Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Welcome to the ConnectEd Bulletin Board!
This is the place to find opportunities for further professional development, grant and awards opportunities, and much more!
Teaching Thanksgiving With Accuracy and Authenticity
Take the DPI Strategic Planning Survey and Attend a Community Engagement Session!
November is Military Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month
WI 21st CCLC 2024-25 Grant Applications Are Now Available!
Better FAFSA Form for 2024-25 Coming Soon
PBS Wisconsin Education Adds Three New Resources to Popular Collections
Educational Equity Network Leadership Series
Nominate an Outstanding WI Mathematics or Science Teacher Today!
Public Library Director Position Open in Madison, Wisconsin
News from Around the State
Teaching Thanksgiving With Accuracy and Authenticity
During Native American History Month, and especially around Thanksgiving in the United States, it is extremely important to not play into stereotypes of Native Peoples, and instead to focus on what is accurate and authentic. Here is a list of recommended resources for teachers and administrators to help lead respectful, relevant conversations about the holiday and American history.
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Take the DPI's Strategic Planning Survey and Attend a Community Engagement Session!
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is engaged in the creation of a five-year strategic plan. The Strategic Plan aims to align the work of the agency and the needs of all learners in our schools and libraries. Our strategic planning process features three phases culminating in a strategic plan in fall 2024.
Take the DPI Strategic Planning survey now!
Attend a Strategic Planning Community Engagement Session
Learn more about the DPI's Strategic Planning Process
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November is Military Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month
November is designated as a time to appreciate military veterans, service members, and their families. We are proud to join school districts, organizations, and communities across the state in recognizing the service of all of those who have served and are serving our state and country in the military. Shelley Joan Weiss, the Wisconsin Commissioner for the Education of Military Children, has served in the military and is a longtime educator. She has shared a variety of resources with ideas for recognizing veterans, military members, and their families. If you have questions, please contact Shelley by email.
WI 21st CCLC 2024-25 Grant Applications Are Now Available!
The DPI is pleased to announce the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Grant competition, for funding beginning in the 2024-25 school year.
A 21st Century Community Learning Center provides an array of activities during non-school hours, or periods when school is not in session (such as before and after school, weekends and during school breaks). The purpose of the 21st CCLC program is to provide academic enrichment, a broad array of additional services, and offer adult family members of program participants opportunities for educational development and engagement.
Applications are due on or before 4 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2024. More information and application materials are available on the DPI’s 21st CCLC Competition website.
Better FAFSA Form for 2024-25 Coming Soon
For students who plan to attend college or career/trade school between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) processes and system will be getting big updates. This includes a new and improved FAFSA experience for students and families. As a result, the updated FAFSA form will be available in December 2023. Changes include:
- Expanded eligibility for federal student aid
- More streamlined application process
- Better user experience for the FAFSA form.
The US Department of Education has resources available to help you understand these changes, and additional resources and updated information will be coming soon. Updated information will also be available on the DPI's school counseling FAFSA information page.
PBS Wisconsin Education Adds Three New Resources to Popular Collections
PBS Wisconsin Education’s resource collections continue to expand with a new addition to Meet the Lab and two new music culture-bearers added to the Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin collection.
Meet the Lab connects middle-grade learners to relevant real-world issues, cutting-edge research, and the human element: people working together to research, innovate, and solve problems using science. The new lab, “Climate Trackers: Superpowered by Ecometeorology”, introduces students to scientists who collect and share data about the earth’s land and air to help inform decisions for our changing climate.
The Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin collection explores the connections between music, identities, cultures, and emotions, introducing educators and learners to Wisconsin musicians from distinct cultural groups through a musical composition and videos discussing their art, culture, and identity. Marcya Daneille, a jazz vocalist based in Milwaukee, joins the collection alongside Kellen “Klassik” Abston, who produces electro-soul-infused hip-hop music.
Educational Equity Network Leadership Series
The Educational Equity Network invites all Wisconsin educators to continue deepening their equity work by attending the 2023-2024 Educational Equity Leadership Series. This unique series was designed to increase educators' capacity for co-creating belonging in all learning spaces. The next learning event will take place online on Jan. 25, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To learn about the full slate of presenters and to sign up to attend, visit the Educational Equity Network's Winter Institute Page.
Nominate an Outstanding WI Mathematics or Science Teacher Today!
Calling all elementary teachers who love mathematics and science! The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for mathematics or science teaching. The award recognizes those teachers who use their deep content knowledge and pedagogical skills to support and leverage students’ strengths to be successful in learning mathematics or science. Nominations are now open for the K-6 cycle of these awards with applications due in February 2024. Learn more about this White House-sponsored award, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) by visiting the PAEMST website. Mentors and other supports are available for Wisconsin applicants. Have questions? Please contact Julie Bormett for math, or Kevin Anderson for science
Public Library Director Position Open in Madison, Wisconsin
Come lead a wonderful library system in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin! The City of Madison is looking for an innovative and collaborative leader who can connect the Madison Public Library to people across the community. The library is consistently celebrated as a pioneer in creative community-building activities and diverse services. In the role, you would manage nine libraries, a mobile library (The Dream Bus), approximately 135 permanent employees, and 125 hourly employees to fulfill the Library’s vision, mission and values. Learn more and apply online!
Marquette engineering students, high schoolers make adaptive toys via TMJ4 - Milwaukee
As a part of Penfield's Inclusive Play Toys for All program, they’re making simple changes to give more kids the chance to learn through play.
L.E. Phillip’s Memorial Public Library hosts 29th annual Give a Kid a Book Program via WEAU 13 – Eau Claire
L.E. Phillip’s Memorial Public Library has been holding their annual Give a Kid a Book Program for over 29 years.
Looking back at Act 31, Wisconsin's Native American education law via WUWM - Milwaukee
More than 30 years ago, Wisconsin signed a law that required schools to teach about Native American history, culture and tribal sovereignty. It’s known as Act 31.
We want to hear from you. Take the DPI's Strategic Planning survey!