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Vol. 48 No. 8

DEED Spotlight on Students: Molly and Kaegan of River City Academy in Soldotna.

Molly and Kaegan started the RCA Book Nook, a children’s reading project aimed at elementary school viewers. The RCA Book Nook hosts weekly episodes, and promotes the love of reading through interviews with community members and the read aloud of a favorite book.

In each episode members of the community are asked about their favorite picture book. Molly and Kaegan have brought in local teachers, a student, librarian, business owner, and a landscape architect! Each interviewee plays a different role in the community, but all are brought together by their passion for reading.

DEED’s Commissioner Johnson was lucky enough to film an episode with Kaegan while he was in Juneau last week. Watch for more episodes of the RCA Book Nook coming soon!

Molly and Kaegan – thank you for putting together this special project and sharing your love of reading with the world!

RCA Book Nook Episode 1

RCA Book Nook Episode 2

Want to share how you support reading? Why you love reading? Or why you think reading is important? Tell us by tagging @alaskaDEED on social media, using #akreads, or emailing rochelle.lindley@alaska.gov.

Last Call! 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.

 

 

Last Call! Alaska Close Up

Alaska Close Up, a program of SERRC - Alaska's Educational Resource Center, 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. The session will take place Feb. 23-28, 2020, in Juneau.

 

 

Last Call! 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.

 

 

Last Call! 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

 

 

Last Call! 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.

 

 

Last Call! 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

 

 

Last Call! 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.

 

 

Last Call! 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:

 

 

Last Call! 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.

 

 

Last Call! February is CTE Awareness Month

Did you know that February is Career and Technical Education Awareness Month? To celebrate, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District shared with us the great CTE opportunities in their district. Consider using this month to highlight the CTE opportunities in your district. Want to learn more about CTE in Alaska? Check out this infographic, or visit DEED’s website!

 

 

NEW! The State Board to Hold Work Session on February 26

The State Board of Education and Early Development will hold a work session on February 26 by audio conference, originating from the commissioner’s office conference room at 801 West Tenth Street in Juneau. The meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m.

 

 

NEW! USDA Food and Nutrition Services Seeking Public Comment on Proposed Regulations

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service is seeking public comment on two proposed regulations related to the Summer Food Service Program, and the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The comment period ends March 23.

 

 

NEW! SIS Week: Everyone Counts!

March 2-6 is the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools (SIS) Week: Everyone Counts! This occurs just days before the majority of households across the country are invited to respond to the 2020 Census in mid-March. SIS Week is a chance for educators and schools across the nation to play an active role in ensuring that everyone in their community is counted. Check out the partner resources folder  (Password: sLTisw33) and K-12 Take Home Flyers.  

 

 

NEW! Earn Credits, Have Fun, and Learn to Integrate with the Arts!

The Alaska Arts Education Consortium has opened registration for four unique Arts Institutes. Educators from all districts are invited to attend. For more information contact Barbara Short, AAEC Executive Director, bshort@akartsed.org.

  • Science and the Arts for Elementary Classroom Teachers – May 26-29, Anchorage Summer Academy, 2 credits
  • Social Emotional Learning and the Arts – June 1-5, Soldotna, 3 credits
  • Multicultural Arts Institute – June 15-20, Fairbanks, 3 credits
  • Cultural Arts Institute – July 20-31, Juneau with trip to Klukwan, 4 credits

 

 

NEW! Alaska’s Heart through Student Art

Call for student art! Showcase your student art at the 5th Annual Alaska’s Heart through Student Art show. Art will be on display at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff Library, Archives and Museum building in March.

 

 

NEW! DEED releases 21st Century Community Learning Centers FY21 Request for Applications

DEED is seeking applicants for competitive 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding that would begin providing programming in the fall of the 20-21 school year. The goal of the 21st CCLC program is to raise student academic achievement by providing students engaging out-of-school-time academic assistance and educational enrichment opportunities.  Applications are due April 17.  For questions, please contact Jessica Paris at jessica.paris@alaska.gov or 907-465-8716.

 

 

NEW! National School Breakfast Week

March 2-6 is National School Breakfast Week! This year’s theme is “School Breakfast: Out of this World.” Check out the marketing and PR resources available to promote National School Breakfast Week in your school or district.

 

 

Reminder: New Per-Pupil Expenditure Data Available to the Public

In September 2019 DEED released a new online data portal for Alaska’s families entitled The Compass: A Guide to Alaska’s Public Schools. As of February 2020, DEED has added data relating to per-pupil expenditures of federal, state, and local funds to the online portal.

 

 

Reminder: DEED FY2022 Capital Improvement Project Grant Application Workshop

DEED is offering free workshops on the FY2022 Capital Improvement Project grant application and utilizing department-provided tools for capital project administration processes. The workshop will be held May 7 and 8 at the Anchorage BP Energy Center. Registration on the Facilities CIP webpage.

 

 

Reminder: Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

The Alaska Training Cooperative is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid training. This 8-hour public education program is intended for adults, and introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents. One professional development credit is available through UAA PACE with additional study and papers. The training will take place in Juneau on April 3. Contact Wendi Shackelford at (907) 264-6224 or wendis@alaskachd.org for more information.

 

 

Reminder: SchoolSafety.gov Provides Resources to Create a Safer School

The SchoolSafety.gov website was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with a one-stop shop of resources to address various threats related to safety, security, and support in schools.

 

 

Reminder: President’s FY2021 Federal Budget Proposal

President Trump released his FY2021 Federal Budget Proposal this week. The U.S. Department of Education issued a press release outlining the impacts on education.

 

 

Reminder: Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program

The Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program strives to increase Native representation in the field of education by providing financial support, mentoring, and internships for Native students in the Northwest who are pursuing a master’s degree in educational policy, leadership, technical assistance, research, or a closely related field. Awardees can receive up to $5,000 per year. Application deadline is March 31.

 

 

Reminder: Senator Murkowski’s 2020 High School Intern Program

Senator Murkowski is seeking high school seniors for her 2020 High School Intern Program. Twenty students will be selected from across Alaska to participate. Independent, inquisitive, and mature young Alaskans should apply. The first session will occur June 1-26. The second session will occur July 6-31. Senator Murkowski is also seeking Summer Intern Coordinators who will supervise the High School Interns in their daily activities. Coordinator applicants must be at least 21 years of age. Applications for both programs are due March 16.

 

 

Reminder: NCCER for Teachers Professional Development

Prince William Sound College was recently awarded a DEED grant to support teachers and paraprofessionals with a direct role in teaching CTE to become National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certified instructors. Scholarships will provide tuition, NCCER certification, lodging, travel expenses, and stipends. Contact Woody Woodgate at wawoodgate@alaska.edu for more information. Training will occur May 24-30.

 

 

Reminder: Alaskans Honored with Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Zoe Nelles of Palmer and Caleb Song of Anchorage were named Alaska’s top youth volunteers for 2020 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. As State Honorees, each will receive a $1,000 scholarship, an engraved silver medallion, and a trip to Washington D.C. for the program’s national recognition events. Anna Devolld of Soldotna and Natalie Fraser of Anchorage were named Distinguished Finalists and will receive bronze medallions at local ceremonies.

 

 

Special Feature:  Alaska Reads Act

 

Have you checked out the new Alaska Reads Act website yet? You can visit the site at education.alaska.gov/akreads, or visit our homepage and look for the Alaska Reads Act spotlight!

 

The Alaska Reads Act, through Senate Bill 6, was passed out of the Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Finance this week. The bill has its first hearing in Senate Finance on Wednesday, February 26 at 9:00 am, and the committee will be taking public testimony.

 

 

 

2020 Poverty Guidelines Released

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2020.

 

 

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. 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.  

 

 

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.

 

 

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. 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

Annual DNA Day Essay Contest

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Institute + Child, Adolescent, & Family Behavioral Health Conference

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.

 

 

2020 ACSA Legislative Fly-In

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

  • Anchorage (statewide) CS Fundamentals and Deep Dive at the ASTE Conference – February 23-25
  • Ketchikan – March 7
  • Wrangell – CS Deep Dive – April 10

 

 

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

 

 

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.