Space Camp

I recently spent a week in Huntsville, Alabama as part of an international group of educators attending the US Space Camp. We were there courtesy of Honeywell Corporation. Each year Honeywell employees individually contribute to fund the Honeywell Educator Program. As Honeywell Educators we flew simulated shuttle missions, went to classes where we could bring back lessons on rocketry, problem solving, mathematics, and a multitude of other things. In addition we got to meet Hoot Gibson, shuttle astronaut; a senior member of NASA's Aries Rocket team; and Ed Buckbee, friend to the Mercury astronauts, author and co-founder of Space Camp. We experienced the moon's gravity, were twisted, turned and spun in a fantastic machine, and practiced water survival in a variety of neat things.
I have been interested in Space Camp for years and the opportunity to attend was a dream come true! Thanks so much to Honeywell for giving 220 educators this great opportunity. My group of teachers, Team Destiny, was composed of sixteen teachers from across the country, Canada, Australia and Switzerland.

Grant Writing

People that visit this site, or come and visit us at Camelot, are amazed at how we fund a garden, clubs, and our many special projects. I can't say enough about writing grants. During the summer and right after school starts I spend a couple of hours each week writing grants - I will try for anything! Never say never! This last year we received grants and awards totaling $3800. Most were small. We paid for garden supplies, model rocket kits, competition entries, team t-shirts, rain barrels, and an amazing assortment of neat new science "toys".
My advice to everyone is take the time to look for grant opportunities and pursue them. It sure has worked for us!

School Garden Competition

We just received word that our garden won second place in the Florida School Garden competition. We receive a "mousecar" (which is a Mickey Mouse Statue) and a check for $250 to be used in our garden. This is the second time we have competed. In 2005 we took first place. Congratulations to my wonderful Fifth Grade Garden Club for all of you hard work and dedication. The kids are responsible for all of this!