At Long Branch Catherine L. (grade 5) and Portia M. (grade 4) joined Mrs. Schutte in welcoming the Vice President into their computer lab at Long Branch. When the Vice President asked the students how they felt about the new Globe Program Portia said, "The Globe Program sounds like it is going to be an exciting science program for students." Catherine added, "We love using the Internet at Long Branch and the Globe Program will help us continue to use technology as we also help scientists with the environment." The Vice President asked us if we heard the applause from those in the room behind him. He said the people in the room with him had worked very hard on the program and were glad to hear students making such positive comments.
Then the Vice President commented to Ms. Schutte that he heard she had just finished the Globe teacher training. Ms. Schutte replied by saying, "Yes and if enthusiasm is any gauge of success, the Globe program is off to a great start. I was very impressed with the excitement of the Globe staff, the high energy level of the scientists involved, and especially with the dedication of the educators attending the training who endured the pouring rain, ice and snow - and just like the Energizer Bunny kept going and going ! I think the infusion of technology into an authentic, collaborative scientific program such as Globe will be one small step for us as educators toward the giant leap which Globe can make for education which can benefit all students in the global community."
To this the Vice President said, "I think that sounds like an endorsement!" All of us at Long Branch agreed that it was indeed!