Providence, RI - April 2008 Press Release: Jay Gionet and Patricia Smith, both math teachers at East Lyme Middle School, were two of approximately 2,000 teachers attending the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) 27th Annual Conference in Providence Rhode Island.

Gionet and Smith presented a session on at the conference entitled "Walking Across the Curricula." The goal of this session was to share and encourage the participation of middle schools across Connecticut and New England in a math-driven, interdisciplinary, community service project that includes hands-on activities, motivating life experiences and real world applications. The project focuses on the development of linear equations based upon fundraising plans while participating in an actual walk-a-thon to raise research dollars for the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF). The project has inter-disciplinary links in the subjects of science, language arts, social studies, physical education and in a student advisory project.

Last year, 204 East Lyme Middle School students raised over $17,000 for TBBCF by walking an average of 6.5 miles in just 3 hours. In September, they hope to work in conjunction with a number of middle schools in Connecticut, as well as at least one middle school in each of the six New England states. Their goal is to have at least six walk-a-thons taking place simultaneously in each state, with students working to raise $100,000 for breast cancer research.

Dr. Robert Spears, NELMS Executive Director said, "Today's students must receive the best possible education so they can assume their role as tomorrow's leaders, and that requires outstanding teachers in the middle level."

For further information about "Walking Across the Curricula" or to participate in the walk-a-thon project, contact Jay Gionet, East Lyme Middle School (jay.gionet@eastlymeschools.org).