- Cama-i, quyana tailuci!
- (Central Yup’ik)
- "Greetings, thank you for coming!"
Information Exchange Vol. 48 No. 06
February 7, 2020
DEED Spotlight on Teachers: Kristin White, Grade 3, Haines Elementary School in Haines
After nearly a decade of teaching elementary and middle school in San Francisco, Hawaii, and Alaska, Kristin White has found one of the best parts of her job is watching students discover the power of reading and the magic of books! Reading is not just a subject in her classroom, it’s an important ingredient in learning across the curriculum, found and practiced in nearly every subject, activity, and project.
Mrs. White’s third graders are taught that to become great readers, skills within all of the components of literacy, including writing, speaking, and listening, must be practiced and developed. Students enter third grade with a wide range of abilities, experiences, and interests. Mrs. White takes time to get to know who she is teaching, and helps students grow from where they’re at.
Mrs. White makes reading fun! She creates unique opportunities to encourage, inspire, and motivate students to read. Some of her classroom activities include:
- Hosting Author Celebrations for student writers to present their work to peers, parents, and adults from the community
- Bringing animals into the classroom for students to read aloud to
- Facilitating daily Reader Workshops to allow students to explore texts in flexible and inviting reading spaces
- Creating special and unique spaces to read, such as a “reading tent” with a faux campfire to read around
- Hosting Reading Celebrations complete with tasty refreshments
- Recording students reading aloud to air on local public radio
- Writing book summaries, then constructing special displays to showcase their work
- Using book topics to inspire and connect with related activities – such as researching the history of chocolate, then hosting a chocolate sampling
Thank you, Mrs. White, for teaching the power of reading!
Want to share how you support reading? Tell us by tagging @alaskaDEED on social media, using #akreads, or emailing rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov.
Last Call! 2020 National High School Design Competition
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum recently launched its fifth annual National High School Design Competition, challenging teens with: What would you design to help more of us feel included? Prizes include trips to New York City and Minneapolis to participate in various mentoring activities, and more. Entries are due February 10.
Last Call! Webinar on Civil Legal Justice: The Crucial Role of Libraries
Webinar participants can learn about the status of civil legal justice, the vital role public libraries can play in reducing the justice gap, and about the live, multi-week course to be offered in April, which takes a deeper look at supporting people to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Register for the February 11 webinar.
Last Call! University of Alaska Anchorage/Anchorage Daily News Creative Writing Contest
The Alaska Center for the Book is coordinating the annual UAA/ADN Creative Writing Contest. This statewide contest is open for writers of all ages in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry categories. Entries are due February 12.
Last Call! Alaska Postsecondary Access and Completion Network seeking individuals for its Board of Directors
The Alaska Postsecondary Access and Completion Network is currently accepting nominations for individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for the 2020-2023 Term. The Network relies on the efforts and expertise of its Board members to guide the successful development of the organization. Nominations are due February 13.
Last Call! Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education Student Poster Contest
Using the theme “Together We’re Better”, students in grades K-6 in Alaska are invited to create posters depicting topics such as: Why is it important to have friends of all abilities? How can you learn from your friends of all abilities? How can we be better and stronger together at school and in a community? A flyer with more information is attached, along with a submission form. Contact elena.markova@alaska.gov for more information. Submission deadline is February 14.
Last Call! Fourth Annual Positive Leadership for Active Alaska Youth (PLAAY) Summit
Register for the 4th annual PLAAY Summit in Anchorage February 14-15. Remote conferencing is available. The summit is a conference for leaders of youth that provides tools to better address physical, emotional, and mental health issues facing Alaska’s youth. Professional development credits and Nursing and Social Work contact hours are available.
Last Call! The Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference
ASSEC is committed to providing high quality professional development relevant to the cultural, rural, and remote characteristics of our great state. Join fellow special educators, administrators, paraprofessionals and families to learn more about disabilities and education from nationally recognized speakers and local experts. Pre-conference February 15-16, and main conference February 17-19 in Anchorage.
NEW! Inter-Tribal Agriculture Council Offering Paid Internships
The Inter-Tribal Agriculture Council is offering paid internships to American Indian students in high school and college who are passionate about promoting the regeneration of natural resources within their communities. Applications are due February 20.
NEW! February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAPM) is a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen and 20-something relationships and promote programs that prevent it. Stand Up Speak Up Alaska invites you to further focus on student safety and well-being this February during TDVAPM. The promotion of healthy relationships and prevention of abusive ones can keep students from experiencing negative academic and health outcomes now and in the future. See the attached flyer for more information.
Take action and get involved:
- Tuesday 2/11 - Wear Orange 4 Love Day – wear orange to raise awareness and promote ending dating violence
- Thursday 2/24-2/28 - Chalk About Love Week
- Friday 2/28 - Live Lunchtime Chat with Alaskans - Dial in: 1-669-900-6833. Meeting ID: 866 252 951
NEW! 2020 Poverty Guidelines Released
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2020.
NEW! The U.S. Department of Education invites applicants for Indian Education Formula Grants
The Indian Education Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies (Formula Grants) program provides grants to support local educational agencies, Indian Tribes and organizations, and other eligible entities in developing and implementing elementary and secondary school programs that serve Indian students. Part I of the application is due March 9, Part II of the application is due March 21.
NEW! Alaskans Recognized for their Commitment and Dedication to School Nutrition
Elizabeth “Libby” Edelman of Valdez, AK was recognized at the 52nd Annual Alaska School Nutrition Association (AKSNA) Conference with the Dean Hamburg Award. Also recognized with the President’s Award were Walter Williams of Dillingham, Tanya Dube of Anchorage, and Adriane Schwartz of Juneau.
NEW! 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.
Reminder: Initial FY22 Attendance Area Report for District Review
District requests for changes to the attendance area report utilized to determine space eligibility for FY2022 school construction projects are due by March 1. Contact Sharol.Roys@alaska.gov for more information.
Reminder: DEED Awarded a Grant from the EPA to Test for Lead in School Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded DEED $111,000 to initiate a testing program for lead in drinking water at schools and child care facilities, prioritizing facilities serving children under six-years old and in underserved and low-income populations.
Reminder: The Snapdragon Book Foundation offers Grants for Books for Schools
The Snapdragon Foundation was established to provide funds to improve school libraries for disadvantaged children. Schools that serve PreK through grades 12 are eligible to apply. Applications are due February 16.
Reminder: The SHLB Coalition Releases 2020 Policy Roadmap
The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition released its 2020 Policy Roadmap outlining the path forward for community anchor institution (CAI) broadband. Schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other CAIs rely on high-quality broadband to provide essential services to their communities.
Reminder: 2020 AIA Frank Maier High School Design Competition
The American Institute of Architecture (AIA), Alaska, is seeking entries for its 2020 AIA Frank Maier High School Design Competition. This year’s competition is titled “Equality Exchange” and challenges students to think about the rights of Alaska’s citizens. Submissions are due April 18. Please see the attached flyer for more information, or contact Richard Rearick at Richard.rearick@uiccs.com or (907) 273-1824.
Special Feature: Alaska Reads Act
The Alaska Reads Act, through Senate Bill 6 (SB6), continues to move through the legislative process. SB6 was heard today in the Senate Education Committee with invited testimony.
SB6 has the following hearings scheduled for next week:
- Tuesday, February 11 at 9:00 am in the Senate Education Committee
- Wednesday, February 12 at 9:00 am in the Senate Education Committee
- Thursday, February 13 at 9:00 am in the Senate Education Committee
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is hiring!
Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and challenging work environment? Do you work well independently and as part of a team? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and supportive work environment? The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is seeking applicants for the following positions in Juneau:
ACPE is the State's postsecondary education agency, promoting access to, and success in, education and career training after high school.
Nominate an Outstanding Alaska Secondary School Principal and Assistant Principal
The Association of Secondary School Principals is accepting nominations for Regional Principal of the Year and Regional Assistant Principal of the Year. Nominations can be made by anyone in the community of school. Nominations are due February 28.
Renewable Energy Alaska Project is seeking a STEM Educator
REAP is seeking a STEM Educator to join its clean energy and training team. The STEM Educator will assist with REAP’s education and outreach efforts through classroom visits and teacher trainings, curriculum development and review, and general outreach and promotion of energy education to stakeholders around the state.
King Tech High School Students Selected as CTE Presidential Scholar Candidates
Congratulations to Austin Chase of Eagle River and Xochitl Davis of Anchorage on being selected as CTE Presidential Scholar Candidates for 2020! Both Austin and Xochitl attend King Tech High School in Anchorage. The program was established to recognize and honor some of the nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. A full list of 2020 candidates is available.
2020 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest: The Right to Vote
The Ninth Circuit is hosting its 2020 Civics Contest, and the theme is Right to Vote. The essay and video contest is for high school students in the western United States and Pacific Islands. Alaska high school students won first place in 2017 and 2019! Entries are accepted from February 15 through March 25.
DEED Announces Federal Literacy Development Sub-Grant Recipients
DEED announced in October 2019 that it received a $20.7 million five-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand the state’s efforts to improve literacy skills for all students. In addition to using grant funds to develop and implement a comprehensive state literacy program, competitive sub grants were offered to school districts for projects to advance literacy skills.
Summer Food Service Program Looking for Local Sites
Too many children who rely on school meals do not have access to meals in the summer. Are there children in your community who will go hungry this summer? DEED’s Child Nutrition Programs is looking for school districts, parks and recreation departments, non-profit organizations, and churches to operate Summer Food Service Program feeding sites for children and youth in low-income areas in Alaska. All sponsors receive training and technical assistance from DEED/CNP prior to starting their Summer Food Service Program, and throughout the program’s duration. Applications are due April 15. For questions or to register contact Jennifer Cherian at jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4969. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
- In-Person Training in Anchorage for All Sponsors:
February 27, 2020 - 8:30AM to 4:30 PM - All SFSP Administrators
- Distance Delivery for All Sponsors – Training Delivered via WebEx
March 18, 2020 - 9:00 AM to 3:30PM - All SFSP Administrators
- Distance Delivery for School Food Authorities - Training Delivered via WebEx
March 19, 2020 - 1:00PM to 4:30 PM - School District SFSP Administrators ONLY
New Application Process for Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Program
The U.S. Department of Education closely evaluated the SRSA application process and determined that the applicant burden could be significantly reduced while maintaining appropriate accountability in our grantmaking procedures. The Department will conduct webinars for school district staff on March 19 and April 2 to demonstrate the new process for submitting the SRSA application. More information is detailed in the attached letter from the Department.
AK|NEXT Statewide Youth Leadership Program
Do you know a high school student who would like to spend a week in Juneau this summer as part of a free youth leadership program? Applications are now open for AK|Next. The program is seeking students who want to make a positive impact in their community and connect with other youth from different cultures and communities across Alaska. Applications are due February 29.
Building a Strong Future for Evidenced-Based Improvement in ESSA Implementation
To better understand the Center on Education Policy’s (CEP) implementation research on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) this webinar will focus on the challenges and opportunities for states and districts as they implement evidence-based interventions to support low-performing schools under ESSA.
Creative Coding is now included in BrainPOP Subscription
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? And now, BrainPOP is offering Creative Coding to teach coding and computer science to students and educators. Contact Martha Ketsdever, BrainPOP Account Manager for Alaska State Libraries, for more information at marthak@brainpop.com.
Spring 2020 AK-CASE Scholarship
Alaska Council of Administrators of Special Education (AK-CASE) is offering a $1,000 scholarship to provide support for students currently enrolled in UAA, UAS, UAF, or an online program and pursuing a career in special education or related service field. For more information please see the attached letter. Applications are due March 17.
The American Society of Human Genetics is proud to support National DNA Day through the Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and asks students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics. Prizes offer grants for genetics materials. Submission deadline is March 4.
Education Programs Affected by the 2020 Census
Census responses drive decisions on the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds to states and communities. The data from the census could impact funding formulas used by these programs as soon as the 2021-22 school year, and will continue to impact school funding for the next decade. In March 2020 households will receive a notice in the mail to complete the 2020 Census. The public can begin responding to the census online at 2020census.gov, or by mail or phone. Learn more about how the 2020 Census can affect schools by visiting www.census.gov/schools or by reviewing the attached flyer.
USDA Announces School and Summer Meal Reforms
The USDA announced two proposals that will put local school and summer food service operators back in the driver’s seat of their programs. The school meals proposed rule will offer increased flexibilities for local school districts to serve children food they will want to eat. Reforms to the Summer Food Service Program will offer operators more local control to better serve children.
2020 Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) Outcomes Report
The 2020 APS Outcomes Report provides information relative to the number of applicants, categories of scholarships awarded, the dollar amount of scholarships awarded, and data regarding high school and postsecondary student performance and characteristics.
Applications open for Computer Science Workshops
Middle and High School teachers are invited to participate in 5-day Code.org workshops this June in Anchorage and Fairbanks. There is no cost to participate, and travel scholarships are available.
- CS Discoveries (Grades 6-10), June 1-5 in Anchorage or June 8-12 in Fairbanks
- CS Principals (Grades 9-12 and AP), June 1-5 in Anchorage
Presidential Primary Sources Project
Register for PPSP to learn about presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and George Washington directly from National Park Service rangers and presidential historians. This free, live, interactive web series for grades 4-12 runs January through March.
Register Now for the 6th Annual AlaskaCAN! Conference
Representatives from Alaska agencies, institutions, school districts, industries, businesses, and Alaska Native organizations will meet in Anchorage on February 27–28 for the 6th annual AlaskaCAN! Conference. The theme of the Conference will be Educational Equity.
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.
Alaska State Council on the Arts Grant Opportunities
The Alaska State Council on the Arts has multiple grant categories open for application, including: organizations, individuals, and art education. Cultural Collaboration Excursion grant applications are available on a rolling deadline, with applications due 30 days prior to the planned arts excursion. Information on all available grants can be found on the website.
Save the Date! The IECMHI+CAFBHC Conference will be held March 30-April 3 in Anchorage at the Dena’ina Convention Center.
Cornell High School Summer Engineering Academy
Cornell University is seeking high school students who excel in science and math and want to learn more about engineering! There are two different one-week summer residential programs – the Curie and Catalyst Academies. Target populations include junior and senior women students of all backgrounds; and junior and senior male and female students from underrepresented backgrounds and/or first generation college students. Tuition waivers may be available. For questions email dpeng@cornell.edu. Applications are due March 2.
2020 Justice for All Art Contest
Students are invited to interpret the importance of Fairness, Diversity, and Equality to our justice system in two-dimensional art forms (drawings, paintings, original prints, photographs, etc.) and then submit them to the 10th Annual Justice for All Art Contest. Deadline is March 16.
EPA Announces Funding to Reduce Emissions from Diesel Engines
The EPA announced the availability of grant funding to implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from older diesel engines. Public school districts, regional, state, local, or tribal agencies are eligible to apply. Eligible diesel vehicles include school buses. Application deadline is February 26.
The Alaska Council of School Administrators will host its 2020 Legislative Fly-In on March 15-18 in Juneau. This is a valuable opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the state to receive policy updates on relevant topics, engage in professional development in leadership and to have unified efforts to reach legislators on important education matters during the legislative session.
2020 National Youth Science Camp Competition is Open
The 57th annual National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) competition is now open to Alaskan high school students who will graduate by June 30, 2020. NYSC is a great opportunity for seniors with a dedicated interest in scientific and engineering research. The application deadline is February 28. For more information contact Bjorn Wolter at bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov
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 run through April 29. 500 level credit offered through UAA Pace.
Alaska Society for Technology in Education 2020 Conference
The ASTE is hosting its 40th annual conference February 22-25 in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook. The theme for this year is Securing our Future – securing life, health, and wellness; device security; digital citizenship; and securing funding for school, teacher, and state.
Upcoming Workshops for teachers presented by Alaska Staff Development Network and Code.org
Elementary school educators are invited to join in one-day Computer Science Fundamentals workshops. No computer science background is needed! Scroll down to the “Upcoming K-6 Workshops” section on their webpage for more information.
- Delta Junction, CS Deep Dive – February 8
- Fairbanks, CS Discoveries – February 15
- Anchorage (statewide) CS Fundamentals and Deep Dive at the ASTE Conference – February 23-25
- Ketchikan – March 7
- Wrangell – CS Deep Dive – April 10
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) invites interested individuals to become Site Coordinators for one of its Alaska College & Career Advising Consortium initiatives – Apply Now Alaska. Apply Now Alaska is a part a nationwide effort to increase the number of low-income and first-generation students applying to postsecondary institutions. Events will be held November through February. For more information, please contact Dominika Szpotanska, ACAC Coordinator, at dominika.szpotansk@alaska.gov, or at (907) 269-7971.
Alaska’s Stone Soup Group Offers Trainings relating to Special Needs Children
Stone Soup Group provides information, support, training, and resources to assist families caring for children with special needs. Transition Series: Supported Decision-Making Agreements and Alternatives to Guardianship includes a series of lectures on what you need to know as you and your student with disabilities prepare for adulthood. Also available via webinar. Every third Thursday at 5:30-7:00 pm, through March 19.
Career Connections Registration is now open
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
Alaska Close Up Registration is open
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.
To submit news items, please contact Rochelle Lindley at (907) 465-6535 or rochelle.lindley@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.