In April, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) held its annual convention and exposition in Atlanta. The show’s theme was “Charting the Future in Challenging Times,” which was especially poignant, as the show was supposed to have been held originally in New Orleans prior to Hurricane Katrina.

The show’s exposition floor featured more than 700 booths that showcased the latest in uniforms, technology, school furnishings, textbooks, fundraising products and other items.

Here’s a sampling of what we saw during our visit to the show.

eTritionWare
The future of child nutrition accountability solutions has arrived with the introduction of eTritionWare, a company dedicated to providing the latest technology and first-class technical support. The eTrition software suite seeks to provide valuable solutions for child nutrition professionals, as well as to serve the needs of information technology departments and school administrators. Typical cafeteria computers will not require any software installation; meal service can occur on any device with a browser, which allows users to access the system from any Internet-enabled computer.
www.etritionware.com

Drive Thru History America
Drive Thru History America is a new multi-media character development curriculum on the faith of our founding fathers. Teachers lined up to receive their Drive Thru History America materials and praised the video quality, content and format. The high-tech exhibit booth demonstrated the latest in visual, audio and written curriculum with successful integration of video, computer and text books. With technology and multi-media tactics as the theme for this demonstration, Video iPods were given to conference attendees by Drive Thru History America representatives. The National Day of Prayer has been invited to display Drive Thru History America at several upcoming events.
www.dthamerica.com

School Issue Collection by Trimfoot
The School Issue collection by Trimfoot Company has been developed to address a growing need in the uniform marketplace for comfortable, durable and affordable footwear. School Issue is offered as an in-stock program for immediate shipping. Sizing fits all school-aged children in both medium and wide widths in the many styles that are available. Features include non-marking and soil-resistant outsoles, full leather lining, padded collar and tongue, leather covered cushioned footbed and an extra pair of shoe laces included with purchase. School Issue is also offering a new and innovative fund raising concept called “Rebate to Educate.” This effortless incentive gives a dollar per pair back to the school for their use to fund important programs.
www.trimfootco.com

NASCO Elementary Math & Science Catalog
The new 2006 Elementary Math & Science catalog is now available from NASCO. The 212-page catalog features creative and exciting hands-on manipulatives and resources for both elementary-level math and science. Materials were carefully selected to specifically meet the needs of elementary-level teachers and bridge the gap between math and science. NASCO is committed to offering quality products at competitive prices, with reliable delivery and service. Visit their Web site to review teacher resource materials, new products and special sale items, as well as to request a catalog.
www.eNasco.com

SchoolReach
SchoolReach telephone voice broadcasting programs do more than communicate. They provide vital details and peace of mind to every intended recipient with one call.  Immediately reaching parents at various places when major plans change or when emergencies surface is critical in today’s laser-speed lifestyles. SchoolReach puts control, consistency and efficiency in the hands of school administrators, who can personally record a telephone message and then broadcast it simultaneously to parents and staff members at multiple numbers for each recipient. SchoolReach is a secure, Web-based service, and only requires a personal computer with Internet access and any touch tone phone (regular or cellular).
www.schoolreach.com

    
Classy Creations
Classy Creations, Inc. offers a better approach to fundraising. Why are schools choosing Classy Creations to solve their fundraising needs? They offer extensive, high-quality, inspirational product line. There’s no inventory to worry about, no minimum orders to sell, no distribution headache, no deadline, no sales force, and no upfront cost. For more than 10 years, teachers and parents have purchased this high-quality, sterling silver inspirational jewelry as gifts for every occasion.  Now, when supporters of your school purchase jewelry directly from their Web site, 30 percent of each purchase goes right back to your school.
www.classy-creations.com

eTapestry
Checking donor information is as easy with cell phones as it is with laptops or desktop computers for users of eTapestry, a Web-based fundraising system. eTapestry Mobile allows schools to easily access their donor databases with their Web-enabled cell phones. While Web-enabled phones can access most Web sites, high-resolution graphics and lower phone bandwidths make it difficult for visitors to navigate unless the sites are formatted especially for mobile devices. eTapestry Mobile formats information for a small resolution screen. eTapestry Mobile is compatible across a wide range of mobile devices. 
www.eTapestry.com

Sadlier-Oxford Progress in Mathematics
Sadlier-Oxford Progress in Mathematics, K-6 2006 is a rigorous standards-based program structured for proficient learners as well as for struggling mathematics students. Count on Sadlier-Oxford’s adherence to rigorous standards, so that instruction is complete and effective. Everything essential is there in the colorful, appealing, self-contained program, including a variety of free online resources and professional support. It is proven, practical and affordable.
www.progressinmathematics.com

InspirEd Educators
InspirEd Educators offers comprehensive, innovative and thought-provoking social studies curriculum units. Appropriate for every ability level of student and every experience level of teacher, these amazing resources provide ample material to teach Geography, U.S. and World History, Service-Learning and more. Skill development in daily warm-ups, engaging activities that vary daily, and differentiated tests give teachers everything they need to teach or add to their existing “bag of tricks.”  In addition, an emphasis on literacy and thinking skills helps prepare students for  testing, including ample SAT prep.
www.inspirededucators.com

Numonics’ Digital Presentation Appliance
Numonics’ Digital Presentation Appliance (DPA) is an entry-level interactive whiteboard designed for the average user who wants to benefit quickly from interactive presentation technology without a steep learning curve. The DPA uses fast and accurate electromagnetic digital technology that becomes a powerful tool for teaching, collaborating and presenting when connected to a computer and a data projector. As a Windows-based interactive whiteboard, the DPA has the features teachers need to create informative and entertaining lessons, and it is very easy to use and durable enough for any school setting. DPA will make a great impression on your students and a fast transition into your classroom.
www.interactivewhiteboards.com

mimio Interactive Whiteboard
Virtual Ink is raising the bar for technology-enhanced classroom learning by further lowering the cost barriers to adoption of interactive whiteboards. In June, the company will start shipping “mimio Interactive,” specially priced to educators under its “mimioGrant” pricing program at $499. Like all mimio whiteboard solutions, the new system upgrades an ordinary dry-erase surface already installed in the classroom into a full-function interactive whiteboard, activating a projection area up to 79 inches. The new product configuration introduces “mimio Mouse,” an ergonomically refined interactive stylus with two programmable buttons, enabling instant user access to oft-used functions such as right click or cursor “hover” without having to touch the board.
www.mimio.com

Sheldon Laboratory Systems’ Total Experience II (TE II) Lab Centers
Sheldon Laboratory Systems’ Total Experience II (TE II) Lab Centers are designed to maximize floor space while providing a spacious working area, allowing each student more front counter space and elbow room. The TE II’s innovative design eliminates that students work back-to-back; traffic lanes are clear in every direction, and other workers and activities are within each student’s field of vision, providing a safe working environment for both students and instructors. The TE II Lab Centers are available in a wide range of models, featuring various surface materials and tabletop sizes.
www.sheldonlabs.com

Upswing Golf
Upswing Golf has introduced two new programs that will help schools running golf tournaments raise more money for their cause. The Tournament Directors Program allows event organizers to purchase a select group of quality performance clubs at a considerable discount and use them as raffle, auction or prize items to enhance their event. The Club for All Program gives event organizers the opportunity to give a golf club to every tournament participant. The clubs are emblazoned with a sponsor or event logo and personalized with a shaft band for each player. The programs are helping to add a special spark to events that have tired of giving shirts and caps.
www.upswinggolf.com