Announcing Your New
Account Specialist
If you are a Sleek Corporation customer, you will soon be receiving a letter from your new Account Specialist. He or she will be taking this opportunity to introduce him or herself to you.
Your Account Specialist’s mission is to serve your needs. One of
his or her main goals will be to keep you up-to-date on matters affecting
your account, for example, your Annual Maintenance Agreement (AMA). Additionally,
your Account Specialist will keep you informed of important news regarding
Incredible Tutor™ and new product developments.
To find out who your Account Specialist is before your letter arrives,
call 1-800-337-5335, Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central time.
We look forward to this opportunity to continue fostering our relationship
with you!
10 Ways to Sooth Yourself |
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| 1. | Listen to the classical music radio station on the way to and from work. |
| 2. | Breathe in slowly and deeply ten times. |
| 3. | Soak your feet in a big bowl of warm water. |
| 4. | Sit under a tree and watch the leaves dance in the wind. |
| 5. | Put a warm cloth over your eyes for five minutes. |
| 6. | Drink a cup of chamomile tea. |
| 7. | Lie down and watch the clouds float in the sky. |
| 8. | Go for a short nature walk. (Even if you don’t live in nature!) |
| 9. | Stretch. |
| 10. | Think positively. |
Research
Shows that High-Stakes Tests Have Long-Term Effects on Teachers
Dayne R. Denning, a researcher at the Department of Education Administration and Human Resource Management at Texas A&M University has found that teachers who are involved in preparing students for tests such as the Texas TAKS and the Florida FCAT, exhibit a type of high-level anxiety much like that experienced by nurses who face recurring stressful events.
Generally speaking, there are two main types of anxiety: state anxiety and trait anxiety. Denning defines state anxiety as transient and the sort that is induced by certain events on certain occasions. Trait anxiety, on the other hand, is anxiety in response to long-term and persistent conditions.
Like state anxiety, trait anxiety usually manifests itself physiologically, but its manifestation is more about how the body conditions itself to handle extended stress. Denning’s research found that, for teachers, the stressful effects of high-stakes tests can take their toll over time.
Since state-mandated tests now carry higher consequences for poor student performance and are expected to remain for the long term, the question turns to how to help teachers manage the increase in trait anxiety caused by these tests. Stress management techniques, including thorough test preparation, can help alleviate the effects. In fact, Denning has proposed that stress management techniques be taught as part of the preparatory curriculum for those studying to become teachers.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information
on Dayne R. Denning’s research, you can visit the Texas
A&M website.]
President
George Washington: Quick Facts
BORN: February 22, 1732
DIED: December 14, 1799
PRESIDENCY: George Washington was the first president of the United
States of America
He held two terms in office:
· 1789-1793
· 1793-1797
During his presidency, George Washington lived in
New York City and Philadelphia.
There was once a movement among his army officers to make him king. He rejected
their attempts to do so!
George Washington was the only president ever elected unanimously.
"We ought not to look back unless it is to derive
useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting
by dear-bought experience."
—George Washington
RECIPE
Comfort Food:
Baked Potato Salad
Tina
Turner from Fort Bend ISD told
us that this recipe is an easy way to put comfort food on her family’s
table.
INGREDIENTS:
8 medium potatoes, sliced
1/2 pound sliced bacon
1 pound cheese, shredded
1/2 onion, chopped
1 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Paprika
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing
its bottom and sides.
Put sliced potatoes in a large pot, and fill with enough water to cover.
Bring to a boil, and cook for about 10 minutes. You want the potatoes to
still be a little firm, but not crunchy.
Drain (don’t rinse) and put them aside.
While potatoes are boiling, brown the bacon. Drain it and then crumble it when
it’s cool enough to handle.
In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, cheese, onion, sour cream, salt,
pepper, and garlic powder. After you’ve mixed these ingredients together,
spoon the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle the bacon, olives, and paprika
over the top.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, until golden brown.
Featured
Employee—
Adam White
Every company needs someone to ensure their technology
runs smoothly, and that person at Sleek Corporation is Adam White. While
his official title is Automation Engineer, his duties range from keeping
our computers and servers in top working order to automating the sales
and marketing departments’ procedures. Adam is responsible for keeping
the Sleek Corporation wheels of progress moving forward.
Growing
up in Austin, Texas—a city renowned for its technology-based
community—assisted Adam in getting a start in his field. It also
helped having a father who is a programmer for the state. Adam began
using computers at a very young age and eventually applied his computing
skills to creating digital art and web design. In his time away from
work, Adam created a website development platform used by thousands.
When asked what Adam enjoys most about working at Sleek Corporation, he replied that because Sleek Corporation is always evolving to stay at the forefront of the industry, he is able to apply his skills in a variety of ways. In describing the work environment, he explained, “Everyone here is included and challenged in some fashion to help bring the best product to our customers.”
Adam’s life-long interest and experience in technology has been a benefit he’s brought to Sleek Corporation, where learning and technology come together. In thinking about the future of technology in education, Adam foresees technology allowing educators a type of collaboration that was not possible before. He speculates that “teachers and students from around the world will be able to share and create knowledge rather than just have access to it.”
Sleek Corporation is certainly proud to have Adam as a member of our team.
His dedication to learning and technology, as well as the skillful implementation
of his knowledge helps keep the company thriving.
Visit us in
San Antonio at
the Core Knowledge
National Conference
We’re excited to announce that we will be at the Core Knowledge National Conference in San Antonio from Thursday, February 23 to Saturday, February 25th. The conference will be held at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk and Rivercenter.
The conference will have noted speakers such as E.D. Hirsch, Jr., the longtime champion of cultural literacy, and Bill Nye The Science Guy as well as experts in many fields of education. We’re pleased to be part of such a distinguished list!
Please visit us at Booth #22!
| More Information . . . | ||
| Contribute | Publish your tips and techniques for tackling high-stakes tests in the Sleek eNews. | |
| Latest Updates | Check for the latest software updates, including instructions and FAQs. | |
| Sleek Software Training | Become an Incredible Tutor™ expert! Many options are available, including free self-paced training! | |
| Professional Conferences | Come see us at your next conference for a free demonstration with a Sleek representative. | |
| Contact Sleek | We look forward to hearing from you. | |
| Tell a Friend | Invite a friend to sign up for the Sleek eNews. | |
© 2006
Sleek Corporation |
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to relax during
this stressful testing season!
