Each year, The News-Journal celebrates the outstanding work of area high schools through its Medallion of Excellence Awards program. High school seniors in Volusia and Flagler County (in high schools with more than 25 students in the 2015 graduating class) are encouraged to apply for an award. Medallion of Excellence award-winners will be students who not only achieve academic scholarship but who also stand out in extracurricular and community activities in areas including -- but not limited to -- the arts, sports, volunteerism and/or leadership. Winners will be determined by a panel of education professionals and will be honored at a banquet next April.

Any student interested in applying for an award should contact his or her school administrator or guidance counselor. Application Guidelines and Student Application Forms are available by following the links provided. Click here for Key Dates regarding the 2015 Medallion of Excellence Awards process.

Click here for photos and bios of the 2014 winners!

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The Mini Page: Land of Dinosaurs

Gigantic dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex (ty-RANoh-SORE-rus RECKS) and Triceratops (tri-SER-uh-tops) ruled western North America 66 million years ago.

Dinosaurs had been roaming the Earth for about 165 million years. And then, in just a few years, all dinosaurs but birds were wiped from the planet.

Click here for this week's standards.

Be sure to look for the Mini Page every Tuesday in The Daytona Beach News-Journal!

If you are looking for a specific Mini Page topic, follow this link to the searchable archives.

GO GREEN! Sixth-grade teachers are encouraged to use these Newspaper in Education activities (PDF) generously provided by the Tampa Bay Times’ NIE Program. The standards-based lessons were developed to accompany the "Go Green" curricular supplements which are being provided to schools for every 6th-grader. The creation and distribution of the "Go Green" supplement, which is designed to educate and inspire students about waste, recycling & the environment, is made possible through Publix Supermarkets throughout the State of Florida and parts of five other states.

Welcome to the World of Sea Turtles!

Twenty-five classrooms in Volusia and Flagler schools are currently participating in a project to learn more about sea turtles. In partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, The News-Journal is covering the cost for the (virtual) adoption of sea turtles that have been tagged with satellite transmitters. Teachers from Kindergarten through 12th grade are developing creative ways to use the sea turtles in their curriculum. Click here for more information, more photos and some useful links.

Free Common Core Lessons Incorporating Newspapers

20 Common Core lesson plans that teach and engage, no matter which story a student reads
Credit: TweenTribune

Use Online Newspapers to Meet Common Core Standards
Credit: Scott Nailor

The Times and the Common Core Standards: Reading Strategies for 'Informational Text'
Credit: The News York Times Learning Network

The kidnapping of journalist Daniel Pearl, a foreign correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, brought attention to the dangers many reporters face while covering conflicts around the world. In early 2002, Mr. Pearl was abducted by terrorists while on assignment in Pakistan and was subsequently killed.

· Continue reading this week's issue
· Complete list of more than 100 other topics

Newspaper in Education Teacher Instructional Resources Page

Find more than 300 instructional resources at The News-Journal’s unique curriculum web page provided by the NIE Institute. If you are a teacher in Volusia or Flagler (FL) counties, please contact Kris Sternberg for login and password information.