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Bulletin Board 5/16/2025

Friday, May 16, 2025

Bulletin Board

Welcome to the ConnectEd Bulletin Board!

This is the place to find opportunities for further professional development, grant and awards opportunities, and much more!

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Upcoming Awareness Events

Mental Health Awareness Month DPI Proclamation – DPI School Mental Health Webpage
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month DPI Proclamation – DPI Speech ang Language Webpage – DPI Deaf and Hard of Hearing Webpage

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New Measles Resources and Infographics From CDC
935 confirmed measles cases reported in 29 states
In response to growing measles outbreaks involving more than half of U.S. states, CDC published a suite of new resources for public health, healthcare professionals, and families in communities experiencing a measles outbreak. Resources include infographics for families, images to help clinic personnel identify cases, and a Be Ready for Measles communication toolkit. A quick reference for healthcare professionals provides guidance for caring for patients with measles. Find all of these resources on the CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks page. Related Links

Immunize​.org: Standing Orders for Administering Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine to Adults (PDF)

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Bringing Hmong Studies into Your Classroom
Madison College is excited to announce a new summer professional development course: “Bringing Hmong Studies into the Classroom” with Instructor Dr. Chong Moua. The course will be delivered though four synchronous Online Live sessions: Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:30 pm, July 1 - 22, 2025.

Designed for educators and curious learners alike, the class will introduce key events and themes in Hmong Studies while providing space to reflect, share, and consider how this knowledge can shape inclusive and informed teaching practices.

Dr. Chong Moua is an Assistant Professor of Hmong Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with specialization in Hmong history, culture, and identity. This course is made possible through partnership between Madison Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for South East Asian Studies (CSEAS).

For more information and registration details, visit the Madison College website.

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DPI Bullying Prevention Resources
DPI’s Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team is excited to share that our Comprehensive Approach to Bullying Prevention webpage has been refreshed with updated resources and helpful links to support your work in creating safe and respectful school environments. The updated webpage features resources for caregivers, the Bullying Prevention Toolkit, bullying prevention resources for marginalized student populations, and more.

In addition, the Awareness and Prevention of School-Based Bullying Online Training is available again. Offered in collaboration with Dr. Chad Rose and the University of Missouri Bully Prevention Lab, this online bullying prevention training course is free for Wisconsin educators and Wisconsin out-of-school time programs! This course is designed for all educators, including regular and special education teachers, student services professionals, administrators, out-of-school time program staff, and any other school personnel. This five-module, self-paced course can be completed by an individual in approximately two hours. The five modules provide foundational knowledge of bullying prevention:

  • Module 1: What is Bullying?
  • Module 2: Predictive and Protective Factors Associated with School Bullying
  • Module 3: Intervention for Bullying in the Schools
  • Module 4: Group and Individual Interventions and Federal Law Related to Bullying
  • Module 5: Resources

Access the course on the Comprehensive Approach to Bullying Prevention webpage. Please contact Libby Strunz (elizabeth.strunz@dpi.wi.gov) with any questions about the course.

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Suicide Prevention Curriculum New Parent Resources Available
New resources to support the DPI Suicide Prevention Curriculum are now available. Resources include a sample introductory parent letter for each level and a Caregiver Companion parent newsletter for every elementary, middle, and high school lesson. These resources, along with the curriculum and PowerPoint lesson slides, can be found on the DPI Suicide Prevention webpage.

Note: This curriculum meets WI 118.01(2)(d) which has specific provisions for the required suicide prevention instruction to be taught in health classes between 7th and 12th grade. See DPI's resource on Wisconsin Laws and Model Notice for more information. For questions, please contact dpisspw@dpi.wi.gov.

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Parr Shakespeare Teaching Prize
This prestigious prize celebrates teachers who inspire a deep and lasting appreciation of Shakespeare in their students. The winner will receive:
• A $10,000 cash award
• An all-expenses-paid trip to the award ceremony
• Recognition from a distinguished panel of judges, including leading Shakespeare scholars and experienced high school educators

Teachers may apply directly or be nominated by a colleague, student, or community member. Applications and nominations can be submitted at ParrShakespeare.org. The deadline for applications is August 24, 2025

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Registration now open for the 2025 School Nurse Summer Institute!
This professional development opportunity is August 5, 2025 in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.

This year’s institute topic is “Medicaid Billing for School Nurses - Review of School Based Services and School Nursing Documentation.” Upon completion of this institute participants will be able to:

  • Explain how Medicaid billing brings funding into schools and what services can be billed.
  • Demonstrate how to document “medical necessity” for Medicaid billing.
  • Improve use of Individualized Health Care Plans (IHP) to ensure safety and well-being of students and evaluate outcomes of nursing care.

2025 School Nurse Summer Institute Registration
Registration closes July 29, 2025. No refunds available after this date.

Contact: louise.wilson@dpi.wi.gov

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Statewide Farm to School Survey – Results Are In!
In October 2024, the DPI Farm to School (F2S) team conducted a Statewide F2S Survey targeting all 653 School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Of those contacted, 409 SFAs—representing 63% participation—completed the survey based on their activities during the 2023–24 school year.

The goal of the survey was to gain a deeper understanding of how F2S initiatives are being implemented across the state. Specifically, the survey focused on five key areas:

  • Local Food Procurement: How schools are sourcing local foods and navigating supply chains.
  • Nutrition Education: The types of nutrition education being provided, and the extent of collaboration with community partners and external organizations.
  • School Gardens: The presence and location of school gardens, who is maintaining them, and how they are being funded.
  • Sustainability Challenges: Common barriers to maintaining long-term F2S efforts, and opportunities to build more sustainable models.
  • Future Support and Innovation: Identifying areas where the F2S team can provide additional support and gather ideas for future projects and initiatives.

The findings from the survey will help guide the continued development and support of Farm to School programs throughout Wisconsin. Statewide F2S Survey Results

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New WISELearn Mathematics Hub
A new WISELearn Mathematics Hub is now available that provides big picture resources that can be used when planning professional learning connected to the Wisconsin Vision for Mathematics, organizes WISELearn Groups that connect to that Vision, and sends math related announcements from time to time as another way to keep the WI mathematics community connected. Resources and discussion threads in WISELearn Groups provide ideas from WI educators and for WI educators. Go to the Hub now to check out Groups that you may be interested in. Then, keep coming back as the Hub grows over time!

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Host a Youth Mental Health Training in Your School or Community!
If you are interested in hosting a YMHFA course in your school or community please complete the inquiry form on our website. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the WISH Center can offer a limited number of YMHFA trainings at no cost.

• Learn more about YMHFA Training and explore whether it is a good fit for your needs.
• Complete the Inquiry form. Plan for a date at least 6 weeks out to allow time to coordinate trainers and order materials.
• A minimum of 15 participants must be met. This is basic mental health training for teachers, school staff, coaches, parents, and other adults who work with youth ages 12-18.

Note the basic first aider course is a prerequisite to attending a YMHFA Training of Trainers.
Questions can be directed to Alie Hubing, Project Coordinator at ahubing@cesa4.org or Chelsea Bellville, Regional Coordinator at cbellville@cesa10.org.

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CCR&R Annual Conference - Conscious Discipline
This year's CCR&R annual conference will introduce participants to the foundational principles and practices of Conscious Discipline, a research-based approach to social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and classroom management. Participants will explore the Conscious Discipline Brain State Model and learn how the Seven Powers for Conscious Adults and the Seven Skills of Discipline help to create safe, connected, and cooperative environments for children and adults. Join us on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Culver Family Welcome Center in Oshkosh. The cost for this conference is $25 per person. To register or learn more about this conference, please visit Child Care Resource and Referral's website.

https://ccrrfoxvalley.org/upcoming-events/2025-ccr-r-annual-conference-conscious-discipline

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Wisconsin’s Special Educator Induction Program Now Accepting Nominations
The Wisconsin DPI is pleased to announce the continuation of Wisconsin’s Special Educator Induction Program in 2025-26. In partnership, each CESA will offer induction program opportunities for new special educators. The program will include professional learning, coaching, and a support network to increase staff retention. The induction program is designed for first or second year special educators and special educators holding a License with Stipulations. There will be no cost to the school district. In addition, continued coaching and support is available for participants who completed the first year of induction. Districts will receive a stipend per participant per year to offset the costs associated with the induction program. Participation in the induction program will not result in DPI licensure but is intended to supplement any Educator Preparation Program. Your local CESA will be sending a nomination and commitment form to each district in the near future. Please see the following webpage and one-page document or contact your local CESA for more information.

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29th Annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute
The annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute is an active, highly participatory, week-long workshop designed to increase participants’ understanding of issues related to the histories, cultures, and tribal sovereignty of the American Indian nations and tribal communities in Wisconsin. The goals of the summer institute relate to both American Indian Studies and the education of Native American students. The summer institute aims to improve teaching and learning and to enrich student services, resulting in becoming more culturally responsive. Participants will learn how to adapt or develop new techniques best suited to their unique circumstances. Please see the flyer and event website for additional information.

This event is sponsored by the Wisconsin DPI American Indian Studies Program, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, the Unity School District, and CESA 11. If you have questions please reach out to Kyle Polzin (kylep@cesa11.k12.wi.us) or questions about registration to Janelle Paulson (janellep@cesa11.k12.wi.us).

LINK TO THE FLYER & REGISTRATION

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Save the Date: Summer Institute Transforming Systems for Innovation
June 23-26, 2025 - Lowenwood Education Center in Land O' Lakes, WI

The DPI is sponsoring our second Summer Innovation Institute to provide guidance and support to districts. Hands-on activities, sessions, discussions, and networking will be provided to discover and develop pathways to innovation.
Continuous support for implementation will be provided throughout the 2025-26 school year via online sessions.

Share the Save the Date or the webpage with your networks!

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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

Visit the event website to learn more and register to attend!

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News from Around the State
Press Releases from the Wisconsin DPI:

In the news:

Calling Wisconsin K-12 art teachers! Send us student work for a statewide 2025 spring art showcase via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wants to see students' artwork created this school year for a spring 2025 showcase.

Underly urges lawmakers to invest in public schools via WGLR
Underly emphasized the need for reliable funding for local schools, which have been forced to rely on referendums to maintain operations. She proposed increasing special education reimbursement rates, restoring revenue limit indexing, and expanding mental health supports.

State special education funding in the spotlight with federal support in flux via Wisconsin Examiner
State Superintendent Jill Underly said as reimbursement rates remain low, local communities will continue to take on the cost of the federal- and state-mandated services.

Wisconsin school referendums would have new limitations, requirements under proposals via Wisconsin Public Radio
Senate Committee on Education considering bills as school districts go to referendums in record numbers.

Wisconsin schools face $8 million loss in mental health funding after federal grant cuts via FOX 11
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. To kick it off, Kaleidoscope Academy in Appleton held an assembly Monday to help students better understand mental health, and learn about resilience and positivity.

Republican plan to overhaul the federal student loan system will affect more than half of Wisconsin students via Wisconsin Public Radio
Cuts to Pell Grants, elimination of work-study programs being proposed.

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