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Education Newswatch May 2004

News and Grants for Teaching Professionals

In Brief
Lincoln Center Institute's National Educator Workshops
Lincoln Center Institute (LCI), the educational cornerstone of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and American's oldest institute for arts-in-education, announces two new locations for its renowned National Educator Workshops. This summer, in addition to LCI in New York, the workshops will be held in Chicago and the San Francisco Bay area, making these professional development experiences more accessible than ever.

These workshops have hosted teachers from around the country and around the world, offering new insights about integrating arts-in-education strategies into their classrooms. The workshops prepare educators to explore the arts with their students through an experiential approach. Participants study a wide range of visual and performing artworks through prestigious institutions including the Met-ropolitan Museum of Art, Oakland Ballet, African American Shakespeare Company, Cinema/Chicago and many others.

National Educator Workshops are open to any preK through grade 12 teacher, teaching artist or administrator. For more information, check out www.lcinstitute.org or call 212-875-5535.

Free Chet Gecko Classroom Kit
Bruce Hale's wisecracking character Chet Gecko is now featured in a free classroom kit from Harcourt Children's Books. Appropriate for grades 3-6, the kit includes a full-color mini-poster featuring the newest title in the series, Give My Regrets to Broadway (Harcourt, 2004). The kit also includes an activity guide, stickers, notepads, an author biography and a chance to win a complete set of Chet Gecko mysteries in paperback. To receive a free kit, send a self-addressed mailing label to: Chet Gecko Classroom Kit, Teaching K-8 Offer, Harcourt Children's Books, 525 B St., Ste. 1900, San Diego, CA 92101. Please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery; offer good while supplies last.

Nutrition Pathfinders
Nutrition Pathfinders is a multi-feature nutrition education program offered by the Dairy Council of California. The program includes an interactive CD-ROM, an activity workbook and website (www.np.dairycouncilofca.org). Students gain knowledge about healthy eating using critical thinking, problem-solving and character building skills. This nutrition education program, designed for third, fourth and fifth grade students, aligns with California and National Education Standards and meets core curriculum requirements for math, science, writing and health.

Nutrition Pathfinders is provided free to third, fourth and fifth grade teachers located in CA. Ordering information for California and out-of-state teachers is located at www.dairycouncilofca.org/edu or by calling 888-868-3083.

Grants

Target Community Giving Grant Target stores are awarding grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to local nonprofit programs focused on arts, family violence prevention and reading. Programs likely to be funded include those that bring arts to schools or school children to the arts; promote a love of reading or encourage children to read together with their families; or prevent family violence through parenting education.
Deadline May 31, 2004
Eligibility Nonprofit programs that are located near Target stores
Contact target.com/target_group/community_giving/local_giving.jhtml

Kurzweil 3000 Software Awards
The Kurzweil 3000 Software Awards initiative consists of three programs that recognize students, teachers and schools that have shown a commitment to learning or an excellence in teaching students, including those with learning disabilities. Award winners will receive complimentary license(s) of Kurzweil 3000 for individual or classroom use, as well as complimentary support services. Kurzweil 3000 is a reading, writing and learning software program for struggling students.
Deadline June 1, 2004
Eligibility K-12 schools, teachers and students in the United States
Value $250 per award
Contact www.kurzweiledu.com/k3000awards.asp

DIRECTV Goes to School
The DIRECTV Goes to School program offers educators a free, nonviolent educational programming package and satellite equipment. SCHOOL CHOICE is available to state-accredited public and private schools serving students in grade K-12. A free DIRECTV Multi-Satellite System will also be provided, although a limited quantity is available. Installation costs are not included.
Deadline Rolling
Eligibility K-12 schools
Value $250 per award
Contact www.directv.com/school