Tuesday, September 26, 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!
Virtual Exchange Opportunity Deadline Approaching
The Wisconsin DPI is growing its partnership with the Stevens Initiative to promote global learning through virtual exchange in our state. Applications from Wisconsin school leaders are being accepted, through October 20, for the 2024 Virtual Exchange Academy. The Academy is facilitated by the Stevens Initiative through six, two-hour, weekly sessions, late January through early March. Ten participants will be selected, from the pool of Wisconsin applicants, to engage in collaborative learning with administrators and school leaders from around the world. Questions related to global education programs and partnerships in Wisconsin can be emailed to DPI World Language and Global Education Consultant, Pam Delfosse, pamela.delfosse@dpi.wi.gov.
Virtual Workshop for Teachers of Native American Indian Languages on Assessing Language Proficiency Levels
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Minnesota Department of Education are partnering to offer training on language proficiency levels, based on the ACTFL proficiency scale. This language proficiency training is for teachers of Native American Indian languages and adult speakers involved in supporting Indigenous language learning. The training, provided by ACTFL (a national association of professional language educators), will focus on language proficiency levels and strategies for growing and assessing students’ language proficiency over time.
This virtual workshop is free and scheduled for the mornings of November 30 and December 1, 2023. Registrants are required to attend both days from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Review the workshop summary and register by October 27, 2023.
Nominate an Outstanding WI Mathematics or Science Teacher Today!
Calling all elementary teachers who love math or 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!
Design a Civics Game for Fun and Prizes!
The Library of Congress is sponsoring a challenge to help improve public knowledge of civics – that is, the rights and responsibilities of citizens – by asking video game developers to create fun, lightweight video games related to civics that incorporate Library of Congress resources. The Library will award cash prizes to the winners and the games will be hosted on the Library's site for use by the public. The deadline for entries is Nov. 27, 2023. Additional details on the rules and information on how to enter are available on this website.
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin South Central Region Community Scavenger Hunt
A fun and action-oriented scavenger hunt that takes you to hidden gems, fascinating spots, and diverse people in your community. You register online, download the printable scavenger hunt sheet, and then follow the instructions to visit places or complete tasks in your community. Sharing achievement photos on social media is encouraged! Prizes are available and proceeds support local K-12 grade youth through Junior Achievement programs. Scavenger hunt registration is now open, and the hunt runs October 1-31, 2023. For families unable to afford the event registration fee, family scholarships are available. Email your family event registration scholarship request to: southcentralregion@jawis.org
News from Around the State
Newsmakers: State of Education 2023 with DPI Supt. Underly, Wisconsin Eye
The Department of Public instruction Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, who delivered her 3rd State of Education address last week, is moving forward with a statewide strategic planning process for the agency. She insists that despite the struggles of public schools and the politicization of education, there is hope for the future of Wisconsin students and room for bi-partisan agreement on key issues. Dr. Underly joined WisconsinEye's Newsmakers host Lisa Pugh on September 25, 2023 to discuss.
DC Everest students learn about farming and feeding America, WSAW 7 - Wausau
Fourth graders got to spend a day on a farm and played with animals, saw how a combine works, and took a few notes from the bigger kids.
A Wisconsin elementary school is delivering books to kids in a vending machine, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Dixon Elementary School, in the Elmbrook School District, introduced the device at the start of the school year to provide every student at the school with a book on their birthday.