Mandarin Oaks Elementary School Named
Finalist for Intel Schools of Distinction
JACKSONVILLE - Mandarin Oaks Elementary School has been named a finalist for the Intel Schools of Distinction. Mandarin Oaks, with 1,224 students, is an elementary school finalist in mathematics excellence. It is one of just 18 schools from across the United States named as finalists.
The annual Intel Schools of Distinction program honors U.S. schools that demonstrate 21st century teaching and learning environments and implement innovative programs that inspire their students to excel in the areas of math and science. Schools compete for $1 million in grants and awards from the Intel Foundation and sponsoring companies.
The finalist schools have achieved academic excellence in mathematics and science by embracing such 21st century learning skills as digital literacy, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as teamwork and community involvement.
"Improving math and science education is one of the critical issues we see facing the United States if it is to compete effectively in a global economy," said Wendy Hawkins, Executive Director of the Intel Foundation. "It is encouraging to see examples of such excellence from across the country. These schools launch their students on a path to lifelong learning with programs that are rich, exciting and demanding."
"Mandarin Oaks is exceptionally proud of the way our students grow as mathematicians," the school said in its Intel Schools of Distinction application. "We strive for students think deeply about fundamental mathematics. We do so by utilizing a curriculum that allows for true understanding of concepts and skills. We believe that students leave Mandarin Oaks prepared for success in middle, high school and college mathematics. Most importantly, we have seen our students leave 5th grade with a positive attitude and outlook about mathematics."
One of the school's finest assets is the outstanding core group of leaders in mathematics. This group includes the school's leadership team as well as the mathematics lead teachers at each grade level. Their passion for math and teaching ensures the highest quality of mathematics instruction throughout the school. These leaders provide model lessons, facilitate cross-grade level conversations, and organize trainings and coaching cycles centered on mathematics.
The Intel Foundation will award $2,500 to Mandarin Oaks and each of the other finalist schools.
On May 5, 2009, six of the 18 schools - including one elementary, one middle and one high school in both the Math and Science categories- will be selected to be honored for their extraordinary commitment to educational excellence and innovation. Each of these six schools will receive an additional $10,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation and an award package including curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software valued at more than $100,000 per school. Sponsors include SMART Technologies and Inspiration Software.
During September 13-15, 2009, representatives of the six schools will attend a series of events in Washington, D.C., beginning with a black tie Gala and concluding with an awards event on September 15 at which one school from this year's honorees will be named "Star Innovator."
The Star Innovator School will receive a $15,000 grant from the Intel Foundation as well as additional products and services from the sponsors, bringing the value of the Star Innovator award to more than $200,000.
The school winning this award must have a comprehensive program incorporating innovative and effective use of technology, engaging parents and the community in students' education, fostering professional development and teamwork, and delivering consistent achievement of high academic standards.
The finalist schools have achieved academic excellence in mathematics and science by embracing such 21st century learning skills as digital literacy, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as teamwork and community involvement.
The 18 finalists were chosen from both public and private schools and from rural, urban and suburban neighborhoods. The finalists, representing a wide range of successful programs, are in two categories: Mathematics Excellence and Science Excellence.
The finalist schools in the Mathematics Excellence category offer their students a rigorous, challenging and engaging program that teaches mathematics skills and how to apply them to solve real-life problems, approach projects as a member of a team, and communicate succinctly on the subject. The schools' mathematics curriculum includes a variety of 21st century instructional strategies that incorporate critical thinking skills and hands-on experiences to ensure high levels of achievement for all students.
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