Paisley IB Magnet School has received a $2,500 te@ch award to the school for integrating interactive technology into the curriculum from Best Buy.

The funds will be used to enhance the school's robotics program. The robotics program embodies the use of interactive technology to enhance learning. Students are now involved in a telerobotic project that involves students nationwide. This is an extension of a NASA project from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA's robotics headquarters.

Paisley is a NASA Explorer School. Dr. Tamara Greenwood, technologist, and Kevin Barnard, the school's robotics teacher, applied for the grant.

"This will make a tremendous difference in what the students can do and learn in the robotics program," Barnard said.

Best Buy started te@ch in October 2003, to reward schools that creatively integrate interactive technology into theircurricula. All accredited, public and private nonprofit elementary, middle and secondary schools located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store were eligible to apply. Awards of $2,500 were given to nearly 1,200 schools to sustain or enhance existing educational programs.

“Today, teachers across the country are using technology in new and creative ways; we want to support and recognize their efforts to make learning fun and easy,” said Paula Prahl, VP of Public Affairs for Best Buy. “The te@ch program helps innovative educators enhance their curricula. By committing dollars to the communities in which we work and live, we can more fully support our employees, our customers, and their families.”

Visit www.BestBuy.com and click on Community Relations for more information on Best Buy Children’s Foundation and the education and technology-based partnerships and programs it supports.

Paisley IB Magnet School teaches students grades 6 through 10 in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.