Letters April 2004

Loud 'n' clear Lucky Subscriber
I was the winner of the Califone amplification system ("Teaching Talks," August/September 2003) and I finally got some time to write to you. I didn't realize I was going to receive so much equipment! So far, I've used the personal p.a. and presentation system in my classroom, and it seems to help me hold my students' attention more effectively. The equipment was also used during an in-service presentation. Thank you for the equipment!
Marie Tomkewitz
San Antonio, TX

Another look at integration
I enjoy Teaching K-8 – especially the author interviews, "Teaching With Children's Books" and "Teaching With Your Librarian" as well as "Publisher's Memo." However, I have a different outlook on the diversity issue as discussed in the February 2004 "Publisher's Memo."

Allen Raymond stated that he couldn't remember if there were kids or teachers of color in the school you visited and that it was not a good thing. I disagree. I think it was a wonderful thing that you'd progressed to the point where you were no longer aware of a person's color or ethnic origin – that you saw them as students and teachers. How can we ever hope to live in peace and harmony as long as we are Hispanics, Native Americans, etc.?

My idea of true integration is when we can look at a person and see him or her as an individual – not as a member of a minority group. Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion and for your support of teachers everywhere.
Lois Hendrix
Linn, MO

Stars in her students' eyes
I just wanted to thank Linda Lindroth for her review of www.starfall.com I teach in a country school, and Starfall was the perfect thing for my classroom. I teach children in grades 1-5, and my first and second graders loved reading and interacting with the stories. My two fourth-grade special needs students were excited about reading, thanks to the site, and they've improved so much. I also was able to get all of my students workbooks and stories to put in their tubs. Thanks again for letting teachers know about this great resource.
Nancy Weller
via e-mail

Reaching out for science
Thank you for writing such a wonderful article about the Cornell Science Challenge ("The Scientific Mentor," February 2004). It's great to see the Weill Outreach Office programs, including the Cornell Science Challenge (CSC), getting good write-ups.

However, I do feel there was a small oversight, in that the Weill Outreach Office wasn't mentioned in the article. The Outreach Office has organized and sponsored the CSC for the last four years (in collaboration with The Pfizer Corporation).

If teachers would like more information about the programs we sponsor, I invite them to contact me. Once again, thanks for featuring the CSC in Teaching K-8.
Brian Turner, Ph.D.
Outreach Director
Weill Graduate School
of Medical Sciences
of Cornell University
212-746-6585
baturner@med.cornell.edu

April, 2004, Vol.34, No.7