New, Last Call, Reminders

Last Call! 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.

Last Call! 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.

Last Call! 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.

New:

NEW! Air Force ROTC Scholarship Program

The Air Force ROTC High School Scholarship Program gives high school seniors financial aid for college, followed by a guaranteed career in the Air Force (or Space Force!) upon graduation. If you’re curious about Air Force ROTC’s scholarship opportunities, the adventures you’ll have and the family you’ll discover within the program, or the thrill of becoming a confident leader in the world’s greatest Air Force or Space Force, please contact Sarah J. Boggins, 2d Lt, USAF.  She is there to answer any and all of your questions!

NEW! Distinguished Special Education Administrator of the Year Award

The Alaska Council of Administrators of Special Education (AKCASE) is excited to announce the second Distinguished Special Education Administrator of the Year Award. We are looking for an outstanding Special Education Administrator to be recognized at the Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC). The selection committee accepts nominations from school board members, superintendents, teachers, parents, colleagues, community members and/or anyone who has personal knowledge of an Alaska Special Education Administrator’s performance and qualifications.  Please complete the Online Nomination Form and submit Nomination Packet Components to jtowarak@bssd.org by January 11, 2021.

NEW! Stories of Women in STEM at the Smithsonian

Stories of Women in STEM at the Smithsonian features biographies of trailblazing women who made history through their scientific discoveries and innovation. From aerospace engineer and mathematician Mary Golda Ross to hair care entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, learn how women have defied gender stereotypes and overcome structural barriers to advance the science, technology, engineering, and math industry.  Read on Apple Books or via the web.

Reminder:

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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/  

Save The Date for the Association of Alaska School Boards!

• Virtual AASB Maintenance Conference – January 13-14

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 January 5 from 3:45 - 5:15pm. To register for next month’s session, visit aklearns.org.

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.  More information and conference registration is available at ASDN.org - select the RTI/MTSS Effective Instruction Conference, or via this link: https://cvent.me/Pqzrxe.  

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.

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.

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! Programs are available through December 21.

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.

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.

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.