DATES TO REMEMBER FOR THE 2004-2005 SCHOOL YEAR
August 12: International Youth Day
September 11: Patriot Day/United Day of Service/One Day's Pay Day
September 15-October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
September 26: European Day of Languages
October 10-16: Earth Science Week
October 4: World Habitat Day
October 16: World Food Day
November 15-19: International Education Week
November 15-19: American Education Week
December 1: World AIDS Day
December 5: International Volunteer Day
February: Black History Month
March: Women's History Month
March 1-7: Peace Corps Week
April: Global Science and Technology Week
June 5: World Environment Day
June 20: World Refugee Day
For holidays around the world please visit: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/livinginourworld/calendar.htm
HELPFUL AND INTERESTING WEBSITES FOR EDUCATORS
NASA: Education Enterprise http://education.nasa.gov/home/index.html
NASA's Education Enterprise provides students and educators with unique teaching and learning experiences to promote education as an integral component of every major NASA research and development mission. Students and educators study Earth, the universe and the planets using current data, and conducting scientific experiments using the latest aerospace and space-based research methods.
NC Stock Market Simulation http://www.ncarolinasms.com
Presented by the NC Council on Economic Education this stock market simulation presents teams of students (grade 4-12) with a fun way to learn about the economic system in the US . Teams compete across the state for the best portfolios after investing a hypothetical $100,000. Students have the chance to analyze news and events regarding the market and economy while applying math, reading, and writing skills.
New Century School House http://landmark-project.com/ncsh/
NCSH is a make-believe 20th style school building that has been totally gutted of all relics of industrial age education - an empty shell. Educators are asked to adopt an empty classroom and describe what you think teachers and students should be doing in the room to better prepare children for the future.
OWL: Our Web Location for Education http://www.owl.org
OWL is a resource site for National Education Association's members. OWL.org supports teachers and school staff with practical tips, strategies, community tools, and education materials. OWL includes online discussion boards and other interactive features that let members share their knowledge, experience, and opinions. Many articles and resources can be viewed without NEA membership.
SMALL GRANTS FOR TEACHERS
Bright Ideas
Sponsored by North Carolina 's Touchstone Energy cooperatives, Bright Ideas grants provide funding for a variety of hands-on classroom projects for students of all ages throughout the state. Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded for NC teachers to improve classroom instruction and to encourage innovative teaching methods. Educators serving K-12 schools are eligible for the grants, which are awarded in a competitive evaluation process by individual electric cooperatives throughout the state. http://www.ncbrightideas.com
DonorsChooseNC
Public school teachers use DonorsChoose to propose resources for their students. Teachers can describe a student project and list the materials needed to make it possible. Volunteers and staff at DonorsChoose will review each proposal and try to match each project proposal with a donor. http://www.donorschoose.org/locale2/
NC Council for the Social Studies Teacher Grants Program
The North Carolina Council for the Social Studies (NCCSS) provides grants of up to $1,000 to help teachers make an even greater impact in their classroom, school district, and community through innovative social studies programs. http://www.ncsocialstudies.com/awards.htm
NC Foundation for Public School Children: Hunt Professional Development Grant
Ten (10) Professional Development Grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to low wealth schools or school districts and are available as of July 15 of each year. Any NCAE member is eligible to apply for a grant for his/her school, if located in one of the low wealth school districts as defined by the State Department of Public Instruction. http://www.ncae.org/structure/foundation/ncfound.shtml
NC Science Teacher Association Innovative Curriculum Support Grant
NCSTA members may apply for funds for supplies, materials, equipment, printing, travel and other expenses related to an innovative curriculum project involving students in a unique way. http://www.ncsta.org/grants/index.html