Last Call, New, Reminder

Last Call! Alaska Staff Development Network Upcoming Fall Webinar Series

We are in a new place this school year, and ASDN’s fall webinar series will address focusing on the most important instructional goals, ideas for teaching in person and online, and strategies for clearly communicating with families and supporting engagement during blended or online instruction.

• K-12 Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction (Dec 7)

Last Call! Introducing CodeBytes: New mini-lessons for virtual classrooms
We hope everyone can join us this year for CodeBytes, our brand new series of easy-to-digest, 20 minute interactive lessons that will stream twice daily during Computer Science Education Week, Monday through Friday, December 7-11.

If you’re planning for a classroom that’s gone fully virtual, CodeBytes are designed to fit smoothly into a distance learning plan. Episodes are tailored to different grade levels. Whether students have a computer or a smartphone, they can interact with and tune-in to every episode. Each lesson is hosted by Code.org staff and blends computer science with real-world topics, including artificial intelligence and #CSforGood. Take a look at our planned activities, and add your favorites to your calendar so you don’t miss out.

Last Call! Monthly MeetUp for Rural Educators

Join rural teachers each month to connect and share ideas in job-alike groups or in specific interest areas. Rural teachers don’t always have colleagues with whom they can problem solve and brainstorm. Finding ways to connect and grow as professionals is especially important now, as we face challenges never before encountered. Meetings will be in an Edcamp style, where the agenda will be created in real-time based on the input of participants. The next meetup is Tuesday December 8 from 3:45 - 5:15pm. To register for next month’s session, visit aklearns.org.

Last Call! Priming a New Convergence in Career and Workforce Readiness

In order to ‘Prime a New Convergence,’ the State Leaders of Career Development Network are inviting leaders from all 50 states to attend a 3-day, virtual conference to network, discuss, and share current status, promising practices, and innovative ideas needed to move from a call to action to policy, practice, and quality implementation in each state. The virtual conference will take place December 3, 8, and 10.

Last Call! Save These Dates for the Association of Alaska School Boards!

• AASB Executive Admin Workshop – December 10-11
• School Law & Equity Academy – December 11-12
• Virtual AASB Maintenance Conference – January 13-14

New:

NEW! Rural Library Summit: Accelerating 3^rd-grade Reading Outcomes in Rural Places

The Rural Library Summit is a half-day celebration of the impact libraries have on the aspirations of young people and a recognition of their contribution to third grade reading outcomes, especially for students in rural communities. Research has shown that children who read on or above grade level in third grade triple their chances of attending college. The Summit will explore how libraries can grow their impact on third grade reading leveraging community support and resources. Participants will learn about and connect with a range of opportunities with regional and national organizations, including the newly launched Rural Library Fellowship. The program will support the efforts of 22 Fellows to engage in initiatives to increase third grade reading in their communities.  For more information and to register, visit: https://www.berea.edu/pfe/librarysummit/  

NEW! Virtual K-5 Code.org Workshops for Educators!

The Alaska Staff Development Network is sharing the gift of code.org with you in new no-cost workshops!  There is no cost to you - A scholarship for the workshop is provided by the national Code.org organization. Swag will be sent out upon completion! Box includes bag, stickers, and curriculum guide.  One credit is available for those who want to dig deeper for $95.  Visit https://asdn.org/code-org/ for more information.

NEW! Ornament from students at IDEA Homeschool Chosen for 2020 National Christmas Tree

Students from 56 schools across the country have designed one-of-a-kind ornaments for the 2020 National Christmas Tree display on the Ellipse in President’s Park. From Alaska, ornaments from IDEA Homeshool will appear as part of this annual White House tradition. These unique ornaments will adorn 56 smaller trees that surround the National Christmas Tree. This year, several ornaments from each school will also be displayed inside the White House.  The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be shared virtually on Thursday, Dec. 3 at thenationaltree.org. This year’s show will feature the recorded lighting of the National Christmas Tree, holiday performances and more. The show will be available to stream on-demand throughout the holiday season.

NEW! Back by Popular Demand – Professional Book Studies!

This fall, DEED and the Region 16 Comprehensive Center at SERRC partnered to provide a series of four professional book studies. The goal of these virtual book studies was to offer the chance for Alaska’s educators to read and collaborate in a community of learners in order to improve student learning. 

We are once again inviting you to join a professional book study this February-March that is specifically designed for educators. It will include personal interaction with the author(s) of the selected book, and weekly discussions with your colleagues from around the state.  Submit your input on which books are selected. Please review the list below and then submit this Google Form to provide us with your input!

NEW! UAS Spring Course Offering for Educators

Registration is now open for EDRE 678 Reading Literature: Supporting Readers at All Levels.  Join a vibrant community of educators from across the state to inquire into students’ reading processes, build a repertoire of instructional practices to engage students with literature (for both in-person and online learning environments), and create opportunities for students to become increasingly confident and proficient readers.  This three-credit graduate level course is open to al ESE-12 educators in the state of Alaska.  For more information, contact Lisa Richardson, PhD. at lrichardson3@alaska.edu. 

NEW! Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education Award Winners Announced

The Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education, AK ACTE, is proud to recognize these outstanding Alaskan educators, organizations, and sponsors for the 2020-2021 awards program. Congratulations to our outstanding CTE colleagues!

• CTE Teacher of the Year:Ronnie Hawley, Tikigak School, Point Hope, North Slope Borough School District. Award sponsored by Alaska Resource Education.
• New CTE Teacher of the Year: Susanna Mishler, King Tech High School, Anchorage School District. Award sponsored by the Alaska Business Education Compact.
• CTE Leadership Award: Carin Smolin, Juneau School District. Award sponsored by the Alaska Safety Alliance.
• Community Service Award:Bering Straits School District CTE Program for manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment for regional health care responders and providers, and seafood industry workers.
• Career Guidance Award: Anne Adasiask-Andrew, Anchorage School District.
• Innovative Program Award: CTE Summer Intensives for Special Populations, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. Award sponsored by Donlin Gold. 

NEW! 38th Annual UAA/Anchorage Daily News Creative Writing Contest - Call for Submissions

The Alaska Center for the Book, once again, is coordinating the annual UAA/Anchorage Daily News Creative Writing contest and would like to invite writers of all ages to submit entries. We especially would like to encourage librarians and teachers to share this information with their students and patrons. The age of entrants has ranged from 4 years old to 84 years old, so all ages are welcome. For more information on the rules and categories and to access the electronic entry form, please use this link Creative Writing Contest 2021.  The last day to submit entries is February 15.

NEW! Anchorage School District Video, Put Education First

This clip was developed by ASD as a public service announcement to highlight students and staff advocating for a safe return to school in school. While some families are managing school well from home, students overall learn more when they are in school. While everyone is impacted by the pandemic in different ways, students are bearing an undue burden. They lack necessary educational, physical, and mental health supports. As you will see in the film, a number of staff are prepared to return as well.

NEW! Districts can Register for Alaska’s School Climate & Connectedness Survey

All school districts are invited to participate in the 2021 School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS). Schools are looking quite different this year. But no matter what shape learning is happening in your district-remotely, in-person, or blended, it is essential for students, staff, and families to feel safe and connected.  Taking SCCS will provide you with student, staff, and student perceptions on how they are doing now. For the 2021 school year, additional questions have been added to better understand the needs of students, staff, and families during COVID-19.

For more information and to register go to: https://aasb.org/register-now-for-sccs/ or email Jenni Lefing at jlefing@aasb.org. 

NEW! Registration Open for AASB’s School Law & Policy Day

Join this year’s School Law & Policy Day to understand the parameters of sexual  boundary violations in schools with John Sedor of Sedor Wendlandt Evans & Filippi, and other experts. Topics covered incude what boundaries are, how to report boundary concerns, what boundary investigations look like, and case studies from Alaska School Districts.  Registration opens on Friday, December 11.  For more information and to register go to  https://aasb.org/school-law-day-registration-now-open/ 

NEW! USDA Publishes Proposed Rule Maintaining School Meal Flexibilities

USDA announced this week that it will publish a proposed rule maintaining flexibility for schools to serve tasty meals their kids will be eager to eat. The proposed rule would maintain flexibility in USDA child nutrition program meal requirements related to milk, grains, and sodium, by:  

• Allowing flavored, low-fat milk in the Child Nutrition Programs; 
• Allowing half of the weekly grains offered through the school meal programs to be whole grain-rich; and 
• Providing schools more time for gradual sodium reduction by retaining Sodium Target 1 through the end of SY 2023-2024, continuing to Target 2 in SY 2024-2025, and eliminating the Final Target. 

NEW! Lon Garrison Named Association of Alaska School Boards Executive Director

The Association of Alaska School Boards’ (AASB) Board of Directors announced that Lon Garrison has been selected as the new Executive Director. Garrison succeeds outgoing Executive Director Norm Wooten, who will retire in 2021. “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected to lead AASB during these unprecedented times,” said Garrison. “I will strive to promote the organization’s mission, advance the priorities of our membership, and, most importantly, be an effective advocate for Alaska’s students.” Garrison will assume the duties of the Executive Director on January 2, 2021. Outgoing AASB Executive Director Norm Wooten will remain on staff through May 2021 to assist with legislative advocacy.

NEW! Alaska Academic Decathlon, 2021 Theme: The Cold War

This is a GREAT year to form an Academic Decathlon team since the state competition will be a virtual event (no travel costs!). Open to every high school in the state, the Alaska Academic Decathlon program engages students to work at their individual best and as an integral part of a team of students with different skill and ability levels. New teams are invited to participate at the State Competition without paying the first year registration fee!  Deadline to submit an Intent to Participate form is December 11, 2020.  To learn more, visit www.acadeca.org.

NEW! NASA Has a Challenge for You…

On Sept. 15, 2020, NASA, in partnership with Future Engineers, launched the Artemis Moon Pod Essay Contest. The contest, which is open to all (public, private, and home school) students in grades K-12, asks participants to imagine they are leading a one-week expedition to the Moon’s South Pole. In the essay, students will need to describe to NASA what (and who) they would bring to help make their expedition a success.  For a full description of the contest, including the requirements and who can enter, visit the Moon Pod Essay Contest website.  The deadline to submit entries is December 17.

Reminder:

Introduction to Nautical Skills Online

AVTEC’s Young Mariner Program Spring registration for our Intro to Nautical Skills online training course is open and we have already registered several students for the spring. The course covers 2 topics, delivered over 6 weeks of training!  The course begins on January 19 and ends on February 25 and is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:45 am – 9:45 am via Zoom.  Registration will close on January 11 OR earlier, if the course reaches maximum capacity.  For more information, visit AVTEC’s webpage.

Equitable Remote Learning Professional Learning Series for Middle School Teachers

This virtual professional learning series and study focused on creating more equitable learning experiences in science in the time of the pandemic. The series is designed specifically for middle school science teachers, who share a commitment to equity and justice in science education.  Teachers will attend four 90-minute virtual sessions, and try things in your classroom in between those sessions. The sessions will take place on January 21, February 4, February 18, and March 4, 2021. Teachers will be compensated up to $425 for participation. If you know middle school teachers who might be interested in participating, please have them complete this application form (10 minutes) by December 31, 2020.

UAA School of Education Seeking Comment

The School of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) the week of March 15, 2021. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the site team. Please note that comments must address substantive matters relating to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the party’s relationship to the provider (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Anonymous testimony will not be considered.  Email callforcomments@caepnet.org to submit comments.  The deadline to submit comment is March 12, 2021. 

10^th Annual Effective Instruction virtual conference

“What Works Now – Charting the Course” is Jan 22-24, 2021. The Alaska Staff Development Network, Alaska’s most trusted resource for professional learning for nearly 40 years, is presenting an inspiring group of nationally recognized educators to explore the latest research on what works now –- delivered in accessible and practical format.  The registration deadline is January 22.

The U.S. Department of Education is Seeking Education Success Stories

USED is looking to highlight education success stories and best practices. Teachers, parents, or student ambassadors are invited to draft a blog post about their successful transition to the classroom or hybrid teaching model that includes innovative or unique ways students are being educated in this new set of circumstances. The first blog in the series featuring a school teacher in New Hampshire is here. Contact Susan Falconer, USED, for more information.

The Parent’s Guide to Filling out the FAFSA Form

While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the student’s application, we know that parents often play a large role in the process. With that in mind, the U.S. Department of Education wanted to provide instructions for parents who are starting the FAFSA form on behalf of their child.

Alaska’s Heart through Student Art Expands its Reach in 2020

Alaska’s Heart through Student Art is an annual celebration of student expression that brings legislators, statewide educational leaders, students, teachers and artists together to celebrate the beauty, inspiration, and creativity of student artists across the state. The event is launched annually in the capital city of Juneau as statewide leaders gather for the legislative session.

Latest COVID-19 Response Resources from the REL Program

In response to COVID-19, the 10 Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) have collaborated to produce a series of evidence-based resources and information about teaching and learning in a remote environment, as well as other considerations brought by the pandemic.

• Re-thinking Education Accountability Systems in Light of COVID-19
• Back-to-School Metrics: How to Assess Conditions for Teaching and Learning and to Measure Student Progress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Promising Practices and Approaches to Support Remote Learning
• Strategies for Educators to Support the Social and Emotional Needs of Students Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Demand for Racial Justice: Plans for Reopening Schools
• Supporting Students Experiencing Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic

UAS ED593 Coaching/Mentoring New Teachers Virtual Course - Spring 2021

If you are mentoring an intern/student teacher or an early-career teacher, this course is for you!  This course will provide you with collegial support and opportunities to explore and apply effective coaching/mentoring practices including: creating coaching plans, using effective language stems for coaching conversations, and direct practice in coaching experiences. Engage in reflection and resource sharing with colleagues from across the state and deepen your confidence and capacity as a mentor and a coach. For more information contact Lisa Richardson or Beth Hartley. The registration deadline is January 11.  

U.S. Department of Education’s School Ambassador Fellowship

The School Ambassador Fellowship is designed to improve educational outcomes for students by leveraging the expertise of school-based practitioners in the creation, dissemination, and evaluation of national education policy. Educators, administrators, counselors, or other staff workers are invited to apply. Application deadline is January 11, 2021.

Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project Toolkit

The REALM Project works with Battelle Labs to test how long the COVID-19 virus survives on various types of materials commonly found in libraries, archives, and museums.

U.S. Department of Education Releases Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide

The U.S. Department of Education released a new Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide, a resource to help parents and guardians understand how digital tools can provide tailored learning opportunities, engage students with course materials, encourage creative expression, and enrich the educational experience.

Project ECHO – Call for Presenters!

Alaska Education Network – Project ECHO Sessions begin in October. They are currently seeking presenters and problem of practice submissions from educators throughout the state. The networks this year are Educational Leadership; Positive Behavior, Safety, and Well-Being; and Instructional Development. All are in need of presenters. For more information or to submit a proposal, please visit www.echoeducationak.com.

2021 Farm to School Grant Request for Applications

Funding from the USDA is available to assist farms, schools, and every link in between in feeding kids healthy local meals; teaching them about food, farming and nutrition; and supporting local agricultural economies. Each grant helps implement farm to school programs that increase access to local food in eligible schools, connect children with agriculture for better health, and inspire youth to consider careers in agriculture.  Applications are due January 8.

NASF Centennial School Tree Challenge

The Centennial School Tree Challenge in Alaska invites schools to apply for tree grants through the remainder of 2020. The goal is to have 100 schools plant a tree to celebrate Arbor Day and to celebrate Alaskans strength and resiliency. Thanks to the US Forest Service, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has grants for up to $400.00 for the purchase, shipping and planting of trees. Trees can be planted on school grounds, or even indoors if your school has a suitable space or a greenhouse. There is no deadline, but this opportunity is first come first served.

38^th Annual National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest

The National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest is a nationwide contest for 5th grade students and is designed to promote awareness among teachers, parents/guardians and children and engage them in discussions about safety. Posters should be mailed to Lieutenant Paul Fussey at 5700 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 by February 1.

UA Dual Enrollment Resources

Are you interested in dual enrollment opportunities at the University of Alaska? Members of the University of Alaska Transition Coalition (UATC) are available to assist with curriculum alignment, dual enrollment, and other opportunities that support the transition of secondary students to continue their training and education at the postsecondary level.

Extra Student Support – Virtual Fall Study Group

Tlingit & Haida’s Navigators program is offering a virtual Zoom study group for Alaska Native/American Indian students. Tutoring, homework coaching, and one-on-one sessions are available to help students get the most out of their school year. Sessions are offered Wednesdays thru Dec. 16. Sessions are available for elementary and 6-12^th grade students.

2021 Alaska Retired Educators Opportunity Grant

The Alaska Retired Educators Association (AKREA) funds Classroom Opportunity Grants. In past years, awards have been given for many diverse classroom projects not funded through the regular budget. Up to $200 will be awarded for each project. Applications are available from Virginia Walters and must be submitted by December 20. If you are interested in joining the selection team, retired teachers can contact Barbara Rich.

Girls Who Code at Home Activities

Girls Who Code releases free computer science activities for students, educators, and parents on Mondays. Some online, some offline, of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity features a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.

PPE for Schools and Districts

Get Us PPE is a national nonprofit that has delivered almost 2.5 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers. They are launching a program to get PPE to schools free of charge by matching schools and districts with local maker communities (groups that sew, 3D print, or otherwise produce "made" PPE). Interested parties can take this survey on PPE needs.

Computer Science in One Minute

Computer Science in 60 Seconds is a series of 30 videos introducing big ideas of computer science (in one minute or so). The self-paced videos are followed by an activity the kids can complete at home.

Alaska Challenger Goes Virtual

Looking for more options to teach kids science at home? Challenger is now offering week-long Virtual Programs! Each individual week focuses on engaging students and reinforcing STEM concepts being taught in the classroom. Topics will range from ecosystems, genetics, space science, properties of matter, energy and much more! Starting September 28, look for a new theme every month.

Google Educators Group of Alaska

Google Educators Group (GEG) are independently run communities of educators who inspire and empower each other to meet the needs of students through technology both in the classroom and beyond. Via face to face meet-ups and online activities, GEGs provide a way for educators who are passionate about education and technology to meet like-minded people and share, learn, and collaborate together.

Healthier Generation: COVID-19 and Back-to-School Resources

For nearly every school and family, the back-to-school season looks and feels very different this year. Healthier Generation provides a selection of free, evidence-based resources designed to support you and your students or children in reducing stress, eating healthy, moving regularly, getting quality sleep, and more, whether school is taking place in-person or virtually.

Awareness Materials on Family and Youth Homelessness

As a result of the pandemic, and without the usual methods of outreach and identification, many families and youth experiencing homelessness may be even more disconnected from school and early childhood programs. The SchoolHouse Connection created PSAs and a social media toolkit to help raise awareness and provide information around educational rights. 

Learning Computer Science While Schools are Closed

Code.org want to support teachers, students, and families while students are learning from home. They’re offering resources for parents and teachers. Plus, options for smartphones for anyone who doesn’t have a computer at home.

Hero Elementary

This summer, a new children’s show funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Ready to Learn Television program debuted on PBS.  “Hero Elementary” is about a school for up-and-coming superheroes, where students learn to master such powers as flying and teleportation while exploring science along the way.  The series -- watch a preview episode available on YouTube -- pushes children ages 4 to 7 to think like scientists to solve problems and touches upon social issues like kindness and empathy.

Online Story Circles for Educators and Community Members

Educator Story Circles are opportunities for small groups of people (educators and engaged community members) to gather together to listen and share thoughts and stories related to a common theme. No preparation is necessary, and each participant has the option to share or simply listen to others. Story Circles aren’t about performing. Rather, the purpose is to listen and connect. Participants who want to lead Story Circles with their own students or community members will have access to a free toolkit and will be eligible for a $200 stipend from the Alaska Humanities Forum.

Ready to Read Alaska

Ready to Read Alaska is a statewide initiative for families and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in Alaska. The program’s mission is to promote early literacy development in Alaska’s young children to create the foundations needed for when a child begins to learn to read. Ready to Read is posting training videos on YouTube, and literacy tips, book recommendations, crafts, and activities on Instagram.

To submit news items, please email deed.infoexchange@alaska.gov.  This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.

This newsletter contains hyperlinks to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the reader’s convenience. DEED does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.