Wednesday, January 22, 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!
- Update: Support and Resources for Navigating Recent Executive Orders on Immigration
- Apply for the Healthy Schools Academy
- Wisconsin Title 1 Association Spring Conference 2025
- Act 20 Model Promotion Policy Released
- National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
- Upcoming Webinar on TeachingBooks
- Wisconsin Chili Lunch
- Save the Date: Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit
- 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!
- Increased Cases of Mycoplasma Pneumonia (M. pneumoniae) in School Aged Children
- Apply for a Homegrown Grant from Herb Kohl Philanthropies
- Wisconsin Farm to School Recognition Program Launch
- We've Moved! Update Your DPI Contacts
Update: Support and Resources for Navigating Recent Executive Orders on Immigration
Information shared via the DPI EdLeaders Dispatch on January 24, 2025
Apply for the Healthy Schools Academy
Commencing in the school year 2024-2025, the Wisconsin School Health Award will transition to the new Healthy Schools Academy platform. This streamlined, user-friendly platform simplifies participation for schools and will include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) School Health Index (SHI) modules 1-4 as a foundational element.
The Healthy Schools Academy offers:
- Three Participation Levels: Schools can progress through levels based on their capacity and goals, beginning with Level One.
- Funding Opportunities: Participating schools may be eligible for financial support once a level is completed.
- Collaborative Learning: Schools will have access to Communities of Practice or Professional Learning Communities, where members can engage, share insights, and learn from one another.
To apply for the Healthy Schools Academy a school must register by February 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. After registering, schools will participate in a 15 minute interview with program director Eileen Hare to assess eligibility based on its responses and academy’s available funding.
Wisconsin Title 1 Association Spring Conference 2025
April 3 · 8am - April 4 · 2:30pm CDT
45 Hillman Road, Wisconsin Dells
The Wisconsin Title 1 Association (WT1A) is a dedicated group of educators committed to promoting and enhancing the quality of Title 1 programs throughout the state of Wisconsin. The group is comprised of educational professionals from all corners of the state who are concerned with children who have learning difficulties. A conference is held each spring to keep members current on developments in the field and to share the latest state and federal updates.
For more information and to register, click here.
Act 20 Model Promotion Policy Released
Under Wisconsin Act 20, local education agencies must adopt a third- to fourth-grade promotion policy that takes into account students’ reading proficiency. DPI was required to provide districts with a model policy by January 31, 2024. Representatives from L&M team collaborated with members of a cross divisional workgroup to develop the model policy by the statutorily-set deadline.
The model promotion policy, which can be accessed on the WI Reads, Promotion Policy webpage, encourages districts to work with families to make decisions about promotion on a case-by-case basis and to emphasize reading supports rather than retention. It also provides guidance related to the good cause exception that the law allows to the retention policy for students who are multilingual learners and students with IEPs.
Upcoming Webinar on TeachingBooks
TeachingBooks is presenting a webinar on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at noon on using TeachingBooks at the Public Library. Even if you can't attend the live webinar, you can still register to receive a recording of this session.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Wisconsin school staff can help prevent and respond to trafficking by learning more about the topic, in addition to implementing such best practices as trauma sensitive schools, social and emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, resilience building, fostering relationships, and encouraging a welcoming inclusive environment for all students. The following are a few resources to help you get started.
Keep in mind that suspicions of child sex trafficking must be reported to CPS or law enforcement by mandated reporters, including all school staff. For additional information on reporting sex trafficking and using the Exploitation Indictor and Response Guide, please review the DPI Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Online Learning Modules found here.
For more information and resources, consult the DPI's SSPW Human Trafficking prevention page.
Wisconsin Chili Lunch
Celebrate Wisconsin-grown foods and farm to institution efforts by joining the 2025 Wisconsin Chili Lunch. Join K-12 schools, early care and education programs, hospitals, colleges, and more by cooking and serving a chili recipe made with local ingredients on National Chili Day—Thursday, February 27, 2025!
The goal of the Wisconsin Chili Lunch is to create strong connections between Wisconsin farmers and eaters and demonstrate how organizations can serve Wisconsin-grown foods - even in winter. This statewide chili lunch event inspires nutritious school and early care meals and supports farm to institution initiatives throughout the state while encouraging year-round purchases of local foods.
Participation is simple: Prepare and serve your Wisconsin Chili Lunch using as many locally grown ingredients as possible! Add local meats, cheese, or yogurt! Serve it in a bowl, on a baked potato, or with a cinnamon roll! Use a recipe listed on the Wisconsin Chili Lunch website or cook up your own favorite recipe. Register today to get the Chili Lunch Guide, supply chain help, more recipes and get connected to other farm to institution efforts in the state.
Save the Date: Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction-School Nutrition Team is excited to announce Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit.
Who: Anyone interested in school wellness and farm to school, such as school wellness leaders, school nutrition staff, farmers, educators, and farm to school advocates.
What: Two-day summit featuring a local foods vendor show and educational sessions on innovative strategies that promote student health and knowledge of local food systems through educator engagement, policy implementation, and partnership opportunities.
When: August 5 and 6, 2025
Where: Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
More information and registration links to come!
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.
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.
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.
We've Moved! Update Your DPI Contacts
As of August 5th, 2024 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.
Money allocated for Wisconsin reading law could go to state surplus if not used by June 30 via Wisconsin Public Radio
$50M for Act 20 is currently tied up in court system.
Wisconsin shortage of school mental health resources continues via The Cap Times
Wisconsin still has a serious shortage of these professionals, even with a steady rise in reported mental health difficulties among youth — and anxieties amplified by recent school shootings.
WCA Offers Scholarships for High School Students via Morning AG Clips
The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association is accepting scholarship applications through February 28 from high school seniors enrolled or planning to enroll in any university, technical college, or community college.
Wisconsin state park sticker contest; DNR accepting entries for 2026 via FOX 6 Milwaukee
The annual DNR-sponsored design contest is open to all high school-age students in Wisconsin who attend public, private and parochial schools or are homeschooled. The DNR said entries should focus on outdoor recreation, animals or plants in Wisconsin.
LEAF program engages K-12 students in tree seed collection to support reforestation via Wisconsin Public Radio
Students in Wisconsin are learning hands-on environmental stewardship through a unique forestry program that helps repopulate school forests.
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