HOMEWORK HOTLINE

Monday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. – WXXI’S HOMEWORK HOTLINE IS THE PLACE TO TUNE IN FOR HOMEWORK HELP - Series Launches its 16th season

Homework Hotline, WXXI’s live, statewide homework help show, launches its 16th season on Monday, September 18, 2006 with brand new segments of its regular features New York State of Mine, Zoophily, Getting Historical and Homework Hotline Book Reviews – plus a new feature, Going Green. Geared to children in grades five through 12, Homework Hotline is a half-hour, live call-in program that provides the tools students need to succeed with homework and supports academic achievement across a variety of New York State Learning Standards.

Homework Hotline airs on public television throughout New York State during the school year, and airs in Rochester Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m., beginning September 18th on WXXI-TV 21 (cable 11).

This season New York State of Mine, a feature that spotlights the people, places and events unique to the Empire State, highlights the creative genius of many New York State-based children’s authors. Seasoned writers, such as Ellen Stoll Walsh, Vivian Vande Velde and Rafe Martin, share tips and suggestions about the writing process. Newer writers, including Elizabeth Falk and Kathy Blasi, share their thoughts about writing for young audiences and demonstrate to children the importance of persevering when it comes to becoming an author.

Zoophily is an animal-focused segment where children learn about the importance of preserving and protecting a multiplicity of species. Getting Historical gives students the opportunity to consider historical events from a young person’s perspectives. Homework Hotline Book Reviews are back as well, with a host of new students critiquing their favorite books. Homework Hotline’s brand new Going Green investigates topics such as alternative power and fuel sources while encouraging children to consider various aspects of environmental stewardship.

For those future mathematicians, Homework Hotline host Carol Smith explores basic math concepts, such as order of operations and equivalent fractions – expanding on the curricular content presented by Hotline’s weekly Math Mazes. Young viewers will also experience an up-close-and-personal airplane ride with the Flying Harvards, discover where white rhinos like to be scratched, learn about the military tactics employed by opposing sides during the French and Indian War and more.

An award-winning production, Homework Hotline has garnered six New York State Broadcasters Association awards for best program or series designed for children, plus a Silver Telly, Bronze Telly and an Aurora award. The program is produced by WXXI Public Television in partnership with the New York City and Rochester Dial-A-Teacher programs, which staff phone banks across the state enabling children to call in for homework help. Selected students have their homework problems worked out live on the air by Homework Hotline teachers/hosts who are experts in math and science. Homework Hotline is funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and New York State United Teachers.

Visit Homework Hotline's website: homework-hotline.org

Homework Hotline airs in Rochester Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m., beginning September 18th on WXXI-TV 21 (cable 11).