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Teams That Make A Difference Award Winners Announced Honoring Four U.S. School Teams For Outstanding Achievement With Adolescents
Upper Saddle River, NJ – October 26, 2004 – Four U.S. schools have been named as recipients of the 2004 "Teams That Make A Difference Award,” which recognizes teams who work to improve the education and well being of adolescents. Education publisher Pearson Prentice Hall and the National Middle School Association (NMSA) are joint sponsors of the Awards. The 2004 winning schools are: The awards focus on programs, activities, or strategies that are created specifically to improve academic achievement or connect adolescents with their community. Teams are often comprised of teachers, students, parents, administrators and community members. Award nominations are evaluated by a qualified panel of middle level practitioners. "These exemplary teams are an inspiration to us and demonstrate true excellence in education through collaboration, innovation, and dedication in all that they do,” said Martha Smith, President, Pearson Education School Group. "The benefits of teaming are universal – whether in the business, education, or community setting. Adults being able to work together for a greater good models the type of behavior our young adolescents need to see,” explained Sue Swaim, NMSA Executive Director. DeLong’s program, Moon B.E.A.M.S. (Being Environmentally Aware of My Surroundings) is a two-month, real-life, hands-on learning experience for sixth grade students. The program combines classroom learning with field trips to local parks and recreation sites. The curriculum carries a strong message of appreciation for the environment and active involvement in the community. Through data collection, journal writing, visits to and from special guest speakers, computer and lab work, and recreational activities, including a family fishing day, students learn the merits of team work, caring for nature and the environment, and contributing to their community. Arai’s Real Literature, Real Lives was developed in response to this inner city school district’s realization that their students were in jeopardy of not meeting the state reading standards. Real Literature, Real Lives engages students with literature that reflects the racial background and socio-economic status of the student population. The program was introduced to a sixth grade class and evolved into a three-year curriculum culminating in the eighth grade. Participating students have shown improvement in reading skills, standardized test scores, making real-life connections to literature, and have expressed a true love for literature. Furman’s "Flowers for Freedom” program actively engages sixth grade students, parents and community members in a cross-curricular garden project that honors law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical service, and military personnel. Through partnerships with local organizations, the students learned how to plan, create, and cultivate a community garden while integrating math, science, language arts and social studies skills and lessons. Students also use technology to enhance their understanding of each subject area. Through a series of real-world applications, students learn inquiry and research skills as they design, create and monitor the growth of their garden. The garden was dedicated in April of 2004 with a ceremony attended by community members who shared their insights on the importance of careers and education. Through Flowers for Freedom, students were encouraged to foster positive relationships with those citizens who serve their community Castle Heights developed Project S.H.I.N.E. (Service based learning, Highly integrated content, Improved academic achievement, No room for failure, Everyone experiences success) based on a shared vision that by creating a sense of family within the classroom environment students would experience increased self-worth and accountability and ultimately academic achievement. Fifty students from both ends of the academic spectrum are selected to participate. The curriculum includes six integrated exploration units each culminating with a service activity that connects real-world application to student learning. Family meetings are regularly scheduled to discuss concerns and problems, to plan instruction and service projects, and to offer students the family-style support they need to be successful. At the end of the year students create a scrapbook as a memento of their year with Project S.H.I.N.E. All winning schools will be recognized at the 31st NMSA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nov. 4-6, 2004, and will present their award-winning program to conference attendees. Each team receives a $3,000 cash award from Pearson Prentice Hall; a one-year individual membership in NMSA for up to four team members; a $100 coupon for NMSA publications; and free registration and lodging and social event tickets at the NMSA Annual Conference. About Pearson Prentice Hall About National Middle School Association About Pearson Education Pearson Education is the global leader in educational publishing. With brands such as Pearson Prentice Hall, Pearson Longman, Pearson Addison Wesley, and many others, Pearson Education provides quality content, assessment tools and educational services in all available media, spanning the learning curve from birth through college and beyond. Pearson Education is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company. Pearson's primary operations also include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. Contact: |
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