Best Practices, Volume IX, 2007

ACVB Landmark Program and Central Middle School

Table of contents

Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Contact: Julie Saupe Phone: 257-232		Central Middle School Contact: Johanna Naylor, 742-5100 Contact: Michael Warren, Landmark Teacher, 742-5159 Contact: Janna Walker, SBP Coordinator, 742-5126
Central’s Landmark Program, in its first year, has navigated itself into the lives of students, parents, community members, and the city of Anchorage. This timely “living lab” class is offered to students because of the lead partnership with Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. ACVB began its partnership with Central in 1992. Their outstanding years of collaboration with Central Middle School of Science helped many students forge future plans and careers. Mr. Michael Warren, the Landmark’s creator and teacher, chose to offer an elective class that connects students to the community. He quickly contacted ACVB, and together they created an active, lab-like class that connects to tourism, geography, science, language arts, technology, and career exploration. It’s the first middle school course to take an in-depth investigation of geospatial technologies. As educators, this is the gem for which we all look – how to engage students in schools! This partnership magnetizes our students; the students gain an appreciation of the connections among the social, economical, cultural, political, historical and environmental aspects of Anchorage. The students will publish a brochure in collaboration with ACVB titled, “Geocaching in Anchorage.” The brochure will be available for visitors and residents in the summer of 2007. Because of Landmark, the following events/activities occurred during the 2006-2007 school year: Integration of geospatial technologies using computerized mapping programs to interpret and display information Study of career opportunities Discovery of global positioning satellite receivers and geographic information systems Making comparisons over time Displaying information for target audiences, comparing hazards and concerns Participation in cultural events		Landmark is a hands-on study of the history of Alaska. This investigative approach to learning inaugurates students into the community of Anchorage that will allow our students to invest in Anchorage’s extraordinary past and hopefully encourage students to become the future of Alaska. Landmark is also supported by business partners: REI, Key Bank, Blockbuster Video, and The GPS Store. Students Brianna McCoy and Brent Carey and teacher intern Mandy Morell search for a Geocache near Fish Creek Estuary and the Anchorage Coastal Trail. "This year’s Landmark program is really taking it to a new level. Michael Warren and his students will be providing a tool to Anchorage’s visitors. Getting the students involved will really personalize it for our visitors." — Julie Saupe, Vice President of Community, Member and Visitor Relations, ACVB

NEXT: Alaska Club and Goldenview Middle School »

Please note: The information on this page is from the 2007 edition of Best Practices. The people, programs and contact information included were current at the time of publication, but may have since changed.