March 31, 2026

DPI Guidance on Religious and Cultural Items at Graduation

As we approach the end of the school year, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly has issued a Dear Colleague letter outlining forthcoming legislation related to students’ rights to wear items of religious and cultural significance at graduation ceremonies and school-sponsored events, including tribal regalia for American Indian students. Administrators are encouraged to review this information to ensure local practices align with anticipated requirements.

The letter is available on the DPI’s American Indian Studies Program webpage. For questions, please contact DPI Education Consultant, American Indian Studies Program David O’Connor at David.OConnor@dpi.wi.gov.

Student Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Mini-Grant – FY 2026-27

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is accepting applications for the FY 2026-27 Student AODA Mini-Grant. This opportunity is open to K-12 student groups in public schools and supports student-led education, prevention, and intervention projects addressing alcohol and other drug abuse, commercial tobacco and vaping, violence, bullying, suicide prevention, and alcohol traffic safety. Awards are up to $1,000, and schools or districts may submit multiple applications, with one application per student group.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on May 27, 2026. Funding will be awarded during the 2026-27 school year, contingent on the state budget. Additional consideration is given to projects demonstrating strong youth involvement, clear educational value, and geographic diversity across the state. Application materials and more information are available on the DPI’s Student AODA Mini-Grant webpage. Questions can be directed to DPIAODA.Grant@dpi.wi.gov.

For more details and to access the application materials, visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Student AODA Mini-Grant Program webpage. For questions, contact DPIAODA.Grant@dpi.wi.gov.