Win a Complete Home Technology Makeover from Power to Learn

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Power to Learn, Cablevision has announced "The Power to Learn Optimum Technology Makeover" essay contest. Families are invited to submit an essay of 500 words or less focused on technology’s significant impact on learning, both at home and at school. Five families in Cablevision’s service area will win the Grand Prize of a complete home technology makeover that includes 10 prizes to celebrate 10 years, including a 42" HDTV, an Apple MacBook, an iPod touch and much more.

For more information, visit: http://www.ptlmakeovercontest.com/

SMART Notebook SE students can learn in their own style

SMART Notebook SE software makes it easy for students to create graphic-rich content and customize their assignments and other school work. They can search for and access files in a variety of simple and intuitive ways, including subject and keyword searches or a convenient Web 2.0 tag cloud. And, all of their files are automatically saved in one location, making it easy for students to keep everything organized.

SMART introduces interactive learning software designed just for students

Engaging students just got easier. The folkes at SMART are introducing, new interactive learning software designed especially for today’s technology-savvy generation.

With the SMART Notebook SE (Student Edition) software students can complete school work, take notes, manage due dates and organize digital material - all using the visual, free-form style they find most comfortable. Educators, you’ll be able to assign digital homework and be confident that each student has access to the same files and software.

Watch this video showcasing how SMART Notebook SE software benefits students. You can also find it on SMART’s TeacherTube channel.

Ideal for students on the go

Students can experience the benefits of SMART Notebook SE software in two ways. It can be downloaded directly onto a classroom computer, and it’s available on a portable bracelet. The SMART Notebook SE bracelet contains a USB key with the software loaded on it and storage space for files. It means no matter where students go - the computer lab, the public library or home - they will always have their files and SMART Notebook SE with them.

Computer Hardware in Plain English by the Commoncraft Show

The Fund for Public Schools Awards Library REACH Grants to Bronx Schools

The Fund for Public Schools has awarded Library REACH (Revitalizing Education for Adolescents and Children) grants to four Bronx schools. Schools applied for the grants last fall, and may request up to $10,000 each for library improvement projects. In the past, these projects have ranged from new computers and SMART Boards to updated book collections and comfortable couches and rug areas for students.

Library REACH grants are awarded annually, and are supported by Shop for Public Schools, a week-long partnership between New York City's public schools and the retail community. This year's Library REACH grants were also supported by Lexmark, Polo Ralph Lauren, and other corporate and foundation partners. To date, the Fund for Public Schools has awarded over 200 REACH grants, improving school libraries that serve over 150,000 students.

We congratulate the following recipients of this year's Library REACH grants:

• (07X005) PS 5 Port Morris Elementary School
  
• (08X100) PS 100 Isaac Clason Elementary School
  
• (08X560) Bronx Academy High School
• (10X439) Bronx High School for Law and Justice
  

Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation Grants

The Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation is committed to improving communities and impacting lives through unique philanthropic programs that help children and families, animals and the environment. If your school is seeking support on behalf of these causes, apply for a grant, especially since they review grants for these causes on a rolling basis. Their grants range between $1,000 and $10,000 with the average grant being $2,500. To apply for a grant from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation, click here for the online application.