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Tag: education

  • AutoCognita Advances in $7M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE

    AutoCognita Advances in $7M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE

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    Global Team Develops Mobile Learning Solutions to Transform the Lives of Adult Learners

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 18, 2017


    Hong Kong, China, July 18, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
     AutoCognita, an EdTech innovator with a mission to change lives by delivering scalable literacy solutions to underserved adults and children around the world, today announced that it has been named as one of eight teams advancing in the $7M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE presented by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, a global competition challenging teams to develop mobile applications for existing smart devices that result in the greatest increase in literacy skills among participating adult learners. AutoCognita, headquartered in Hong Kong, China, and Bellingham, WA, USA, with four core team members, is one of eight semifinalists selected from a field of 109 registered teams.

    AutoCognita is comprised of designers, educators, and developers and was formed in 2015 to solve the global literacy crisis.  The team competed in both the Adult Literacy XPRIZE and the Global Learning XPRIZE, a separate competition targeting children in less developed countries.  AutoCognita is the only team reaching the semifinals in both competitions, marking the first time in XPRIZE history that a single team has reached this milestone in two separate XPRIZE challenges.

    We are excited and honored to be chosen as semifinalists in two XPRIZE competitions, marking a first in XPRIZE history.

    Frank Ho, Team Leader, AutoCognita

    Available for free on Google Play, AutoCognita’s learning app offers a complete curriculum across literacy and numeracy topics.  The extensive literacy curriculum covers topics ranging from alphabet, phonics, word, sentence, to comprehension and conversation, while the numeracy curriculum covers counting, addition, subtraction, and multiplication.  In addition, students learn core life skills through images of daily encounters, AR-assisted visual recognition, speech-to-text conversion and sharing of text messages through the social network.

    “Our team was established specifically to compete in XPRIZE.  We are not affiliated with any existing education businesses or institutions.  Our fresh perspective allows us to push the boundary beyond existing EdTech solutions.  We built our solution from scratch based on five core principles: research-based, constructivist theory, innovative pedagogy, multi-sensory engagement, and minimalistic UX design.  Since our solution is effective for a wide range of audiences – adults and children, learners with different language and cultural backgrounds, and students with varying literacy skills – we decided to compete in both the Global Learning XPRIZE and the Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Learning XPRIZE,” said Frank Ho, team leader, AutoCognita. “We are excited and honored to be chosen as semifinalists in both competitions.”

    Starting mid-July, the eight semi-finalist teams enter a 15-month long field testing phase across three partner cities – Los Angeles, Dallas and Philadelphia – that includes a total of 12,000 adult-learner participants who read English at a third-grade reading level or below, and at least 750 volunteers to onboard participants and coordinate the download of learning apps. The Adult Literacy XPRIZE will distribute the learning solutions to participating adult learners who will test the semi-finalist teams’ software, with each participant receiving access to one randomly-assigned app. Following 12 months of consistent use, a post-test will be administered to determine the highest gains in literacy achieved by the participants. Participants’ app usage, responses to monthly surveys and self-assessments will also factor in the judges’ final evaluation.

    “With the announcement of these semi-finalist teams, we are one step closer to transforming the lives of 36 million adults with low literacy skills in the U.S. by putting today’s cutting-edge learning tools directly in the hands of those who need them most,” said Shlomy Kattan, the senior director of the Adult Literacy XPRIZE.

    Upon completion of the field testing, the top mobile applications will be available to the users in the United States for complimentary use for 18 months. The selection of up to five finalists will be announced in May 2018 and winners will be announced early 2019. The $3M Grand Prize will be awarded to the team with the best performance across all adult learners, over the 12-month field test. Two $1M Achievement Prizes will also be awarded to the two teams with the best performance in each of the two key demographic groups: native English speakers and English language learners. An additional $500K will be awarded to up to five finalist teams.

    Following the awarding of the Grand Prize and Bonus Prizes, cities across the U.S. will compete to encourage their adult learners to download and use the winning applications, using tailored education, marketing, and outreach campaigns. A $500K purse will be split among all finalist teams that meet the minimum performance benchmark to advance to the Cities Competition. A $1M prize will be awarded to the city that encourages the greatest percentage of its adult learners to download and use any of the finalist solutions over a six-month period.

    AutoCognita’s literacy and numeracy app is available on Google Play:

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autocognita.alxp&hl=en

    For more information about AutoCognita, please visit autocognita.com

    For more information about the Adult Literacy XPRIZE, visit adultliteracy.xprize.org.

    For more information about the Global Learning XPRIZE, visit learning.xprize.org.

     

    About AutoCognita

    AutoCognita is an EdTech innovator with a mission to change lives by delivering scalable literacy solutions to underserved adults and children around the world. The team, in addition to the Adult Literacy XPRIZE and the Global Learning XPRIZE, is also competing in the IBM Watson AI XPRIZE to develop an AI-powered writing assistant.

     

    About XPRIZE

    XPRIZE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the global leader in designing and implementing innovative competition models to solve the world’s grandest challenges. XPRIZE utilizes a unique combination of gamification, crowdsourcing, incentive prize theory, and exponential technologies as a formula to make 10x (vs. 10%) impact in the grand challenge domains facing our world.  XPRIZE’s philosophy is that—under the right circumstances— igniting rapid experimentation from a variety of diverse lenses is the most efficient and effective method to driving exponential impact and solutions to grand challenges.  Active competitions include the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, the $20M NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, the $15M Global Learning XPRIZE, the $10M Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, the $7M Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE, the $7M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE, the $5M IBM Watson AI XPRIZE, the $1.75M Water Abundance XPRIZE and the $1M Anu and Naveen Jain Women’s Safety XPRIZE. For more information, visit www.xprize.org.

    Source: AutoCognita

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  • 13-Year-Old Girl Creates a Siri Clone in Less Than a Week

    13-Year-Old Girl Creates a Siri Clone in Less Than a Week

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    Kari is a young girl of amazing talent and brilliant mind; yet, due to no fault of her own is unable to find a school place.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 12, 2017


    BIRMINGHAM, England, July 12, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     Through a new interest in computer science and wanting to learn more about artificial intelligence 13-year-old Kari Lawler from Solihull, UK set herself the challenge of creating her own virtual assistant like Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa. After purchasing a few books, she very quickly taught herself the necessary programming skills and within a few days it was apparent she was making considerable progress and amazingly within just one week she had a working prototype.

    Her family has stated it’s amazing what she has achieved at her age with very little resources. The fact her personal assistant responds in a similar manner to Siri and even has the same witty attitude when asked something out of the ordinary is marvelous. It’s also especially incredible when you consider what the large technology companies have probably spent on producing something not much different to what Kari has managed to achieve in such a short amount of time.

    Looking to the future Kari does plan to expand on her prototype and does see great value in this type of technology. She is currently working on making her assistant more realistic with more human like back and forth conversation. If achievable she thinks this type of virtual human interaction would be of great benefit in areas such as social care; like providing company to the elderly or assistance for people with dementia. Similarly, she sees it been used as a learning assistant for whole class teaching or for helping individual students in a school. Realistically though, she appreciates she has a long way to go before realizing this vision. However, in the meantime she would very much like to connect and learn through maybe a mentoring role with any individuals or companies in this field.

    About Kari
    Kari, now 14 is a very bright and gifted young lady excelling in English, mathematics and science. At the age of 11 she was diagnosed with ASD. Since her diagnosis and through no fault of her own she has had great difficulty in accessing an education in a mainstream setting which has resulted in her being out of school now for just over a year. The resistance Kari is facing is solely down to a complete lack of understanding of Autism. Even though Kari has never had any learning needs, behavioral issues, communication or high anxiety issues at school, schools approached just assume the worse based on stereotypes and dismissively say no without looking at her as an individual. Overall Kari wants nothing more than to be back in school doing what she loves the most, which is learning.

    Media Contact
    Brett Lawler
    Email: brett@brettlawler.com
    Phone: +44 121 748 2468, Cell/Mobile: +44 7772 733138

    Source: Kari Lawler

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  • Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School Graduates First Class

    Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School Graduates First Class

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    South Bronx Shines, Creating a Pipeline to the Health, Science, and Medical Field


    Bronx, NY, June 21, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    The Dr. Richard Izquierdo Heatlh & Science Charter School (DRIHSCS) is pleased to announce that on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. it will be graduating its first 12th-grade class. The graduation will take place in the auditorium of DOE Building x158, located at 800 Home Street, Bronx, New York. Many dignitaries, including Dr. Betty Rosa, Chancellor of the Board of Regents, will attend this event.

    DRIHSCS has seen positive changes in school culture, parent engagement, staffing, and testing pass rates and scores over the past five years, achieving Regents pass rates that beat the district and the city. Additionally, 50 percent of the school’s seniors took AP or college courses this year. This has, in part, led to DRIHSCS to becoming one of the most desirable schools in the Bronx. 

    “100 percent of our 67 students are eligible to graduate, 100 percent were accepted to college, and 100 percent will be enrolling in post-secondary institutions with one of our students entering the United States Coast Guard and another attending City Year and then college.”

    Christopher Sharpe, Director of External Affairs

    This is the fulfillment of Dr. Richard “Doc” Izquierdo’s dream of providing a high quality of health and science education to children in the South Bronx, so they have access to careers in the medical field. Dr. Izquierdo has been a pillar of South Bronx community since the late 60s when he began his career in medicine. Shortly thereafter, he created the Urban Health Plan, Inc., which is now the 22nd largest community-based health center in the United States and serves the South Bronx, Queens, and Harlem.

    100 percent of the school’s 67 students are eligible to graduate, 100 percent were accepted to college, and 100 percent will be enrolling in post-secondary institutions with one of the school’s students entering the United States Coast Guard and another attending City Year and then college. 

    Additionally, DRIHSCS has a unique educational model, incorporating Career & Technical Education into our curriculum. As a result, five DRIHSCS graduates have already become certified EMTs.

    – end of release –

    Media Contact: Christopher Sharpe. csharpe@drihscs.org

    Source: DRIHSCS

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  • “The 45 Presidents” Activity Book is Honored With Silver IPPY and Homeschool.com Summer Resource Awards

    “The 45 Presidents” Activity Book is Honored With Silver IPPY and Homeschool.com Summer Resource Awards

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 13, 2017


    Charlotte, NC, June 13, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     Making summer learning more productive and fun, “The 45 Presidents” multi-media activity book, music video and song has been awarded a 2017 Silver IPPY from the Independent Publishers Association and handpicked by Homeschool.com, a leading provider to the approximately 1.8 million homeschoolers in the U.S., as a top summer resource for parents and educators.

    Written by former advertising executive turned TV producer, Toni Steedman Zelickson, and illustrated by nationally renowned caricature artist, Jeff Mangum, “The 45 Presidents” is an 84-page, large format activity book featuring a caricature of each president, presidential trivia, First Lady matching activities, and other iconic images such as Air Force One, the White House, and Mount Rushmore. “The 45 Presidents” book is also part of a multi-media trio that includes a new original song and music video by the Raggs Band, the Emmy-Award winning characters from the Raggs children’s TV series.

    “The IPPY and Homeschool.com awards are confirmation that our team did a great job of making American history interesting and easy to learn, and we are happy that ‘The 45 Presidents’ is finding its own place in publishing history!”

    Toni Steedman Zelickson, President, Blue Socks Media

    In the IPPY competition, “The 45 Presidents” placed second in the multi-media category from a field of nearly 5,000 worldwide entries across all categories. Medals were presented at a special ceremony honoring authors at the Copacabana in New York City on Tuesday, May 30th. The Silver IPPY seal will appear on all future editions of “The 45 Presidents” activity books.

    The Homeschool.com Summer Resources Awards 2017 were announced on June 6 and are included in Homeschool.com’s 101 Things To Do this summer list on the popular homeschool community website.

    “The IPPY and Homeschool.com awards are confirmation that our team did a great job of making American history interesting and easy to learn,” Toni Steedman Zelickson commented, “and, we are happy that ‘The 45 Presidents’ is finding its own place in publishing history!”

    “The 45 Presidents” song is the latest addition to Raggs’ extensive musical library, which includes over 200 original songs, classics and pop cover tunes. The new song will join Raggs’ Americana offerings that include “Red, White, and Raggs,” an album full of patriotic classics such as, “America the Beautiful,” “Yankee Doodle” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”  “The 45 Presidents” also complements one of Raggs most popular songs, “The 50 States That Rhyme,” which cleverly teaches the U.S. states in alphabetical order.

    “The 45 Presidents” song and the “Red, White, and Raggs” album are all available for purchase on iTunes. The accompanying music videos are free-to-view on YouTube, and “The 45 Presidents” activity book is available at online booksellers Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Lulu.com for $8.99. Orders are shipped within 3-5 days of receipt. For more information, go to The45Presidents.com. 

    About Raggs

    Raggs is an Emmy Award-winning, musical preschool series about five colorful pups who learn life lessons though an innovative mix of live action stories, music videos, concerts, cartoons and interviews with real kids. With over 200 episodes, 300 original songs and animated new media music videos, Raggs is available worldwide in English, Spanish and Portuguese and has begun dubbing in 15 additional languages for distribution in 100 countries in 2017. The Raggs brand includes CDs, DVDs, toys, books and live shows, including a partnership called “Play at Palladium with Raggs” with the Palladium Hotel Group at resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Brazil. The original characters were created by Toni Steedman, a Charlotte, NC, advertising executive, for her then six‐year‐old daughter Alison. Raggs and all rights are owned by Blue Socks Media LLC, Charlotte, NC.  For more info, go to www.raggs.com.

    Source: Blue Socks Media

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  • Google Boot Camp on Demand

    Google Boot Camp on Demand

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    Facilitated e-Learning course prepares participants for Level 1 Google Educator Certification

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 2, 2017


    Montvale, NJ, June 1, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Eduscape announced today the launch of Google Boot Camp On Demand, a new e-Learning course. This facilitated e-Learning experience assists educators with gaining the knowledge and skills required to prepare for the Google Level 1 Educator exam.

    Boot Camp On Demand allows the participant to experience anytime, anywhere, Google professional development. The course is designed as a series of self-paced modules that allow the learner to follow a personalized learning path. During the online course, participants will engage in activities and experiences that will assist them with preparing to take the Google Certified Educator Level 1 Exam. The course includes activities such as completing online learning missions, engaging in discussions, participating in live webinars, and taking practice assessments. Throughout the course, Google certified instructors will be available live to answer questions, offer guidance, and collaborate with participants — a rare feature for e-Learning!

    “I enjoyed taking the course at my own pace and place, including during prep time at school and from home. The live facilitator sessions were so helpful and really supported my learning. I am now a Google Level 1 certified teacher!”

    a recent participant

    One recent participant stated, “I enjoyed taking the course at my own pace and place, including during prep time at school and from home. The live facilitator sessions were so helpful and really supported my learning. I am now a Google Level 1 certified teacher!”

    For those teachers who aren’t quite ready to pursue a Google Certified Educator certificate, Eduscape also offers professional development opportunities and hands-on workshops. These workshops include instruction and review of the following platforms: Google for Education, Office 365, SMART, Epson, Digital Citizenship, and other interactive technologies.

    For more information on the Google Boot Camp On Demand or onsite professional development, contact Eduscape at 800-781-7976, or to register for the course, visit: pd.eduscape.com

    About Eduscape

    Eduscape, based in Montvale, N.J., is a recognized leader in K-12 education. Eduscape’s team of professionals offer years of combined experience in education and professional development. The company assists with the effective integration of technology by teachers in a deliberate manner by aligning learning outcomes to selected standards, including Common Core, STEM and Next Generation Science Standards. Our expertise extends from Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365 to successful classroom implementations of one-to-one initiatives and other classroom technologies, including the design of innovative learning spaces. 

    Source: Eduscape

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  • Educating Children: Doing What Comes Naturally

    Educating Children: Doing What Comes Naturally

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Janet Wade of Knoxville, TN, featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 1, 2017


    Austin, TX, June 1, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     Many young children play school and pretend to be a teacher. Janet Wade knew from her early years, she not only wanted to play school, but be an actual teacher when she grew up. She has now been in education for almost 30 years, first as a paraprofessional in the local school district and then moving on to owning her own home child care. 

    At Janet’s child care, the children prepare for Kindergarten through themed teaching. She tries to incorporate many lessons around one centralized theme, including nutrition. For example, on St. Patrick’s Day, the children participate in a green taste test. Any kind of green fruit or vegetable that you can imagine is on the menu. Many times, the testers might say they don’t like something, but all have to participate in “1-2-3 – BITE!” with everyone taking at least a small bite on the count. 

    “This just comes naturally to me. I love it and I enjoy working hard, encouraging the children to be creative and to continually create new ideas and opportunities so that learning is fun.”

    Janet Wade, Child Care Provider

    Within the themed units, children are given the opportunity for physical activity. Some days, they pretend to be snowflakes falling gently to the ground or dancing through the air. Other days, the children are the wind, hissing like a snake or fluttering like a butterfly. 

    In addition to learning opportunities through themed units, the children experience the community around them. During the Christmas season, children make cards for older patrons at Janet’s church, and every year they visit St. Jude’s Hospital. They also work together as a child care community to plant a garden each spring and study good citizenship traits such as kindness, sharing and respectfulness daily. Any parent will know that not only is their child going to be well-cared for, but they also have rewarding learning experiences to take with them to the next stage in life.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program, they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Creating a Love of Learning Starts at an Early Age

    Creating a Love of Learning Starts at an Early Age

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Providers Cindy Whitaker and Mickey Geisler of Cortez, CO featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
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    updated: May 23, 2017


    Austin, TX, May 23, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     When one door closes another one opens. Cindy and Mickey took that expression to heart when they opened their own child care center after the large center where they were co-workers decided to close their doors. Twenty-three years later, they are still working together as co-teachers, co-owners of ‘Lil Rascals Child Care. At ‘Lil Rascals they strive to create a love of learning the children can take wherever they go.

    In the search for the right fit for their group of students, Mickey and Cindy have discovered a nutritional program through the state of Colorado that works alongside CACFP to be beneficial. With the Food Friend Program, they encourage every child to try a new food and vegetable each week. Even Cindy has tried new foods she is not accustomed to! They further their nutrition education by planting a garden and going to a nearby apple orchard.

    “Every group of kids is different. We have to find what works for them and us as teachers to make everyone comfortable and able to learn.”

    Mickey Geisler, Home Child Care Provider

    Cindy and Mickey also use the Mighty Moves program for teaching physical education and understanding the important role it plays in a healthy lifestyle. The kids are encouraged to be outside as much as possible. This ranges from playing on a sledding hill in the winter to swimming in the summer. The kids have a climbing area, a place to ride bikes and play sports like soccer and basketball.

    At Lil Rascals,  it is important the children have a healthy, happy day. Cindy and Mickey use puppets to teach social emotional skills such as how to deal with frustrations and finding a solution for problems. With expectations increasing every year in school, children need to be well-rounded and prepared beyond academics. With all of the learning taking place each day, Cindy and Mickey feel accomplished and at the same time honored that parents entrust the children to their care.

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Private School Looks to Balance the Scales With College Access Initiative; Makes Long-Term Investment in Underserved, High-Achieving Public School Students

    Private School Looks to Balance the Scales With College Access Initiative; Makes Long-Term Investment in Underserved, High-Achieving Public School Students

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: May 18, 2017


    North Hollywood, CA, May 18, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     After years of research and preparation, Campbell Hall has launched the Campbell Scholars Program, a tuition-free academic enrichment and college access program designed to support underserved, high-achieving students who aspire to be the first in their family to graduate from a four-year college. The program, which recently completed a 3-year pilot phase, extends the core resources, learning philosophy, and opportunities of the independent school experience to students enrolled in under-resourced schools through continuous, year-round enrichment and mentoring programs from 7th grade through college graduation and beyond.

    It is well understood that first-generation college aspirants face an exceedingly difficult path to college graduation. While researchers and policy-makers have sought to understand this gap in educational attainment, private independent schools have quietly shown success in preparing low-income first-generation students for college. One school, Campbell Hall, a K-12 private school in North Hollywood, has committed to deepening its impact to underserved children by sharing its college preparatory capacity with its broader community.

    “It’s time independent schools looked beyond their gates to forge partnerships that impact our community at large.”

    Eileen Powers, Director of Public Partnerships, Campbell Hall

    “We are a selective independent school, but that doesn’t mean we are closed off to our role in the broader community,” said the Rev.  Julian P. Bull, headmaster, Campbell Hall. “Our school’s mission implies a public purpose, and Campbell Scholars is an example of how private schools can serve the public good.”

    The independent school experience serves as a completely different learning context for Campbell Scholars, all of whom are enrolled in Title I schools. In small class sizes and long-term relationships, students grow their cultural capital and social-emotional skills, areas of emphasis that today’s under-resourced public schools are not properly resourced or incentivized to develop.

    According to John Rue, Campbell Scholars program director, none of the parents in the program have graduated from college, and a significant number have not graduated from high school. “We work closely with each family to offer support, explain choices, and answer questions at every point along the college and career pathway,” said Rue. “It’s what we do in our program, but like most of our program’s components, it’s inspired by the college preparatory work we do at Campbell Hall.”

    The first three years of the Campbell Scholars program focuses on preparing middle school students for rigorous, college preparatory coursework in high school. Once students complete the Summer Enrichment phase, they matriculate into the College Access Program to help prepare them for college and beyond. Once in college, the program will continue to support students through academic counseling and internships.

    Gwen, a Campbell Scholar who is thriving in the program, states, “What I love most about Campbell Scholars is the fact that I’m being surrounded by other kids who want to go to college, have a career, be successful, and do something with their lives, just like me.”

    “There are few responsibilities more important and more complex than educating children,” said Director of Public Partnerships Eileen Powers. “It’s time independent schools looked beyond their gates to forge partnerships that impact our community at large.”

    Source: Campbell Hall

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  • Creative Brain Learning Voted Best Afterschool Program Provider in the Inland Empire in California

    Creative Brain Learning Voted Best Afterschool Program Provider in the Inland Empire in California

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    Inland Empire Magazine Readers Vote Creative Brain and RUSD’s Afterschool Program Best Afterschool Program of Inland Empire

    Press Release
    –


    updated: May 16, 2017


    RIVERSIDE, Calif., May 16, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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     The Creative Brain Learning/RUSD Afterschool Program at 20 of Riverside’s public schools was recently voted Best Afterschool Program of Inland Empire of 2017 by the readers of the Inland Empire Magazine.

    What sets Creative Brain Learning apart from other afterschool providers is its vast enrichment education catalog. As part of the RUSD afterschool program, Creative Brain Learning provides a comprehensive music and S.T.E.M. enrichment program for all students in all grade groups at the 20 Riverside school sites. Educational Enrichment components are grade-specific, and include comprehensive piano, guitar, ukulele, recorder, violin, drum line, Rock Band, LEGO engineering, Video Game Design, Computer Programming, Robotics, Advanced Robotics classes, and more!

    What sets Creative Brain Learning apart from other after school providers is its vast enrichment education catalog.

    Eckart Peter, Communications Director

    Janet Downey, Coordinator of After School Programs at Riverside Unified School District, recognized Creative Brain Staff at a recent District event (see picture), and praised the vast and unique educational opportunities Riverside students were able to benefit from thanks to Creative Brain Learning, and their capable staff.

    Creative Brain Learning has been providing successful afterschool programs and has served as an enrichment education partner for the past 14 years, offering unique and innovative educational opportunities to thousands of students in schools around Los Angeles (LAUSD), in Montebello, Pico Rivera, Whittier, San Gabriel, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Etiwanda, Riverside, San Diego, Perris, Temecula, and many other cities. Most of these programs are state-funded by ASES (After School Education and Safety) grants and are absolutely free to the students and parents. The California Department of Education (CDE) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) have both recognized Creative Brain Learning for their exemplary standards in afterschool education.

    Creative Brain Learning and its division of MUSICSTAR provide extensive enrichment components for other afterschool programs, and offer a wide range of community education classes in partnership with many other public and private institutions, such as the Cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Escondido, Poway, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Eastvale, Fontana, Claremont, Yorba Linda, Placentia, Brea, Ontario, as well as many other cities throughout California. Creative Brain Learning and MUSICSTAR also offer exciting educational camps every summer in partnership with the cities of Folsom, Roseville, Vacaville, Lodi, Elk Grove, Atascadero, Visalia, Paso Robles, Lompoc, Tracy, Ridgecrest, Solvang, Apple Valley, Moreno Valley, San Marcos, San Diego, and many others.

    For more information on Creative Brain® Learning and MUSICSTAR®:
    Please call 951-780-5365 or visit the websites:
    http://www.cblc.org  •  http://www.musicstarlearning.com

    Source: Creative Brain Learning

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  • Puzzle Your Kids Launches New Free Word Puzzles for Kids

    Puzzle Your Kids Launches New Free Word Puzzles for Kids

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    Those who sign up receive a free, high-quality pencil puzzle for kids every week.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Apr 18, 2017


    New York, New York, April 18, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Eric Berlin, professional puzzle constructor and author of the “Winston Breen” series of children’s books, has just launched Puzzle Your Kids, a new subscription-based service that provides one free puzzle for kids each week. Berlin also offers a $5-per-month subscription, which provides two puzzles a week, special supporter-only contests, and previews of new puzzles. These creative pencil puzzles are perfect for kids age nine and up.

    The Puzzle Your Kids word puzzles are at a level of quality of comparable to the New York Times crossword puzzle, but with words and clues that are entirely kid-friendly. The puzzles themselves are much more varied, going far beyond the standard crossword.

    “Completing these word puzzles offers more than just fun and new vocabulary: They also help to reinforce a child’s self-esteem. When a solver finally gets the answer and has that “aha moment”, the joy they feel and sense of accomplishment can’t be beat. It’s a great confidence booster as well as an engaging learning tool.”

    Eric Berlin, Puzzle Your Kids Creator

    Children love puzzles of all kinds. They are fun and educational, teaching kids critical vocabulary, reasoning, and problem solving skills. But there are astonishingly few quality puzzles available for children. Puzzle Your Kids aims to fix that, with puzzles that reinforce the full range of a child’s vocabulary as well as teach new words. The vocabulary used in the puzzles covers a wide variety of subjects, from science and sports, to mythology and movies, plus much more.

    “Completing these word puzzles offers more than just fun and new vocabulary: They also help to reinforce a child’s self-esteem. When a solver finally gets the answer and has that “aha moment”, the joy they feel and sense of accomplishment can’t be beat,” says Berlin. “It’s a great confidence booster as well as an engaging learning tool.”

    Berlin also offers educational presentations, activities, and exciting puzzle hunts at schools and local libraries. For more information, and to sign up to start receiving free puzzles for kids, visit PuzzleYourKids.com.

    About Puzzle Your Kids 

    Puzzle Your Kids provides expertly crafted pencil puzzles for kids created by Eric Berlin, professional puzzle constructor and the author of the “Winston Breen” series of children’s books.

    Contact Information

    Eric Berlin
    ericberlin@gmail.com

    Source: Puzzle Your Kids

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  • Continually Working for Quality Child Care: CACFP Showcase

    Continually Working for Quality Child Care: CACFP Showcase

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    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Provider Susan Holbrook of Croswell, MI featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Apr 5, 2017


    Austin, TX, April 5, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Susan Holbrook always wanted to be a teacher and truly has found the best of two worlds. As a home childcare provider, she was able to not only teach, but also stay home with her own children. Twenty-seven years later, she continues to educate preschoolers and care for kids afterschool.

    The goal at Susan’s home is to produce happy, healthy, and kind children. Nutrition, of course, is a focus for healthy children. Incorporating the literature from her CACFP sponsor, Susan teaches the children about healthy eating choices and then sends home different information to build those habits. In the warmer months, the children tend to a home garden. Additionally, they take care of the chickens and eggs that are produced. During mealtimes, everyone works together to wash produce, clean up messes and even help plan upcoming menus. 

    “Some days can be difficult of course, but the next day the children come in with their sweet little faces and we start a new day of fun together.”

    Susan Holbrook, Child Care Provider

    Field trips to the library during the summer to participate in the library reading program is definitely a component for happy children. They spend many hours per week outdoors in the play yard and Susan has even incorporated a sunken boat into the ground. The children love to fish and be pirates! There is always fun to be had whether exercising, learning or playing. 

    Not only is Susan dedicated to her children’s continuous improvement, but she strives to improve as well. Enrolling in Michigan’s Great Start to Quality Program, Susan has completed extra continuing education hours, written a cultural plan and her own continuous improvement plan. She has even been awarded a grant in which she supplied her home childcare with a dramatic play kitchen set and other manipulatives for the kids to enjoy.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Lyryx Joins BCcampus Open Textbook Collection

    Lyryx Joins BCcampus Open Textbook Collection

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Apr 4, 2017


    Calgary, AB, April 4, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Lyryx with Open Texts collection is now available through the BCcampus repositories to be shared openly with Instructors globally.

    BCcampus is recognized as a leader of Open Educational Resource development in Canada and worldwide.  The BC Open Textbook Collection now holds over 180 open textbooks in 8 main and 36 secondary subject areas.  By providing the public with approved open material, BCcampus enables access to freely available content, information and data that is an essential component of an improved learning environment – for students as well as instructors.

    “Advocates of OER are working towards a shared goal of making education open and accessible to all. We feel that we are one step closer to that mission with sharing our open texts on the BCcampus repositories.”

    Dr. Claude Laflamme, Founder and CEO, Lyryx Learning

    ​Lyryx is honoured to provide their open textbooks alongside this growing collection of high quality resources.  Lyryx will continue to support open and affordable learning material in order to provide support of instructors with OER.

    “We hope that by aligning with like-minded organizations like BCcampus, Lyryx with Open Texts will be even more accessible for instructors to use,” says Claude Laflamme, Founder and CEO of Lyryx Learning.  “Advocates of OER are working towards a shared goal of making education open and accessible to all.  We feel that we are one step closer to that mission with sharing our open texts on the BCcampus repositories.”

    Lyryx contributes several open textbooks to the BCcampus collection, all openly licensed with Creative Commons licenses. These texts include the subject areas of mathematics, business, and economics. The business and economics texts were written by Canadian authors giving a unique and important perspective on their respective disciplines.

    To find out more about Lyryx Learning, visit: http://lyryx.com/

    About Lyryx Learning

    Lyryx Learning is an open educational resources (OER) company based in Calgary, Alberta that began in the Mathematics department at the University of Calgary.  Lyryx was established in 2000 and is supporting Instructors across Canada by sustaining OER and developing adaptable, accessible and affordable resources for higher education.  Lyryx provides quality OER and service including open texts, assessments, supplements and support in the subjects of: Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting and Economics.  Lyryx offers a modern model strengthening open educational resources, providing excellent materials and services to students at an affordable price. We are advancing learning as champions of access to knowledge.

    For more information contact:
    Tamsyn Murnaghan
    Director of Client Services for Lyryx Learning
    W: 877-670-6726 ext.222
    tamsyn@lyryx.com

    Source: Lyryx Learning Inc.

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  • Truth, Beauty & Goodness – Shining Mountain Waldorf School Introduces New Brand Logo and Brand Essence Painted Across School’s Festival Hall Gymnasium

    Truth, Beauty & Goodness – Shining Mountain Waldorf School Introduces New Brand Logo and Brand Essence Painted Across School’s Festival Hall Gymnasium

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Mar 31, 2017


    Boulder, Colorado, March 31, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​Shining Mountain Waldorf School, a fully accredited Pre-K through 12 independent Waldorf school in Boulder, Colorado, introduced a new brand and logo that better reflects the values and aspirations of the school. The words truth, beauty and goodness – the new brand essence – have been painted across the wall of the school’s gymnasium.   

    “Waldorf Education is the fastest growing educational movement in the world. It is our responsibility and joy to develop future leaders that will have positive impacts on the world, it is important that our brand reflect this,” said Jane Zeender, School Director. “At the heart of our new branding is our purpose – we are a community dedicated to educating children to lead and serve the world in truth, beauty and goodness.”

    “Waldorf Education is the fastest growing educational movement in the world. It is our responsibility and joy to develop future leaders that will have positive impacts on the world, it is important that our brand reflect this,” said Jane Zeender, School Director. “At the heart of our new branding is our purpose – we are a community dedicated to educating children to lead and serve the world in truth, beauty and goodness.”

    Mary Eaton Fairfield, Admission & Marketing Director

    The new brand includes a new logo, a modern representation of three mountain peaks with a sun rising above the center peak. The three mountain peaks are reminiscent of those that can be viewed from the school’s campus and conjure the three words from the brand essence. The sun highlights an aspirational destination. The school’s website at http://shiningmountainwaldorf.org/ was updated to reflect the new branding and the new logo has been emblazoned across the front of the school’s Festival Hall.

    “Truth, beauty and goodness are ancient ideas; they are virtues that are crucial bedrocks of our humanity. Each one strengthens a different aspect of a human being, and each represents something we wish to foster in our educational program,” said Dr. Lawrence Mathews, high school teacher and faculty chair. “The qualities of truth, beauty and goodness are now regarded as the school’s essence, a true North, something for the school to follow, to aspire to, and to place at the center of our work.”

    The words truth, beauty and goodness, and the new logo were painted across the wall of the high-school gymnasium to allow students to live the bold brand purpose.  

    Designed in partnership with Boulder-based creative firm, Storyworks Inc., the new brand and visual identity presents the school with clarity, purpose and vision.

    “Shining Mountain provided a unique opportunity for us to work with a process we call True North, which is a brand process we designed for purpose centered organizations,” said Michael Shaun Conaway, CEO of Storyworks. “The faculty, staff, students and parents all contributed to the process so that we could tell the most authentic story of the uniqueness of a Shining Mountain education. When together we all hit upon Truth, Beauty and Goodness as the essence of the education, we knew we had found a True North that would guide the school for years to come. Once True North was found it was easy to tell the Shining Mountain story in the identity and in the films we made about the school.”

    Shining Mountain would like to encourage everyone to explore the updated website and watch a new video series about the school at http://shiningmountainwaldorf.org/video/.

    About Shining Mountain Waldorf School

    Shining Mountain Waldorf School is a fully accredited Pre-K-12 independent Waldorf school with a current enrollment of 305 students (65 in the high school) for the 2016-2017 school year. A full Waldorf curriculum is offered, including two world languages (Spanish and German), woodworking, handwork, movement, instrumental and orchestral music, and chorus. All full-time faculty members are Waldorf-trained teachers and represent a rich spectrum of life experiences along with strengths as Waldorf educators. For more information, please visit http://shiningmountainwaldorf.org/.

    About Storyworks

    Storyworks is a Creative Firm that helps companies grow purpose, profit and impact. Storyworks offers a unique branding process for social ventures and for benefit companies called True North. True North recognizes that values and purpose work create alignment and power in organizations who are out to do good in the world. Brand then becomes an extension of the essence of the company driving authentic communications and storytelling that connect customers to the heart of the company. For more information about Storyworks, please visit http://storyworks.com/.

    # # #

    If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Mary Eaton Fairfield, SMWS Admission and Marketing Director, at (303) 951-8579 or email at maryf@smwaldorf.org.

    Source: Shining Mountain Waldorf School

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  • Keynote Speaker – Stephen M. Apatow – Lead From the Front

    Keynote Speaker – Stephen M. Apatow – Lead From the Front

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Mar 31, 2017


    Milford, Connecticut, March 31, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
     ” Leadership development begins with a support system, that helps all team members reach their potential, focusing on their gifts, talents and capabilities. The purpose is not exploitation, but functional benefit for the mission of the team. This requires a fine balance between the need for tunnel vision during execution of a mission and capabilities that support stability, health, happiness and prosperity in the bigger picture of life. Though paradoxical, the objective is a team of leaders.”  — Stephen M. Apatow.

    From “Living On The Edge” to being the “Cutting Edge”

    In 1994, a small nonprofit organization named Humanitarian Resource Institute (HRI), was formed in Carson City, Nevada.  The mission was to address the cross section of needs defined during two national touch outreach projects, the first for substance abuse in 1990, and second for hunger, homelessness and poverty in 1993.  HRI’s first project was named Focus On America.  Through the assistance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSNBP), the mission was to take lessons learned, and “bridge unmet needs to untapped resources.”   This project reached front-line programs and EFSNBP directors in over 3100 U.S. counties, all 50 states and territories.  In 1999, the successful completion of United States networks, led to the development the International Disaster Information Network (IDIN), to assist FEMA with remediation for the Year 2000 Conversion, and then complex emergencies in 193 UN member countries.

    Formation of the Humanitarian University Consortium in 2002, helped connect subject matter experts at colleges and universities, public, private and defense organizations in every UN member country.  Through this consortium initiative, the worlds top reference points in medicine, veterinary medicine and law helped HRI be a global reference point for health care, education, agricultural and economic development.

    Shortly thereafter, HRI was recognized as one of nine leading educational and research institutions by the National Academy of Sciences, with the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Columbia University: Center for Public Health Preparedness, Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government: Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Humanitarian Resource Institute, Johns Hopkins University: Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Center for International Studies, National Academy of Sciences, University of Maryland: Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland,  University of Minnesota: Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. — See:  Biological Threats and Terrorism, Assessing the Science and Response Capabilities: Workshop Summary:  Forum on Emerging Infections, Board on Global Health. “Front Matter, ” Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2002.

    In 2009, HRI formed the United Nations Arts Initiative to promote “Arts Integration Into Education,” connecting educators, artists and entertainment industry, who have the innovation, creativity and intimate connection with the grassroots level, to impact prioritized humanitarian emergencies and relief operations. The United Nations Arts Initiative helps both artist and grassroots leaders with strategic planning, critical analysis, expert think tank development for background discussions, peer reviewed data compilation and communications that engage decision makers and audiences in a target demographic.

    In 2011, H-II OPSEC Expeditionary Operations was developed to assist defense support for humanitarian and security emergencies, currently beyond the capabilities of governmental, UN, NGO and relief organizations.

    Lead from the Front: Leadership Development Programs

    Though functioning outside of the mainstream spotlight for 23 years, Humanitarian Resource Institute has been the reference point for unconventional asymmetric strategic planning.

    Today, Stephen M. Apatow, President, Director of Research and Development for HRI, is focused on helping young leaders and executive leadership teams understand how to operate in complex environments and strategic areas viewed as critical to the CEO level of operations.  Lead from the Front: Development Programs help the CEO level break down walls and barriers, establishing a focus on optimization of the mission objective, through:

    • Prioritization
    • Subject matter expert review
    • Peer reviewed material support
    • Effective communications to penetrate a target audience.
    • Touch Outreach
    • Consensus building

    Overview of Current Leadership Initiatives

    Background Synopsis

    • 1984-1990: Pioneer for development of Classical Ballet Based Biomechanics, Orthopedic Analysis, Correction & Retraining. See: Sharpening The Tactical Athlete.
    • 1990:  Cycle Across America for Substance Abuse. National Youth leadership development program.
    • 1993: Run Across America for Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty. National Youth leadership development program.
    • 1994-Present: President, Founder, Director of Research and Development for the UN NGO Humanitarian Resource Institute.
    • 2009-Present: Director, United Nations Arts Initiative. Artist, Publisher, ASCAP.
    • 2010: Cancer Survivor — Never Give Up: Cancer Journal, Educational Resources, Advocacy Information.
    • 2011-Present: Director of H-II OPSEC Expeditionary Operations: Defense support for humanitarian and security emergencies beyond the capabilities of governmental, UN, NGO and relief organizations. — Anti-Terrorism Officer, NATO JADL – NSHQ SOCC Staff Officer NSTEP 2012.

    Representative Presentations, Workshops and Media

    • Artists and Educators Mobilize: United Nations Arts Initiative: Teachers College, Columbia University, 9 December 2015.
    • H-II OPSEC: Redefining a Global Security Support System: Spotlight in Journal of Special Operations Medicine: JSOM ABC’s, 15 April 2013.
    • H-II: Stephen Michael Apatow Named Ambassador for Vet2011 Global Initiative: Vet2011: World Veterinary Year 250th Year Anniversary of the Global Veterinary Profession, Humanitarian Resource Institute, 7 February 2011.
    • Keynote Speaker: The Future of Biodetection Systems – Final Workshop Analysis (Archive): The Future of Biodetection Systems Workshop was coordinated by the intelligence community to bring together industry, academia, national labs, and federal agency personnel in an interactive process, to develop a roadmap for research and development investment in biodetection. Sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory, September 26 & 27 2006. — Overview: BTACC Pathobiologics International. DNA-based Detection Technologies: Powerpoint Presentation.
    • Member of the scientific committee of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Tourist Health and Travel Medicine, 2005: Fifth European Conference on Travel Medicine.
    • EHPNET: Humanitarian Resource Institute Emerging Infectious Disease Network: Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), an online publication by the Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Volume 112, Number 1, January 2004.
    • Keynote Speaker: 8th annual meeting of the Association of Veterinary Biologics Companies (AVBC), 5 November 2003.
    • 2002 Award for Excellence in Outbreak Reporting on the Internet: International Society for Infectious Diseases, ProMED-mail.
    • U.S. Representative for Agricultural Security: U.S. Medicine Institute for Health Studies Forum “Food, Air, Water, and Terrorism: Assessing the Risk,” sponsored by the Department of Defense, Global Emerging Infections System and Annapolis Center. 29 January 2002. The paper “Agricultural Security and Emergency Preparedness: Protecting One of America’s Infrastructures,” Stephen M. Apatow, Humanitarian Resource Institute, was a reference point for agricultural security.
    • 1999 FEMA Community and Family Preparedness Workshop: Grassroots network development for state and county emergency managers, at the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Bluemont, VA.

    Advisory Board

    • Slavery Today: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Human Trafficking Solutions, dedicated to research, theory, and practical application in eradicating slavery. It is a nexus of critical thought for all fields relating to understanding and combating modern slavery and is unique in its focus on the issues of slavery and human trafficking.
    • War Crimes Committee: International Bar Association. Education and Advocacy Support for Human Rights Reporting – Evidence Collection – Witness Protection, International Bar Association Human Rights Institute.

    Consultancy Umbrellas

    • Pathobiologics International: www.pathobiologics.org
    • Sports Medicine & Science Institute: www.esportsmedicine.org
    • SMAMedia Communications: www.smamedia.com

    Note: Speaker’s Fee Range: $20,000 to $100,000. Please Inquire.

    Source: Humanitarian Resource Institute (HRI)

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  • National Geographic Learning Invited to Attend OESIS-CERNET Beijing Conference

    National Geographic Learning Invited to Attend OESIS-CERNET Beijing Conference

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Mar 29, 2017


    Beijing, China, March 29, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
     National Geographic Learning (NGL), a part of Cengage and a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials, was invited to attend and speak in OESIS-CERNET Beijing Conference, which is co-hosted by Online Education Symposium for Independent School (OESIS), a dynamic network of over 550 independent schools and over 2,500 leading education innovators in US, and the state-owned education group under China Education & Research Network, which runs the first nationwide education and research computer network in China funded by the MOE. There are some 400 educators, school principals and academia from international schools, English Language Teaching (ELT) institutes and ELT/ESL solution providers attended the conference which is one of the largest professional events in teaching innovation in K12 sector. 

    Michael Cahill, Regional Director of National Geographic Learning was invited to speak in the conference. He shared the important role that textbook plays in the transformation of ELT to a student-centered learning experience. Nowadays, ELT encounters significant changes in the internet-reshaped society, where students’ acquiring of knowledge has been boosted and diversified by internet and digital tools. Pedagogy-wise, learning knowledge through language is progressively replacing the concept and practice of learning language for language only. That is the reason why NGL series textbooks, such as Our World, Pathways, Edge, Life become widely-adopted in China’s ELT institutes and international schools.  

    NGL series are committed with the idea that brings the world to the classroom and the classroom to life via the rich resources of National Geographic, in terms of impressive images, audios/videos and prestigious content providers and authors. These are what we differentiate with other textbooks, and why we have so many student fans. We believe that picture tells story, and story makes learning exciting. NG series could not only broaden students’ eyesight and knowledge, but also cultivate them to be a truly global citizen by understanding the world in more angles.

    Michael Cahill, Regional Director

    “NGL series are committed with the idea that brings the world to the classroom and the classroom to life via the rich resources of National Geographic, in terms of impressive images, audios/videos and prestigious content providers and authors. These are what we differentiate with other textbooks, and why we have so many student fans. We believe that picture tells story, and story makes learning exciting. NG series could not only broaden students’ eyesight and knowledge, but also cultivate them to be a truly global citizen by understanding the world in more angles.” said Michael in the speech. 

    In the 2-days conference, Michael also meets Mr. Zhu Yidong, President of CERNET education, the exclusive distributor of Pathways, NGL’s most famous series in China. Both parties exchanged their views on the existing cooperation projects and how to better facilitate teachers use the series and maximize its effectiveness in 2017. 

    “We’re pleased to have CERNET as our exclusive partner for the distribution of Pathways again. Our cooperation now turns to be a success which started some 9 years ago, CERNET’s insight of China education market and its close relationship with China’s public school system are the great assets. And we’re looking forward to bring exciting learning experience to more Chinese students with the help of CERNET in the oncoming 2017.” said Alison Wang, China regional manager of NGL.  

    About National Geographic Learning

    National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage, is a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials to motivate. We believe that learning can be exciting, inspiring, and transformational.

    Source: National Geographic Learning

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  • Educating With Hands-on Learning: CACFP Showcase

    Educating With Hands-on Learning: CACFP Showcase

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    Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) Provider Corrine Hendrickson of New Glarus, WI featured by National CACFP Sponsors Association.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Mar 28, 2017


    Austin, TX, March 28, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​​​One of the major worries for pregnant moms is child care for the baby when time off from work ends. Corrine Hendrickson was sitting with a group of friends all expecting and having the exact same worry about quality childcare. At that moment, she decided she needed to leave her current job, use the degree she had worked so hard for, and open her own home child care. Ten years later, she has never regretted that sudden decision—loving every moment she spends with the kids in her care.

    In Corrine’s home child care, hands-on learning is integrated whenever possible, starting with healthy lifestyles. Every year the children plant a garden. They begin with planning what to plant and walking together to buy the seeds from the local nursery. After plotting and planting, the kids water, weed, pick and prepare the fruits and vegetables. The children take ownership in the menu and are  involved in preparing the food. Even at three, Corrine has them in the kitchen with her cooking. They take turns choosing a vegetable and everyone must take a “thank you bite.” On birthdays and other special days, one child will get to pick their favorite healthy lunch for everyone to prepare.

    “If they love learning, they’ll want to continue learning even more as they grow up.”

    Corrine Hendrickson, Childcare Provider

    Because the children are involved as much as possible, it facilitates a love for learning. Corrine tries to prepare them with basic knowledge of pre-school skills and then adds to that with physical activity including parachutes, bikes and swimming lessons. Walks to the park and sledding during the winter are fun physical activities enjoyed by all. Inside they have tunnels, dance parties and make-believe props and clothes. 

    Regardless of what lesson is being learned, above all, Corrine wants the children to learn how to be, and grow up to be, honorable and kind human beings. Her hope is that along the way they are curious, asking questions, and not afraid to try new things.  The progress that she sees her kids making every day keeps her motivated and continues to give her joy for the work she is doing. 

    CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in our Member Showcase at our website, www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • CACFP in Your Community: Celebrate National CACFP Week March 12-18, 2017

    CACFP in Your Community: Celebrate National CACFP Week March 12-18, 2017

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Feb 20, 2017


    Austin, TX, February 20, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Each year more than 4 million children are served 1.9 billion meals and snacks through the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in child care centers, family care homes and after-school programs. CACFP provides that same access to over 120,000 elderly persons in adult day care. These are staggering numbers. Even more staggering is the fact that without the CACFP many of the those children would not have access to healthy foods or any food at all.

    The primary goals of the CACFP are to serve nutritious meals to children and help establish positive eating habits at the earliest stages of development. Research indicates that the CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. Children that are cared for by providers participating in the CACFP benefit by being fed nutritious, USDA regulated meals that ensure their proper development. These children gain from early nutrition education that helps them establish positive eating habits that will enrich the quality of their diet throughout their life. Child care providers receive nutrition education and support services from their CACFP sponsors who help them serve nutritious meals and create a positive eating environment for children. The quality of child care provided in our community is improved due to educational and financial resources available to caregivers through the CACFP.

    Over 115,000 family child care providers working with 800 sponsors use CACFP to provide children with high quality nutrition and learning experiences.

    Thousands of people work daily, and tirelessly, to make sure children in America are getting access to healthy foods on a regular basis. Annually, with National CACFP Week, we celebrate their passion and commitment while also raising awareness of the food program. During National CACFP Week, March 12-18, 2017, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) encourages communities to come together to learn and acknowledge the many ways our next best generation benefits from the work and dedication of CACFP professionals and the program itself. We know that when we all join forces and work together the message we provide is stronger and will receive more attention. To celebrate CACFP in your community this year, get a tool-kit and free resources at www.cacfp.org.

    Since 1986 the National CACFP Sponsor Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association

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  • Lightswitch Learning, a Division of Sussman Education, Acquires Scobre Press

    Lightswitch Learning, a Division of Sussman Education, Acquires Scobre Press

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jan 17, 2017


    New York, New York, January 17, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Lightswitch Learning, a national K-12 publisher and sales organization, has acquired high-interest educational publisher, Scobre Press. A publisher of high-interest fiction and nonfiction devoted to serving striving readers, Scobre Press has a catalog of more than 100 fiction and nonfiction titles that students from grades 4 and up have enjoyed for over 15 years.

    Lightswitch Learning plans to continue the Scobre tradition of producing high-quality books that young people want to read, and that are accessible to students reading below level, by releasing 8 new titles from Scobre in the Fall of 2017. 

    These are titles that students routinely choose to read—and we believe that adding this content to our bookbag will allow us to reach a population that likely needs our help the most.

    Ron Sussman, President, Sussman Education

    According to Ron Sussman, President of Lightswitch Learning, “The acquisition of Scobre Press is very exciting for us. With the varied high-interest content we now have available to customers through Scobre, we can continue to build on our promise to offer the best resources available at affordable prices. These are titles that students routinely choose to read—and we believe that adding this content to our bookbag will allow us to reach a population that likely needs our help the most.”  

    Steve Sussman, Lightswitch Learning co-founder adds, “We have seen first-hand the impact that accessible content can have for reluctant or remedial readers. The Scobre library of books gives us the chance to touch so many more students. We are excited and proud to be able to support literacy across the country with this quality content.”

    Scobre Press was among the first to pioneer the concept of differentiated instruction. Many of the titles in the Scobre library are offered as paired sets on two unique reading levels, so that striving and proficient readers can access and discuss content together. Scobre has emphasized a variety of stories about sports and careers through their Dream Series and Future Stars Series collections. Recently published Scobre content focuses on empowering young people by inspiring them. Titles that focus on the great achievements of minorities, women, and teenagers, will help show young people that while the obstacles in front of them may be daunting, their dreams are achievable.   

    About Lightswitch Learning 

    Lightswitch Learning provides schools, teachers, parents and students with resources on family engagement, social-emotional learning, career exploration and much more.

    Sussman Education, the parent company of Lightswitch Learning, was founded in 1971 by Joe and Elaine Sussman. Joe and Elaine’s sons, Ron and Steve, took over the business in 2001. After repeatedly hearing from clients about the lack of meaningful family engagement and social-emotional learning resources available, they decided to launch Lightswitch Learning. This national line of parent guides, high-interest informational texts, and picture books is dedicated to helping educators and parents become stronger collaborators and providing students with resources that build on social-emotional development through literacy.

    Sussman Education partners with some of the biggest names in edtech and publishing to get high quality resources into New York City, Long Island, and Northern New York schools.

    Media Contact:
    ​Patrick Richardson
    212.371.9199
    ​patrick@sussmansales.com

    Source: Lightswitch Learning

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  • YiYiEnglish: English Education, Reimagined

    YiYiEnglish: English Education, Reimagined

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jan 13, 2017


    New York, NY, January 13, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​For many non-native English speakers, English is a constant companion that challenges their paths to success. Be it academic, professional, or personal, learning English has been and will remain a difficult task for international students. This is exacerbated by the lack of resources in their native countries. Every year, millions of Chinese students face these issues that result in mispronunciations and awkward accents. While there are many books, classes, and seminars, they fall short of a fostering environment that is filled with native English speakers. And before long, their opportunities to study abroad have passed on.

    Enter YiYiEnglish.com, a new English education organization that aims to change this and provide the best native English education to English learners in China. Based in New York City, YiYiEnglish is founded by Wall Street professionals in 2014 and currently maintains offices in New York and Beijing. YiYiEnglish provides a comprehensive curriculum of native English education resources, including SAT / TOEFL / IELTS preparations, summer camp educations, and AP-level classes.

    The key value proposition for YiYiEnglish lies in its teacher quality and personalized teaching methodology. Unlike other English classes, YiYiEnglish works with teachers from top universities around the world, such as Harvard, Columbia, Oxford, and MIT. Because of this, YiYiEnglish is able to provide the most authentic education experience for English learners. In addition, YiYiEnglish has partnered with select universities and non-profit organizations to provide students with experiential opportunities, such as summer camps and internships at Fortune 500 companies, to further solidify students’ learning of the English language.

    Secondly, with YiYiEnglish’s personalized education, students who have participated in the program have achieved great success in all aspects of the language acquisition process: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition, YiYiEnglish also provides English education across grade levels, so there is a curriculum for everyone – be it K-12, college, or professional grades. Through 1-on-1 instruction, YiYiEnglish helps students overcome the language barrier to jumpstart their journey in school and beyond.

    “We are proud of our rapid growth,” Martin Liu, the CEO of YiYiEnglish remarks. “It is an exciting time for our all-star team and we are well-positioned for the journey ahead.” Indeed, the global market for English education is estimated to be $30 billion and growing. “We are confident that students would find tremendous value in YiYiEnglish, and that YiYiEnglish will become the top program to help students master the English language.”

    Media Contact:

    Yang
    Phone: (929) 888-7985
    Email: contact@shoo-in.com

    Source: YiYiEnglish

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  • National Child Nutrition Foundation to Award $20,000 in Scholarships for Professional Development

    National Child Nutrition Foundation to Award $20,000 in Scholarships for Professional Development

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    Thirteen scholarships are available to attend the National CACFP Sponsors Association Annual Conference in San Diego, CA, April 18-20, 2017. Deadline to apply is February 1, 2017.

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jan 10, 2017


    Austin, TX, January 10, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    For 31 years the National CACFP Conference has offered unparalleled training, education, and networking opportunities to the child nutrition community. This year the annual conference will be held in San Diego, CA, April 18-20, 2017.

    Through the National Child Nutrition Foundation, there are a number of scholarship opportunities available that make attendance possible. Each scholarship will include conference registration, four (4) nights lodging at the conference hotel, and up to $300.00 toward transportation costs.

    If you work for any of the following organizations operating the CACFP you are eligible to apply for scholarships for each program: CACFP Sponsor, Tribal Nations, Head Start, Food Banks, At-Risk/Afterschool, Summer Food Program, Child Care Centers and Home Providers, and School Districts. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2017. Apply Now!

    Since 1986 the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). We provide education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. We strive to improve communication between families, care givers, sponsors, and their supervising government agencies.

    Source: National CACFP Sponsors Associations

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