Proposed - An Open House and/or panel on Ubuntu in Schools next month

[Michael Selva]

Since we have two big events coming up in the next month--the FOSS  
Camp & the Developer Summit--I think this would be an opportune time  
for a public event that shines the spotlight on Ubuntu in schools.

I am a teacher and resident techie at an elementary school in  
Watertown, and we've just converted our computer lab from windows xp  
to Ubuntu. The principal is delighted that we are among the first  
Mass. schools to do so, and she is interested in publicizing it.

Ubuntu also stands to gain from such publicity, since its very  
existence is unknown to most school administrators.  I believe that a  
public demonstration of its capabilities in a school setting might  
win over some new converts, especially in public schools.  If this  
event were to include a presentation by Mark Shuttleworth and/or  
other major players, we might attract some reporters from local  
papers, TV stations, and trade publications.

Since I am quite new to the Ubuntu community, I really need some help  
making this happen.  I am waiting for a response from Mr.  
Shuttleworth's office regarding his possible participation.

Meanwhile, is there an official Ubuntu or Canonical Public Relations  
department?  Are there local folks involved with the planning &  
logistics for the FOSS Camp & the Summit?

Any suggestions, leads, and comments would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

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MICHAEL SELVA
Technology Specialist
Saint Stephen's Armenian Elementary School
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
phone: 617-605-7429
email: ms at ssaes.org
URL: http://baronselva.edublogs.org
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