EcoSchools Bulletin February 2017
   
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ECOSCHOOLS NEWS
Apply today! Free cycling education programs and bike racks for your school


Cycling Education Programs
Schools can now apply to have a skills-based cycling education program presented at their school in the spring of 2017, free of charge!

All schools are eligible to apply.
H owever, schools that did not receive a Cycling Education Program during the 2015/16 school year will be given priority in the selection process. All other schools will be selected through a lottery.

The following is a list of Cycling Education Programs available to schools in spring 2017:  

Elementary and Middle School Programs
a. Bike rodeo
b. Bike assembly
c. Mechanics workshop

Secondary School Programs
a. Road safety 
a. Riding skills workshop
b. Mechanics workshop 


For more details and to access the application form, visit the  EcoSchools Cycling Supports webpage  and select the Cycling Education Programs tab.

Deadline to apply for a Cycling Education Program: February, 28th

Bike Rack Program -- Apply for free bike racks!
Increase sustainable transportation at your school with new bike racks! All schools are eligible to apply, but will have to demonstrate need and evidence of prior efforts to promote active sustainable transportation.  For more details and to access the application form, visit the  EcoSchools Cycling Supports webpage.

Deadline to apply for bike racks: June 30th, 2017

Active, Safe, and Sustainable Transportation Initiative Ideas
Get ideas on how to build a program at your school that supports active, safe, and sustainable transportation among students and staff. From targeted communications to bike rodeos, there are many ways in which you can promote sustainable transportation within your school and community.

Questions regarding the Cycling Education Program and Bike Rack Program can be directed to Cynthia.Chan@tdsb.on.ca or 647-209-8155.


Environmental Education AQ Course--Part 1
EcoSchools Section 5: Questions 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7

Want to expand your knowledge and practice of environmental education? 

OISE has partnered with the TDSB to offer Additional Qualification courses in environmental education this spring and summer. To support EcoSchools teachers, the TDSB will subsidize $400 of the cost for a limited number of TDSB teachers who register and successfully complete the course! 

Environmental education is central to teaching and learning in the 21st century; climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation are all pres sing contemporary societal issues that require an educational response. This course provides an engaging introduction to teaching and learning in environmental education for both elementary and secondary teachers through a combination of lectures, workshops, outdoor and experiential learning, field trips and guest speakers. It offers maximum flexibility for participants' learning needs through a blended course format (in-class and on-line hours).

Part 1 is being offered at the U of T, OISE campus and taught by instructor Ron Ballentine (11 Thursdays in class from April 6th - June 15th from 5:15 pm - 9:15 pm and 3 Saturdays - April 22nd, May 6th, and June 3rd from 9:00am - 1:00 pm, plus 44 hours of online learning). 

Register with OISE by March 29th, 2017

Contact Pam.Miller@tdsb.on.ca to ensure a spot on the TDSB subsidy list.

Call for Submissions: Planet in Focus Student Environmental Film Festival--Grades K-8
EcoSchools Section 1, Question 1.6; Section 5 Questions 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, and 5.9
 
Changing Thinking: EcoFilm stories from our elementary schools

Planet in Focus invites students to make short films (maximum 4 minutes) on important environmental topics that they care about to inspire others to see the world through new eyes. What are your students doing to help the planet?
 
Selected films will be screened at the Bloor Cinema on June 8th, 2017 in celebration of UN World Environment Day. Schools can submit a maximum of 3 films for consideration. All TDSB K-8 Elementary schools are welcome to submit a film for consideration to the Gala Film Festival.
 
Genres: animation, comedy, drama, live action, PSA
Format: MOV or WMV
Submission deadline: Monday, May 5th, 2017
General Inquiries: Contact Jordana Aarons
Technical Questions: Contact Patrick McCartney
 
Resources for teachers:
We've found lots of great resources to help you glimpse the possibilities of movie-making and enriched learning.  Sample one of these:

Making Movies Makes Sense is recommended by Pam Miller--simple-to-understand, comprehensive, good at breaking down the learning. A free "lite" version or the modestly-priced ($5) more complete one is available (plus educational discounts).

Our Ministry of Ed endorses student filmmaking! The Ministry's monograph The Student Filmmaker gives you a lot of what you need!

Keep it Real: This inspirational and engaging 3-minute film about documentary filmmaking, invites young people to tell a story through film, with passion, patience, and grit.

Director in the Classroom: This chapter in the book by BC's filmmaker-teacher Nikos Theodosakis is inspiring, offering insight into the important role of the teacher in working with students.