuela del Sol has made it their business to enhance their communications and their profile within the community. And they expect business to be good.

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Borenson And Associates, Inc., With Headquarters In Allentown, PA Will Be Training Additional Instructors To Conduct The Making Algebra Child’s Play Workshops Nationwide

Since 1990 Borenson and Associates has conducted more than 2500 Making Algebra Child’s Play workshops showing teachers how the visual and kinesthetic approach of Hands-On Equations enables even 4th and 5th graders to succeed with algebraic equations not normally presented until the 8th or 9th grade.

borenson

The instructor candidates, coming from five different states, will be receiving their training at the Holiday Inn in downtown Allentown. The training will take place each day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is expected that a student demonstration will take place each day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

All of the candidates have used Hands-On Equations in their classrooms for several years and are now coming to learn how to present the program to teachers.

Leading the training program will be Dr. Henry Borenson, who received a U.S. Patent for Hands-On Equations. With this group, the company will have about three dozen certified instructors. Borenson anticipates the need for 100 instructors within the next two years to meet the growing interest in his approaching to simplifying the abstract nature of algebra.

Recently, the company received their first order from Educational Opportunities, Inc. who have set a goal of introducing the program to 1,000 classroom in Africa, Asia and India.

“There is no reason for young students to be intimated by algebra,” says Borenson. “Through this visual and kinesthetic approach algebraic concepts become intuitive and are much easier to understand than division of fractions or long division– and much more fun!”

Borenson believes that when young students are successful with algebra their sense of self-esteem is enhanced. “There is no doubt about the effectiveness of this program,” he says. We have almost ten research studies posted at www.borenson.com to prove it.

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New Obesity And Tobacco Prevention Products For Preschoolers And Childcare Providers By Cafe Prevention

cafeprevention.com

CafePrevention.com announces the addition of two exciting, affordable, and new prevention products – the Fit for the Future Toolkit for preschoolers and childcare providers and the tobacco education resource, Smoking Makes Me Ugly program, for middle school students.

In an effort to provide exceptional service, Community Partnership will do their best to accommodate those who need the prevention education resource order before June 30 for fiscal year deadlines.

Community Partnership has developed their business around creating and supplying parents, schools, agencies and communities around the globe with a wide variety of tested and innovative prevention strategies and materials. Each product is both educational and eye-catching, and will engage the target audience, whether they are pre-schoolers, teens or adults.

The Fit for the Future Toolkit is designed for children ages 3-5 and childcare providers. The childhood obesity rate for children in this age group has risen to 12.4%, and childcare providers offer the perfect setting to teach about, and encourage, healthy eating and physical activity habits. The kit includes a teacher’s manual, training DVD, children’s books, a movement CD, as well as games and activities to support children making healthy choices.

Comments from childcare teachers have been extremely positive, and evaluations indicate the children are remembering what they learn and the cooks are changing what they serve.

For middle school students, Community Partnership is proud to unveil the Smoking Makes Me Ugly DVD, a comprehensive youth tobacco prevention program. The target ages of 10-12 years old were chosen, as these are the ages the CDC has identified as at risk to begin tobacco use.

Physicians, educators and students themselves were responsible for the content of the interactive DVD, and features include an animated tour of the body, hosted by Cig Free, the talking cigarette, showing how smoking affects teens; interactive lessons, including what smoking does to the outward appearance, and accompanying handouts and worksheets for teachers and students.

Smoking Makes Me Ugly is a new approach to an old problem and has been enthusiastically received by teachers and student alike. Teachers report the tobacco education and prevention DVD is unique and unmatched by any other in its approach to educating middle school youth about the hazards of smoking.

Both the Fit for the Future Toolkit and Smoking Makes Me Ugly DVD are designed to deliver critical information in an engaging and affordable format. CafePrevention.com is a community’s source for high quality prevention materials designed to improve the health and well being of youth.

Café Prevention is full of postcards, games, bookmarks, door hangers, wallet cards and posters on substances of abuse and teen resiliency. Many have chosen our large postcard format over brochures, as they find it easier to read and it can be mailed or handed out. For more information on these products, or to place an order, please visit http://www.cafeprevention.com.

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Debatepedia Documents All Pros And Cons Of Merit Pay For Teachers

Debatepedia has developed the world’s most extensive article on the pros and cons of merit pay for teachers. The article draws over 30 pro and con arguments and quotations from over 20 of the most outstanding editorials, opinion pieces, essays, and political statements on the issue. And, it structures these arguments and quotations in Debatepedia’s unique pro/con “logic tree” structure. The structure helps separate the primary sub-debates (and arguments and counter-arguments) in this debate, which are represented by some of the following questions: Does merit-based pay improve education? Does it improve the quality of teaching by incentivizing hard work? Does it help attract and retain quality teachers? Does it help weed out bad teachers? Does merit pay distract teachers? Does it create undesirable competition between teachers? Does it discourage teachers from going to needy schools? Can teacher merit be successfully measured? Or does varying student performance get in the way? Is merit pay fairer to teachers? Does it fall pray to principal cronyism? Does it encourage teachers to cheat? Does the market demonstrate the importance of pay for performance? If teachers should be paid more in general, is merit pay the best way to do it? What do past examples of merit pay around the world demonstrate? Debatepedia’s community has outlined the pros and con arguments and quotations that fit within and respond to the above sub-debate questions, making it truly the most comprehensive breakdown of the debate available.

President Obama has repeatedly stated his support for merit pay for teachers. Yet, with many priorities on his plate, it would appear that the debate will continue for some time, and even after any policy decisions are made, the debate is likely to continue for years to come, in the United States and abroad. For this reason, Debatepedia’s pro/con structure is particularly valuable in helping walk citizens and decision-makers through the many arguments and quotations so that they can effectively deliberate, make decisions, and make the policy that will guide education in the 21st century.

Debatepedia is a wiki encyclopedia of pros and con arguments and quotations. It is essentially “the Wikipedia of pros and cons”. Started in 2006 by Brooks Lindsay and William Wnekowicz out of Georgetown University, Debatepedia subsequently merged with the International Debate Education Association in 2007. IDEA is a 501c3 non-profit piloted initially by the Open Society Institute in 1999. While IDEA promotes debate in all of its forms around the world, Debatepedia fits within its mission to expand a new industry in journalism – what it calls the “in-depth journalism of public debates”.

Related links:

*Merit based pay for teachers:
http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Debate:_Merit-based_pay_for_teachers
* Home page: http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Welcome_to_Debatepedia!
* Media kit: http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Debatepedia:Media_Kit

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The Book Of Dreams Project Chapter One Description

I was a little nervous when the students at Harford Friends School and I began our studies of The Underground Railroad,and local Black history.. After all, this was the Book’s first chapter, and uncharted territory for all.

As the kids settled in to the project,my fears were replaced with pride. After four three hour sessions, the first chapter of an original piece of fiction inspired by our studies had been composed. The story centers around a boy and girl, both slaves. The kids worked together, with no help from teachers or parents. I’m very proud of what they created. (click here to read) I emphasized to the students that there is history beneath our feet, and in front of our faces, everyday, everywhere. It’s just that many of us never bother to check it out,because we don’t know it’s there.

I knew that we would not have to look very far to find some tasty local Black history. After all,we live in Maryland!

As it turned out, we would Christen the Book Of Dreams by entering the first chapter just two miles from our school.

In 1867,a one room school house was built from wood,and stood amidst the rolling farm land of Darlington,Maryland. The school was for black children only,during the long years of segregation. The Hosanna school has been restored to it’s original condition.. It still stands alone with fields all around,as though little had changed. As we entered the classroom, there was a silence,occasionally punctuated by the creaking of a wooden floor board..The old desks were still in their original positions,empty and mute. A pot belly stove sat in the same corner as it always had when it was the sole source of heat for the small building. There was a quiet energy about this place..

It would not have taken much to imagine the ghosts of children and teachers long gone, learning to read,write,and add in this very room. Many of the children and some of their parents who had never learned to read walked 6-7 miles each way,rain or shine. Teachers in black schools such as this were paid about half of what teachers in the white schools were paid. The curriculum in black schools was very different than in white schools as well. The local board of education explained the disparity by stating that the black children would grow up to be farm hands,so they did not need the same level of education as their white neighbors children. The cool thing about today was, that we did not need to imagine ghosts.. We had Christine Tolbert with us, who along with her parents and grandparents, had been a student here as a young child.

We also had Gladys Williams who was Christine’s teacher,right here in the very room in which we all were now seated.

Today,they would both be OUR teachers. The kids listened well,and asked many questions as the ladies wove their stories of a bygone era..Later,Tamika Hudson read two original spoken word pieces to us all, in the voice of Harriett Tubman. Christine told us that even when she was a child,there had always been strong relationship between the Deer Creek Friends Meeting,and the Hosanna School, and surrounding black community.She said that today felt like a family reunion of sorts. Tamika and Gladys seemed to really hit it off,as did we all.The kids then put quill pen to Cotton paper,and the first chapter had been entered.

It was an awesome day, and not one that any of us will soon forget. I know that the Book will travel to many schools and historical sites,and I’m looking forward to seeing it take on a life of it’s own.

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Book Of Dreams Project By Gandhi Hurwitz

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

The Book of Dreams is living testament to good people who chose to act when the evil of slavery governed in America. Written by American school children in the 21st century, it will tell the stories of ordinary people, black and white, enslaved and free, who tapped into deep waters and together worked to create safe passage to freedom on the Underground Railroad for thousands of American slaves. The Book’s creator, Gandhi Hurwitz, sees the project as a way for children to understand that if their ancestors could work together in such a tumultuous and primitive world, so can they in today’s world.

Born at the Steppingstone Museum in Havre de Grace, Maryland, the Book of Dreams was “beaten out of the fire, carved out of wood” by Steppingstone’s resident blacksmith, Tom Alexander, and Masters of the Shop and woodworkers, Wade Whitlock and John Weifenbach, with jointing by Joe Cambria. It is massive, structural, permanent. Handcrafted entirely of iron and black walnut, it measures 30”x 36” x 9” and weighs in at about 60 lb. Visitors to Steppingstone’s Fall Harvest Festival on September 23 and 24, 2006 will be able to watch these master craftsmen put the final touches on the Book of Dreams, using traditional techniques and hand- and foot-powered tools.

The Book of Dreams will “visit” its first school during Black History Month, in February 2007, where the students at Harford Friends School in Darlington, Maryland will research local Underground Railroad history and write Chapter One as a parent-led and expert guest enrichment activity. Hurwitz, whose daughter Clairellen attends the school, says he was inspired by local Quakers who worked on the Railroad, including members of Deer Creek Meeting where the school is located. (The previous Meetinghouse in Darlington is believed to have been burned down by arsonists who objected to Quakers’ antislavery activities.)

After leaving Harford Friends, the Book will travel far and wide to schools along Railroad routes in Maryland and beyond, perhaps circulating as far south as North Carolina. Students from each school will research local Railroad history and write a Book chapter. Each chapter will be recorded on a large sheet of archival cotton paper and entered into the Book. Hurwitz has invited Tamika Hudson, an actor and Harriet Tubman interpreter, to contribute a written piece in Tubman’s voice. After the Book has circulated, it will return to its permanent repository at Harford Friends School where 8th grade students will write the last chapter as part of their year-long study of Harford County and American history.

Hurwitz calls Steppingstone the perfect birthplace for the Book of Dreams. Located on the site of a Quaker family farm believed to have been a station on the Underground Railroad, Steppingstone is a living history museum and interpretive center of American farm life near the Mason-Dixon line. Hurwitz found receptive partners when he first presented his vision to Steppingstone’s Director, Linda Noll, its board of directors and craftsmen. Under the Museum’s sponsorship, the craftsmen – all volunteers – have dedicated dozens of hours to building the Book.

The Book’s striking appearance was inspired by a design created by Clairellen Hurwitz. Two wrought iron, life-size arms – one shackled and skeletal, the other unshackled – reach across the Books’ black walnut cover. They are connected by a railroad track. A hand-carved rendering of the African continent rises out of the wood. A burnished iron North Star sits near the top. “Book of Dreams” is boldly embossed along the Book’s iron spine. You can view photographs of the Book on the project’s website: www.bookofdreamsproject.org

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Host a Rocket Contest and Help Kids Reach for the Stars

You have read about it and heard it in the news – students in the U.S. are falling behind in test scores.. We need to get kids interested in science, technology, engineering and math – the STEM subjects. To get them involved you have to get their attention. Nothing draws more attention than a rocket launch – except a rocket contest. To that end we offer the national Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest.

Rocket launches are great for publicity! Use the contest to advertise your presence, build your membership and / or raise funds. They are a terrific way to get kids excited about learning. Running a local event is as easy as 3, 2, 1. Three – find at least twelve contestants and order supplies. Two – build and launch your rockets. One – award certificates and prizes. A step-by-step video and on-line help are available to guide you.

Compete locally. Celebrate nationally. The contest, for ages 10 to adult, is designed to be run by local organizations, is safe, easy and affordable. Everyone benefits. All contestants get a reusable Estes model as well as the unforgettable experience of launching a solid-fuel powered rocket hundreds of feet into the sky. Everyone involved receives a commemorative achievement certificate – suitable for framing. Each certificate bears an inspirational quote from Christa McAuliffe. Sponsors receive recognition and the satisfaction of Helping Kids Reach for the Stars.

As Homer Hickam, author of “The Rocket Boys” (aka “October Sky”) recently stated, “What’s better than a rocket launch to inspire young people? They learn about science, engineering and, at the end, they get to launch a rocket.” Everyone remembers their first rocket launch. What other activity can you say that about?

The contest is in its third year. It runs continuously and has annual deadlines for each celebration. Go to TheRocketman.net for deadlines and details. Our six national winners get memories to last a lifetime and bragging rights for generations to come!

Results from local events are entered in the national contest. National winners get their choice of launching their rockets at the Astronaut Hall of Fame and celebrating at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – or they can celebrate with author, Homer Hickam and launch with the original Rocket Boys at the October Sky Festival in Coalwood, West Virginia. They will also receive a Space Shuttle Challenger – commemorative coin as well as other prizes.

Dr. Warren Layfield, Educational Director at COSROCS (Colorado Springs Rocket Society) and TARC mentor considers the Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest to be the “perfect training ground for kids who will go on to more challenging competitions like the Team America Rocketry Challenge and NASA’s Student Launch Initiative.”

Tickets to the Astronaut Hall of Fame and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for three national winners and their families are provided by DNC Parks. Lodging and breakfast is compliments of the award winning Country Inns and Suites by Carlson in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Without the generosity of these companies, the winners’ celebration would not be possible.

Your efforts will promote the Helping Kids Reach for the Stars program and honor the legacy of Christa McAuliffe – NASA’s first Teacher-in-Space.

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Happy Energy Seminars Launches New Website: Happyenergyinc.com

Happy Energy Seminars, launched its new website, www.happyenergyinc.com, designed to provide information to people on how to break through the obstacles hindering their day to day success. It also provides information on upcoming seminars on how to function from a state of happy energy, even during these tough times. To get results, requires energy; to get great and consistent results, requires happy energy.

“What stops you from great results is one word: You,” says Jacob Forbai, CPA and Head of the management team of Happy Energy Seminars. “When you live and function in your ‘head’ you become overly attached to your desired results; your ego gets in the way, limiting your results,” added Mr. Forbai.

In these harsh times, it is easy to overlook this major obstacle that frequently leads to excuses or illusions. Unfortunately, failure to identify and remove this and other obstacles hinders great results. More seriously, it prevents working with the kind of freedom, energy and happiness that are needed to excel.

This new website gives information on how to get out of one’s own way. Together with Happy Energy Seminars, they give information on how to focus on energy, on Happy Energy. Then one is no longer inhibited; one feels free, swept in happy energy; free to take fearless action. The result is power, personal magnetism, self belief, and the outcome one is seeking.

Happy Energy Foundation, a feature on this website, offers a unique opportunity to reach out to others in a bold and enriching way. The result is one’s own growth in ways never imagined.

About Happy Energy Seminars: 
Happy Energy Seminars, Head Quarters – Dallas, TX. USA. is a seminar company that specializes in solving problems hindering everyday success. Its founders and management team have been in the speaking and seminar business for over 15 years, winning several awards for getting results.

For additional information on Happy Energy Seminars, contact Daniel Jingwa or visit www.happyenergyinc.com.

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The 2009 TAP Award, A Scholarship Program And One-Time Grant Opportunity For Outstanding Professionals And Philanthropists, Has Now Been Announced

The 2009 TAP Award, a scholarship program and one-time grant opportunity for outstanding professionals and philanthropists, has now been announced. We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2009 award.

From the scholarship information page:

The TAP Award is a scholarship program and one-time award granted to one or more individuals based on academic excellence, community service, demonstrated professionalism, and dedication to post-secondary education and philanthropy.

The goal of this program is to assist future professionals and philanthropists in obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree that will allow the winners to continue in pursuing these ideals.

Professionalism, as we will define it for the purpose of this award, is independent of career field. It is a mind-set, a way of thinking and behaving both in and out of the public eye that defines a person. A restaurant cook may be every bit as “professional” as a doctor or lawyer. Applicants must demonstrate, in their own words, why they consider themselves to be professionals.

Philanthropy, as we will define it, is not about writing a check to a charity. As considered for this award, philanthropy embodies a true spirit of giving and giving back. No money needs to have changed hands for the successful applicant. Rather, applicants must demonstrate how, through 100 hours or more of community or volunteer service, they have helped to enrich the lives of others. Again, applicants must prove to us how they have themselves lived as philanthropists and will continue to do so.

Undergraduate members of The Aspiring Professional may begin completing their 2009 Application immediately. Applications must be finalized by June 15, 2009.

More information about the 2009 TAP Award may be found at:
http://www.aspiringpro.com/award/scholarship.php

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Successful Behavioral Clinical Trials reveals Powerful Life Changes within 30 Days

In today’s economic times most people are thinking can I pay my bills, will I lose my job this week? will I find a job this week? Or why can’t I lose this weight and is there really such a thing as true love?

In just 30 days of powerful processing – you can develop your mind’s latent abilities to focus with great intention on manifesting wealth, vibrant health, and real love and influence the world around you. This is accomplished through a series of relaxing mind processing exercises under the guidance of your certified Dr.Imaginethat workbook and CD series. Dr. Usman Asif author has developed a process known as “Activation Reconditioning Stimulus® process”. The secret is learning to function at the Alpha Level, understanding the Laws the Govern your Mind, and Learning Dr. Imaginethat’s specific clinically proven techniques for focusing your mind’s ability. This process uses your most powerful resources within us to focus our greater intention on having exactly what we truly desire. Over the three years we have gathered successful clinically proven results and Dr Asif would like to invite 100 candidates to participate in this ongoing free Behavioral clinical study for 30 days our focus is on Love Activation just in time for Valentines 2009. You will gain even during these tough economic times:

1) Closer relationships
2) Greater self-confidence
3) Attracting love in all the right places

If you answer “Yes” to the following questions, you may qualify to participate in our free clinical study:

1) Do you want to find your true love?
2) Do you want to have better loving relationships
3) Do you want to attract good working relationships with employers or colleagues

Please go to dr.imaginethat click on contact us and fill out the form a Virtual Coach representative will contact you immediately.

How Would Your Life Change Once You’ve Awakened Your Mind’s Powerful Potential?

#1 Successful self-help workbooks and CDs.

To get your copy now go to Dr.Imaginethat 
# # #

Clinical study Part 1
Clinical study Part 2

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Austin Self Defense (ASD), a premier martial arts and fitness school located in Cedar Park, Texas

Going the extra mile to assist Austin residents, military, police and other service personnel in self defense training and defensive tactics. ASD announces a 2 FOR 1 special for $99. ASD is known for its realistic and no nonsense approach to street survival and conditioning. Classes are offered and structured for persons of all athletic abilities, from ages 7 and up. Conditioning drills are incorporated to build speed, endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular system which results in a complete and well rounded athlete. Additionally, ASD concentrates on the mental conditioning and respect that builds discipline and focus.

Austin Self Defense unique class structure and training methods allows for persons with little to no training as well as those with advanced backgrounds to train together yet advance on individual levels accordingly.

Programs include: Haganah Adults, Haganah Kids, Krav Maga, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Fitness Kick-Box Bag Classes.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children report, 797,500 children are reported missing each year. In addition to the possibility of abduction, kids are continually faced with school yard bullies who can have a traumatic effect not only on the child’s education and motivation in their studies but also long term effects concerning personality and emotional trauma. ASD offers ‘Haganah Kid’s’, a mixed martial arts (MMA) program for preteens. The program comprises the best practical self defense techniques that suit child learners. Just as importantly, kids will learn life skills such as Respect, Courtesy, Self-Control, Perseverance, Confidence, Self-Esteem and much more.

Emphasizing the importance of self defense and fitness training as a combined discipline, Dan Kiser, President of Austin Self Defense says, “Students will learn techniques relating to the defensive as well as offensive side of an engagement/attack. Just as important, students benefit from improved confidence, peace of mind, less stress, and increased energy and endurance,” he adds.

ASD offers structured classes and private training with fully equipped modern self defense training amenities, certified instructors & unique conditioning with focus on creating self confidence and a balanced mental attitude for survival.

“Instructors are amazing – both knowledgeable and passionate about their work. There is a very welcoming feeling of companionship and high energy in the classroom. The classes have helped increase my assertiveness and confidence, as well as my physical fitness. I would highly recommend Austin Self Defense” – – Shannon

I was an assistant Combatives Instructor for my unit, in the military, and the Haganah course has allowed me to pick up, right where I left off. ASD is keeping me Army Strong! Hooah! – – Ryan

About Austin Self Defense:
Austin Self Defense is a self defense and fitness training facility which was established in 2002. The Texas Self Defense company is known for its unique and precise approach in providing superior martial arts and conditioning. The programs are designed for all ages and physical capacities incorporating real life military survival skills and mindset to eliminate the danger quickly and without hesitation.

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