- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Last Call - New - Reminders
Last Call! Presidential Primary Sources Project
Register for PPSP to learn about presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and George Washington directly from National Park Service rangers and presidential historians. This free, live, interactive web series for grades 4-12 runs January through March.
NEW! Riverbend Elementary creates a YouTube Channel for Students
Riverbend Elementary in Juneau is setting up a YouTube Channel for its students to watch during the time away from school. It is still in the beginning stages, but it will have a variety of activities, lessons, and messages. Their goal is to stay connected to students and families and provide options for learning and playing. Their first video is of Kindergarten teacher Mr. Savikko with a song writing challenge for students.
NEW! CANCELLED - AASB’s 2020 Spring Boardsmanship Academy and Legislative Fly-In
In light of the expanding COVID-19 coronavirus, the closing of the Capitol Building to outside guests, and recommendations by Governor Dunleavy, WHO, and the CDC, AASB’s Board of Directors has decided to terminate AASB’s Spring Boardsmanship Academy & Legislative Fly-In March 28-31 in Juneau. Visit the website for information on refunds.
NEW! USDA Food and Nutrition Services Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Regulations
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is seeking public comment on two proposed regulations related to the Summer Food Service Program, and the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The comment period has been extended to April 22.
NEW! CANCELLED - Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
In response to the COVID-19 situation this training has been cancelled. Contact Wendi Shackelford at (907) 264-6224 or wendis@alaskachd.org for more information.
NEW! Outer Coast Summer Seminar 2020
Outer Coast is seeking curious, community-minded students for two upcoming programs: The Outer Coast Summer Seminar (for current high school sophomores and juniors, deadline April 1) and the Outer Coast Year (for students who will have graduated high school before August 2020, deadline May 15 for Fall Semester). Both programs are intended to support students in their understanding of themselves, their role in community, and their abilities to effect positive change in the world. If you have any questions please email johnny@outercoast.org.
NEW! National History Academy Seeking Applications
National History Academy is seeking applications from Alaska high school students for this summer. Based in Middleburg, Virginia, the Academy inspires students to learn about the foundations of our country, visiting more than 35 defining historic sites such as Monticello, Gettysburg and Washington, DC, and learning from 30 national leaders. Plus, all 2020 students will also have the special opportunity to see Hamilton: The Musical at the Kennedy Center. The Academy has scholarship funding specifically set aside for Alaska students, so please encourage students to apply.
NEW! Governor’s Denali Peak Performance Awards Program
The Governor's Denali Peak Performance Awards program is an outstanding way to recognize excellence in public service. Thousands of state employees have been recognized since the program's inception for their dedication to excellence in their jobs. Please consider nominating a state employee or team of state employees who exhibit peak performance in their service to the people of Alaska. Nominations are due April 2.
Summer Food Service Program Looking for Local Sites
Too many children who rely on school meals do not have access to meals in the summer. Are there children in your community who will go hungry this summer? DEED’s Child Nutrition Programs is looking for school districts, parks and recreation departments, non-profit organizations, and churches to operate Summer Food Service Program feeding sites for children and youth in low-income areas in Alaska. All sponsors receive training and technical assistance from DEED/CNP prior to starting their Summer Food Service Program, and throughout the program’s duration. Applications are due April 15. For questions or to register contact Jennifer Cherian at jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4969. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Interim Guidance to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to COVID-19
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided interim guidance for administrators of U.S. childcare programs and K-12 schools to plan, prepare, and respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration Educational Resources
The United States of America's Vietnam War Commemoration is a Department of Defense office authorized by Congress. The organization's History and Legacy Branch's professional historians and educators have developed materials to aid educators and students in gaining a greater appreciation of the Vietnam War, the veteran, and their importance to U.S. history. These resources are free and can be viewed online, shipped to middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities, libraries, and museums.
U.S. Department of Education to Host Digital Equity Summits
The 2020 Regional Digital Equity Summits will engage state and local education leaders and community collaborators, and help participants identify strategies, connect with resources, and explore partnership opportunities to ensure future digital learning demands are met. Following each Summit, attendees will have access to six-months of free, ongoing technical assistance as they build community action plans to address local digital equity priorities. Several Summits are available to choose from in the Spring/Summer. The Anchorage Summit will take place August 10-11.
Prince William Sound College For Teachers Courses
Prince William Sound College is pleased to announce the Summer 2020 For Teachers professional-development offerings for Alaska teachers. The lineup will include courses in technology, environmental science, math, chemistry, and construction. Each course is based on a one-week summer experience followed by an implementation exercise during the fall. Courses will cover lesson planning focused on place-based and experiential learning, and the Alaska Cultural Standards. Teachers can earn three 500-level college credits that can be used toward teacher recertification.
Save the Date: Our Cultural Landscape Education Conference
The Sealaska Heritage Institute will sponsor its third education conference for teachers and administrators in Southeast Alaska in an effort to promote culturally responsive pedagogy in schools. The goal is to provide educators with a deep understanding of culturally-responsive education. The conference will take place August 3-8 in Juneau. Watch for registration information.
Applications open for ASDN’s Summer Code.org Computer Science Professional Learning Program
Middle and High School teachers are invited to participate in 5-day Code.org workshops this June and August in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Bethel. There is no cost to participate, and travel scholarships are available. Contact Cheryl Bobo with questions cbobo@alaskaacsa.org.
- CS Discoveries (Grades 6-10), June 1-5 in Anchorage or June 8-12 in Fairbanks
- CS Principals (Grades 9-12 and AP), June 1-5 in Anchorage or August 1-5 in Bethel
Earn Credits, Have Fun, and Learn to Integrate with the Arts!
The Alaska Arts Education Consortium has opened registration for four unique Arts Institutes. Educators from all districts are invited to attend. For more information contact Barbara Short, AAEC Executive Director, bshort@akartsed.org.
- Science and the Arts for Elementary Classroom Teachers – May 26-29, Anchorage Summer Academy, 2 credits
- Social Emotional Learning and the Arts – June 1-5, Soldotna, 3 credits
- Multicultural Arts Institute – June 15-20, Fairbanks, 3 credits
- Cultural Arts Institute – July 20-31, Juneau with trip to Klukwan, 4 credits
SchoolSafety.gov Provides Resources to Create a Safer School
The SchoolSafety.gov website was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with a one-stop shop of resources to address various threats related to safety, security, and support in schools.
Upcoming Workshop for teachers presented by Alaska Staff Development Network and Code.org
Elementary school educators are invited to join in a one-day Computer Science Fundamentals workshop. No computer science background is needed! Scroll down to the “Upcoming K-6 Workshops” section on their webpage for more information. The next session is CS Deep Dive on April 10 in Wrangell.
Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program
The Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program strives to increase Native representation in the field of education by providing financial support, mentoring, and internships for Native students in the Northwest who are pursuing a master’s degree in educational policy, leadership, technical assistance, research, or a closely related field. Awardees can receive up to $5,000 per year. Application deadline is March 31.
NCCER for Teachers Professional Development
Prince William Sound College was recently awarded a DEED grant to support teachers and paraprofessionals with a direct role in teaching CTE to become National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certified instructors. Scholarships will provide tuition, NCCER certification, lodging, travel expenses, and stipends. Contact Woody Woodgate at wawoodgate@alaska.edu for more information. Training will occur May 24-30.
Interior Agricultural Institute Professional Development Opportunity
Alaska Gateway School District invites you to apply to attend a week-long training workshop. Participants will gain working knowledge of greenhouse and hydroponic operation and utilize a culinary art curriculum with students. The workshop will take place May 26-30 in Tok. Contact Jane Teague at jteague@agsd.us or (907) 940-5031 for more information.
Creative Coding is now included in BrainPOP Subscription
Many of you know that Alaska has a statewide license to BrainPOP, but did you know that your teachers can unlock additional features through individual accounts that can only be set up at the school level? At no additional charge to you? And now, BrainPOP is offering Creative Coding to teach coding and computer science to students and educators. Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager for Alaska State Libraries, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com.
Registration is now open! The IECMHI+CAFBHC Conference will be held March 30-April 3 in Anchorage at the Dena’ina Convention Center.
Career Connections Registration is now open
Career Connections, a program of SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center, has opened registration for 2020 dates. The sessions will take place Mar. 29-Apr. 3, 2020, and Apr. 19-24, 2020, in Juneau. Career Connections is a week-long, hands-on career exploration program held in Juneau, open to all 9-12th graders. Students who attend will:
- Visit exciting job sites in diverse career fields
- Visit and explore a university campus and post-secondary training sites
- Use AKCIS to explore future careers
- Develop a realistic, workable plan to obtain a job they are passionate about
- Practice employability skills
Join the Alaska Education Network – Project ECHO
Project ECHO is a statewide initiative focused on uniting Alaska’s educational leaders with the intention of building a support network. They offer 75-minute sessions via Zoom every other week with three themes to choose from: Educational Leadership, Instructional Development, and Positive Behavior, Safety, & Well-Being. All educators at any level are encouraged to join! There is no cost to participate! Sessions run through April 29. 500 level credit offered through UAA Pace.
To submit news items, please contact Rochelle Lindley at (907) 465-6535 or rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov. To be added or removed from distribution visit http://list.state.ak.us/mailman/listinfo/info_exchange. This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.