- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 33
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
September 6, 2019
Last call! Applications Sought for Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference
The conference committee is looking for qualified and inspiring people with interesting and informative topics relevant to building leaders and educational leaders in Alaska to lead quality sectionals. Applications for sectionals are due September 13.
Last call! Alaska ACTE Annual Awards Program Seeking Nominations
Each year the Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Board of Directors recognizes the outstanding work of the CTE professionals in Alaska through the annual award nomination process. Nominated by their peers, the recipients are celebrated at the Annual Award Luncheon held at the AK ACTE Professional Development Conference. This year’s conference will be held at the Hotel Captain Cook on October 13-16 with the luncheon date set for October 15. Submit nominations no later than September 13.
Last call! Intro to Nautical Skills Opportunity for High School Students
AVTEC’s Alaska Maritime Training Center’s Nautical Skills course introduces high school students to the exciting maritime industry and assists them in developing the basic skills essential to their success and safety as a mariner. The Fall 2019 course begins September 10. A full list of maritime courses available to eligible high school students is available at www.avtec.edu/maritime.
NEW! DEED Releases 2019 Statewide Assessment Results
Statewide, district, school, and subgroup level results from the Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools (PEAKS) assessment and the Alaska Science Assessment are now available online. School districts have until September 25 to distribute student-level reports to parents and educators.
NEW! Calling All Students to the Mars 2020 “Name the Rover” Contest
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is running a national contest for K-12 students to name the Mars 2020 rover, the latest robotic scientist to be sent to the “Red Planet.” NASA will identify 156 state winners (one from each state and age group) before narrowing down to the top nine entries to be part of a public poll.
NEW! American Rocketry Challenge 2020 Registration Now Open
The contest provides students in 6th -12th grades the opportunity to design, build, and launch model rockets, gaining hands-on experience solving engineering problems. Now in its 18th year, nearly 5,000 students from across the country participate annually. The 100 top-scoring teams are invited to the national finals in Washington, D.C. next May, where they'll compete for over $100,000 in cash prizes and the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to represent the United States in the upcoming 2020 International Rocketry Challenge in London. *Financial Support Offered for Title I Schools*
NEW! AKRISE! Rural Educators Network Opportunity
The Alaska Rural Innovation & Student Engagement Network (AKRISE!) is having their first face-to-face gathering on October 24th in Anchorage. They are recruiting 30-50 teachers from across rural Alaska to:
- Engage in joint work and collaborative learning about authentic questions that matter to teachers working in rural Alaska and their students
- Benefit from sustained collaboration with their job-alike peers through both in-person and virtual gatherings
- Build collective capacity through sharing expertise and the cross-pollination of ideas and effective practices
- Collaborate using strategies such as action research, lesson study, co-curricular projects and video reflection.
A flyer with more information is attached. Register by October 1.
NEW! Vietnam War Commemoration FREE Educational Resources Available to Schools, Museums, and Libraries
The United States of America's Vietnam War Commemoration is a Department of Defense office authorized by Congress in 2008 and launched by the president in May 2012 to honor the service and sacrifice of America's Vietnam War veterans and their families. The office’s History & Legacy Branch has developed a series of educational materials to aid teachers in helping their students understand the importance of the Vietnam War in our nation's history. Posters and teacher's toolkits may be requested by educational institutions to include libraries, museums, and schools by e-mailing whs.pentagon.wso.mbx.vnwar50th-edu@mail.mil, and are shipped via FED EX. Contact Debora Cox to learn more.
Reminder: FIRST LEGO League & FIRST Tech Challenge Registration Now Open
FIRST LEGO League (grades 4-8) and FIRST Tech Challenge (grades 7-12) team registration closes on October 1. Coach training and support available for new coaches. Robotics "season" runs from September through December, with championship events in January and February. Virtual tournament options available to remote sites. In-person tournaments in Ketchikan, Juneau, Anchorage, Kenai, Bethel, and Fairbanks. Over $80 million in scholarships available to program participants. Contact firstak@jedc.org to learn more.
Reminder: REAP Weather Education Program now accepting applications
Are you an educator looking for a new, interesting way to engage your students in STEM? Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) is excited to be soliciting applications for its Weather Education Program. Recipients will be loaned one Davis Vantage Pro2 Weather Station for use in developing a place-based, student-led and multi-year project that addresses a local energy issue in their community. Eligible applicants include K-12 teachers from all disciplines, as well as informal educators that engage with students on a regular basis. Applications must be submitted no later than September 27.
Reminder: ASTE 2020 Call for Proposals is OPEN!
The Alaska Society for Technology in Education will hold its 40th conference February 22 - 25 at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. ASTE invites you to submit a proposal for the annual conference. The submission deadline is October 14. Accepted presenters are eligible for ASTE conference fee discounts as stated in the Presenter Guidelines.
Reminder: Nominations Sought for 2019 School Counselor and Advocate of the Year Awards
The Alaska School Counselor Association is seeking nominations and applications for the 2019 School Counselor of the Year and the 2019 Advocate of the Year. October 7 submission deadline.
Reminder: Early Career Explorers – Free Downloadable Classroom Resources
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education offers Early Career Explorers –a series of free downloadable classroom resources for PK - 4th grade students. Early Career Explorers classroom resources allow elementary teachers to incorporate career exploration alongside traditional subjects. By incorporating career exploration into standard elementary curriculum, 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.
Reminder: I Know I Can - 2nd grade early college awareness reading program
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, in partnership with UA College Savings Plan, announces limited partnerships available for I Know I Can – a second grade program. Through this program volunteers engage 2nd grade students in taking initial steps to identify a career goal and learning plan.
Reminder: Kids2College – 5th/6th grade early college awareness program
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, in partnership with UA College Savings Plan and Sallie Mae Fund, announces limited partnerships available for Kids2College – a 5th/6th grade program. Through this program 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.
Reminder: AKCIS Jr. – Free Online Tool & Curriculum for Personal Learning and Career Plans (PLCP’s)
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, offers AKCIS Jr. – a free online tool for 5th - 8th grade students and classrooms. AKCIS Jr. is a free online program with college/career planning activities and simple instructions; allowing students to develop a personal portfolio account to plan and track education and career plans.
Special Feature: DEED Announces Finalists for 2020 Teacher of the Year!
Amy Gallaway, West Valley High School in Fairbanks; Pamela Garcia, Auke Bay Elementary School in Juneau; and Ben Griese, “Chief” Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok; are the finalists for the 2020 Alaska Teacher of the Year.
A committee composed of Alaska’s 2019 Teacher of the Year, Danielle Riha, and members of major Alaska educational associations will interview the finalists. The committee considers a written application, a video snapshot of the teacher in the classroom, and an interview. They will recommend a 2020 Alaska Teacher of the Year and an alternate to Alaska Education Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson. The Alaska Teacher of the Year may be called upon to speak at education conferences and participate in various statewide education working groups. The teacher is the Alaska nominee for National Teacher of the Year, and serves as a member of Commissioner Johnson’s Teacher Advisory Council.
AASB Seeking Board Support and Training Coordinator
The Association of Alaska School Boards is seeking applicants for a Board Support and Training Coordinator – this full-time position will provide direct support and board governance training to school boards, advisory school boards, and charter school APC’s with an emphasis on schools identified as “in need of comprehensive support” by DEED. September 15 application deadline.
Registration Open: Fall Healthy Futures Challenge
The 3-month activity log challenge helps elementary-aged students learn to build the habit of daily physical activity. Kids receive incentives for each successful log and grand prizes are rewarded to students and schools for outstanding participation. Elementary schools (usually a PE teacher or interested teacher wanting to champion the cause) can register here. There is no cost and the program is designed to support and enhance existing curriculum.
“Growing Stronger Together 2019”, the only statewide conference dedicated to professional development of Career Technical Education (CTE) professionals in Alaska will be held on October 13- 16, 2019 at the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage. The keynote speaker this year will be Dr. Kevin Fleming, creator of the "Success in the New Economy" video and national author on career and technical education in the 21st Century. Other featured speakers will share latest research in student success, post secondary CTE trends, and the economic trends in Alaska.
School Policies as Cancer Prevention: Healthy Eating & Physical Activity
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is hosting a Policy Forum & Luncheon Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 10:00 am—1:00 pm in Anchorage. The goal of this forum is to learn about local successes and identify what we can do next as Alaskans to reduce the effects of chronic disease on our economy and health care system. The format will be an expert panel discussion followed by a luncheon celebrating our policy successes and the partners who made them possible. This forum is open to the public, but an RSVP is required for seating and meal count. For more information, contact Heather.Aronno@cancer.org or RSVP at www.fightcancer.org/alaskaforum.
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 start in October 2019. *Professional Credit Offerings Available*
WIDA Self-Paced English Learner eWorkshops
Beginning September 1, 2019, educators in Alaska have the opportunity to participate in six, self-paced, on-demand eWorkshops developed by WIDA. WIDA eWorkshops cover a range of topics intended for a variety of audiences, from K-12 classroom teachers, to ESL specialists, to district and school administrators. All eWorkshops are free and available when, and where, it is convenient to you. For questions, contact Kelsey Smiley at Kelsey.smiley@alaska.gov.
Registration Open: 14th Annual School Health and Wellness Institute
Registration is now open for the 14th Annual School Health and Wellness Institute occurring Oct. 28-30, 2019, in Anchorage at the BP Energy Center. View the robust agenda! Multiple “4th R=Relationships Curriculum” and general scholarship opportunities available! Contact Emily Fairbanks at emily.fairbanks@traveletm.com or 786-0132.
Alaska Student Delegates Sought for U.S. Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program has begun its statewide selection process. In March 2020, two Alaska students will join 104 other delegates for Washington Week – an intensive educational program about the workings of the Senate and the federal government overall. Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship and an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Alaska’s eligible students must be high school juniors or seniors, an elected student officer for the entire 2019-2020 academic year, and state residents. Students must be enrolled in a public or private school. Only one scholar per school may be nominated. Applications are due November 1, 2019. The Alaska contact is Bjorn Wolter at bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov.
GRAMMY Museum Seeking Nominations for Educator Award
The Jane Ortner Education Award honors a non-music educator who uses music in her or his classroom. The application is short and straightforward, with educators being asked to submit an original lesson plan that they have used in their classroom. The winning educator is able to attend the GRAMMY Awards telecast with a guest (paid for by the museum), gets a $3,000 personal honorarium, a $1,000 honorarium for their school, and is honored at a GRAMMY Museum event. Additionally, there are professional development opportunities both in-person and via webinar for those interested in learning how to use music in their classroom. December 4 application deadline.
Thinking about pursuing a masters in library science? Then be sure to consider an AkLA Scholarship!
Each year the Alaska Library Association awards General Graduate Library Studies scholarships in the amount of $4000.00 to students pursuing graduate studies leading to a Master in Library Science degree. The deadline to apply is January 15.
Registration Open: 2019 AASB Fall Boardsmanship Academy
Join fellow school board members and school district leaders in Anchorage September 21-22 (following DEED’s School Safety & Well-Being Summit) for AASB’s annual Fall Boardsmanship Academy. Sessions include School Law, Professional Teaching Practices Commission, Obesity Prevention in Schools, and opportunities to hone your skills in advocacy, and hear the latest updates around a number of education topics. Call AASB at 907-463 -1660 for more information.
Registration Open: 2019 Alaska Art Education Association Conference
It's time to sign up for the annual arts conference being held September 20-22 at the beautiful Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks. "Soak In The Equinox" with a variety of nature inspired workshops, including those being offered by the keynote speaker, linocut artist and illustrator Evon Zerbetz.
Alaska School Leadership Academy Seeking Principals for 2019-20 Cohort
The Alaska School Leadership Academy (ASLA) provides new Alaskan K-12 principals with networking, skill building, and professional mentoring support. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2019-20 cohort. Contact Sam Jordan sjordan@alaskaacsa.org at the Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN) with questions. September 15 deadline.
Save the Date: 2nd annual ACAC training in September
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) will be conducting a free weeklong, full-day training at its Anchorage location this fall for representatives from education partner organizations and school districts to equip individuals working with students with a wide array of resources designed to help students access and benefit from postsecondary education and career training. Contact Dominika Szpotanska with questions at (907) 269-7971.
Coming this Fall: Google Student Contest to Develop Open Source Software
Google Code-in is a contest to introduce pre-university students (aged 13–17) to open source software development. In the fall, Google chooses more than a dozen open source organizations to participate. The organizations create an extensive list of three- to five-hour tasks for students to work on. The tasks are categorized as Code, Documentation/Training, Outreach/Research, Quality Assurance, and Design. Competition begins in the fall; check the website for details.
To submit news items, please contact Erin Hardin at (907) 465-2803 or erin.hardin@alaska.gov. To be added or removed from the distribution list 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.
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.