Contests & Giveaways May 2007

Contests & Giveaways

Pentech® is offering teachers a free sample of their new liquid graphite pencils, which never need to be sharpened! To request your free sample, send an e-mail to: freepencils@jakks.net Be sure to include your name, school name, mailing address, and please let us know whether you are a teacher or an administrator. For more information, visit www.jakkspacific.com/pentech Offer good while supplies last.

Charlesbridge invites teachers across the country to join first day read-a-thon
Over 350 teachers across the United States have joined the Charlesbridge Read First Day Jitters on the First Day of School campaign. The independent publisher asks all teachers to welcome the new school year and encourage a love of reading by sharing this "funny and insightful"* picture book. By reading together, teachers can raise the literacy levels of American students.

Charlesbridge is giving away 500 copies of the paperback edition of this perennial back-to-school favorite, while supplies last. Teachers from Kindergarten through college can still obtain a copy to read to their classes on day one of the 2007-2008 school year by emailing trademarketing@charlesbridge.com and providing their name and school address.

First Day Jitters, by Julie Danneberg and illustrated by Judy Love, has provided the perfect introduction to the new school year since its publication in 2000. Nervous first-timers and reticent repeat students are inspired and delighted by the story of Sarah Jane Hartwell on her first day at a new school. The surprise twist: Sarah Jane is the teacher. Students and teachers can share their first day jitters and cure them with a laugh.

Free copies of First Day Jitters can be obtained while supplies last through June 1, 2007 from Charlesbridge. The book is also available for sale where books or sold or online at www.charlesbridge.com, along with its companion books First Year Letters and Last Day Blues.

Skipping Stones magazine announces The 2007 Youth Honor Award Program!
The Youth Honor Awards recognize creative and artistic works by young people that promote multicultural and nature awareness. The 2007 theme is: MultiCultural Awareness and Nature Appreciation. Your entry can focus on one or more of the following: Traditions and Celebrations, Diversity and Tolerance, Dreams and Visions, Youth Activism, Family and Society, Nature and Environment, Peace, Justice & Equality. Original writing (essays, interviews, poems, plays, short stories, etc.) and art (photos, paintings, cartoons, etc.) from youth, ages 7 to 17, should be typed or neatly handwritten. The entries should be appropriate for ages 7 to 17. Prose under 1,000 words; poems under 30 lines. Art/photos: 8 pieces or less. Non-English and bilingual writings are equally welcome. You may also choose to highlight the work of a youth organization or group project. Using the writing guidelines as above, tell us how the group works to preserve nature or enrich the community, its members and the lives of others. Entries must be postmarked by June 20, 2007. Send to:

Youth Honor Awards
Skipping Stones Magazine
P.O. Box 3939
Eugene, OR 97403
e-mail: editor@SkippingStones.org