April 18, 2008

Information from the Department of Education

• “Choices,” a documentary produced in partnership by the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Office of the United States Attorney for Southern District of Indiana, was selected for the 2008 Indianapolis International Film Festival (see http://www.indyfilmfest.org/choices.html). The 20-minute documentary, which highlights three incarcerated female offenders who have been convicted of crimes involving firearms, is available for school presentations aimed at deterring violence and crime. View the documentary online at http://www.doe.state.in.us/media/video/choices.html or contact cdanyluk@doe.in.gov to request a DVD copy.
• Reminder: The Indiana Department of Education’s year-long “Learn Green, Live Green” initiative continues to highlight local schools’ efforts to promote environmentally-responsible behavior both inside and outside of the classroom. Visit www.doe.in.gov/green to learn more or contact lamiller@doe.in.gov to share innovative ideas and photos from your school community.

Information from Other Organizations

• Each year the Indiana Tree Farm Committee recognizes an outstanding outdoor classroom by giving out the Outdoor Lab of the Year award.   The Tree Farm Committee strongly encourages the development of outdoor education facilities.  Attached are the materials for the nomination of an outdoor classroom for the award.   Nominations are due to the Tree Farm District Forester by June 15 (a map with the foresters listed is attached to this email).
• Those who have signed up to receive the Indiana Youth Institute’s Weekly Update <http://208.106.252.33/weekly-update/signup.aspx> will need to submit IYI as not Spam.
• Project Stepping Stone - a FREE one week program for Hispanic high school students that focuses on the importance of  college education: June 8-14, 2008
• The Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning, INSPIRE at Purdue University is now accepting applications for 2008 INSPIRE Summer Academy: July 27 – August 1, 2008
• Jump Kids Jump Movement™ launches statewide fitness curriculum: May 2, 2008