From The President: Transitions

ICEE welcomes two new staff members. Kathy Catalano has been hired in a newly-created accountant position. Tricia Maxwell has assumed duties as Development Officer, replacing retiree Dennie Stanciu.

The Economic Ambassador Award

ICEE recently presented Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. with a special award. The Honorable Jones has been a strong advocate for education and has provided great support in obtaining needed funding for ICEE and its programs.

The Stock Market Game™ Program  

Nearly 14,000 Illinois students in grades 4-12 are participating this spring, managing virtual portfolios of stocks - and learning curricular concepts, improving decision-making and cooperative skills! New sponsorship from A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc. is funding SMG workshops and participation in Southern Illinois.

Economics Concepts Poster Contests
Teachers of grades 1-8 submitted student drawings this winter, to one of five regional contests. The regional winners are being judged by ICEE for publication in a 2007 calendar.

2006 Economics Challenges

On April 11, 24 teams of high school students will compete in Illinois Economics Challenge. Two winning teams from Illinois will advance to the Midwest Challenge April 24, competing against teams from 8 other states.

International Partnerships Continue

The International Classroom Partnerships established last year between four Illinois high schools and four high schools in Romania continue to flourish. The partner classrooms use technology to work together on joint learning activities, helping students learn basic economic concepts and apply them to issues in their families, communities, and countries.

Conference News

Upcoming teacher conferences provide opportunity for professional development, enrichment and networking.

IGEFHS Update

This will be the last issue to feature a section devoted to the IGEFHS program. E-CONnections will feature these and other programs under the International economics section.