From: Terry Smith <tksmith@dstream.net>
Subject: Landmark introduction
To: KIDPROJ@LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU
X-RCPT-TO: <landmark@GA.K12.PA.US>
Status: U

Dear Landmark Participants,

Hello from Payson Seymour Elementary in Payson, Illinois USA.
Our class is Mr. Smith's 5th grade and we'll be playing the Landmark game in three teams. Our school district has about 800 students total in grades K-12.

We are a small community near the western border of the state. Our neighbors of Missouri and Iowa are just across the Mississippi River. Most people in Payson make a living from farming, but many also drive to nearby Quincy to work. Weather in this part of the state can vary drastically. Most winters are mild with very little snow, but this winter has brought long periods of sub-zero temperatures, windy conditions, and lots and lots of snow. As a result, students have already had five days off for bad weather. This week promises temperatures in the 40's F and we're all quite looking forward to the change.

Notable happenings in our part of the state include visits by President Clinton and Vice President Gore this year. Long ago, another would-be president visited our area: Abraham Lincoln debated Steven Douglas about 12 miles from here.

We have already started working on our clues. Students said they think this project is a great way to learn about the world.

Terry Smith -- 5th Grade Teacher
Payson Seymour Elementary
Payson, Illinois 62360
Our Class Web Page: <http://www.dstream.net/tksmith>www.dstream.net/tksmith