COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 234

November 2, 2007

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Geography Awareness Week: November 11-17, 2007

We would like to call your attention to the celebration of Geography Awareness Week. This year it will be held the week of November 11-17, 2007. Every year since 1987, when legislation was signed establishing the third week in November as Geography Awareness Week, the National Geographic Society has promoted the importance of geography to the public and to schools throughout the United States and in Canada. Each year a different theme is highlighted and approximately one and a half million people participate in related activities.

Information about Geography Awareness Week is found in Geography Action!, National Geographic's annual conservation and awareness program. In fall 2007, Geography Action! will continue its journey around the world, with a focus on the natural, cultural, and historic treasures of Asia : Continent of Contrasts. Discover the diversity of Asia through music, videos, maps, and more with the resources at: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/geographyaction.

For more information, contact Sheryl Hasegawa, program manager, Education Outreach, National Geographic Society Education and Children's Programs, Geography Action!, by e-mail at shasegaw@ngs.org; or Dr. Beverly Thurston, coordinator of history and social sciences and international education, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at Beverly.Thurston@doe.virginia.gov, or by phone at(804) 225-2893.

BKCJr/BT/jmd