- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 47 No. 38
Newsletter of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
October 11, 2019
Last call! National School Lunch Week is October 14-18
Mark your calendar for National School Lunch Week! The #NSLW19 theme is “School Lunch: What’s on Your Playlist?” which spotlights the wide variety of flavors, dishes, delivery options and tastes that can be customized in today’s school lunch.
Last call! Alaska Digital Citizenship Week is October 14-18
DEED, with the support of Common Sense Education, BrainPOP, GoogleEdu, and ISTE, is pleased to sponsor Alaska Digital Citizenship Week from October 14-18, 2019. This dedicated week is part of an ongoing effort to teach students how to make safe, smart, and ethical decisions in the digital world. On this page you will find lessons and resources to empower students, parents and educators to be informed and responsible online. Please share your Digital Citizenship Week on social media with tags of #aklearns and #AKDigitalCitizenship. Please contact Daniel Cornwall with any questions.
Last call! ASTE 2020 Call for Proposals
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.
NEW! Alaska Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program Request for Applications
The Alaska Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program (AK-CLSD) will award competitive sub-grants to local agencies to advance literacy skills, pre-literacy skills, and reading and writing for children from birth through grade 12 with a focus on economically disadvantaged children. Grants will be awarded to programs with a strong focus on evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions with a high-quality comprehensive literacy plan. DEED will prioritize awards based on the results of a comprehensive application review process. Note: A letter of intent to apply is required. Letters of intent are due by October 25. Grant applications are due November 1. Contact: Director Van Wyhe, tamara.vanwyhe@alaska.gov or (907) 269-4583.
NEW! BrainPOP Accounts Available for Educators and Students
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? Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com. See attached flyer for details.
NEW! 2020 Farm to School Grant Request for Applications is Now Available
Applications for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Farm to School Grant program are now being accepted. Grants are available for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs. December 13 deadline to apply.
NEW! DEED Awarded $5M Federal Trauma Recovery Demonstration Grant
The funding will enable DEED to oversee and facilitate a robust partnership between the Alaska Child Trauma Center and the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District to increase low-income, at-risk students’ access to mental health services. Additionally, DEED will be able to develop a trauma-specific mental health services model that can be replicated across the state.
NEW! FREE Reading Resource Available for 8-12 Grade Students and Educators
DEED has been offered a free Audible membership for Alaska’s 8-12 grade students and educators as part of Audible’s Student Technology Program. Through this program, students gain access to a curated library of audiobooks, and will be able to engage computer-generated text transcription, allowing them to read and listen synchronously. In addition to access to the curated bundle of titles, students will receive 12 free Audible Credits (1 credit = 1 audiobook) to be used across Audible’s broad catalog as they choose. If you are interested in providing Audible accounts to your students and educators, please email Linda Mattson with DEED at linda.mattson@alaska.gov.
NEW! Nominations Open for Inaugural Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award
Beginning in the spring of 2020, the Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award will be presented each year to two educators, one elementary and one secondary, who instill in their students the skills, knowledge and passion for cybersecurity and related subjects. Award recipients will embody the expertise and dedication of educators who are critical to strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. Anyone may nominate an educator for this honor; self-nominations are permitted as well. Nomination period closes January 31, 2020.
NEW! Alaska Retired Teachers Association Offering an Opportunity Award to Teachers
The Alaska Retired Educators Association is again offering an Opportunity Award to teachers in the Alaska public schools this fall. This is an opportunity to create a classroom project that you might otherwise not have been able to complete (may apply for up to $200 for your project). Projects should be beneficial to the school and/or community. Contact Barbara Rich for details at barbnroy@ecsalaska.com. Application window is from October 15 to December 20.
Reminder: New School Data Portal Available for Alaska’s Families
DEED has created a new online data portal for Alaska’s families entitled The Compass: A Guide to Alaska’s Public Schools. The purpose of the online portal is to provide Alaska’s families with important information about their child’s school so they can make the best decisions for their child’s educational experience.
Reminder: Alaska Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association
Alaska now has a Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) chapter. It is open to all Alaskan teachers. To join, sign up for your free CSTA membership and join the ‘Top of the World’ chapter. Contact Sam Jordan sjordan@alaskaacsa.org with any questions.
Reminder: Health Career Connections for Students Who Experience Disabilities
The State of Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's Pre-Employment Transition Services, in partnership with SERRC and the Southeast Alaska AHEC, is proud to offer a one-week, residential program that takes place December 9-13 in Juneau, and introduces high school students (ages 15-18) to a variety of health and behavioral health careers. Health Career Connections is FREE for eligible students. For more information, call Joan Pardes at 907-523-7246 or email joanp@serrc.org.
Reminder: Register Now for the 53rd Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference
AAESP and AASSP leaders are excited about working together and bringing you a professional development conference that is tailored specifically for principals, as well as other school administrators and educators in Alaska. Join them in Anchorage from October 26-28.
Reminder: Creating Resilient Youth Workshop: The Power of Webs of Support
Based on extensive social-emotional and other research, this workshop will equip you with innovative tools to amplify each youth’s strengths and help them self-activate their complex systems of support. You’ll learn how to help youth build protective factors to mitigate trauma and decrease risk behaviors, such as bullying, drugs, alcohol, suicidal ideation, and more. November 9-10 in Anchorage. October 15 early bird registration. CEUs, lodging, and airfare discount available. Check out the workshop flyer.
Reminder: Preparing for Lift-off Workshop: Applying Trauma-informed Practices to Launch Student Success
Using brain science and trauma-informed practices, participants will explore ways to maximize learning and develop resilience for launching youth into thriving lives. Additionally, participants will take away a handbook of information and practices for teachers and students to meet each day with the knowledge, skills, structures, and supports necessary to change the trajectory of every life. November 9-10 in Anchorage. October 15 early bird registration. CEUs, lodging, and airfare discount available. Check out page 2 of the workshop flyer.
Registration Open for AASB’s Annual Conference & Youth Leadership Institute
Registration is now open for AASB's Annual Conference & Youth Leadership Institute - November 7-10 at the Anchorage Hilton. This is the largest annual gathering of school board members, district leaders, and education advocates in the state. Session topics include school law, ESSA & Alaska Implementation, youth engagement, advocacy, and family engagement. Pre-Conference options include New Board Member training and Experienced Board Member training on family engagement with Michele Brooks, Educator & Advocate, Transformative Solutions in Education.
Statewide Initiative Launches to Educate Alaskans before Historic 2020 Census
Alaska Counts invites partners to start planning now for awareness activities about the 2020 Census and the importance of a full and accurate count. Resources for organizations and local Complete Count Committees are now available for use at http://alaskacounts.org/.
U.S. ED Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Office of Civil Rights Data Collection
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) published a notice and comment request related to proposed changes to the Civil Rights Data Collection. The Department proposes to add some questions and retire others. Questions should be addressed to Rosa Olmeda at (202) 453-5968 or via email at Rosa.Olmeda@ed.gov. The comment period closes on November 18.
Cognia (formally AdvancED | Measured Progress) is hosting a one-day work session on Friday, October 25, 2019 (the day before the Principal’s Conference) in Anchorage, Alaska. Come learn the steps to strengthen/promote a culture of continuous improvement through a dynamic four-step strategic thinking and planning process facilitated by eProve™ strategies. Questions, please email Tim Cline at tim.cline@cognia.org.
Stone Soup Group is a statewide 501(c)3 non-profit that provides information, support, training and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs. SSG is offering a number of upcoming trainings in-person or online for families and professionals involving communication skills for parents, self-advocacy, bullying prevention, and more.
Registration Open: 2019 Alaska IDA Conference: Raising Reading Rates for All
This 13-hour conference includes 2 tracks: an educator track ($100 + optional UAA credit $104) and a parent track ($50). The educator track is for all educators teaching (or responsible for) reading instruction K-6. Focus will be on foundational knowledge in the science of reading, reading profiles, identification of struggling readers, dyslexia, and an introduction to teaching Tier 1 phonological awareness in the general classroom. The parent track will cover foundational knowledge, identification, support, and advocacy for struggling readers of all ages. Dates: Friday, November 1 (4pm-8pm) and Saturday, November 2 (8:30am-5:30pm, lunch included) at APU campus in Anchorage.
National Archives Holding Youth Art Competition
The National Archives is holding a youth art competition for students in grades 4, 5, and 6 in conjunction with their Rightfully Hers exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and the 19th Amendment. Winners will receive free gifts from the National Archives Store and the Grand Prize is a free trip, including travel, to the National Archives Sleepover in the spring. Submissions close November 5, 2019 and winners will be chosen in December. Want to learn how contestants will be judged? Check out the full rubric for more info.
Alaska Close Up Early Bird Registration by Nov. 15
Alaska Close Up, a program of SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center, has opened registration for 2020 dates. The sessions will take place Feb. 9-14, 2020, and Feb. 23-28, 2020, in Juneau. Alaska Close Up brings 7th-12th grade students and chaperones into Juneau to instill a sense of civic duty and to inspire them to participate effectively as informed, responsible citizens of our state. The program teaches participants about state government through hands-on activities and arranged field trips that include meeting with legislators, visiting various government sites, and holding their own mock committee and legislative simulations.
Career Connections Early Bird Registration by Nov. 15
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
WCFH Seeking Parents for Family Engagement Training Opportunity
Are you a parent of a young child and want to make a difference in your home, school, and community? Parent Engagement Training housed at the Section of Women, Children, and Family Health (WCFH) is developing 20 short, 15 minute, self-paced online learning modules based upon proven advocacy trainings, to promote parent engagement and expand parent confidence in advocating for their children. See attached flyer for details. Please contact John Cartwright at john.cartwright@alaska.gov or at 907-334-2420 if you or someone you know is interested and available to participate.
Free Book Bundles for Communities without access to Imagination Library
Best Beginnings currently has a grant to support a statewide Book Bundle project. This project allows them to send a year's worth of Imagination Library books to children (birth to age 5) in communities that do not have an Imagination Library program. This is a free program that mails books to Alaskan children who do not have access to Imagination Library. The project is funded through the end of January 2020.
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 October 2 and run through April 29. 500 level credit offered through UAA Pace.
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*
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.
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.
To submit news items, please contact Erin Hardin at (907) 465-2803 or erin.hardin@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.
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.