webmaster
02-12-2007, 12:50 PM
State Parks System Invests in New Mexico's Kids
Through "Kids 'N Parks" Program!
By Erica Asmus-Otero for NM State Parks
SANTA FE –New Mexico taxpayers can connect kids with nature and help improve student test scores through voluntary donations to the New Mexico State Parks service on their 2006 PIT-D tax form.
http://sonewmex.com/images/State_Parks_Day.jpg
Any New Mexico taxpayer may contribute all or
part of their refund to the “Kids ‘N Parks” program
Any New Mexico taxpayer owed a refund may contribute all or part of their refund to the New Mexico State Parks “Kids ‘N Parks” program, which provides transportation grants for schools in order to transport students to “outdoor classrooms” on public lands across the State.
“Our goal is to ‘Leave No Child Inside,’ because the result will be smarter kids,” said State Parks Director Dave Simon. “Transportation to outdoor learning sites is the number one obstacle. With the public’s support, this program will really pay off in the classroom.”
The “Leave No Child Inside,” campaign is a national effort to re-connect children with nature. Nature is the ultimate backdrop for teaching math, science, English and other subjects. Studies indicate that interactive education in outdoor settings can improve student academic achievement, increase test scores, reduce discipline problems, build citizenry skills and increase teacher job satisfaction.
In 2005, State Parks and the Public Education Department prepared a joint study, Making New Mexico Schools Work Outdoors. The study recommended expanding outdoor classroom programs to help close the educational achievement gap in New Mexico schools.
Funds donated through the PIT-D option will increase outdoor education programs without raising taxes, visitor fees, or affecting the state General Fund.
For more information on voluntary donations to the “Kids ‘N Parks” program through the 2006 PIT-D form, contact New Mexico State Parks at (888) NMPARKS (888-667-2757) or log onto www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com). Information is also available through the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department at: www.tax.state.nm.us (http://www.tax.state.nm.us).
Through "Kids 'N Parks" Program!
By Erica Asmus-Otero for NM State Parks
SANTA FE –New Mexico taxpayers can connect kids with nature and help improve student test scores through voluntary donations to the New Mexico State Parks service on their 2006 PIT-D tax form.
http://sonewmex.com/images/State_Parks_Day.jpg
Any New Mexico taxpayer may contribute all or
part of their refund to the “Kids ‘N Parks” program
Any New Mexico taxpayer owed a refund may contribute all or part of their refund to the New Mexico State Parks “Kids ‘N Parks” program, which provides transportation grants for schools in order to transport students to “outdoor classrooms” on public lands across the State.
“Our goal is to ‘Leave No Child Inside,’ because the result will be smarter kids,” said State Parks Director Dave Simon. “Transportation to outdoor learning sites is the number one obstacle. With the public’s support, this program will really pay off in the classroom.”
The “Leave No Child Inside,” campaign is a national effort to re-connect children with nature. Nature is the ultimate backdrop for teaching math, science, English and other subjects. Studies indicate that interactive education in outdoor settings can improve student academic achievement, increase test scores, reduce discipline problems, build citizenry skills and increase teacher job satisfaction.
In 2005, State Parks and the Public Education Department prepared a joint study, Making New Mexico Schools Work Outdoors. The study recommended expanding outdoor classroom programs to help close the educational achievement gap in New Mexico schools.
Funds donated through the PIT-D option will increase outdoor education programs without raising taxes, visitor fees, or affecting the state General Fund.
For more information on voluntary donations to the “Kids ‘N Parks” program through the 2006 PIT-D form, contact New Mexico State Parks at (888) NMPARKS (888-667-2757) or log onto www.nmparks.com (http://www.nmparks.com). Information is also available through the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department at: www.tax.state.nm.us (http://www.tax.state.nm.us).