Education Newswatch January 2005

In Brief
Highlights for Children Fiction Contest
Highlights for Children is accepting submissions for the publication's 26th annual fiction contest in January and February 2005. The contest is open to anyone interested in writing for children and the three winners will receive $1,000 each.

The magazine is seeking funny stories of fewer than 500 words. Under the contest rules, any unpublished story is eligible, whether submitted by a professional or a new author. Entrants must be at least 16 years old.

All entries must be postmarked between January 1 and February 28, 2005. Stories glorifying war or crime or containing violence or derogatory humor are not acceptable.

Manuscripts and envelopes should be clearly marked "Fiction Contest." Those not marked in this manner will be considered as regular submissions to the publication. Authors should enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with each submission.

The winners will be announced in June 2005.

For additional guidelines and information, write to Fiction Contest, Highlights for Children, 803 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431.

Teachers Wish List
What was once the domain of brides and new homeowners is now extending to teachers.

Beginning in January 2005, teachers can register online for all of their teaching tools and enhancements at www.theteacherswishlist.com Once registered, parents, representatives from local Parent Teacher Organizations, as well as anonymous donors will be able to view the wish lists online and purchase the needed items.

To request a print catalog, call 1-800-562-1192, or check out the website at www.theteacherswishlist.com

Dear Mr. President
The Pilot Pen Company and the National Association of Teachers of English hope they can encourage third and fourth graders across America to contribute to what they are calling "The World's Longest Letter."

The letter will serve as an expression of the hopes and dreams of the nation's young children concerning the future of America -- whether it be for world peace, a drug-free neighborhood, equality or other things.

As thanks for each school's cooperation, Pilot Pen and supporting sponsor MeadWestvaco will donate 500 pens and a supply of paper.

One school from each state and the District of Columbia will be selected to have its students' letters added to an ever-growing scroll that will travel across the country. The letter will then be presented to the President of the United States.

For more information, contact Carol Klenfner at 212-561-7467 or via e-mail at carol@amc-pr.com.

"I Don't Want To Be"
The Boston-based Rock and Roll Library has selected pop singer Gavin DeGraw's hit single "I Don't Want To Be" as the theme of the 2004-05 Song Lesson Contest.

The program challenges educators to create a lesson based on the song. Possible subjects include civics, health, mathematics, music, art and English. Lessons will be judged on creativity, educational content and how well it meets educational standards. All submissions must be made online at www.RockLibrary.com

DeGraw's song encourages listeners to "be who they are," rather than internalizing expectations placed on them by their peers.

The grand prize is a special performance and student talk-back with DeGraw at the winning school in April or May 2005.

Cash prizes are also available. The contest is open to all educators. The deadline for submission is January 13, 2005. For more information, check out www.RockLibrary.com

"Star Wars" Creator Publishes First Edition of Education Magazine
George Lucas, the iconic creator of the "Star Wars" film trilogy, is now hoping to become a force for educational change.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Lucas has started a new education magazine, entitled "Edutopia." The magazine will tackle the subjects of school improvement and technological innovations.

Any educators interested in a free subscription can check the website at www.edutopia.org to see if they qualify. If they are not listed, they can purchase a subscription for $29.95 per year for 12 issues.

Space Day Design Challenges
The exploration of Mars has ignited a desire to discover more about the universe. Capitalizing on this interest, the Lockheed Martin Corpora-tion has made "Return to the Moon" the theme of its Space Days Design Challenges 2005 program.

This inquiry based learning tool inspires young people to achieve academic excellence in science, math and technology, with an emphasis on collaborative learning.

There are three challenges for students to tackle this year. Each of the three design challenges are available for grades 4-5 and 6-8. Submissions are due by February 15, 2005.

Members of the winning teams and their teacher will be invited to the Space Day National Celebration on May 5, 2005 in Washington D.C.

Full details and registration forms are available at www.spaceday.org For additional information contact Kay Armstrong at 1-888-340-2006 or e-mail her at darrylkay@aol.com