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Georgia’s Downtown Academy to Create Dynamic Digital Learning Experiences for All Students Through New Partnership with Global Edtech Leader 

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Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, March 12, 2024)— Georgia’s Downtown Academy today announced a new partnership with global edtech leader Discovery Education. Thanks to this new collaboration, Downtown Academy’s teachers will soon have access to a suite of award-winning digital products that nurture each learner’s curiosity and support the creation of dynamic digital learning experiences for all students.   

Downtown Academy began as an initiative of Downtown Ministries to better serve the children of Athens, Georgia. After years of building relationships with the families in the community through sports and after-school programs, Downtown Ministries believed that offering a Christian education option serving the families of K-5 students in their community would help in its goal of investing in the next generation of leaders. 

The Downtown Academy staff are dedicated to supporting the growth and development of each student so that they reach their fullest potential. To achieve this goal, school leaders sought a suite of high-quality digital resources that empower teachers to create engaging lessons connecting classroom instruction to the outside world. Following a comprehensive review process, Downtown Academy selected Discovery Education as their digital content provider. Among the digital resources selected by the school are:  

Discovery Education Experience. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education Experience provides a powerful K-12 learning platform that facilitates engaging instruction in any environment. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards, and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day. Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s learning platform into existing Information Technology architecture is easier than ever.       

Discovery Education Science Techbooks. The Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12. Used in classrooms across the United States, the Science Techbooks drive engagement with exclusive, phenomena-based, interactive digital content and companion printed resources. The virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities, and instructional supports within Techbook enhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction, in person or at a distance. Available with the Science Techbooks are coordinated teacher guides offering unit, concept, and lesson overviews, standards connections, and differentiation activities that inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Teacher editions also provide flexible pacing options, embedded teacher notes, and pathways for learning that support diverse learners.       

Mystery Science. Mystery Science provides K-5 educators simple-to-use, open-and-go, hands-on lessons that inspire students to love science. Each lesson begins by posing a question commonly asked by young students. Students then explore these questions through interactive videos featuring real-world visuals fostering a sense of wonder and actively supporting student engagement in the accompanying discussion prompts. Mystery Science simplifies prep for teachers, making the integration of this resource into classroom instruction simple. Plus, all K-5 science lessons are available in Spanish, with accompanying videos featuring authentic Spanish narration and Spanish text-on-screen (for discussion questions, vocabulary words, and step-by-step instructions). Editable, ready-to-use worksheets and assessments are also available in both English and Spanish.  

Social Studies Techbook. Discovery Education’s Social Studies Techbook is a standards-aligned, core-curricular resource that uses an inquiry-based approach to enhance literacy and critical thinking skills, allowing students to approach inquiry through the 5Es: Engage, Explore, Explain, Extend, and Evaluate. From stories of ancient cultures to current events, this comprehensive digital textbook takes concepts off the pages and brings lessons to life. In addition, users of this resources enjoy access to two Lexile levels of core content, authentic Spanish translation, 180 additional languages through Google Translate, and innovative strategies for teaching all students. 

“One of Downtown Academy’s core values is partnership,” said Xernona Thomas, Principal. “We believe that the greatest results and progress come from connection and cooperation across a wide range of partners. We are living this value through our new partnership with Discovery Education, as we believe the digital learning experiences our teachers will build with these new high-quality resources will help our students meet their goals. We look forward to getting these resources into the hands of our teachers.”   

All Downtown Academy educators enjoy access to the Discovery Educator Network. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.   

“Discovery Education is proud to partner with Downtown Academy,” said Kimberly McCullough, Discovery Education Account Executive. “Their innovative approach to serving their community is an inspiration and we are excited to support their work to help all their students live up to their fullest potential.”  

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.   

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com

Contact 
Stephen Wakefield 
Discovery Education 
Phone: 202-316-6615 
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

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Immersive Learning Resource from Discovery Education Surpasses 1 Million Downloads

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Immersive Learning Resource from Discovery Education Surpasses 1 Million Downloads 

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Charlotte, NC (Wednesday, March 6, 2024)—Discovery Education today announced that its no-cost, augmented-reality (AR) learning resource—Sandbox AR—has surpassed the 1 million download milestone in the Apple iTunes store. In 2023, Sandbox AR was named was named Best XR/VR/AI Product as part of the GESS Education Awards and was the winner of the first prize in the Hardware, AV, AR/AV, Robotics and Digital Device category at the BETT 2023 Awards. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital resources nurture student curiosity and drive deeper engagement in instruction. 

Designed as a companion to the award-winning Discovery Education Experience K-12 platform, Sandbox AR is an augmented reality “maker” app that brings immersive technology and content into the classroom. Within Sandbox AR, users can create virtual worlds and populate them with hundreds of unique objects from history, the built world, science, nature, and more. Sandbox AR also gives students new ways to express themselves and demonstrate their learning through features like photo taking or video walkthroughs with their own voice over. Sandbox AR even offers a mode that allows users to scale up and inhabit their own life size virtual environments. 

For those new to AR, Sandbox AR includes many pre-built sandboxes exploring diverse subjects such as ancient Egypt, space exploration, Mayan civilization, road construction, and more, with additional sandboxes coming soon. Discovery Education is also making available several free, pre-built lessons educators can use with the app to familiarize themselves with integrating AR into classroom instruction. Subscribers to Discovery Education Experience or Discovery Education Espresso have access to additional Sandbox AR features, and soon, Sandbox AR will be compatible with Chromebooks. 

“Discovery Education is thrilled at reception educators have given Sandbox AR,” said Phil Birchinall, Discovery Education’s Senior Director of Immersive Content. “Achieving this milestone will motivate our team to continue to create high-quality digital resources that nurtures student curiosity and greater engagement in instruction.”  

Among the other immersive learning resources offered by Discovery Education are:   

  • Experience Edge at Hudson Yards. In this exciting immersive virtual experience, students visit the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor Skydeck to learn facts about its complex engineering, the history of the Hudson Yards neighborhood, and the complex construction challenges deep in the heart of New York City. 
  • Timepod Adventures. Created in partnership with Verizon, TimePod Adventures offers state-of-the-art AR students can interact with and control. Using TimePod Adventures, students travel through time and visit amazing locations, facing challenges and solving problems as they go. A web-based companion app allows friends or classmates to join learners in solving problems from anywhere, helping to build important collaboration skills. 

To learn more about Discovery Education’s entire suite of AR/VR resources, visit the company’s immersive learning website here.  

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.  

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com

Contact 
Stephen Wakefield 
Discovery Education 
Phone: 202-316-6615 
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

AMERICA250 LAUNCHES NEW NATIONWIDE STUDENT CONTEST: ‘AMERICA’S FIELD TRIP’

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This news originally published on America250.org

Washington, D.C. –  Today, America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in collaboration with BNY Mellon, the 240-year-old global financial services company that played a pivotal role in the development, growth, and rise of the United States, is launching “America’s Field Trip,” — a nationwide scholastic contest with awardees receiving behind-the-scenes experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. America’s Field Trip invites elementary, middle, and high school students to submit artwork, videos, and essays reflecting on what America means to them.

75 first-place awardees and their designated chaperone will be provided free travel, lodging, and access to unforgettable field trip experiences at select historical and cultural sites across the country, and second-place awardees will receive $500 cash awards. Inaugural field trip experiences and partners include:

  • Tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York
  • Tour and hike at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana
  • Weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
  • Unique tours at the National Archives and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
  • Special tours at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
  • Explore America’s iconic financial capital, New York City, with private tours of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Museum and Learning Center and the Bank of New York Mellon, the country’s oldest bank
  • Experience National Parks of Boston with a special visit to the USS Constitution and a sunset cruise to Spectacle IslandCandlelight tour at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Costumed roleplaying experience at American Village in Alabama

“America’s Field Trip is one of the most ambitious education engagement campaigns ever attempted because it’s more than a contest — it’s an extraordinary opportunity to bring students across the country together in celebrating and commemorating our nation’s 250th anniversary by exploring our past and allowing them to express their dreams for the future,” said America250 Chair, Rosie Rios. “We’re proud to launch this nationwide effort alongside BNY Mellon, whose support will make it possible to send students on experiences of a lifetime. As we forge ahead toward our nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, this historic milestone is just as much about the future as it is our past — and America’s Field Trip will help empower young people to stand at the heart of this endeavor.”

“BNY Mellon was founded by Alexander Hamilton just a few years after the birth of America, and we are proud of our firm’s heritage of advancing America’s industries and communities over the century,” said Jayee Koffey, Global Head of Enterprise Execution and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for BNY Mellon. “It’s fitting that we participate in telling the country’s story of growth and resilience through America’s Field Trip and inspiring the next generation to continue the nation’s long history of innovation.”

America250 partnered with worldwide edtech leader Discovery Education to develop toolkits with lesson plans and student activities that educators can use to bring the America’s Field Trip contest to their classrooms.

“We are proud to partner with America250 to deepen curiosity about our nation’s history,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education Experience. “As we approach this important milestone, we are excited to work with America250 and BNY Mellon to bring this national contest to life for students nationwide.”

“This collaboration with America250 embodies our shared commitment to provide educational opportunities that inspire informed and engaged citizenship,” said Tom Medema, National Park Service Associate Director for Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers. “Through America’s Field Trip, we are excited to offer opportunities for students to connect with and experience the incredible natural and cultural treasures within our national parks as we look toward our nation’s 250th anniversary.”

The inaugural contest will serve as the pilot launch of America’s Field Trip, which America250 will look to expand in 2025 and 2026. Watch this video to learn more about America’s Field Trip.

How to Participate in America’s Field Trip

Students must develop their submissions individually and must have a teacher or parent submit entries on their behalf. Students at each grade level will respond to the question, “What does America mean to you?” Students, families, and teachers can find more information, including resources, contest rules, release forms, and toolkit materials to integrate the contest into classroom activities at america250.org/FieldTrip.

The contest has different submission requirements for each grade band and is available to any student in elementary school (third to fifth grade), middle school (sixth to eighth grade), and high school (ninth to twelfth grade). The contest begins accepting submissions today, March 4, 2024, and will remain open until 11:59 PM on May 17, 2024. Award recipients will be announced in June 2024, and field trips will start in mid-July.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest begins 12:00 a.m. ET on 3/4/24 and ends 11:59 p.m. ET on 5/17/24. Open to U.S. students (3rd – 12th grade); student’s parent/legal guardian or teacher with parental permission must submit entry on student’s behalf (unless student is age of majority). Submission includes grant of license rights to entry’s content. First Prize awardees must travel with parent/legal guardian on designated dates. See Official Rules for full details including how to enter, eligibility requirements, prize description/restrictions and judging procedure. Void where prohibited.

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About America250
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. It is spearheaded by the congressionally appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit supporting organization, America250.org. This multi-year effort kicked off with America’s Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Until July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on XInstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn.

About BNY Mellon
BNY Mellon is a global financial services company that helps make money work for the world – managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. For 240 years we have partnered alongside our clients, putting our expertise and platforms to work to help them achieve their ambitions. Today we work with over 90% of Fortune 100 companies and nearly all the top 100 banks globally to access the money they need. We support governments in funding local projects and work with over 90% of the top 100 pension plans to safeguard investments for millions of individuals, and so much more. As of December 31, 2023, we oversee $47.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $2.0 trillion in assets under management.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). We are headquartered in New York City, employ over 50,000 people globally and have been named among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies and Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators. Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our Newsroom for the latest company news.

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Cigna Healthcare Recognizes Discovery Education with Coveted Healthy Workplace Designation  

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Charlotte, NC (Monday, March 4, 2024) — Charlotte-based Discovery Education has been honored by the Cigna Group, a global health company committed to improving health and vitality, with a coveted Silver level Healthy Workforce Designation. This award was given in recognition of Discovery Education’s strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through workplace well-being programs. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital resources nurture student curiosity and drive deeper engagement in learning. 

The Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation evaluates organizations based on the core components of their well-being program, including leadership and culture, program foundations and execution, policies and accommodations, and additional areas. Organizations recognized with this designation set the standard of excellence for organizational health and vitality.  

Discovery Education was awarded the Silver level designation in 2023 for having made good progress towards a healthy work culture through their employee well-being and engagement program. As an international company with over 800 full-time employees globally, Discovery Education thoughtfully engages staff with health-focused activities. These activities include: 

  • A variety of well-being initiatives such as volunteering events, Employee Resource Groups (ERG), wellness webinars and events, and more; 
  • Proactive health screenings and wellness visits by staff members and their families; 
  • Establishment of mental health first responders and champions; 
  • Driving interaction in wellness-related education sessions and conversations, such as the wellness, fitness, and ERG chat groups; 
  • Expanding access to wellness resources offered by Cigna, such as virtual doctor visits, Employee Assistance Program with enhanced mental health resources, Omada program, and more. 

“At Discovery Education, we’re committed to preparing learners for tomorrow by creating innovative classrooms connected to today’s world,” said Lindsay Powers, Chief People Officer at Discovery Education. “It’s our outstanding team members that make this mission successful. We do so by putting the staff first and this recognition from Cigna and our continued growth will motivate our teams to do even better.” 

Investing in an effective workplace well-being program drives value for employers. Senior executives surveyed as part of an Economist Impact study commissioned by Cigna reported greater productivity, stronger staff morale and motivation, and greater retention and loyalty as the most significant business outcomes of a healthy workforce. Additionally, a Gallup Report finds that on average, companies with high employee engagement are 23 percent more profitable. 

“Higher vitality is linked to a more motivated, connected, and productive workforce,” said Kari Knight Stevens, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, The Cigna Group. “Employers that foster vitality will fuel a healthier workplace and drive business and economic growth. That’s why we’re proud to recognize employers for their efforts to prioritize multiple dimensions of wellness, build a culture of health, and boost employee engagement.” 

To learn about careers at Discovery Education, visit apply.workable.com/discoveryed. For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.      

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About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com

Contacts
Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@discoveryed.com 

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