News about Eric Nilsson from Dad:

Eric wrote Dad a letter about a big award he receieved - a $5,000 honorarium from the Fort Worth School District - anyway here's the press release.

Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Science - Eric R. Nilsson – Atwood McDonald Elementary School

“Awesome!” That’s how Eric Nilsson describes students. Although demographically diverse, all want to feel respected and accepted, he says. And students are both respected and accepted in science class, where they learn to “ask why or how” and to use proper tools to investigate. This teacher taps the Internet to stay current in science, sponsors an after-school Science Club, coordinates Family Science Night and arranges science seminars for peers with college professors as speakers. He also has designed and built an Outdoor Learning Environment. First obtaining donated materials, he encouraged parents and volunteers to join students on weekends to plant, irrigate and add paths, fences and benches. “Contagious energy and enthusiasm!” That’s how others describe Mr. Nilsson. Mr. Nilsson holds a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary science from the University of Texas at Arlington. He also earned associate degrees from Meramec College, Kirkwood, Mo. He has taught in the FWISD for 10 of his 15 years in the profession.

Dad's going to post Eric's address in case we want to send him a card.