This Fall DoSomething.org is teaming up with the new film "The Soloist,” coming to theaters in March 2009, to get young people across the country to help fight hunger in their communities and Feed The Need.
In “The Soloist,” journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez works to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed that transforms both their lives.
In the spirit of this film, high schools, middle schools, orchestras and church groups across the country are running food drives to help fight hunger and bring hope to communities in need. And you can start one too!
Submit your drive by December 15th and you could win some great prizes!
1 Grand Prize Winner:
A screening of The Soloist for your group
$1,000 to support an arts or music program of your choice
4 First Prize Winners:
$1,000 to support an arts or music program of your choice
And tons of great swag for runners up!
For tip sheets, online application, view the PSA with Corbin Bleu from High School Musical, and to check out The Soloist trailer go to Do Something Feed the Need.
Submit Your Drive
Fill out an entry form with all of the details about your drive. You can even submit photos and YouTube links to show us how much your drive rocked. All drives must youth-led (under 25) and completed by December 15th. Winners will be announced in mid January.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Eradicating Rodent Issues - Normal?
School system works to eradicate rodent issues
I have attended training and educational events in places some people cannot even imagine. As a military service member, I had to, as an adult non traditional student my choice is to pursue online education. But when did it become acceptable to allow rodents in the schools with our students and educators?
This article published by the Augusta Chronicle mentions statements from the Senior Director of Facilities Services. Granted...this is only of of four school systems my daughter has been in and out of during her public education. Of course, I accept the responsibility for the moves with the military. While I can learn under duress and unacceptable environments because of my military background, it does not mean that I learn my best in the varying environments.
I do not expect my daughter, her friends, my neighbors' children, the future leaders of the community, and their educators and administrators to find this acceptable.
Today, the Augusta Chronicle does an article titled, Schools might be slow to crank up thermostat, "Richmond County parents should bundle up their children and make sure their clothing is layered, because older schools might not be quick to flip on the heat".
So yesterday, the rodent issue is stated as, "But the problem isn't any worse than usual", Starks said and today you are encouraged to bundle up your students.
If you didn't know about the rodents being a normal part of the environment or the temperature control, what else don't you know about the environment where your students are all day? If this is acceptable, what are the actions (or lack of) teaching everyone?
I have attended training and educational events in places some people cannot even imagine. As a military service member, I had to, as an adult non traditional student my choice is to pursue online education. But when did it become acceptable to allow rodents in the schools with our students and educators?
This article published by the Augusta Chronicle mentions statements from the Senior Director of Facilities Services. Granted...this is only of of four school systems my daughter has been in and out of during her public education. Of course, I accept the responsibility for the moves with the military. While I can learn under duress and unacceptable environments because of my military background, it does not mean that I learn my best in the varying environments.
I do not expect my daughter, her friends, my neighbors' children, the future leaders of the community, and their educators and administrators to find this acceptable.
Today, the Augusta Chronicle does an article titled, Schools might be slow to crank up thermostat, "Richmond County parents should bundle up their children and make sure their clothing is layered, because older schools might not be quick to flip on the heat".
So yesterday, the rodent issue is stated as, "But the problem isn't any worse than usual", Starks said and today you are encouraged to bundle up your students.
If you didn't know about the rodents being a normal part of the environment or the temperature control, what else don't you know about the environment where your students are all day? If this is acceptable, what are the actions (or lack of) teaching everyone?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Trust but verify
Three words that exist in my world for many reasons. Reagan used this phrase often and it is a quote from a Russian proverb. During some of my school assignments I check out technology plans, primarily from the schools that we attend (or have attended), on and off line. What do you do to encourage students to question the school’s technology plan while encouraging critical thinking and decision making skills?
Parents, students, teachers, media specialists, administrators, educational and instructional specialists…is your school’s technology plan up to date? Realistic? Was it created as a copy and paste job? Was the plan created by the administrators that report information, but have no idea about your boots on the ground experience with technology in a classroom, media center, or the school? Is the public information in the plan acceptable to all users? Believable? Accessible?
When is the last time you checked the technology plan for your school, school district, and state department of education? If you have questions about conflicting information, how do you resolve the issue? Do the links provided on the site work? What does one do when the link to report an issue does not work and the POC (point of contact) email is returned? Keep an audit trail.
Are the students aware of the Technology Plan? Do they have an opportunity to provide suggestions, make recommendations? Does your school district have a suggestion improvement plan that works?
Just because the plan is in writing…trust but verify. If your child is growing up with technology and takes issue with what works and does not work at school, it is OK to follow through. Don’t buy the media hype, get connected, get engaged…instead of enraged.
Parents, students, teachers, media specialists, administrators, educational and instructional specialists…is your school’s technology plan up to date? Realistic? Was it created as a copy and paste job? Was the plan created by the administrators that report information, but have no idea about your boots on the ground experience with technology in a classroom, media center, or the school? Is the public information in the plan acceptable to all users? Believable? Accessible?
When is the last time you checked the technology plan for your school, school district, and state department of education? If you have questions about conflicting information, how do you resolve the issue? Do the links provided on the site work? What does one do when the link to report an issue does not work and the POC (point of contact) email is returned? Keep an audit trail.
Are the students aware of the Technology Plan? Do they have an opportunity to provide suggestions, make recommendations? Does your school district have a suggestion improvement plan that works?
Just because the plan is in writing…trust but verify. If your child is growing up with technology and takes issue with what works and does not work at school, it is OK to follow through. Don’t buy the media hype, get connected, get engaged…instead of enraged.
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