Friday, May 30, 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!
- Upcoming Awareness Events
- Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit
- Notice of Upcoming Badgerlink Authentication System Maintenance June 16-20
- Office of School Safety Trainings Available This Summer
- State Superintendent’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council
- 2025 Wisconsin Creativity Summit featuring a Peter Gamwell and Guest
- Summer CTE Professional Development Opportunities
- Wisconsin Science Festival Science in a Bag
- WiLS Ideas to Action Fund
- Play Make Learn Annual Conference
- 2025 Leadership Conference on Special Education and Pupil Services Leadership
- 2025-26 Special Education/Pupil Services Leadership Virtual Academy
- Out of School Time Conference 2025
- Bringing Hmong Studies into Your Classroom
- Parr Shakespeare Teaching Prize
- Registration now open for the 2025 School Nurse Summer Institute!
- Host a Youth Mental Health Training in Your School or Community!
- CCR&R Annual Conference - Conscious Discipline
- Wisconsin’s Special Educator Induction Program Now Accepting Nominations
- 29th Annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute
Upcoming Awareness Events
June 16 - 20, 2025: Summer Meals Week
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!
Notice of Upcoming Badgerlink Authentication System Maintenance June 16-20
Department of Public Instruction staff will be performing maintenance on the BadgerLink user authentication system between June 16-20. After this update, some libraries and schools may find previous automatic access is no longer available. If this happens, reach out to provide your institution's current external IP address(es) to ensure continued access. Others accessing from locations outside of the library or school should use the login options when prompted. Read more here.
Office of School Safety Trainings Available This Summer
One of The Office of School Safety's most requested trainings is being offered 5 times in different locations across the state this summer. June and August BTAM trainings are scheduled to provide school and law enforcement professional development options outside the busy academic calendar and when teams are making plans for the upcoming school year. Training dates/sites are listed below. Registration links are available on the OSS website Training Opportunities page. Please consider attending one of these incredibly valuable and important training opportunities.
Monday, June 9th – Lake Mills Municipal Building – Lake Mills
Friday, June 13th – Stevens Point Area Senior High School – Stevens Point
Wednesday, June 25th – Bay View Middle School – Green Bay
Monday, August 11th – Kromrey Middle School – Middleton
Wednesday, August 13th- Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District- Galesville
Please contact Susan Williams, Threat Assessment Coordinator, for more information (608) 590-7114.
State Superintendent’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council
The State Superintendent’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Advisory Council is now accepting nominations! For more information on participating in the AODA Advisory Council, please see the AODA Advisory Council Nomination Flyer and share out with any interested parties. Anyone involved in youth substance use prevention or intervention is welcome to apply. To be considered, complete the self-nomination form and submit it to DPIAODA.Grant@dpi.wi.gov by Friday, June 6.
2025 Wisconsin Creativity Summit featuring a Peter Gamwell and Guest
August 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM (CST)
Online (Zoom)
All are invited to participate in this one hour event.
Join us on August 21 for a conversation with Dr. Peter Gamwell as we explore the impact of creativity in our personal lives, businesses, and education. We'll also honor the legacy of Sir Ken Robinson, a visionary advocate for the arts and creativity, on the fifth anniversary of his passing. A special guest will share how Sir Ken's work influenced them while reflecting on the role of creativity in their own journey. Expect an hour of inspiration, insight, and a touch of humor.
Register Here: Zoom Registration Open Now
Summer CTE Professional Development Opportunities
Summer will be here before you know it, so why not make sure that you don't miss one of these incredible opportunities to learn and make connections with other CTE educators across the state? Visit this handy dandy guide to see just some of the opportunities!
Wisconsin Science Festival Science in a Bag
Now in its 5th year, the Science in a Bag program partners with libraries all throughout Wisconsin to distribute free, hands-on STEAM kits to families. To learn more about Science in a Bag and fill out the application form to receive bags at your library location, please visit our Science in a Bag web page. Contact Jerrod (jbuckner@morgridge.org).
WiLS Ideas to Action Fund
WiLS provides grants of up to $5,000 so WiLS members can bring their innovative and collaborative project ideas to life. The proposal form and reporting are simple and lightweight, so applicants can focus on the success of the work and the benefits to the community.
Read more about the Ideas to Action Fund on the WiLS website and submit your proposal by June 2nd.
Play Make Learn Annual Conference
August 21-22 UW Memorial Union in Madison, WI.
Registration is now open for the PML Conference! Register by May 31st for the Early Bird Rate.
The Play Make Learn (PML) Annual Conference is a place for collaboration and discovery in the design, research and practice of playful learning, games for learning and positive social impact, making and makerspaces, STEAM education, research/practitioner partnerships, and arts in education (formal and informal spaces). PML creates an inspirational space for preK-12 educators, designers, developers, innovators, librarians, museum professionals, makers, and researchers to tinker together, share knowledge, and celebrate one another’s work.
2025 Leadership Conference on Special Education and Pupil Services Leadership
Registration is now open! The 41st Annual State Superintendent's Leadership Conference on Special Education and Pupil Services Leadership will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. 2025 State Superintendent's Leadership Conference on Special Education and Pupil Services Leadership - Registration Link
For more information, please see the Leadership Conference Save the Date Flyer and share out with any interested parties. Conference materials and lodging accommodation information is available on the State Superintendent's Conference on Special Education & Pupil Services Leadership website. The cut-off date for the discounted room block is Sunday, August 31, 2025.
2025-26 Special Education/Pupil Services Leadership Virtual Academy
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Departments of Student Services/Prevention and Wellness and Special Education teams partner with the Regional Special Education Network (RSN) and the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS) to provide ongoing learning opportunities for directors of Special Education/Pupil Services through the Special Education/Pupil Services Leadership Academy.
2025-26 Save the Dates Flyer: Special Education Leadership Events
Registration information will be available in early summer and can be found on the Special Education/Pupil Services webpage or by contacting your CESA RSN Director.
Out of School Time Conference 2025
Innovative Approaches: Enhancing OST Program Quality
In Person: October 29-30, 2025
Virtual: November 7, 2025
Hilton Appleton Paper Valley in Appleton, WI
Save the date for our annual Out of School Time Conference! This event is required for all 21st CCLC grantees. More detailed event information and registration still to come.
This year, we would like to strongly encourage 21st CCLC grantees to be an active part of the OST Conference as presenters. If you have programs or best practices that you are especially proud and excited about, please consider applying to present and share with your OST peers. Information on workshop proposals can be found below.
Call for proposals: The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and the conference planning committee are accepting proposals for 60-minute workshops for the 2025 Out of School Time Conference. You can submit for either the in-person conference (geared towards program coordinators, directors, and administrators) or virtual conference (for frontline staff). Proposal Deadline is July 21st, 2025. Please submit one form per proposal.
If you have any questions, reach out to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu
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.
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
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.
2025 School Nurse Summer Institute Save the Date Flyer
2025 School Nurse Summer Institute Program - Includes this year’s agenda, hotel lodging, and additional event information.
Contact: louise.wilson@dpi.wi.gov
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.
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
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.
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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News from Around the State
Press Releases from the Wisconsin DPI:
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DPI Convenes Wisconsin Education Leaders To Review, Recommend Updates To Report Card Ratings
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DPI Awards $9.8 Million in Federal Funding To Support Charter School Planning, Expansion
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New Berlin West Middle/High School Spanish Teacher Named DPI's 2024-25 Global Educator of the Year
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Grants Available To Support Planning and Operation of Recovery High Schools in Wisconsin
In the news:
Wisconsin is failing to fund education. State budget must make this right. | Opinion via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel- Opinion
This Op-Ed from members of the Columbus school board closes with “Tell your state officials: “I support an increase to the Special Education reimbursement rate and increased spendable funding that keeps up with the actual costs to operate our schools this biennial budget season.”
Wisconsin schools face a growing number of students being secluded and restrained via PBS Wisconsin
“There were more than 6,222 incidents that resulted in student seclusion and staff physically restrained students 7,439 times in public and private schools statewide. These figures represent an increase in seclusion actions of just more than 15% and an increase in the use of physical restraint by almost 17% over the prior school year.”
'Other duties as assigned': Despite progress, school counselor ratios still vary widely across Wisconsin via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Many Wisconsin school districts have student-to-counselor ratios exceeding recommended levels, affecting counselors' ability to address student needs. Counselors face high caseloads and diverse responsibilities, including addressing mental health, academic performance and social-emotional well-being. School districts are using referendums, grants and initiatives to increase funding for counseling and mental health services.” Andréa Donegan and Dr. Underly are both quoted.
Some library services in Wisconsin may be at risk via WEAU
“I don’t know what will likely be impacted,” Small said. “Some of the examples of what has been funded with IMLS funding in the past are services like Badger Link, which offer a variety of research tools online for folks across the state, as well as our Interlibrary Loan Courier System.”
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