Many special events on tap for AASA's 2003 Annual Conference attendees and guests

School Administrator, Oct, 2002

The 2003 AASA Annual Conference & Exposition (February 20-23, 2003) is fast approaching, and AASA has a wide variety of tours and special events planned each day to help conference-goers and their guests make the most of their time in New Orleans.

For complete details about the conference and to register for it and the following special events, log on to www.aasa.org/nce today.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Log on to www.aasa.org/nce for a list of the outstanding pre-conference sessions scheduled for Thursday, February 20.

Brunch at Brennan's with a French Quarter Promenade

Turn back the dock to the time when the French aristocrats of New Orleans dined in leisurely elegance on patios amidst the romantic aroma of magnolia blossoms. Brunch at Brennan's followed by a walking tour of the French Quarter will give you a real understanding of New Orleans. Witness the symmetry of design employed by French engineers, marvel at French and Spanish Colonial architecture, and enjoy a wide variety of street performers. $45

10:00 am. - 1:00 p.m.

AASA Golf Tournament

Lakewood Country Club, which has hosted 26 PGA tour events, is nestled between century-old oak and cypress trees. Its beautiful 18-hole championship course has a challenging par 72 layout that measures over 7,000 yards from the championships tees. It's perfect for golfers of all skill levels. Registration is open to all conference attendees. The fee includes transportation, greens fees, cart fees, range balls, scoring, bag valet, lunch and awards. Golfers depart from the convention center at 7:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. and return at approximately 2:00 p.m. $140

7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

OFFICIAL CONFERENCE OPENING

The President's Awards Ceremony and Reception is the official annual conference kick-off. Join President Bill Hill and the AASA Executive Committee to celebrate and honor this year's outstanding school system lenders. Then enjoy the President's Welcome Reception, hosted by Bill and Susan Hill and the AASA Executive Committee and their partners. New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be on hand to welcome you to a recreation of New Orleans' famous Jackson Square. Make plans to "see the sights," hear a New Orleans jazz band, smell the wonderful scents of coffee with Chicory and beignets, and meet the artists, vendors and assorted characters who make Jackson Square a favorite for everyone. Open and free to all.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Federal Relations Luncheon

12 noon - 1:30 p.m.

Get the real scoop on the important education issues being discussed and shaped on Capitol Hill. $50

Special Luncheon with Herman Boone

12 noon - 1:30 p.m.

In 1971, football coach Herman Boone was faced with the challenge of a lifetime. His inspirational story was captured in the film Remember the Titans starring Academy Award winner Denzel Washington. It's the story of how students from three rival schools were integrated to form T.C. Williams High and how they and two former coaching foes found a way to respect each other and help the community put aside their intolerance and join together to support their children and the school on the way to winning the state football championship. Come hear Boone discuss his experiences and his thoughts on teamwork, respect, community involvement and the importance of character. $50

Friday Afternoon at die Movies

2:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Remember the Titans introduced by Herman Boone

Take a break and see the movie Remember the Titans, introduced by the real-life coach, Herman Boone. Free tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

D-Day Museum and City Tour

10:00 a.m.--2:00 p.m.

Board your personal motor coach and prepare to experience a special view of the city. Begin in the "Vieux Carre" (the heart of the city), the French Quarter. Then head to City Park, the fifth largest urban park in the nation, encompassing 1,500 acres, and on to historic St. Charles Avenue, lined with magnificent 19th century mansions designed by American architects. Finish your journey at the D-Day Museum. the only museum in the United States solely dedicated to World War II. There you will walk through history as you learn about the people, events and issues that led up to that fateful day on June 6, 1944. Lunch will be provided at The Praline Connection Gospel and Blues Hall, which serves "down-home" Cajun-Creole style soul food and features three generations of "Pure-D-Goodness." (This tour is also available on Saturday, February 22, from 10:00 a.m.--2:00 p.m.) $48

Garden District Tour

10:00 a.m.--2:00 p.m.

Tour this 19th century suburb full of unique homes with incredible beauty and architectural style. Move from there to the mysterious Lafayette Cemetery where some of the most dramatic and tragic chapters in New Orleans history were played out. Tour a Garden District mansion where the elegance and mystique of the 19th century has been richly preserved. And finish with lunch at the incomparable Commander's Palace--world-renowned for serving spectacular haute Creole cuisine. $59