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"Having our own Web page has increased parental involvement, information sharing and community input."
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Education World, the world's best educational resource and search engine on the Internet (named by FamilyPC), is recognizing Sebring Middle School (SMS) as the "Cool School of the Week" during the week of December 4, 2000. The award-winning school can be viewed at http://www.strato.net/~sms
Every week Education World (www.educationworld.com) reviews hundreds of school Internet Web sites from across the country and picks the best site for the new Cool School of the Week. This coveted award is given to school Web sites that best illustrate several qualities: visual appeal, creativity, originality, community involvement and connection, use of technology, value to the students and school, use of curriculum on-line and practical applications in the educational setting.
Webmaster Suzan Wedig creates and maintains the school's site with the help of creative SMS students. Many of the ideas submitted by the students are incorporated into various Web pages. Other students contribute by serving as photographers for the site.
"Students interested in HTML are welcomed and encouraged to develop their skills. We have had a number of students interested in learning HTML, and some have gone on to create and publish their own Web page," Wedig added.
The SMS site boasts many exciting and helpful resources, including on-line calendars, schedules and curriculum information. The {Teacher Resources} page offers an abundant listing of educational Internet sites as well as a faculty directory and other useful information. In addition, SMS provides an on-line student handbook, an honors recognition page, an Accelerated Reading book list and much, much more.
The most unique feature of the site is the {Student Hangout} page. This section is especially useful and fun for students as it provides everything from lunch menus and sports pages to student birthdays and a collection of Internet sites for kids.
"We aim to make our site clean, inviting and visually clear to enhance navigational ease," said Wedig. "Having our own Web page has increased parental involvement, information sharing and community input."
SMS provides Internet access in all computer labs and in each classroom. "This has proven to be a valuable tool to enhance teaching and learning by giving our teachers and students the opportunity to search for and share ideas and research on-line projects," said Wedig.
The Internet has become increasingly important in today's education, and Wedig feels it is a pivotal tool to the next generation of learners. "It is my belief that the Internet is a great 'equalizer," providing resources and opportunities to schools that are not 'technology-rich.'
SMS's technology goals include increasing student access to technology as well as providing students with hands-on experience to develop technology skills. "Our challenge at Sebring Middle School is to implement instructional technology into all facets of education, to make educational programs more relevant to contemporary society, and to enhance the effectiveness of the learning process," said Wedig.
Cool School award winners at SMS will receive exclusive Cool School T-shirts and mouse pads, two commemorative plaques, Cool School award certificates, plus a Cool School award winner button for their Web site. All Cool School award winners are also eligible to win the title of "Cool School of the Year."
"The students work together as a team to create a great on-line resource that brings together both the school and the community," said Brian Mauck, President of Education World. "They put a lot of time and work into creating these sites. We are honored to be able to recognize them for their hard work and achievements."
Education World's Cool School program is sponsored by Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), a worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Sponsorship of Education World is one part of Ciscòs corporate-wide initiative to provide the benefits of Internet access and international communication in todaỳs classrooms. More information about all of Ciscòs education programs is available at http://www.cisco.com/edu..