Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Welcome to the ConnectEd Bulletin Board!
This is the place to find opportunities for further professional development, grant and awards opportunities, and much more!
- Seeking Feedback on Academic and Career Planning Software Tool
- Norovirus Resources and Guidance
- Winter Educational Equity Institute
- Youth Take Climate Action
- National School Counseling Week Breakfast
- New Release on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is LIVE!
- Registration for the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Is Now Open!
- Mariachi Band Joins PBS Wisconsin Education’s Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin Collection
- Increased Cases of Mycoplasma Pneumonia (M. pneumoniae) in School Aged Children
- Apply for a Homegrown Grant from Herb Kohl Philanthropies
- Fostering Young Readers Through Language and Literacy
- Wisconsin Farm to School Recognition Program Launch
- PBS Wisconsin Education’s ‘Wisconsin Biographies’ collection welcomes Roberto Hernández
- We've Moved! Update Your DPI Contacts
Seeking Feedback on Academic and Career Planning Software Tool
The DPI’s current contract with Xello, our state’s Academic and Career Planning (ACP) software provider for students, grades 6-12, expires December 31, 2025. DPI plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify the vendor that will provide Wisconsin’s ACP software tool starting in 2026. The new contract could be with Xello or a new vendor depending on the results of the RFP.
To help define the needs for the ACP software tool in the RFP, a survey is open now through January 17, 2025. If your distribution groups include the following, please share:
- Educators/staff working with grades 6-12 in WI public schools
- Students, grades 6-12, at a Wisconsin public school
- Family/caregivers of a student, grades 6-12, at a WI public school
- Higher education representatives
- Industry partners
Norovirus Resources and Guidance
Norovirus season is here, and Wisconsin has seen more outbreaks than usual for this time of year. The Department of Health Services' (DHS) Enteric Diseases Program has created resources and guidance to assist you and your facilities to prepare for and respond to norovirus outbreaks.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea and is very contagious and spreads easily. Although it is commonly called the stomach flu, norovirus is not related to the flu (influenza). Most people will get better within 1–3 days. People of all ages can get sick with norovirus by accidentally swallowing tiny particles of poop or vomit from a person infected with norovirus.
Symptoms
Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
Prevention
Handwashing is the best way to prevent norovirus. Hand sanitizer is not effective for killing norovirus. Find other ways to prevent norovirus on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage.
Norovirus outbreaks
Suspect an outbreak in your facility if two or more people have similar gastrointestinal symptoms and a suspected common exposure, such as shared food, an ill person, or venue. If you suspect an outbreak, you should contact your local health department.
Norovirus resources
- Clean up after Someone with Norovirus Vomits or has Diarrhea (YouTube)
- Cleaning and Disinfecting with Bleach (CDC)
- How to Prevent Norovirus (CDC)
- Norovirus Fact Sheet (DHS)
- CDC Norovirus Webpage
Winter Educational Equity Institute
Thursday, January 23, 2025
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (CT) online
Understanding Ourselves within the System of Racial Inequities
Morning Institute - 8:30 AM - 11:45 AM (CT)
The morning will begin with Menominee Educator and Leader, Kaméwanukiw Paula Rabideaux, who will lead us in grounding through ancestral homage and wisdom. This will set the foundation for understanding and honoring Indigenous knowledge as we engage with the day's learning. Dr. Shakti Butler and dr. ananda de oliveira mirilli will then explore their personal journeys into the work of racial equity, transformation and healing. Together, they will explore what is needed to mend relationships and foster our collective growth. This session highlights the importance of understanding ourselves and cultivating practices of self-inquiry and self-reflection as vital foundations for meaningful and sustainable systems change.
Advancing Equity Together (Interactive Workshop)
Afternoon Institute - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CT)
In this interactive session, Dr. Shakti Butler will lead participants in a profound exploration of the internal work essential for addressing systems that sustain racial inequities. Leveraging her extensive expertise, Dr. Butler will provide practical tools and strategies to identify and disrupt these inequities in daily practices, supporting participants to foster meaningful change within their communities and organizations. For those unable to attend the morning session, the afternoon session will offer a summary and highlight key takeaways, ensuring that every participant is included in this critical conversation. Join us as we collectively work towards a brighter future for all students.
View the agenda and register to attend!
Youth Take Climate Action
Register now for our upcoming Youth In Action Webinar on January 28 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Hear from three youth-led groups who are organizing, planning, and acting in their school and community to be leaders for a greener, healthier future. Registration and more information at ghswisconsin.org.
Join us for more sessions in our webinars series and get inspired through interactive discussions and real-life stories of action from Wisconsin schools that have implemented green initiatives. Learn more and register.
National School Counseling Week Breakfast
February 7, 2025
8:00am - 11:00am
Regionally, Throughout the State
Join WSCA and your counselor colleagues for a morning of connection, collaboration, and celebration at our 5th Annual National School Counseling Week Breakfast on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 8:00 - 11:00 am! Boasting ten different regional locations and a virtual option, no matter where you are in the state, we have an opportunity for you to join in this celebratory event.
Dr. Carolyn Stone, Professor Emeritus of Counselor Education at the University of North Florida and Past President of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be our keynote speaker streamed into all the regional sites. See below for her keynote description:
"Advocating Legally and Ethically for Marginalized Youth"
School counselors can be powerful strategists when applying legal muscle to problems that impact the educational environment. Federal and case law can protect marginalized youth, yet, there are still laws that can hinder counselors’ advocacy efforts. Intervening on behalf of students is infinitely easier if there is a law that provides leverage. This session focuses on the rights of students who are gay or transgender, students in foster care, pregnant students, victims of dating violence, sexual harassment. or bullying. Legal understanding coupled with our ethical imperative to advocate is a formidable combination and increases the odds that counselors will have sway in systemic change and individual support.
For more information, visit the web site. We couldn't be more excited to have this mid-year opportunity to come together and celebrate all you do as school counselors.
New Release on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is LIVE!
Iteration 1.1 of the AI Guidance for districts and libraries is now available. Empowering Lifelong Learning: AI Guidance for Enhancing K-12 and Library Education
Take the opportunity to review and share with your networks!
Registration for the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Is Now Open!
Schools with students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to participate in the next Youth Risk Behavior Survey data collection. This data collection consists of a survey that is administered to students to determine their current mental health and behavioral needs. Registration to participate in this important data collection is open until February 17, 2025. A registration form and related information can be found on the DPI’s Conducting A YRBS webpage, or you can use this link to access the registration form.
Schools can survey students between January 6 and June 13, 2025. Schools are encouraged to collaborate with local health departments, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs), and other local stakeholders who can help coordinate local data collection efforts.
Mariachi Band Joins PBS Wisconsin Education’s Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin Collection
PBS Wisconsin Education recently added Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee to the Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin collection. Developed for grades 4-8, the free-to-use collection features a diverse array of artists from around the state and aims to help learners make connections between music, identities, cultures, and emotions.
Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee adds their own flair to traditional mariachi songs that evoke emotions and pride in Mexican culture, and connect people across time and place. The resource includes a video interview with two of the band’s members, Francisco Hernández and Marianna Tellez, who share how their music connects them to their roots.
The resource also includes a performance by Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee. “El Son de la Negra” is a well-known mariachi song with a message about asking a woman not to give her heart away to others.
The accompanying educator guide contains additional information about the music, extension ideas, outcomes, strategies, and assessments. Developed with and for educators, the guide was made to help teachers get the most out of the resource.
Increased Cases of Mycoplasma Pneumonia (M. pneumoniae) in School Aged Children
The Department of Health Services has alerted DPI that Wisconsin is experiencing an increase in pneumonia cases in school aged children caused by the M. pneumoniae bacterium. DPI’s school nurse consultant has shared information with school nurses during virtual office hours and a sample letter is posted to the School Health Services Resources webpage under Sample Family Notification Letters.
Fostering Young Readers Through Language and Literacy
A Guide for Connecting the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 Across Early Childhood Systems
This collaboratively developed resource provides an overview of the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 and highlights the intersections to key early care and education systems (child care, Head Start, 4K). It also offers practical strategies for educators to create effective learning environments that nurture the development of strong young readers.
Wisconsin Farm to School Recognition Program Launch
The DPI Farm to School (F2S) team would like to share about an exciting new program, the Wisconsin Farm to School Recognition Program! The purpose of the program is to help schools promote and celebrate their F2S accomplishments. Schools that sign-up complete activities in the three core elements of F2S (local procurement, nutrition and agriculture education, and school gardens) and the number of activities they complete determines their broccoli-pun recognition level. Many of these activities can be seamlessly incorporated into existing programming.
There are four levels of recognition (with an additional bonus level), Broccoli Seedling, Broccoli Sprout, Broccoli Floret, and Broccoli Crown (Bonus: Broccoli Flowering School). Participation is by school (versus district) but there is no limit to the number of schools within a district that can participate. Prize incentives will be given for each completed level. The program officially launched on October 1, but schools can join at any point in the school year. Awards will be given at the end of May 2025.
PBS Wisconsin Education’s ‘Wisconsin Biographies’ collection welcomes Roberto Hernández
PBS Wisconsin Education recently added a new story to the Wisconsin Biographies collection. Roberto Hernández: Working for La Comunidad shares the story of Roberto Hernández, who became an activist for better educational opportunities for his fellow Latino students in Milwaukee.
We've Moved! Update Your DPI Contacts
As of August 5th, the DPI is now located within the Tommy G. Thompson Building, a few short blocks away from our previous location at GEF-3. Our new address is:
201 West Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
Phone numbers and email addresses for DPI colleagues will remain the same.
DPI awarded $10.5M grant to bolster special educator and leadership retention
State superintendent statement on school shooting in Madison
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State Superintendent explains why she wants $3 billion more for the state’s school budget via
WMTV
In a year-end interview, Dr. Jill Underly breaks down what that budget would go toward and her priorities in 2025.
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Educator named as outstanding teacher via
Agri-View
Joshua Gonzalez, a second-grade teacher and Agriculture Committee Chairman at River Trail School of Agricultural Science in Milwaukee Public Schools, was recently named the 2024 Wisconsin Outstanding Teacher by Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom.
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New strain of norovirus could be driving outbreaks, Wisconsin health officials say via
Wisconsin Public Radio
It is typically spread through eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces. It often spreads at restaurants and congregate settings like long-term care facilities or schools.
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Sevastopol Student Selected To Represent Wisconsin In U.S. Senate Youth Program via
Door County Pulse
Sevastopol high school senior Isabella Dereszkiewicz-Hodowany was recently selected as Wisconsin’s representative for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).
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