- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
News from the Alaska Department of Education
The Department of Education and Early Development has revised its publication Site Selection Criteria and Evaluation Handbook, which provides guidance on school site selection analysis for school districts and consultants. The publication is cited in regulation 4 AAC 31.020(a) and establishes department criteria to apply to AS 14.11.013(d), AS 14.11.100(h), and 4 AAC 31.025. E-mail comments to Tim.Mearig@alaska.gov no later than noon (12:00 p.m.) on August 16, 2021
New episodes for TV series At the APK
The State Library, Archives and Museums partners with KTOO to film public programs at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building (APK.) We have added five new shows to At the APK recently, based on State Museum exhibits held in the building.
Illustrating Alaska with Sarah Asper-Smith and Jim Fowler – An interview with Sarah and Jim about illustrating children’s books about Alaska.
The Spirit Wraps Around You dedication – Opening event for the SWAY exhibit livestreamed and filmed 100% remotely using robot cameras in the atrium and the galleries.
Lani Hotch on Klukwan’s Legacy of Weaving – Co-curator Lani attended the opening of SWAY and gave a great presentation on the history of weaving in her community.
A History of Native Textiles on the Northern Northwest Coast – Curator of Collections Steve Henrikson shared a big picture look at the history of Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving that gives good context for SWAY.
Tour of The Spirit Wraps Around You – Tour the exhibit with Steve Henrikson. Hear stories about individual robes and learn about the concepts behind the exhibit.
DEED adds e-Learning course on teen vaping in Alaska
Did you know almost 50% of Alaska youth have tried e-cigarettes? E-cigarettes (also called “vapes”) are highly addictive, contain toxic materials and harm brain development. Luckily, Alaska educators can make a big difference in helping youth and young adults quit – and prevent them from starting smoking in the first place. A new e-Learning course for educators about e-cigarette use among Alaska teens provides information about health harms, helps identify various types of products, teaches how to prevent use, and shares resources for schools, parents, and teens. Visit https://education.alaska.gov/ELearning to enroll in this course today!
ARP Act State Activities Suggestion Form
DEED has created an ARP Act State Activities Suggestion Form which is posted on the DEED COVID-19 fiscal page. This Smartsheet will be used as a way for stakeholders to provide suggestions and innovative ideas for how DEED utilizes its ARP Act ESSER III state-level allocation. It is important to note that this is not an application for funds and there is no guarantee that suggestions will be considered for funding. If you have any questions, please email DEED.CARES@alaska.gov.
Overcoming Anxiety and Stress in Alaskan Schools
Covid-19 has had a profound effect on all Alaskans. We have seen an increase in anxiety and stress in students, staff and families. In response, DEED created a new eLearning course to help Alaskans navigate and manage stress and anxiety. When we successfully manage these emotions, we can harness their power to be successful. But toxic levels of stress and anxiety can have significant impacts on our well-being. Both teachers and students are susceptible. In this course, you will learn ways to help students manage stress and anxiety—methods you can also use yourself.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how stress and anxiety impact students and staff in Alaskan schools
- Use practical tools to help students, colleagues, and yourself manage stress and anxiety
Please visit our eLearning webpage to log in or request a new account: https://education.alaska.gov/ELearning
Alaska State Council on the Arts Adaptation and Innovation Grants
The Alaska State Council on the Arts has Adaptation and Innovation Grants available on a rolling deadline, 30 days prior to the planned activity. Eligible applicants include schools, school partners (such as PTA/PTO organizations), organizations and individuals. The Alaska State Council on the Arts in partnership with Rasmuson Foundation developed the Adaptation and Innovation Grant Program to support efforts to rebuild and advance our work together, to connect with community, and to positively impact Alaskan lives across the state in and through the arts and cultures of our state. For complete information, guidelines, and applications, visit the Alaska State Council on the Arts – Adaptation and Innovation Grants page at https://arts.alaska.gov/adaptation-and-innovation-grant-program.
Sheldon Jackson Museum Tradition Innovation Exhibition Now Online
An exhibition of garments, artwork, objects, and film that highlights the lifestyle and creation of Alaska Native and environmental-based art by Peter Williams may now be viewed on the Sheldon Jackson Museum’s website.
Alaska Statewide Virtual System Discussion Board
AKSVS teachers, are you looking for a place of discussion and support? Interested in meeting and sharing with other Alaskan teachers using AKSVS? Check out the Teacher Channel Discussion Board through the Alaska Professional Learning Network.
DEED Science Education Listserv
DEED launched a new Science Education Listserv! The listserv will be a space for science teachers in Alaska to share information on teaching practices, instructional resources, community partnerships, lesson plan and unit ideas, professional development opportunities, and to discuss topical concerns in science instruction. DEED will also use it to push out notifications regarding opportunities in science education. All science teachers in Alaska (pre-K, K-12, and collegiate) are encouraged to join.
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?
- For students to access BrainPop: click the LOG IN tab (not ENTER CODE)
- For teachers to whose schools are set up to use BrainPop Educator: use the ENTER CODE
If you have the username and password for DEED’s statewide subscription, please only share it in a way that no one on the internet besides your patrons or students can access the username/password. (i.e. direct e-mail ok, posting to your social media/website/blog is NOT.) If you don’t have the current SLED database credentials, visit the SLED Password Request form and fill it out completely. Expect a response within one business day. The SLED usernames and passwords are good for nearly all the SLED Databases and resources. One request will empower you to help with just about anything SLED related. Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager for Alaska State Libraries, for more information.
Seeking Public Review and Comment on State Content Standards
DEED is seeking review and comment on state content standards. We encourage parents, educators, and communities to take a few minutes to provide input on Alaska's current English Language Arts and Mathematics standards adopted in 2012.