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- Computer Science Education Week 2024
- 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
- Call for Applicants: BadgerLink Advisory Group
- 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
Computer Science Education Week 2024
We celebrate Computer Science Education week (CS Ed Week) each year during the week of Grace Hopper’s birthday (December 9, 1906), who invented the first compiler and coined the term “bug” (an error in a program) after removing an actual moth from a computer in 1947. The first Hour of Code challenge was held during CS Ed Week in 2013 with a focus on engaging students to complete short programming tutorials.
The future of technology is here, and it continues to get more exciting each year. This year, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Science (CS) are at the forefront of innovation. From personalized learning experiences to groundbreaking discoveries, AI and CS are transforming the way we live and work. View more resources to celebrate Computer Science Education Week by hosting an Hour of Code event, or advocating for Computer Science curricula in your school!
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.
Apply for a Homegrown Grant from Herb Kohl Philanthropies
Homegrown Grant proposals should focus on helping children and youth achieve their potential through education, building family well-being, helping families and individuals become financially stable and self-sufficient, or providing a direct, safety net resource or basic need. Collaboration with local partners is encouraged. The proposal or organization must:
- Invest in people - increase skills, abilities, knowledge, and/or well-being
- Engage people it serves
- Strengthen community connections and/or resources
Homegrown Grants of up to $5,000/year should be considered one-time grants. The Homegrown Grant Committee accepts and reviews applications on a rolling basis from July 1 - March 31. Each application is evaluated with emphasis placed on efforts that create the greatest positive impact through innovation and collaboration. For more information, please visit the Kohl Philanthropies Homegrown Grant web site.
Call for Applicants: BadgerLink Advisory Group
Apply to join the BadgerLink Advisory Group! We are seeking 10 new members to serve two-year terms beginning Spring 2025. Applications accepted through December 13, 2024. Review and selection finalized by January 17, 2025.
Read more about the BadgerLink Advisory Group and apply today!
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.
Hmong educators make strides toward cultural representation in Wisconsin and US schools via Wisconsin Public Radio
A new book illuminates how Hmong students and educators are challenging cultural assimilation in schools.
Proponents Say Universal School Meals Could Fill in the Gaps for Wisconsin Students via The 74
Wisconsin School Nutrition Association President Kaitlin Tauriainen says her goal has always been to feed every student.
Area school officials hope proposed special education funding bump becomes reality viaThe Star
“It would be absolutely wonderful if it happened; however, we’ve seen these types of proposals in the past and they never seem to come to fruition,” said Kathleen Davis-Phillips, director of business and auxiliary services for the DeForest School District.
Teachers ensure positive student outcomes in reading instruction via Door County Daily News
While Act 20 has been portrayed negatively in some communities, educators within the Luxemburg-Casco School District view it in a positive light.
Milwaukee charter school offers optional 5th year of high school while paying for college classes via Wisconsin Public Radio
Pathways High gives low-income students a chance to try out college without going into debt.
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