Sometimes all you have to do is ask!

I subscribe to eSchool News on-line newsletter, and they do a great job of keeping educators aware of new resources to help us engage students. They also report out on how other schools -model schools - are implementing programs to align their curriculum with the needs of their 21st Century connected students. I came across this video from a superintendent of schools in the Onslow District in North Carolina, but I could not find an embed code needed to include the video in a blog post. So I wrote to eSchool news, and received a prompt answer. Meris Standsbury, an eSchool news rep informed me that they do not include embed codes on the site for security and privacy reasons, but they usually will provide them upon request. So, let's give it a try and see if it works. This school district is certainly striving to provide the technology resources and training needed for a 21st Century Education.



Well, in the preview, the video seems to have embedded properly.
I also asked for the embed code for a video from David Pogue, who writes a technology column for the NYTimes. I've been a fan of David's for many years going back to the late 1990's when he used to speak at our MAC Users group when we met in both Norwalk and Stanford, CT. He was amazing then and still is. The way he mixes humor with good solid technology advice is pretty unique. I used to show his short video "I want an iPhone" to my encore tech classes. That video was filmed and edited by Zach Brass, when he interned for David Pogue during the summer of his junior year at Amity High School.
Here is more up-to-date take by David on how technology is impacting the culture of the next generation.



I hope you enjoy the videos and would be appreciative if you'd take the time to leave a short comment.

Hoops For Heart Fundraiser Collects $1,400 for the American Heart Association

On January 14, 2011, the Life Arts Team at Bethany Middle School, along with a representative from the American Heart Association, kicked off a Hoops for Heart fundraiser. The students were encouraged to collect donations for the cause which included logging onto a website from the American Heart Association to track the donations they collected.

The actual celebration was scheduled for later in February, but due to all of the snow days, the culminating activity took place on Friday, March 4. The 8th grade assembly took place during periods 3 and 4 in the morning, and the 7th grade assembly during periods 6 and 7 in the afternoon. At the beginning of each assembly, Life Arts teachers stressed the importance for students to adopt good nutrition and adequate exercise practices in their lives. After viewing short videos on healthy heart practices, the fun began. Cheered on by the Bethany Middle School Spirit Squad, students participated in Knock Out. Every student got a chance to shoot a basket. Those who made the most baskets went into an elimination round to win prizes. Teachers also took turns trying to sink a basket - even me -

After the games, there was an additional activity. Students who were top fund raisers also got to give a "pie in the face" to faculty and administrator volunteers. Dr. Dellinger looks truly alarmed.

Oh, we cannot forget Mr. Orie's sacrifice. He was shorn and prepped for shaving (didn't happen) as his contribution to the cause.