Classroom Innovation Grants Fund Learning
 Through Robots, Nature and More

Learning sometimes requires more than a good textbook and chalkboard. It takes creativity, innovation – and additional dollars for materials not provided through the school budgets. Materials such as robot components, gardening tools and even cooking supplies.

That’s where Classroom Innovation Grants can help. The First Choice Power Fund of the PNM Resources Foundation recently awarded $45,000 in Classroom Innovation Grants to Texas teachers with creative ideas for their classrooms. Twenty grants, ranging from $700 to $3,000, were awarded across the state.

Projects selected include:

• At Gatesville Intermediate School, teacher Debbie Grmela's students will create robots using LEGO blocks and microcomputers, honing both their math and science skills.

• At Crockett Middle School in Pecos, middle school students in teacher Lucy Lara's classes will develop their own games to teach math concepts.

• In Klein, Klein High School students who participate in a tutoring and mentoring program conducted by teacher Sally DeWeese will use their grant to help conduct community service projects, develop their leadership skills and instill a sense volunteerism.

• Students at Challenger Elementary in Pearland will learn about plant life cycle, insects and healthy foods through a hands-on “Giving Garden” project at their school led by teacher Maggie Lalich.

•  “Solar Matters” will teach Michelle Doss' students at Angleton Middle School about solar energy, including the effects of solar thermal energy.

For a list of all First Choice Power Classroom Innovation Grant projects, visit www.firstchoicepower.com/innovation/.

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 Simple Tips Help Control Energy Use, Bills in Hot Months

Summer is almost here, so the hum of air conditioners is starting to be a familiar sound. Since central air conditioning uses more electricity than any other appliance in your home, the return of summer also marks the return of higher electric usage for many Texans.

Now is the time to take a few steps to ensure you’re getting the most cooling for your energy dollar:

• Make sure your fireplace damper is closed
• Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors to keep cool air inside
• Have your air conditioner serviced by a professional
• Make sure you have clean filters

Your thermostat setting also plays a big role in energy usage. The recommended summer setting is 78 degrees. For each degree the thermostat is set cooler than 78, the energy use increases by about 6 percent to 8 percent.

For more tips on keeping energy use in check during the long hot summer ahead, visit our Web site.

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 Partnership Grant Deadline for Texas Nonprofits Approaching

Wildlife preservation, community beautification and youth education have something in common. They all benefited last year through the First Choice Power Fund Partnership Grant program.

It’s now time for additional Texas nonprofits to benefit by applying for a 2007 grant. Applications are due June 5, 2007.

The First Choice Power Fund awards grants to tax-exempt, charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that provide direct services to the communities served by First Choice Power. 

First Choice Power Fund Partnership Grants concentrate on these areas:

1) education
2) environmental education and awareness
3) economic vitality

Priority is given to these areas and to requests that address the diverse groups within the communities we serve. Visit www.FirstChoicePower.com/partner/ to learn more, apply and read about 2006 grants in action.

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 It's Rewarding to be a First Choice Power Customer!

Thousands of First Choice Power customers who have signed up for our Simply Better Rewards program recently received rewards catalogs showing some of the merchandise they can order with their accumulated points.

A full catalog of rewards is available online at www.SimplyBetterRewards.com. You’ll need your account number to log in. You’ll also need it to register if you haven’t yet signed up for the free program.

Simply Better Rewards lets you earn points just for being a customer. Those points can be redeemed for name-brand merchandise and gift cards. Get jewelry, electronics, tools, restaurant gift cards, toys and more. Great rewards are another way we’re working to provide you with Simply Better service.

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