FRIDAY FOLDER: A roundup of regional school news

A boost for geography

Two geography professors at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs will use a $114,000 grant they are receiving from the National Geographic Society's Education Foundation to reinvigorate geography education in the state.
Steve Jennings, associate professor of geography and environmental studies, and Rebecca Theobald, assistant professor of geography and environmental studies, plan to integrate geography lessons into other curriculum, such as the environment, sports and politics.

"This isn't about being able to find a country on a map. Geography is about understanding the world we live in," Jennings said.

Skyview Middle School student honored

Isaiah Martinez, a student at Skyview Middle School has been chosen for the People to People World Leadership Forum, which will be held in Washington, D.C., in March. The participants will meet with government leaders, visit national monuments and take part in exercises on how to build consensus and foster change.

Martinez was chosen on the basis of his scholarship merit, civic involvement and leadership potential, organization officials said.
People to People was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to promote world citizenship.

College in Canada, anyone?

Rachel Toyen, international student recruiter at the University of British Columbia, will give a free lecture at 7 p.m. Mondayon studying in Canada. The lecture will take place at The Colorado Springs School as part of the Gatecrashers Series: Opening the Doors on College Admissions. A reception will start at 6 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Louisa Performing Arts Center on the campus at 21 Broadmoor Ave.For more information, call Rusty Haynes at 434-3573 or see www.css.org.

Educator prepared to kiss horse

Students at The Imagine Classical Academy at Indigo Ranch really want to see their assistant principal kiss a horse.

Jeff Rebitski, also known as Mr. Ski, promised he'd lock lips with a horse if the students meet the goal they set for collecting food for Care & Share, the area's food pantry for the needy. Rebitski says he's pretty sure they'll meet the goal and expects to bring his horse to school on Dec. 19 to fulfill his end of the deal.Those who want to help the students can donate food to the K-8 charter school at 7110 Sand Lake Heights. For more information call 495-7360.