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december

Vector Solutions’ Student Safety & Wellness Courses Wins Platinum Award in THE Journal’s New Product Awards

Tampa, FL – December 29, 2021 – Vector Solutions, the leading provider of training and software solutions to help schools make their operations and communities safer, smarter and better, was named a winner in THE Journal’s New Product Awards for its Student Safety & Wellness Courses. The courses earned a Platinum award – the highest available – in the Social Emotional Learning Program Management category. 

Vector’s Student Safety & Wellness Courses are powerful, engaging web-based video lessons authored by subject-matter experts on topics such as Bullying & Cyberbullying, Youth Suicide Awareness, Alcohol, Vaping & Drug Prevention, Sexual Harassment, Digital Citizenship, Stress & Anxiety, Depression, and Healthy Relationships. The courses feature diverse peer presenters and can be used for primary prevention training or for remediation with students who may have disciplinary issues related to these topics. They include lesson plans and  activities to help facilitate conversations about these important topics.

“We created our Student Safety & Wellness Courses to help schools support student wellbeing by helping students understand and navigate difficult situations and address stress, anxiety and depression,” said Vector Solutions CEO Marc Scheipe. “Winning this New Product Award from THE Journal validates the importance of this work and Vector’s mission to help make schools safer and more inclusive.”…Read More

Parallel Learning—Psychoeducational Telehealth Platform—Announces Official Launch Alongside $2.8m In Funding

NEW YORK, NY (December 28, 2021)—Parallel Learning (Parallel), the digital health company that
provides psychoeducational services to families, educators and students dealing with learning and
thinking differences, today announced its official launch alongside $2.8M in funding to date. The funding
was led by Eric Reiner and Dan Povitsky of Vine Ventures, with participation from Global Founders
Capital, Great Oaks and social media influencers Josh Richards, Griffin Johnson and Noah Beck of Gen
Z-focused venture capital fund Animal Capital, among others. These funds will enable Parallel to
accelerate its growth by expanding nationwide, increasing access to special education services for
students across the country.

Parallel’s platform provides cross-disciplinary support services to diagnose, teach and empower students with learning and thinking differences directly to families and to school districts on a contractual basis. The company employs licensed psychologists, learning specialists, occupational therapists and more in each state and matches students with providers based on their referral concern and desired services. With Parallel, evaluations begin within days instead of waiting months and cost a fraction of the price of traditional evaluations which can be upwards of $5,000. The digital health company worked with
prominent research institutions and renowned testing publishers including Riverside to develop its
American Psychological Association (APA)-compliant evaluation platform. This proprietary technology
cuts the evaluation time in half, allowing students to receive a full report within just two weeks. The
comprehensive services currently offered include:

● Comprehensive Psychological Assessments
○ Licensed psychologists work through a series of assessments to uncover what impacts
the student’s ability to learn, help them improve their abilities and determine the
accommodations they need to succeed in the classroom.
● Educational Therapy
○ Therapists provide intensive interventions to help students build on foundational skills by
using evidence-based, multi-sensory approaches to teach techniques for coping with
learning and thinking differences.
● Executive Function Coaching
○ Occupational therapists teach students how to become more efficient learners and build
their confidence and independence by teaching organizational and management skills
that can help them in and outside of the classroom.…Read More

Extron NAV & Streaming Systems Serve the Chef for St. Helena High’s Culinary Program

Anaheim, California (December 22, 2021) – St. Helena High School is a top-ranked institute of learning in California’s Napa Valley wine region. The county is filled with luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, such as The French Laundry. Because of this wealth of fine dining and high-end accommodations, the high school’s culinary classroom received a new AV system that enhances instruction on-site as well as for students attending from home. The school administrators brought in E.R.I.C. Low Voltage Services to design and program and Consolidated Networks Corporation to integrate a NAV Pro AV over IP system, along with the SMP 111 streaming media processor and other products from Extron. “Integration of Extron’s NAV Pro AV over IP system and the SMP 111 streaming processor lets the students at home be on the same page as those in the classroom,” says Brian Baesler, Program Manager at Consolidated Networks Corporation. “This makes the AV system just what the chef ordered.” St. Helena High’s culinary classroom includes six full commercial kitchens, and the instructor is Chef Karl Turner III. Originally, the students gathered around the outside of one kitchen to watch the professional chef prepare and plate the gourmet dishes. Now, a NAV Pro AVoIP system ties three broadcast-quality 4K HDMI PTZ cameras to the existing 55” displays, as well as provides content to the streaming system. An Extron NAV E 101 encoder mounted with each camera shares video from the chef’s grill/range station and the two food preparation stations. A fourth camera and encoder are being installed for a heads-on view of the chef at work. The chef’s PC and a TLP Pro 1225TG 12″ Tabletop TouchLink Pro Touchpanel are installed on a shelf beneath one of the prep tables, protecting them from heat and splashes. The PC is connected to an Extron NAV E 201 D wallplate HDMI encoder. To support the PC’s USB signals, an Extron MediaPort 200 HDMI and Audio to USB Scaling Bridge converts USB to HDMI. The bridge enhances the computer-sourced content for the students attending class from home.  The SMP 111 streaming media processor captures and distributes the camera feeds and other resources for selectable live streaming. Five Extron transmitters stream AV signals over the 1 Gbps Ethernet network. An Extron NetPA U 1004 power amplifier with Dante and DSP 100 watts per channel drives the 70 V distributed audio system. From concept to commissioning, the entire project was completed in two weeks. CNC credits this in part to Extron’s well-designed products and the support engineers. The administration is quite pleased with the success of the AV system upgrade in the culinary classroom, and Chef Turner III is happy with how easy it is to use. To read the full St. Helena High School Culinary Classroom case study, click here. Extron – The AV Technology Leader Every day, millions of people around the world are having their experiences enhanced by Extron audiovisual signal processing, distribution, and control solutions. We design advanced technologies to create better looking images, higher quality sound, systems that are easier to control and work more reliably. Our powerful asset management tools are helping technology professionals efficiently manage large numbers of audiovisual systems deployed throughout their enterprises and institutions. Extron AV technology solutions serve the diverse needs of organizations around the world and are deployed in a wide variety of corporate, educational, government, healthcare, retail, and entertainment applications. To learn more about Extron, click here. Extron®, NAV®, MediaPort®, and TouchLink® are registered trademarks of Extron. Dante® is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd.

Flinn Scientific’s New PAVO Platform Provides Comprehensive Instructional Solution to District-Level Science Programs

Batavia, Illinois, December 21, 2021 — To support school district science programs in delivering comprehensive content and customizable labs across science subject areas, Flinn Scientific recently launched the PAVO platform. This all-in-one solution for middle school, high school, and advanced science levels helps educators support digital and hands-on learning, facilitate inquiry-based exploration, and differentiate instruction using labs, embedded safety resources, test prep, formative and summative assessments, and multi-level reporting tools.  

“We wanted to figure out a way to bring all of the rich resources Flinn has under one umbrella to make it easy for educators to offer dynamic, hands-on learning in science classrooms. The PAVO platform brings an unparalleled depth and breadth to science instruction, while focusing on inquiry, investigation, and exploration,” said Michael Lavelle, CEO of Flinn Scientific. “In one platform, PAVO provides all of our digital resources and labs, accessible by grade or subject area, to help educators deeper engage students in hands-on and digital learning.” 

All of PAVO’s content is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards to ensure students are practicing and mastering key concepts in the major science areas, including chemistry, biology, environmental science, physics, physical science, life science, Earth and space science, and STEM. The content includes more than 7,000 customizable lessons, labs, assessments, and safety courses and certifications, as well as 3,200-plus instructional videos, lab videos, and augmented and virtual reality simulations that bring science to life for students.…Read More

Discovery Education’s Science Techbook Approved for Statewide Use by South Carolina’s State Board of Education

Silver Spring, Md. (December 20, 2021)—Following a comprehensive evaluation, the  South Carolina State Board of Education has approved the  Discovery Education Science Techbook for the K-5 and 6-8 grade bands, plus high school Earth & Space science, for statewide use as a core instructional resource through its state adoption process. South Carolina’s adoption of the award-winning Science Techbook empowers the state’s school systems to integrate this innovative digital curriculum into teaching and learning.  Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.    

Delivered through  Discovery Education’s flexible K-12 platform, Science Techbook drives engagement with exclusive phenomena and interactive content. Virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM activities, and a variety of instructional supports that enhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction in person or at a distance. 

Available with the Science Techbook are coordinated digital teacher guides offering unit, concept, and lesson overviews, standards connections, and differentiation activities to inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Teacher editions also provide flexible pacing options, embedded teacher notes, and Pathways for Learning to address diverse learners.   …Read More

Discovery Education and Social Impact Partners Offer All Educators New, No-Cost Professional Learning Resources

Silver Spring, MD (Thursday, December 16, 2021) — As school systems nationwide begin to look towards Winter Break, Discovery Education and select social impact partners present curated professional learning resources at no cost to support educators’ continued professional learning. Spanning critical topics such as social-emotional learning (SEL), computational thinking, and STEM, this new professional learning content inspires educators to reimagine teaching and more deeply engage students. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place.

Designed to support educators’ work to create immersive learning experiences every day, the curated content strengthens teacher effectiveness, empowers school leaders, and increases student engagement. Among the SEL and STEM professional learning resources from Discovery Education and educational initiatives created in collaboration with leading social impact partners are: 

Social-Emotional Professional Learning Resources…Read More

Wayfair Professional Celebrates Local Teacher in Third Annual Dream Classroom Giveaway

BOSTON, Massachusetts – December 14, 2021 – Wayfair (NYSE:W), one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home, announced today the winner of the third annual Dream Classroom Giveaway, a contest awarding one U.S. teacher with a full classroom makeover. Conducted by the Education division of Wayfair Professional, Wayfair’s business-to-business program, nominations from the public were accepted through a contest website earlier this year. A winner is selected based on their significant impact on their students and community with an engaging and creative approach to teaching.

“Wayfair Professional is excited to announce this year’s Dream Classroom Giveaway winner, Ms. Julia Negele, a kindergarten and first grade teacher in the Boston Public School system,” said Margaret Lawrence, vice president of Wayfair Professional. “We’re proud to recognize an outstanding local teacher for the first time in the contest’s history and provide Ms. Negele with all the furniture and decor she needs to make her classroom work harder for her and her students.”

Since its 2019 launch, Wayfair Professional’s Dream Classroom Giveaway has received thousands of nominations from the public, and nine winners have been awarded brand-new classrooms. A panel of Wayfair Professional Education Specialists carefully selects each winner and works with them to redesign their classroom, including teacher and student desks and chairs, soft seating, rugs, bookcases, whiteboards and easels, a variety of storage, and other educational furniture and decor. …Read More

National Alliance of Black School Educators Names Audrey Muhammad as Inaugural Recipient of the 2021 NABSE $10,000 Scholarship Award

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., December 13, 2021—The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) recently named Audrey Muhammad, college success instructor at Durham Technical Community College in Durham, NC, as the recipient of the 2021 NABSE $10,000 Scholarship Award, which is sponsored by Curriculum Associates. This inaugural award, The Dr. Charles Mitchell, Jr. Leadership Scholarship, will help support Muhammad as she pursues an advanced degree in educational leadership at Wilmington University.

“We offer our congratulations to Ms. Muhammad on being the recipient of the inaugural award and wish her continued success in her educational endeavors,” said Dr. Fadhilika Atiba-Weza, executive director of NABSE. “NABSE is proud to present this scholarship in honor of Dr. Charles Mitchell, Jr., a founding member of our organization, whose recognition of the importance of leadership contributed to the formation of NABSE. In addition, we thank Curriculum Associates for its support and look forward to our continued partnership.”

Muhammad has been an educator for the past 28 years. Prior to her current role, she worked for Toledo Public Schools in Ohio and San Bernardino Unified School District and West Contra Costa Unified School District in California. During this time, she served as a high school English teacher, mentor teacher, and facilitator of various education workshops. She is also the author of numerous books, including How to Set Worthy Goals and Rhymes of the Times: Black Nursery Rhymes, and is the publisher of the inspirational Virtue Today Magazine.…Read More

Stanley Black & Decker and Discovery Education Invite High School Students to Win $30,000 in Prizes from the Trade Champions Challenge

Silver Spring, Md. (Monday, December 13, 2021) – Supporting students on their pathway to STEM success, Stanley Black & Decker and Discovery Education invite students to join the new Trade Champions Challenge. The Challenge introduces students to the unique opportunities offered through trade careers, encouraging them to consider a new career or education path. Participation in the Challenge is supported by a suite of digital resources to make student engagement possible in an in-person or virtual learning environment.

The Trade Champions Challenge asks high school students to create a 30-60 second video explaining to their peers why they aspire to be a trade professional. Open through April 15, 2022, the entries will be judged on content, effective communication, and presentation skills by a panel of educators, as well as Discovery Education and Stanley Black & Decker representatives. Each of the top three winners will receive a Stanley Black & Decker prize pack, in addition to $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place aimed at supporting their continued education. Learn more about the Trade Champions Challenge here.

The Trade Champions Challenge builds upon a Stanley Black & Decker and Discovery Education educational program – Innovation Generation – igniting, engaging, and empowering students to become makers through no-cost dynamic digital resources. Through real-world explorations in STEM, Innovation Generation cultivates students’ collaboration, problem solving, and creative thinking.…Read More

Vernier Software & Technology Names the Winners of Its 40th Anniversary Educator Grants

BEAVERTON, Oregon, December 13, 2021 — Vernier Software & Technology has named the 40 recipients of its 40th anniversary educator grants. The grantees—who represent a range of grade levels and geographic regions—will each receive $1,000 in Vernier technology of their choosing, a one-year subscription to Vernier Graphical Analysis Pro, and three hours of virtual professional development to further support their teaching.

“With more than 800 total submissions, we were truly blown away by the response we received from educators,” said John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology. “For 40 years, Vernier Software & Technology has supported hands-on science exploration, and we are excited to now support these 40 educators—from five elementary schools, eight middle schools, 23 high schools, and four colleges—as they use data-collection technology with their students.”

All the grantees were chosen by a volunteer Grantee Selection Committee, which consisted of current science and STEM educators, consultants, and members of the Vernier tech support team who are former educators. The committee selected the grantees based on various factors, including plans for implementing the Vernier technology and current needs of their school.  …Read More