- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Last Call - New - Reminders
Last Call:
Last Call! Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Program Deadline Extension
The U.S. Department of Education awards grants on a formula basis to eligible local educational agencies (LEAs) to address the unique needs of rural school districts. The deadline is being extended to allow LEAs impacted by recent school closures and the extraordinary circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic additional time to submit applications. The deadline has been extended to May 15.
Last Call! AVTEC Intro to Nautical Skills Fast-Track Course
AVTEC is offering their popular Introduction to Nautical Skills fast-track course. Alaskan high school students can begin their adventurous maritime career from home! Participants must have sufficient bandwidth to maintain a one-hour Zoom video call three days/week. The class runs May 11-June 5. Space is limited! Students should register online as soon as possible.
Last Call! 2020 STOP THE BLEED Scholarship Program
Tragedy can strike at any time – whether it’s a shooting, car accident, playground mishap, natural disaster, or one of the many other ways that someone winds up traumatically bleeding, properly trained and equipped bystanders can save someone’s life. The 2020 STOP THE BLEED Scholarship program is open to high school students. Winners receive a scholarship toward postsecondary education and STOP THE BLEED kits for their school. Deadline for application is May 10.
Last Call! Outer Coast Summer Seminar 2020
Outer Coast is seeking curious, community-minded students for its upcoming Outer Coast Year (for students who will have graduated high school before August 2020, deadline May 15 for Fall Semester). The program is 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:
NEW! The R.E.S.C.U.E. Project – Preventing the “COVID slide”
Millions of early readers are missing school. This may have serious negative effects on their reading development. The NSF-funded RESCUE Project hopes to prevent this COVID Slide. Educational organizations have teamed up to help Kindergarteners and First Graders learn to read at home using a researcher-developed, evidence-based computer-based game called GraphoLearn. Participation is voluntary for the free 12-week reading program and progress monitoring reports. Space is limited and filling up quickly. More information including how to sign up and media attention in NPR and the World Economic Forum can be found on the website.
NEW! Impact of COVID-19 on Alaska Families
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services conducted a survey to collect data on the impact of COVID-19 on Alaska families. Their preliminary survey results were released with 2,952 responses.
NEW! Best Beginnings Receives Library of Congress State Literacy Award
Best Beginnings is one of 10 organizations selected from nominations across the United States to receive a State Literacy Award from The Library of Congress in 2020. Best Beginnings was nominated for the award by The Alaska Center for the Book for its “outstanding and innovative contributions to literacy in the local community and across the state.”
NEW! Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Seeking Executive Director
ACPE and the Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) are recruiting to fill the Executive Director/Executive Officer position, based on the current incumbent’s intent to retire by the end of the year. Located in Juneau, this position is the chief executive of ACPE and the ASLC executive officer. The full job description and information on minimum qualifications can be found on Workplace Alaska.
Reminder:
The Governor’s Denali Peak Performance Awards – Deadline Extended
The Governor’s Denali Peak Performance Awards program is a great way to recognize State workers for all that they do to serve the people of Alaska. During these challenging times, many employees are going above and beyond to support Alaskans. Please consider taking the time to nominate an outstanding State employee for one of these prestigious awards. The nomination deadline has been extended to June 1.
ACPE is looking to celebrate the 2020 graduating class by offering a virtual Decision Day Alaska event. The goal of Decision Day Alaska is to recognize all high school seniors and celebrate all of their postsecondary plans, whether it be college or university, vocational/trade school, career training center, registered apprenticeship program, or the military. This year, ACPE would like to recognize graduating seniors by sharing the videos of their postsecondary plans and decisions and invite others to join the celebration. You can register your school for a virtual Decision Day Alaska here. For more information, please contact Dominika Szpotanska at dominika.szpotanska@alaska.gov.
Secretary DeVos Launches New Education Stabilization Fund Grant Competition
Congress set aside 1% of the $30.75 billion allotted to the Education Stabilization Fund through the CARES Act for grants to States with the highest coronavirus burden. The Department will make these grants available to States most affected by coronavirus through two separate grant competitions: The Education Stabilization Fund- Rethink K12 Education Models Grants, and the Education Stabilization Fund- Reimagining Workforce Preparation Grants.
Free Children’s ebook About Coronavirus
Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. The book answers many key questions in simple language appropriate for 5-9 year olds.
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.
Alaska Staff Development Network Live Remote Teaching Support Sessions
ASDN’s Live Remote Teaching Support Sessions for educators were incredibly well attended. The 55 sessions had 3,072 logins from 1,350 teachers! The series has ended, but recordings can still be accessed.
Update to the 2020 Arts & Culture Institutes
Due to the pandemic, no Arts & Culture Institutes will be held in person this summer. The status of each of the planned events is listed below. For more information contact Barbara Short, AAEC Executive Director, bshort@akartsed.org.
- The Anchorage Science and Arts for the Elementary Classroom (May 26-29) is cancelled. The Anchorage Academy will be open this year only for on-line classes.
- The Fairbanks Multicultural Arts Institute (June 15-19) is also cancelled for this year.
- The Kenai Social Emotional Learning and the Arts Institute (June 1-5) is postponed until next year, however the teacher-leader staff will be actively planning this fall to make the 2021 SEL and the Arts Institute better than ever!
- The Juneau Culture and the Arts Institute (July 20-31) is presently being redesigned to see if it can be presented on-line in a shortened format. More information will be available on the website by June 1.
Alaska School Leadership Institute Virtual Conference
Registration is open for the Alaska School Leadership Institute Virtual Conference. The 12th Alaska School Leadership Institute will be virtual this year, but will maintain the ASLI tradition of networking and information-sharing through the Critical Friends protocol and dedicated district team meeting times. The focus this year is: How should we plan for opening school next fall — and where do students begin? The conference will take place May 27-29.
Alaska Performance Scholarship Test Score Requirement Update
In accordance with the Governor’s emergency public health mandates and continued social distancing efforts across Alaska, and in consultation with DEED, ACPE will now also waive the WorkKeys test requirements for the Alaska Performance Scholarship in addition to the previously waived ACT and SAT requirements.
GripTape 2020 Learning Challenge
The GripTape Learning Challenge is a call to action to youth ages 15–19 years old to design, create, and execute their own learning journeys. Past participants have learned about rap communities, coding, fashion design, girls’ wrestling, drawing, mixing music, blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, social justice, the brain, and teaching. If selected, GripTape sponsors the youth for 10 weeks with $500, full decision-making authority, and mentorship. Application period opens May 1.
Migrant Education Program Consortium Incentive Grant Program Deadline Extension
The purpose of the program is to provide incentive grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) that participate in a consortium with one or more other SEAs or other appropriate entities to improve the delivery of services to migratory children whose education is interrupted. The U.S. Department of Education extended the application deadline to May 27.
Indian Education Formula Grant Deadline Extension
The Indian Education Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies (Formula Grants) program provides grants to support local educational agencies (LEAs), Indian Tribes and organizations, and other eligible entities in developing and implementing elementary and secondary school programs that serve Indian students. The U.S. Department of Education extended the application deadline to June 19.
Early Career Explorers – FREE Downloadable Classroom Resources (PK-4)
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education’s Early Career Explorers classroom resources incorporate career exploration alongside traditional subjects to be used in the classroom or at home. Students build a strong foundation to better understand the importance of academics, extracurricular activities, and healthy study habits as it relates to future career goals. Contact Shelly.Morgan@alaska.gov or 907-269-7972 for additional details
I Know I Can - 2nd grade FREE Early College & Career Exploration e-Book and Activities
Provided by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education and Alaska 529 College Savings Plan, the I Know I Can e-Book is available for FREE download for teachers or families to read with students as a distant learning activity. Additional parent tips and activities are available in the book. Students are encouraged to draw pictures of their career dreams and complete other activities in the eBook. Contact shelly.morgan@alaska.gov or 907-269-7972 for additional details.
Kids2College – 5th/6th grade FREE Early College & Career Exploration Digital Resources
Provided by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education and Alaska 529 College Savings Plan, the 5th/6th grade Kids2College program is available for distance delivery. Six lessons, video college & career panels, virtual campus tours, digital student workbook & teacher guide. Students begin to identify their career interests and build personal learning and career plans; learn how to best prepare for college and career training; and learn about college entrance exams, admissions, and financial aid. Please contact shelly.morgan@alaska.gov for additional details.
ACPE Virtual Success Center – Postsecondary Planning Assistance
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) Success Center staff are available to answer questions about FAFSA, scholarships, postsecondary programs, and more! If you or your students have questions about navigating the postsecondary landscape in these uncertain times, please contact ACPE’s Success Center team at 800-441-2962, Option 4 or acpesuccesscenter@alaska.gov.
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.
Short-term Job Opportunity – Assessment Administrators
Westat will be seeking applicants to staff the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Work with a team to proctor digitally based assessments on tablets. Applicants must be available for online and in-person training during January 2021 and able to proctor January 25 through March 12, 2021, when work is available. NAEP offers paid training, hourly wages paid weekly, and mileage reimbursement. This is a part-time, temporary position. For more information email NAEPRecruit@westat.com or call 1-888-237-8036.
COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Funding
Calling all Principals, School Nutrition Managers, School Nutrition Directors and District Superintendents! GENYOUth is providing grants of up to $3,000 per school to supply much-needed resources for meal distribution and delivery efforts to get food to students during COVID-19. From soft-sided coolers, bags and containers for individual servings, to protective gear for food service sanitation and safety, this equipment will help ensure our children continue to receive the nutritious meals they need.
The Alaska School Leadership Academy (ASLA) Launches Recruitment for 2020-21 Cohort
ASLA is a professional development and mentoring support program for early career Alaska principals designed to provide mentoring, networking, skill building and mutual support across the state. Applications are now open until September 1st for first- or second-year lead principals and assistant principals working in an Alaskan school and require superintendent support. Contact Sam Jordan sjordan@alaskaacsa.org at ASDN with any questions.
Prince William Sound College Extends Online Course Offerings for Teachers
PWSC will continue its popular "for Teachers" courses online. Course costs have been reduced to $119 for 3 500-level UAA credits. Classes will cover content in ALEKS Math, ALEKS Chemistry, Web Database Systems (MySQL), or NCCER Certification. Classes will be taught synchronously online and with instructor directed hands-on experiential learning projects that students can do at their homes. May 24 - 30. Email Woody Woodgate at wawoodgate@alaska.edu for more information.
“Grab the Mic” Initiatives Encourages Young People to Tell Their Stories
Jason Reynolds, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, will connect with young people at home through his new video series and newsletter. Reynolds’ platform “GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story” includes a monthly newsletter for parents and educators and a biweekly video series intended to inspire creativity in young people. Both are hosted on Reynolds’ GRAB THE MIC Resource Guide.
Virtual Story Times and Copyright Issues
As librarians have had to pivot away from face-to-face programming and towards virtual, many have expressed concern about potential copyright infringement issues. The School Library Journal published the article, Publishers Adapt Policies to Help Educators, listing all of the publishers allowing educators and librarians to read their books online during the pandemic. The list is being updated daily. The Programming Librarian’s blog post, News: Online Storytime & Coronavirus, It’s Fair Use Folks, covered the basics of fair use and how it applies to virtual story time during the pandemic.
NEH will receive $75 million in supplemental funding to assist cultural institutions affected by COVID-19 as part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act economic stabilization plan appropriated by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Trump.
USDA Announces Online Tool to Help Families Find Meals for Kids During COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the launch of an online tool – the “Meals for Kids” Site Finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the latest in a series of swift actions USDA has taken to keep children and low-income individuals fed during the ongoing health crisis.
USDA is opening a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. Electronic applications for window two may be submitted through grants.gov beginning April 14, 2020, and are due no later than July 13, 2020. Paper applications will not be accepted under the second window. Additional information on how to apply is available on grants.gov.
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.
ASDN Offers Sessions and Courses for Alaskan Educators During COVID-19
The Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) is offering many sessions and courses for Alaskan educators during COVID-19. Please see the resources page for professional development opportunities, partner resource sites, and many resources for distance learning.
ACPE Offers Resource to Prevent Default During Outbreak of COVID-19
In this unprecedented environment, one of the primary concerns for the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is ensuring meaningful relief is available for the state student loan borrowers impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To mitigate adverse economic impacts, the Commission has implemented a number of strategies to support borrowers.
AKCIS.org – Alaska Career Information System
This online personal learning and career planning system is offered to everyone in Alaska for FREE by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). Students assess their interests and values to focus exploration of 16 National Career Clusters and over 570 occupations. AKCIS activities are relevant from grades 3 through 12. For information and assistance in sharing this resource with your students, contact the ACPE team at akcis@alaska.gov
GCI Offers Free Internet Upgrades Through May 31
In response to COVID-19, many Alaskans are working from home, adopting new social-distancing behaviors and managing students who are home from school due to closures. To support this new way of living and doing business, GCI announced special packages to support Alaskans’ expanding need for connectivity at home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To submit news items, please contact Rochelle Lindley at (907) 465-6535 or rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov. This newsletter is available weekly and in archived form at https://education.alaska.gov/news/infoexch.