Public Media News February 2013

Teaching Arkansans

Do you know a child with a story to tell? Arkansas students in grades K-3 are invited to enter the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest. Original stories and illustrations must be submitted to AETN by Friday, April 5. Winners will be selected in April, and their stories will be entered in the PBS KIDS GO! national contest. Great local and national prizes await a talented author! To learn more, email marketing@aetn.org, or visit aetn.org/writerscontest.

AETN Educational Services

As a leader and essential education partner, AETN is committed to providing teachers, parents, students and all Arkansans with the support needed to impact student achievement. Learn more about resources available in our key focus areas – ArkansasIDEAS, Arkansas Common Core Standards Initiative, STEM, AETN PBS LearningMedia, teacher training and workshops, and PBS online resources – by viewing the education guide at www.aetn.org/education/guide.

This Month

"Raising Arkansas's Readers: The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading"

Did you know that one of the most important predictors of school success and high school graduation is whether a child is reading at grade-level by the end of third grade? As a partner with the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, in collaboration with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, AETN is proud to support the Arkansas Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. The campaign will work to ensure that more of Arkansas's low-income children succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship. Learn more in a special broadcast with education experts from across Arkansas and the nation, Thursday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.

"Arkansas Champion Trees: An Artist's Journey" Exhibit

"Arkansas Champion Trees: An Artist's Journey," featuring 18 drawings of champion trees by Hot Springs native Linda W. Palmer, will be on display in the AETN atrium Feb. 18-March 15. The opening reception will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, from 1-4 p.m. and includes a gallery talk by Palmer and a preview screening of the AETN original documentary "Champion Trees."

"MAKERS: Women Who Make America"

This comprehensive, innovative series tells the compelling story of women's advancement in America over the past 50 years. The revolution has unfolded in public and private – from grand stages and boardrooms to the nation's homes and bedrooms. Featuring the stories of those who led the fight, those who opposed it and those, famous and unknown, who were caught up in its wake, "MAKERS" airs Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7-10 p.m.

"Community Cinema"

Free screenings of the Community Cinema film, "The Powerbroker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil Rights," will be held at William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock, Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. and at the Fayetteville Public Library, Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. Details, film information and screening dates are available at aetn.org/communitycinema.

Program Highlights

"Exploring Arkansas"

This month, host Chuck Dovish enjoys a peaceful float along War Eagle Creek near Withrow Springs State Park before visiting Blanchard Springs Caverns' Dripstone Trail. Then, view shorebirds and wintering waterfowl in the Petit Jean River Wildlife Management Area. Finally, waterfall explorer and photographer Brian Emfinger leads the crew to two recently discovered falls in the Ozark National Forest. Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

"Silicon Valley: American Experience"

Learn how Robert Noyce forever changed America's role in the space race by pioneering the creation of the integrated circuit. Far outliving the Apollo program, Noyce's innovation has transformed the fertile farmland of Santa Clara, Calif., into one of the most creative places on earth. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m.

"AETN Arts Fridays"

  • Feb. 1: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Don't Stop Please," 6:30 p.m., "Shakespeare Uncovered: Richard II With Derek Jacobi," 9 p.m., and "Shakespeare Uncovered: Henry IV & Henry V With Jeremy Irons," 10 p.m.
  • Feb. 8: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With The Ted Ludwig Trio," 6:30 p.m., "Shakespeare Uncovered: Hamlet With David Tennant,"and "Shakespeare Uncovered: The Tempest With Trevor Nunn," 10 p.m.
  • Feb. 15: "AETN Presents: On the Front Row With The Boondogs," 6:30 p.m., and "Live From Lincoln Center: Ring Them Bells! A Kander & Ebb Celebration With Rob Fisher, Joel Gray & Chita Rivera," 9 p.m.
  • Feb. 22: "American Masters – Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock"

"Mysterious Lost State of Franklin"

At the end of the American Revolution, frontier settlers beyond the Appalachians broke away from North Carolina to form their own government, naming the new territory "The State of Franklin." But the region's citizens, once united against the British Crown, soon divided against each other. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 9:30 p.m.

"Masterpiece"

"Downton Abbey" season 3 continues Sundays, Feb. 3-17, at 9 p.m. with drama, intrigue and excitement – followed by an encore broadcast of the award-winning film "Page Eight," Sunday, Feb. 24, at 9 p.m.

AETN celebrates Black History Month

Celebrate the countless contributions African-Americans have made to our national fabric with special broadcasts throughout February.

  • "The Black Kung Fu Experience," Sunday, Feb. 3, 4 p.m.
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  • "NCRM Freedom Award," Sunday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
  • "Ripple of Hope," Monday, Feb. 11, 9 p.m.
  • "Colonial Williamsburg Field Trip: The Slave Trade," Thursday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. and noon.
  • "For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots," Sunday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m.
  • "The Powerbroker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil Rights," Monday, Feb. 18, 9 p.m.
  • "Slavery By Another Name," Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
  • "Minority Matters," Sunday, Feb. 24, 4:30 p.m.
  • "Underground Railroad: The William Still Story," Sunday, Feb. 24, 3:30 p.m.