PROJECT IDEA EXCHANGE “PIE” MONTHLY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3: NO. 2 DECEMBER 2003 http://pie.mcvts.net PROGRAM OF THE MONTH This month’s PIE PROGRAM OF THE MONTH focuses on the efforts of Toshiyo Ohno of Japan. As a teacher at Kanagawa Sohgoh Senior High School in Yokohama, Toshiyo has implemented a classroom exchange partner approach. His grade ten to twelve students are currently partnered with a classroom in Greece and a school in the United States has just agreed to become an additional partner classroom. Toshiyo’s describes his partner approach as follows. “My students and I are now exchanging with university students who are studying English literature and their tutor in Greece. Our students are exchanging information about 9 topics: Eating Habit, Jobs Popular Among The Young, Social Problems, Fashion, and so on. As the activity finishes soon, she and I are now wondering what we should work on together after January.” The key to any successful program is to continue to meet the interests of the involved students. Toshiyo hopes to collaborate on additional topics such as writing relay stories, exchanging information about television programs and exchanging cultural information to assist all involved in learning about others. To learn more about Toshiyo Ohno’s exciting classroom partnership and to become a “partner,” contact Toshiyo at kanasoh@epals.com. The PROGRAM OF THE MONTH is designed to share educational programs with PIE members. All members are always encouraged to post their programs on the PIE website and to also email a description of your programs to the PIE Director (reade@mail.mcvts.net) in order to have your program published in a future PIE NEWSLETTER.  If you have program or idea that you wish to share, please contact Ernie Read (PIE Director) at reade@mail.mcvts.net or erreadiii@aol.com. MEMBER NEWS PROJECT IDEA EXCHANGE is proud to welcome the following new members to its steady growing worldwide membership: Ýsmail H. Demircioglu KTU Fatih Egitim Fakultesi Akcaabat –Trabzon Trabzon, Turkey Calin Rudeanu Vanatori Secondary College Vantori, Romania PIE members are now be found on six continents. Please share PIE with others, especially fellow educators in your school, your country or those you might be involved with as part of an educational program on an international basis.  Encourage them to join PIE. To become a new member, all one needs to do is complete and submit the online application found on the PIE website (http://pie.mcvts.net). PIE “TIP OF THE MONTH” As we turn the page on our calendars, our calendars tell us that the year 2004 is almost upon us. What better time to visit an stimulating and detailed website “Calendars Through the Ages” (http://webexhibits.org/calendars/index.html). This fascinating site takes the visitor on a detailed voyage through the history and concept of the calendar.  “Calendars Through the Ages” examines current calendars including those of the Chinese, Christian, Indian and Jewish cultures. If you are interested in past cultures, explore the section on calendars that are “Not In Use.” Be sure the access the “Timeline” which will provide you with numerous facts and details about the concept of the “calendar.” This is a wonderful website for students and teachers alike. DIRECTOR’S NOTES As we approach to beginning of 2004, may I take this time to extend my deepest best wishes to everyone connected with PROJECT IDEA EXCHANGE. In some regions of our world, 2003 has been the best of times, in others the worst of times. No matter how you mark this time of year, please continue your efforts in assisting others in better recognizing the significance and critical necessity of world peace. We, as citizens of our global society, need to live by the doctrine of international cooperation. May the New Year bring you and everyone dear to you the peace and happiness that we all crave. Be Safe, Happy and Well! Ernie Read/PIE Director