48 Schools Named Finalists for Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards; Elementary, Secondary Schools Honored for Innovative Programs That Support Student Achievement.

NEW YORK -- Forty-eight schools have been named as finalists for the Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards. The awards honor schools for implementing innovative and replicable programs that support positive educational outcomes.

The schools will compete for $190,000 in grants from the Intel Foundation and additional prizes from sponsoring companies will be presented at an awards ceremony in October. The 3-year-old awards program is sponsored by Intel, the world's leader in silicon innovation and long-time champion of educational improvement, and Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company.

"Through dedication and hard work, these schools have implemented great ideas for instituting student centered learning, incorporating hands-on experiences and working with their communities," said Brenda Musilli, Intel director of education. "By highlighting successful schools, we hope to inspire others and bring about improved learning for all children."

Francie Alexander, Scholastic's chief academic officer, added, "These awards give us the opportunity to honor schools that have implemented and sustained programs that foster student achievement and encourage the highest level of success. By bringing national recognition to these schools, we hope to share best practices and help other schools across the country to replicate this success."

The 48 finalists were chosen from public and private schools that participated in the application and judging process, which was overseen by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory Center for Classroom Teaching and Learning. Sixteen winners will be selected in each of eight categories -- one each for elementary and secondary schools. Winning schools will also compete to be named "Best of the Best." The finalists in each category are:

Academic Achievement -- The school has shown significant improvements in test scores, graduation rates and college entrance rates.

Benjamin Banneker Academic High School            Washington, D.C.
Frankford Elementary School                       Frankford, Del.
Maple Elementary School                           Seattle
Morristown-Hamblen High School East               Morristown, Tenn.
Parkside Elementary School                        San Mateo, Calif.
Roxbury Preparatory Charter School                Mission Hill, Mass.

Literary Achievement -- The language arts curriculum is designed to ensure high levels of achievement for all students and is consistently implemented, regularly evaluated and modified for more effective instruction.

Delano Elementary School                          Memphis, Tenn.
Holly Academy                                     Holly, Mich.
John Griffin Middle School                        Fayetteville, N.C.
Liberty Middle School                             Cumming, Ga.
Lincoln Elementary School                         Spencer, Iowa
North Brunswick High School                       Leland, N.C.

Mathematics Achievement -- The mathematics curriculum includes a variety of instructional strategies that incorporate critical thinking skills, hands-on experiences and project-based learning to ensure high levels of achievement for all students.

Lake Taylor Middle School                         Norfolk, Va.
Manila Elementary School                          Pleasant Grove, Utah
Ogden Elementary School                           Ogden, Kan.
Parkland-Brookside Elementary School              Rochester, N.Y.
Stephen Decatur Middle School                     Berlin, Md.
Stephen Decatur High School                       Berlin, Md.

Science Achievement -- The science curriculum is designed to ensure high levels of achievement for all students and should include instructional strategies incorporating critical thinking skills, hands-on, investigative experiences and project-based learning.

Branson Elementary School                         Burleson, Texas
Davidson I.B. Middle School                       Davidson, N.C.
Linkhorn Park Elementary School                   Virginia Beach, Va.
Miami Springs Middle School                       Miami Springs, Fla.
St. Joseph's Academy                              Frontenac, Mo.
W.E.B. DuBois Academy                             Cincinnati

Technology Excellence -- The school demonstrates an extensive use of technology through the seamless implementation of programs, curricula and management, and has excelled in the integration of a variety of educational technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Berrendos Middle School                           Red Bluff, Calif.
Cromwell Valley Regional Magnet School
 of Technology                                    Towson, Md.
Forest Lake Elementary School                     Columbia, S.C.
Kellogg Middle School                             Shoreline, Wash.
MacArthur Elementary School                       Las Cruces, N.M.
Mattson Middle School                             Kent, Wash.

Leadership Excellence -- Dynamic leadership based on vision, data, research, best practices and continuous monitoring and assessment engages the school community in continuous school improvement focused on student achievement.

A.B. Combs Leadership Magnet Elementary School    Raleigh, N.C.
Azalea Gardens Middle School                      Norfolk, Va.
Detroit Edison Public School Academy              Detroit
Greece Odyssey Academy                            Greece, N.Y.
Key Peninsula Middle School                       Lakebay, Wash.
Ruskin Elementary School                          Waycross, Ga.

Professional Development -- Professional development is innovative, ongoing and relevant, and has a significant impact on the professional growth and development of staff and on student achievement.

Alton C. Crews Middle School                      Lawrenceville, Ga.
Assumption High School                            Louisville, Ky.
Dundee Elementary School                          Omaha, Neb.
Essex Elementary School                           Essex, Vt.
Passages Charter School                           Chicago
Patrick Henry High School                         Minneapolis

Collaboration & Teamwork -- The school culture encourages and actively engages teachers, administrators, other school staff, community members and business leaders to work collaboratively for the benefit of the students.

Chisholm Middle School                            Newton, Kan.
Don Pedro Albizu Campos/P.S. 161                  New York
Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School             Frederick, Md.
Lakeridge Jr. High School                         Orem, Utah
Ocean Acres Elementary School                     Manahawkin, N.J.
Whitman Elementary School                         Turnersville, N.J.

The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony to be held Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C., and will each receive a $10,000 grant. One elementary and one secondary school will be honored with a "Best of the Best" award and will receive an additional $15,000 for a total award of $25,000 each. Schools winning this award must have a comprehensive program addressing technology, involvement of parents and the community, professional development, teamwork and consistently achieve high academic standards. For more information about the Schools of Distinction Awards, visit www.schoolsofdistinction.com.

Through the Intel(R) 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.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

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