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Friday, April 27, 2012

Five hundred new fairytales discovered in Germany

Collection of fairytales gathered by historian Franz Xaver von Schönwerth had been locked away in an archive in Regensburg for over 150 years.  Read more at

"Creating a Culture of Retention" Workshop on April 30

Monday April 30, 2012

"Creating a Culture of Retention" Workshop

This full day session is meant to inspire and create cohesion and cooperation between staff and management.

Lunch will be from 12:00-1:00pm. The afternoon will help you get the most out of your staff and rediscover what got you excited in the beginning so that you can channel that passion and become the leader people will want to work for. It is suggested you have your staff members elect at least one leader from among themselves to attend this session.

In this all day workshop you will:

In the Morning, you will:

  • Explore the 5 stages of personal and team performance
  • See the importance of the 'end point' for a team to perform to its highest level of performance
  • Explore how to lead and coach the various generations to their best performance
  • Look at the influences on the development of the generations

In the Afternoon you will:

  • Understand the importance of engaging differing perspectives and diverse points of view in achieving organizational efficiencies
  • Explore how your strengths influence your leadership style
  • Understand the impact of lack of vision or ignoring organizational reality

When: Monday, April 30, 2012

Registration: 8:30
Workshop: 9:00am - 4:30pm

Where: Montgomery Glenn Golf & Country Club

Cost:  $25.00-Includes Seminar and Lunch

TD National Reading Summit

TD National Reading Summit III


The TD National Reading Summit III is May 2 to 4 in Vancouver, B.C.
Join the discussion and help shape a National Reading Plan that will encourage, support and promote the joy of reading across Canada.
Have a look at the National Reading Plan DRAFT here.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Steven Page in conversation with Annie Kidder to open TD National Reading Summit III!
There are four ways to be involved in the summit:
  • Attend the summit in person — $250 regular and $100 student plus HST
  • Organize your own satellite location at your institution — $200 per location plus HST (includes facilitation training kit)
  • Participate via webcast — $100 plus HST
  • Attend via satellite location — $75 per person
Satellite Locations
Announcing 2 Satellite Locations – Toronto and Montreal!
Read more at http://nationalreadingcampaign.ca/

May 1 is Mother Goose day celebration

Read more at http://mothergooserhymes.blogspot.ca/


On top of spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
I lost my poor meatball
When somebody sneezed.

It rolled off the table
And onto the floor,
And then my poor meatball
Rolled right out the door.

Hobbemas Earth Day celebration 2012

April 23: Earth day tree distribution http://earthdayinhobbema2012.blogspot.ca/

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Accelerated-Labour Market Opinion (A-LMO), will be launched on April 25, 2012

Nisku,Alberta—The Government of Canada is realigning the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to better meet labour market demands and support the economic recovery. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement today during a tour of Advance Engineered Products Ltd.'s manufacturing facility.

"Our government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. That's why we are taking action to ensure that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program supports our economic recovery and effectively responds to local labour market demands," said Minister Finley. "Our government is looking at ways to make sure businesses recruit from the domestic workforce before hiring temporary foreign workers, while also reducing the paper burden and speeding up the processing time for employers that have short-term skilled labour needs." 

Employers with a strong track record will receive an Accelerated-Labour Market Opinion (A-LMO) within 10 business days to hire temporary foreign workers in high-skill occupations, including the skilled trades. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program will become more responsive to skills and labour shortages, employers will have less red tape and temporary foreign workers will benefit from enhanced protections. In addition, the Government of Canada will propose legislative amendments to further strengthen protections for temporary foreign workers and ensure that employers comply with program requirements.

"This improvement is a direct result of consultations that were held with employers to discuss concerns with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and seek ideas on improving it. Going forward, our government will consider additional measures to strengthen and improve the program, so employers can get skilled workers when no Canadians are available," said the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. "A fast and flexible economic immigration system combined with a strong Temporary Foreign Worker Program will sustain Canada's economic growth and deliver prosperity for the future." 

The Government of Canada will ensure that the employment of temporary foreign workers supports economic growth and helps create more opportunities for all Canadians. 

"As North America's premier manufacturer of bulk tank and vac equipment, our company's success relies on the availability of highly skilled tradespeople—particularly welders and trailer mechanics," said Ron Buchhorn, Vice-President of Human Resources at Advance Engineered Products Ltd. "We have been unable to recruit and train enough Canadians for our manufacturing and service facilities throughout western Canada because of the current highly competitive labour market. We strongly support this government initiative to expedite the hiring of skilled workers from other countries." 

"Today's announcement by the federal government is welcomed news.  This plan addresses industry's immediate needs for skilled labour, but more importantly, by enabling projects to proceed, it fosters economic recovery and growth, while also creating permanent jobs for Canadians for decades to come," said Ron Genereux, chair of the Association for Construction Workforce Acquisition. 

Economic Action Plan 2012 also announced that the Government of Canada will work in partnership with the provinces and territories, and other stakeholders, to further improve foreign credential recognition, so that internationally trained workers are able to find meaningful employment and, in turn, contribute to Canada's economy and overall competitiveness.  

- 30 -

For more information, contact:

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Source:  http://news.gc.ca/

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

True Sport Community Fund


True Sport Community Fund
http://www.truesportfoundation.ca/en/site/category-24

The True Sport Community Sport Fund will help communities increase inclusion and accessibility in new or existing sport programs for children and youth, aged four to seventeen, from low income, Aboriginal and new Canadian families. Over the next year, communities across Canada will benefit from $5,000 grants and $25,000 grants. Although all communities are eligible, greater priority will be given to those in Yukon, North West Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador.

Those applications that show long-term sustainability and legacy potential and are able to impact the greatest number of people in a community will also be given priority.
These grants will be awarded to community organizations, teams or clubs that demonstrate in their application how a True Sport Community Sport Fund grant will increase accessibility and promote inclusion for community-based youth in sport programs.

Sport Chek’s Power of Sport For Kids Program


Sport Chek's Power of Sport For Kids Program
http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/customerSupport/powerOfSportForKids

To be eligible to participate, your organization must meet the following criteria:
must be a community group, non-profit agency or school
work with disadvantaged or at-risk children between the ages of 5-18 years
incorporate a recreation program into their curriculum
have some private funding as part of overall budget (not be 100% government funded)
be invited to participate by a representative of The Forzani Group Ltd.
your organization meets the following detailed Program Guidelines (PDF)

This Program is made possible by the commitment of The Forzani Group Foundation.

The intent of The Power of Sport for Kids Program is to provide groups of underprivileged, disadvantaged and at-risk children who may not otherwise have access to sporting equipment with the sporting
equipment that they need to give them the opportunity to play and enjoy sports. The Program Sponsors will work with selected the organizations to develop a sporting goods wish list that would have the most impact to the children.

GoodLife Kids Foundation Granting Program

GoodLife Kids Foundation Granting Program

Through the Goodlife kids foundation
http://www.goodlifekids.com/newEvents.aspx

GoodLife Kids Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization whose mission is to reach the hearts and minds of kids – to inspire them to want to be fit and healthy. All programs initiated or sponsored by the foundation, promote healthier, life-long fitness and nutritional habits for all Canadian children.
Proposals identifying projects which fit the following criteria will be considered:
Fitness/Activity & Nutrition – Initiatives which focus on prevention and offer the opportunity to change the behavioural skill and mind set of Canadian children ages 5 – 12 years. Scope – Projects which provide a significant and unique contribution to community life. Action – Initiatives which can demonstrate the activity/program is being used. Resources – Projects which consider possibilities for GoodLife Kids
Foundation to be involved beyond a financial capacity.

The Healthy Community Fund



http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/healthy_communities/default.asp

The Ministry of Health Promotion's new approach to Healthy Communities will support initiatives at the local level, at the provincial level, and will also support community planning structures.

This new approach, "Healthy Communities Ontario" encourages the development of new partnerships and strengthens existing ones, resulting in improved access to priority health promotion programs and services for Ontarians. This new approach will be mobilized by the Healthy Communities Fund, which will support provincial and community organizations to plan and deliver integrated initiatives that address multiple risk factors and promote health and wellness, at all levels, across the province.

Breakfast Club Canada



http://www.breakfastclubscanada.org/
Anyone currently operating a breakfast program meeting the criteria below can send a request to Breakfast Clubs of Canada.

Required
• Feed children living in underprivileged areas
• Schools with children aged between 5 and 18 years old
• Meet requirements of a healthy meal as recommended by the Canadian Food Guide
(2006 reviewed version)
• Located outside the province of Quebec
• Access to the program for all children attending the school
Completed document with all other required documents (see Section 5) to Breakfast Clubs of Canada.
YOU MAY SUBMIT YOUR GRANT REQUEST ANYTIME DURING THE YEAR

Bell’s Connected to Communities program

Bell's Connected to Communities program

Bell expects its social investments to have a positive, measurable impact. To that end we partner with
organizations which share our company's values, deliver programs that align with our policy, have clearly
defined social goals, and demonstrate results.

Within the program, Bell focuses particularly on projects that enhance the health of children and youth.
Connected to Communities represents our belief that Canada's future is directly tied to opportunities we
make possible today—ensuring that children have the means to become all they can be.

Our support for children's hospitals and pediatric innovations are leading to major advances in healthcare
for the young.  Our partnerships with organizations offering kids the opportunity to participate in hockey, soccer and
snowboarding are raising the bar for community sport.

We are making an important difference in the lives of children who are lonely, vulnerable and afraid,
through Kids Help Phone.

We are enhancing online safety and helping make learning faster and more fun through our ongoing
commitment to youth and technology.

And we are active supporters of innovative programs that encourage and enable kids to stay in school.

http://www.bce.ca/en/community/investment/applynow/index.php

UPS Foundation

The UPS Foundation evolved to meet the changing needs of communities, addressing a variety of issues - from an early focus on health care and education to more recent giving in hunger, literacy, and volunteerism.  Today, this unique approach to philanthropy impacts communities around the world and supports the committed engagement of over 400,000 UPS employees.

 

The five focus areas, Economic and Global Literacy, Environmental Sustainability, Nonprofit Effectiveness, Diversity, and Community Safety, are aligned with the company's vision for the future.  


http://www.community.ups.com/UPS+Foundation

Comcast Foundation

For more than a dozen years, the Comcast Foundation has had a positive impact on lives in nearly 2,000 communities through approximately 3,000 organizations. The Foundation has given more than $90 million to nonprofit organizations that serve the same communities that we serve nationwide. The mission of these organizations fall within our priorities of expanding digital literacy, promoting community service and building tomorrow's leaders.

http://www.comcast.com/corporate/about/inthecommunity/foundation/comcastfoundation.html?SCRedirect=true


Pajama Program

Pajama Program, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, provides new pajamas and new books to children in need, many who are waiting and hoping to be adopted.  These children live in various settings including group homes, shelters and temporary housing and are shuffled often from one place to another.  Many of them have been abandoned, abused or neglected.  Most of these children have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a mother or father tuck them in at bedtime with warm, clean pajamas and a bedtime story. Some of the children we serve are living with their families below the poverty level, in desperate need of food, clothing and shelter. 

Read more at http://pajamaprogram.org/WordPress/





Pitney Bowes Foundation

Pitney Bowes Employees Support Literacy Efforts in Local Communities

Company Continues Its Philanthropic Commitment to help close the achievement gap

STAMFORD, Conn., Apr 05, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pitney Bowes PBI +0.18% employees with the support of the Pitney Bowes Foundation, will help children improve their literacy skills and narrow the achievement gap in schools, as part of the company's annual Global Volunteer Month program.


Read more at http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pitney-bowes-employees-support-literacy-efforts-in-local-communities-2012-04-05

SOURCE: Pitney Bowes Inc.

                  Pitney Bowes          Angel D. Peoples, 203-351-6475          External Communications          angel.peoples@pb.com            








April 26: Poem in your pocket day. http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2011/04/april-poetry-month-bulletin-board-we.html


Recruiting youth for digital literacy coaches

jpeg of digital literacy coach recruitment flyer

Do you know of youths looking for work this summer? Here is a flyer to post in your library that has information about paid positions as Idaho Youth Corps (IYC) digital literacy coaches in public libraries. Interested youths should contact their local Idaho Department of Labor offices. Contact information is on the back of the flyer

Youth must meet Workforce Investment Act (WIA) low-income and other eligibility requirements to be involved in the Idaho Youth Corps program. Find out more about WIA Participant Eligibility and Program Services at http://labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Default.aspx?tabid=536.

100% of the wages for the IYC digital literacy coaches will be paid for with Department of Labor WIA funds and Idaho Commission for Libraries BTOP funds. More information for digital literacy coaches and public libraries is available at http://libraries.idaho.gov/dlcoaches.


Read more at http://libraries.idaho.gov/blogs/teresalipus/recruiting-youth-digital-literacy-coaches




Monday, April 23, 2012

April 24, 2014 Poem in your pocket day

Save the date: Poem in Your Pocket Day 2014 will be held on Thursday, April 24.
On Poem in Your Pocket Day, people throughout the United States select a poem, carry it with them, and share it with others throughout the day.

You can also share your poem selection on Twitter by using the hashtag #pocketpoem.
Poems from pockets are unfolded throughout the day with events in parks, libraries, schools, workplaces, and bookstores. Create your own Poem in Your Pocket Day event using ideas below or share your creative ideas with us by emailing npm@poets.org.
Keep up-to-date on the latest Poem in Your Pocket Day news and announcements. Sign up for our free monthly newsletter.

Poem in Your Pocket Day 2013 was held on Thursday, April 18. Stay tuned for the 2014 date!

National Poetry Month 2012
BALANCE: The year 2012 will mark the 14th National Poetry Month across Canada, offering us the opportunity to create another new, exciting theme: Balance: Cultural, Creative, Community, National, Environmental, Economic, Personal, and Social. Particpants will be asked to expand on this theme, offering their view on what balance means to them, on a personal or even political level. How is balance achieved in our communities? How do we create and ensure balance in our ecological system? How can Canadians balance creative and cultural persuits within the current political and economic environment? How do you achieve balance at work and at play? 
Young Poets Week
Young Poets Week runs
April 15 – 21, 2012. Teachers can check the teachers’ forum each day to read about the new and exciting activities during YP week. Youngpoets.ca is an excellent source of inspiration for this year’s entrants as well as a valuable educational resource, featuring lesson plans, reading lists, a digital history of Canadian poetry and an on-line discussion group. Young writers are encouraged to browse articles or join a chat-room discussion with peers and published poets.
Read more at http://poets.ca/wordpress/programs-2/national-poetry-month

Celebrate National Poem In Your Pocket Day (PIYP) on Thursday, April 26, 2012

The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends.

Poems from pockets will be unfolded throughout the day with events in parks, libraries, schools, workplaces, and bookstores. You can also share your poem selection on Twitter by using the hashtag #pocketpoem.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/poetry

This April, celebrate Poetry Month by adding a line to our second annual
Global Poem for Change,
a community poem we create together!
Legendary author of "Walk Two Moons" and "Love That Dog" Sharon Creech has
graciously written these first lines to get us started and inspired:

Tell me what you're thinking, tell me what you miss
Tell me what you're dreaming, tell me what you wish


Now, we ask you, friends, to submit a line of your own, your children's, or
your students', to transform these lines into a powerful poem.

*Go to litworld.org/poem and add your magic.*





http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2011/04/april-is-national-poetry-month-and.html

April poetry month bulletin board. We distributed over 250 poetries/poetry handouts during April  2011.

Happy Harbor from Edmonton

EDUCATION ABOUT COMICS

Happy Harbor has many talented staff members and friends who love to see kids inspired and creative. That's why we will come to you and help show the wonder that is graphic storytelling.

We offer in-class lectures and demonstrations that encourage kids to see storytelling and reports in a different light. We also offer insight into all the different career paths in the industry of comics; from writers, editors and proof-readers to pencillers, inkers and colourists and even advertising and promotions.

Our visit is offered free of charge and we are available at the convenience of the school/library and their staff typically on Fridays and Saturdays.

The length of times for the presentations is very flexible and can be set by the school/library to fit their timetables. We have done visits from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Also the group size and ages are not a concern. We've spoken to 10 kids and up to 200 at one time, tailoring our presentation accordingly.

Distance is also not a problem. We've travelled to Ribstone, Cold Lake, throughout Saskatchewan and many points in between. We're happy to help where we can (but we appreciate any assiatance in covering transportation costs).

Also, award-winning store owner Jay Bardyla is available for teacher and librarian conferences across the province (and a bit beyond). Please contact him via email to book a visit to your school, library or conference at hhv1@happyharborcomics.com.

April 23 World Book and Copyright Day

Theme for 2012: Books and Translation

23 April is a symbolic date for world literature for on this date in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. In this respect, UNESCO created both the World Book and Copyright Day and the UNESCO Prize for Children's and Young People's Literature in the Service of Tolerance.

The year 2012 also marks the 80th anniversary of the Index Translationum. This international bibliography of translation provides a unique tool for the monitoring of translation flows in the world. UNESCO will celebrate this anniversary by organizing a debate on this instrument.




April 26: Poem in your pocket day. http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2011/04/april-poetry-month-bulletin-board-we.html


World Book Night

World Book Night: Stephen Fry joins million giveaway

Writer among 20,000 volunteers handing out a million free copies of chosen books as part of annual reading event
    Stephen Fry
    Stephen Fry will be handing out copies of Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities as part of World Book Night. Photograph: Rex Features
    Fear not, if approached by a fervent-eyed reader brandishing a bundle of books in your general direction. It's World Book Night, and 1 million books are set to be given away in the UK by 20,000 book lovers to mark the occasion on Monday 23 April. Volunteers range from Stephen Fry, who will be handing out Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities on the set of an adaptation of an Ian Rankin novel in Edinburgh, to Alexander McCall Smith, giving away Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day to his local community, and culture secretary Ed Vaizey, who plumped for David Peace's novel about Brian Clough, The Damned Utd. Forty thousand copies of the 25 books chosen for the occasion will be given away around the UK in an attempt to inspire a love of books in reluctant readers.



April 26: Poem in your pocket day. http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2011/04/april-poetry-month-bulletin-board-we.html


World Book Day: Get ready for The Biggest Book Show on Earth April 23

World Book Day
World Book Day: Get ready for The Biggest Book Show on Earth

Brand new stories from Neil Gaiman and Anthony Horowitz, the culmination of Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson's quest to find the UK's best storyteller and the country's biggest ever book show will all mark World Book Day April 23 tomorrow.

Celebrated in over 100 countries around the world, World Book Day is the UK's largest festival of reading and aims to encourage a lifelong love of literature in children. Thousands of schools and nurseries are joining in, with more than 14m book vouchers given out to children, and hundreds of events – from Where's Wally "flash mobs" to author talks and literary fancy dress competitions – taking place up and down the country.

Half a million children from around the world will watch authors including children's laureate Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson and Artemis Fowl creator Eoin Colfer taking part in the online festival The Biggest Book Show on Earth on Thursday morning. Streamed live from London's Southbank Centre, the event will let children watch performances online as well as take part in an interactive question and answer session.

"I'm so excited to be part of World Book Day's Biggest Show on Earth," said Donaldson. "It's a fantastic way of bringing children together to meet some of the country's very best authors and illustrators. We can't wait to transport millions of children to exciting new worlds."     Read more at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/feb/29/world-book-day-14m-books


Saturday, April 21, 2012

DK Publishing has donated $95,000 in books for distribution to children

Love of reading: DK Publishing has donated $95,000 in books for distribution to children across the country on behalf of the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion, two volunteer organizations of Star Wars costume enthusiasts who raise money for children's charities. The donation was made to The Today Show Charitable Foundation which gave out more than 7000 reference books to The Pajama Program to distribute to children. This is the fourth year that DK and the Legions have partnered.

Teen Read Week 2012 theme is "It Came from the Library!" announced

Literacy initiative: The Teen Read Week 2012 website has been launched by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Public and school libraries are urged to take part in this weeklong national literacy initiative, to be held October 12-20, that encourages teens to read just for fun and to start using the library regularly. This year's theme is "It Came from the Library!" Registration is free and you can visit the site to talk to colleagues about your plans and find information about activity ideas, toolkits, and more. You can also apply for one of the 10 $1000 YALSA/Dollar General Grants that recognize outstanding Teen Read Week activities. Be sure to submit your application no later than July 1; winners will be announced the week of August 6.

You Belong @ Your School Library Student Video Contest

Video contest: The winners of the You Belong @ Your School Library Student Video Contest, sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) in collaboration with SchoolTube and Mackin, have been announced. Students attending a school with a school librarian were asked to submit a mostly live-action video running under three minutes that explained why the school library was the place to be. Three winners were chosen by a panel of judges from the 42 entries submitted, and they each received a $100 Amazon.com gift card and $500 worth of books from Mackin. In the elementary school category, Why We Love the Library! (Town School for Boys, San Francisco, CA) took home the award. Top Ten Tips for Library Fun (Henry F. Byrd Middle School, Richmond, VA) nabbed the prize in the middle school level, while http://www.schooltube.com/video/0528c6bfe0d840508d48/Top%20Ten%20Tips%20for%20Library%20Fun (White Plains High School, Anniston, AL) was the high school winner.

Information Technology Pathfinder Award have been announced, sponsored by Follett Software Company, recognizes an elementary and a secondary school librarian for their "vision and leadership"

Tech awards: The winners of the 2012 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Information Technology Pathfinder Award have been announced. The $1500 award, sponsored by Follett Software Company, recognizes an elementary and a secondary school librarian for their "vision and leadership through the use of information technology to build lifelong learners." The elementary award went to Sally Mays, the bibliotecaria at Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion, a K-5 magnet school in Hope, MN, for helping ESL students develop information literacy and research skills. The library uses Tumblebooks, a database that offers books in English and Spanish, and Culture Grams, a state/geography database. The secondary division award was given to Elizabeth Kahn, the school librarian at Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy in Jefferson, LA, serving grades 6-8. The school has a one-to-one laptop program and uses a Shelfari bookshelf embedded on the library's website and email blasts to announce the addition of new titles. They will be honored at AASL's Awards luncheon during the American Library Association's (ALA) 2012 conference in Anaheim, CA, in June 2012.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Partnership to support rural student literacy

VICTORIA - They say reading is as easy as A, B, C, but some children continue to struggle with a skill that is vital to a healthy, successful future - and a new partnership will help improve early literacy skills in rural and remote communities.

A $200,000 literacy initiative and research partnership with Vancouver Island University and 11 public schools in the province will look at early literacy skills in some rural and remote communities with significant Aboriginal student populations, and identify the supports and interventions needed so they can achieve better outcomes.

The new partnership reflects B.C.'s Education Plan, which recognizes the value of literacy and early intervention, the importance of supporting struggling readers, and how vital it is to work with Aboriginal communities and school districts to focus on the needs of Aboriginal students.

Kindergarten to Grade 7 students will be the primary focus with the goal of finding ways to develop literacy practices and strategies that are culturally relevant and family-centred.


Read more:   http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2012/04/partnership-to-support-rural-student-literacy.html

Learn more:  http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/agreements/

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Bank Street/SLJ Unveil Children's Choice Award for Best STEM Picture Book

There's a new children's choice book award in town—and this one's focused on the best STEM title of the year.

Administered by the Bank Street College of Education with support from School Library Journal, the Cook Prize is the only book award that honors excellence in informational picture books on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics for elementary school children aged .

A children's book committee comprised of two science/math faculty from Bank Street's Graduate School of Education and two teachers from its School for Children, as well as two graduate school alumna, have narrowed 16 titles down to four—and they're urging librarians and educators to get their students to vote for their favorite book.

Librarians and teachers nationwide are making efforts to promote science-based teaching as a part of President Obama's 2009 Educate to Innovate campaign, aimed at improving the participation and performance of America's students in STEM subjects.

Following the same format as Bank Street's 40-year-old Irma Black Award, third and fourth grade teachers and media specialists are invited to read aloud, discuss, and encourage students to cast votes for their top STEM title out of the following four: About Hummingbirds (Peachtree) by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John Sill; Balloons Over Broadway (Houghton) by Melissa Sweet; The Honeybee Man (Random) by Lela Nargi and Kyrsten Brooker; and Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story (Farrar) by Thomas F. Yeserski.

The Cook Prize is named in honor of Bank Street educators Donald Cook of the Graduate School of Education and Michael Cook (no relation) of the School for Children, both of whom recently passed away and left an indelible mark on their students and colleagues.

In order to vote, teachers and librarians must first register beginning on March 5. The deadline for voting ends EST on May 4. For more information, contact Lisa Von Drasek at 212 875 4452. Stay tuned—the winner will be announced May 17.


Saturday, April 14, 2012

Aboriginal Youth Art Contest

The National Aboriginal Health Organization art contest is open to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth between the ages of 10 and 30. Youth are invited to submit works of art on an environmental health issue that may affect health both inside the home and outdoors.  The contest deadline is May 14, 2012.
 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Cabot Family Charitable Trust and Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation

Welcome to the website for Cabot-Wellington, LLC, the Cabot Family Charitable Trust and the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation. Cabot-Wellington, LLC
Cabot-Wellington is the family office of the Thomas D. and Virginia W. Cabot family. Cabot-Wellington is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Information for Cabot family members is available at the link Family Members Only.
Cabot Family Philanthropy
The Cabot Family Charitable Trust and the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation are independent foundations established by Godfrey L. and Thomas D. Cabot in order to sustain and encourage an active commitment to philanthropy by members of the Cabot family. The family's tradition of charitable giving and public service was formalized in 1942 when Godfrey L. Cabot created the trust that became the Cabot Family Charitable Trust as an instrument of giving for his descendents.
Fifty years later, Godfrey's son, Thomas D. Cabot, established the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation as a second commitment to philanthropy for his family. These two family foundations have contributed to the work of many important nonprofit organizations in the Boston area, New England and other communities where family members live.
For application guidelines, deadlines and other application information, please follow the links Cabot Family Charitable Trust and Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation.
Correspondence and inquiries to the family office, trust and foundation should be addressed to:

70 Federal Street (7th floor)
Boston, MA 02110
Tel. 617-451-1744
Fax 617-451-1733

Flora Family Foundation

About the Foundation
The Flora Family Foundation was established in 1998 by the family of William R. Hewlett (co-founder of Hewlett-Packard Company) and his late wife, Flora Lamson Hewlett. It is predicated on the belief that each individual has an obligation to go beyond the narrow confines of his or her personal interests and be mindful of the broader concerns of humanity.
The Foundation is organized around two groups.  The Family Council includes the five children and the twelve grandchildren of William and Flora Hewlett, along with the spouses of the children and grandchildren. This is a consultative body that meets once a year to help determine the organization's policies and programmatic directions.  It also serves as a forum for discussion and instruction in matters related to the philanthropic interests of the family. 
The rotating eight-member Board of Directors consists of two children, four grandchildren, and two non-family members.  Spouses of the children and the grandchildren also serve on the Board. 
The Flora Family Foundation has no constraints on its grantmaking so long as grant candidates fit the philanthropic interests of the Board and Family Council and meet IRS requirements. This provides unrestricted opportunities for innovative, responsive, and responsible grantmaking.
Grants of the Flora Family Foundation reflect the extraordinary diversity of interests among the twenty-six members of the Family Council. The Foundation supports programs in education, arts and culture, international development, the advancement of women, health, the environment, human services, economic development, humanitarian assistance, cultural preservation, and international security.  FFF grants assist work throughout the United States and in countries around the world.  The Foundation funds fellowships, research projects, endowments, start-up expenses, program initiatives, capital improvements, and general operations. Beyond the provision of financial resources, Family Council members and Foundation staff support the work of grantees by serving on boards of directors, brokering new funding relationships, and supporting associations of grantmakers.
The Foundation’s wide reach reflects a conscious rejection of all boundaries on grantmaking.  The Foundation’s open architecture encourages the initiative of each member of the Family Council, capitalizing on the wide-ranging talents and experiences of individuals who share equally in decision-making.  
We recognize that the FFF approach presents some disadvantages for grantseekers.  Because of the absence of limitations on the scope of grants, the Foundation is unable to consider unsolicited proposals.  Nor is the Foundation able to commit long-term support to organizations working in a single domain.  The staff and Family Council attempt to compensate for these disadvantages by circulating widely in the public benefit sector, constantly gathering prospects and sending clear signals about the possibilities for support.  The Foundation also seeks to minimize the burden of proposal-writing and reporting on grants, while ensuring that the requirements of due diligence are met. 
In years to come we expect the interests of some Family Council members to cluster in selected subject areas, but a hallmark of the Flora Family Foundation will continue to be its flexibility and responsiveness to needs as they arise across the entire public benefit sector. 
Read more at http://www.florafamily.org

Funding for Edible Trees

Edible Trees

  Funding for this program was generously provided by:
 

**Thank you for the overwhelming response to our Edible Trees Program. We had over 200 applications which we are carefully reviewing. We hope to have a decision made quickly so that you can order the trees and shrubs for your projects as soon as
possible. Selected projects will be notified by email/phone.


Planting Fruit & Nut Trees for the CommunityThe purpose of the Edible Trees program is to offer funding of up to $4,000 and other resources for community-based projects that provide residents with access to fresh fruit and nut trees while making a positive difference to the Canadian environment including:
  • Provide shade
  • Absorb and deflect solar radiation
  • Improve air quality
  • Absorb and filter water
  • Create habitat for wildlife
Funding is available, but not limited to, community gardening groups, community housing projects, schools, parks and arboretums.  Applications are available for download here.
Important Dates
All applications must be received by February 28, 2012.
Final Reports and projects must be completed by September 30, 2012.
Note: The number of projects will be based on available funding. In 2012 it is projected that approximately 15 projects will be funded.
Application Criteria
Tree Canada will consider projects that meet the following criteria:
  •  Increases  equitable access to healthy food
  • Strengthens communities by empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown food resources
  • Benefits the local community by providing access to the trees and their fruit by the public ( i.e. food banks, volunteers, community kitchens)
  • Meets the needs of the community and includes creative plans for the produce grown
  • Takes place within a geographic area suitable for growing fruit and nut trees
  • Protects and preserves the Canadian environment
  • Assists residents in understanding and participating in environmental activities in local communities.
Contributions will not be made towards the following:
  • Projects on private residential property;
  • Lobbying or advocacy activities;
  • Projects completed before the application is reviewed;
  • Projects taking place outside of Canada;
  • Salaries (where salaries represent a significant proportion of the total amount requested);
  • Projects that benefit individuals or businesses.
Eligible Project Costs may include:
  • Site preparation
  • Calliper tree(s) purchase
  • Materials (guards, mulch, stakes, mycorrhizal fungal associate)
  • 3-year maintenance fund
  • Site supervision and assessments
  • Workshop delivery
Application Evaluation
Tree Canada staff review the Edible Trees applications and make recommendations for funding support according to the established guidelines. They are evaluated on the following basis:
  • Innovation: Demonstrated understanding of the purpose of the program and in designing a creative program that promotes innovative practice.
  • Community Involvement: Demonstrated ability to involve the community, other not-for-profit organizations and volunteers.
  • Technical Expertise: Demonstrated capacity that the expertise is present or can be sought to guide the applicants in its efforts. Grant recipients may be encouraged to use a portion of their funding to include an educational component.
  • Promotion: A commitment to publicize the Program, including program partners, Tree Canada and Funders, in a variety of ways that may include a launch event, press release and reaching out to local print media.
  • Evaluation: That a system is in place at the community level to evaluate the success of the program 3 years into the future.



Monday, April 9, 2012

The Allard Foundation

The Allard Foundation

Each and every one of us can make a difference in our community. Indeed, we all contribute in our own ways. It is for this very reason and with much pride that the Allard Foundation exists.

The vision and caring of one man — our founder — Dr. Charles Allard has made an enormous and lasting impact on our community. Dr. Allard was determined to create an organization that would enhance, enrich and build a strong community specifically through support of health, education, family and arts programs.
The Allard Foundation started with a $500,000 endowment and has grown generously ever since through investment income and family donations. It exists in perpetuity. Dr. Allard incorporated the Allard Foundation as a private entity on November 16, 1978.

Mission
The Allard Foundation exists for the sole purpose of making Edmonton and Alberta a better place with funding advancing health, education, family and arts programs.
Funding Guidelines

Planting The Seed

The Allard Foundation is a private family foundation which supports charities in Western Canada primarily in Edmonton and Alberta.
If your project / proposal meets the Allard Foundation’s philosophy, current priorities and funding availability, our foundation can help your project grow. We review applications every six to eight weeks to determine how to distribute funding. There are no specific deadlines for grant submissions. Our fiscal year begins January 1 and ends on December 31.
A four–person board of directors, made up family members and a representative from the community, guides the Allard Foundation. The board reviews each application on an individual basis with no set minimum or maximum grants. On average, grants awarded range between $1,000 and $10,000.

To Qualify

Your organization must meet these basic requirements. It must:

  • have been established for a minimum of one year
  • have a specific project or event
  • be actively fundraising in the community
  • be registered or incorporated under either the Societies Act of Alberta, the Special Act of the Alberta Legislature, be a registered charity or fall under the Special Act of the Parliament of Canada.

To Apply

Your written submission must include:

  • a brief history of your organization
  • a name, address, phone number, email address and contact for your organization
  • a description of the project / program for which you are requesting grant funds
http://allardfoundation.com/funding

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Students learn by publishing

A division of Nationwide Learning, LLC, Studentreasures® is the leading edge, quality-focused student publisher committed to motivating students to learn to read and write through innovative student publishing opportunities.
Nationwide Learning, LLC was founded in 1994 by Joseph E. Gigous, who has been serving the education industry for over 30 years. In that time, 300,000 teachers from over 15,000 schools in all 50 states have used our programs to publish books for over 6 million students. Our success is due to the focus on the education customer including teachers, parents and students. We are proud to boast that over 4 million Free books have been given to students through our programs!
http://www.studentreasures.com

Friday, April 6, 2012

May 11 Bird day

Connecting People to Bird Conservation

Celebrate 20 Years of IMBD


International Migratory Bird Day will celebrate its 20th anniversary.  Created in 1993, the event is now hosted at over 500 sites throughout the Western Hemisphere, reaching hundreds of thousands of youth and adults.  As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, the annual bird conservation theme will focus on 20 ways people may help preserve birds every day.  The theme is highlighted in the 2012 art created by Rafael Lopez.  The lively piece reflects the joy, curiosity, and beauty of birds, while sharing the importance of community in bird conservation. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

June 8 World Oceans day celebration

June 8 World Oceans day celebration @ our school library

Draw ocean animals, fishes, flora and fauna, read books about the ocean life, facts about sharks and fishes, Fifi the Fiction Fish puppet theatre, sea shell identification, Scavenger hunts, beach art and poetry that the whole family can join in.


Welcome to the international community's online resource for World Oceans Day—our planet's biggest celebration of the ocean, held every June 8th. This year, we encourage you to reach out to young people in your community and help inspire them for the 2011-2012 theme Youth: the Next Wave for Change. The future of ocean conservation is in their hands! Explore this site for ideas, resources, and information about how you can get involved!
Read more at http://worldoceansday.org

Plotting my Direction with a Learning Portfolio

Taking charge of my career and life journey

You have been learning many new skills from experiences you have had each day of your life. The key to moving forward in your education, career, and life goals is making sure you get recognition for your learning so you avoid spending your time and money re-learning what you all ready know.

A Learning Portfolio will help you plan your next move toward your goal, and help you state your case to get the credit you deserve from an employer in the workplace, an educational system, or an institution. A Learning Portfolio takes time and effort to complete but once you have it, you simply update, adjust, and use it wherever you need to seek recognition for your learning.

This resource is a workbook to assist you in creating a Learning Portfolio. It includes descriptions and tools for developing each step in building and using a Learning Portfolio.

Read more at http://recognitionforlearning.ca/library/plotting-my-direction-learning-portfolio


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Harrison McCain Foundation

The Harrison McCain Foundation supports education, health and social services needs as expressed to them in written applications.
Its grants are primarily focused on the Atlantic Provinces but, on occasion, grants are given elsewhere in Canada.

The Foundation requires:
            The name, directors and charitable status of the organization requesting funds
            A clear description of the need, the costs, the anticipated impact and outcomes of the project, how it will be measured
            An indication of exactly how much is being requested; over what period of time;
            The most recent financial statement of the organization making the request.

Your applications for fund should be addressed to:

Edwina McBrine
Administrator
Harrison McCain Foundation
8800 Main Street
Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick
E7L 1B2