The number of days left in the school year may be dwindling, but there are still plenty of exciting contests and free programs that are going strong! Check these out to add some extra fun in the remaining weeks.
| Here’s a new way to reflect on the school year! The Inspired Kids Contest challenges you to use Kidspiration software to reflect on the year’s events with your class. The teacher who submits the most inspiring lesson plan wins a 10-computer license for Kidspiration, accompanying lesson plan books, and a digital camera. The contest ends May 11, 2009. |  |
 |
Show the world how you use your favorite products from Creative Teaching Press in the classroom! Between now and May 21, post a video on YouTube. If your video is the most popular, you’ll win $500 in CTP products. Click here to learn more! |
| The National Science Teachers Association is working to reduce attrition among those new to the profession. To do that, science educators entering their second or third year of teaching are invited to apply to the NSTA New Science Teacher Academy. Those selected receive online mentoring, web-based professional development, financial support to attend the NSTA national conference, and more. Applications are due June 1, 2009. |  |
 |
Transform your classroom and integrate new technology with a grant from Calypso Systems. The Be Heard School Grant provides wireless microphones, amplifiers, and speakers for three K-12 schools. The goal is to use the technology to improve attention, increase motivation, and help special-needs students succeed. Applications are due June 5, 2009. |
| School bus drivers aren’t just responsible for transporting students safely–they’re also role models! To recognize outstanding bus drivers, Thomas Built Buses invites students in grades K-6 to nominate favorite drivers in the Children’s Choice School Bus Driver of the Year essay contest. A student submits an essay of 90 words or less describing what makes his or her driver special. The winning student receives a $1,000 savings bond and a laptop; the winning driver receives a $1,000 Visa gift card. Entries are due June 30, 2009. |  |
 |
Challenge students to log the minutes they spend reading in the “Fly With US. Read With Kids” campaign. Sponsored by US Airways and Reading Is Fundamental, the contest aims to help children discover the joy of reading. Participants will be entered to win a Disney vacation, US Airways gift cards, and other prizes. The program runs through June 30, 2009. |
Opportunities like these are too good to miss. Have fun!
|
|
| Karen |
P.S. Speaking of too good to miss, Flat Stanley is back with a new geography-themed series and a new website! The new books, The Mount Rushmore Calamity and The Great Egyptian Grave Robbery, just went on sale. Don’t miss the activities and extras at www.flatstanleybooks.com.