Eighteen Schools Named Finalists for Intel Schools of Distinction Awards

"We are very excited to see the ever-increasing quality of the applicant pool for Intel Schools of Distinction," said Brenda Musilli, Intel Corporation director of education. "Improving math and science education is one of the critical issues we see facing the United States and it is heartwarming 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."

"Like past School of Distinction Award winners, each school has 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 urban and suburban neighborhoods. The finalists, representing a wide range of successful programs, are by category:

Mathematics Excellence – The finalist schools 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.

Elementary First Street Elementary School Garrisonville Elementary Sojourner School	Canonsburg, Pa. Stafford, Va. Milwaukie, Ore.
Middle School Carle Place Middle Senior High School Delay Middle School St. Joan of Arc School	Carle Place, N.Y. Lewisville, Texas Indianapolis, Ind.
High School Orange High School Sabino High School Summit Preparatory High School	Pepper Pike, Ohio Tucson, Ariz. Redwood City, Calif.

Science Excellence – The finalist schools provide a rich science curriculum incorporating hands-on investigative experiences that prepare students for 21st century jobs. Programs encourage student achievement in sciences and engineering, while simultaneously helping students to become knowledgeable consumers of news and data in order to be active and informed citizens. Programs are designed to meet the needs of all students, incorporating a variety of instructional strategies, and meeting rigorous education industry standards and assessment benchmarks.

Elementary Edgewood Science, Math & Technology Kenneth Carberry Intermediate School Laguna Elementary School	Brooklyn Park, Minn. Emmett, Idaho Scottsdale, Ariz.
Middle School Farnsworth Middle School Key Peninsula Middle School Palm Desert Middle School	Guilderland, N.Y. Lakebay, Wash. Palm Desert, Calif.
High School McLean High School Shawnee Mission South High School Townsend Harris High School	McLean, Va. Shawnee Mission, Kan. Flushing, N.Y.

As a reflection of the exceptional quality of this year's finalists, the Intel Foundation has decided to award $2,500 to each of the finalist schools – the first such award in the program's five-year history. Three winners – one elementary, one middle school and one high school – will be selected in each of the two categories. To honor their extraordinary commitment to educational excellence and innovation, each winning school will receive an additional $7,500 cash grant from the Intel Foundation and an award package including curriculum materials, professional development resources, hardware and software valued at more than $150,000 per school. Award sponsors include Dell Computers, eInstruction, and SMART Technologies.

Representatives from the winning schools will attend a series of events in Washington, D.C. beginning with a black tie Gala on September 7 and concluding with an awards event on September 9 at which one school from this year's honorees will be named "Star Innovator."

The Star Innovator School will receive an additional $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. For more information about the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards, visit www.schoolsofdistinction.com.

Through the Intel Education initiative, Intel invests more than $100 million annually in its efforts to accelerate 21st century learning. Intel's vision is to help equip young people with the skills required to succeed in today's workforce that will in turn fuel global economic growth and innovation. For more information, visit www.intel.com/education.

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