You are here

Bulletin Board 6/11/2025

Wednesday, June 11, 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!

Quick Navigation Links

Upcoming Awareness Events
Deafblind Awareness Month
June 16 - 20, 2025: Summer Meals Week

June is Deafblind Awareness Month
Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed June as Deafblind Awareness Month in Wisconsin! This month, we recognize students with combined vision and hearing loss—each with unique ways of learning and connecting. The Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP) supports these students, their families, and educators statewide, helping them thrive in school and beyond. 

Return to top

No-Cost Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
The Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) is offering a no cost, virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid training session on June 23, 2025 from 9a.m. to 4 p.m. These sessions are available to employees and volunteers at: schools and school districts; public health departments; health, social, and emergency services agencies; CAP agencies (such as CAC); and related organizations across Wisconsin.

Please note these trainings are available to Wisconsin Residents only. Share this opportunity with your team and network!

Return to top

Virtual Braille Class
The WCBVI Outreach team is excited to offer a Virtual Braille Class geared towards parents and paraprofessionals. This class will meet weekly for ten Thursdays from 6-7:30 PM and will start August 28, 2025.

If you would like to register or are interested in learning more, please use this Virtual Braille Class Registration Link. Registration will close July 23, 2025.

Return to top

Driver’s Education Program Application (PII 1709) Open for 2025-2026 School Year
The DPI is still accepting applications from school districts looking for program approval. More information can be found here.

Return to top

Dates for Fall 2025 New School Nurse Orientation Announced
The dates for the DPI’s New School Nurse Orientation are October 14-15, 2025, in Madison. Registration will open in August. This training is for those registered nurses who are new to the specialty of school nursing or are working in a Wisconsin school district for the first time. It is appropriate for school and registered nurses who have worked in a school-setting zero to three years. Featured topics include WI School Health Laws, Delegation in Schools, IEPs and 504 Plans, Health Records, and Writing Health Plans.

Return to top

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!

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

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.

Return to top

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

Return to top

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!

Return to top

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).

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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


Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.orgThe deadline for applications is August 24, 2025

Return to top

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

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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

Return to top

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

In the news:

Educators, parents from about 40 Wisconsin K-12 districts have urged lawmakers to increase special ed funding via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
“Wisconsin school districts are struggling to fund mandated special education programs, often diverting funds from general budgets. Educators and parents testified before Wisconsin lawmakers, urging for increased special education reimbursement rates.The underfunding affects other academic programs and resources, forcing districts to make difficult choices, educators say.”

State budget talks called off as Gov. Tony Evers, Republican lawmakers hit impasse via WPR
“Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans who run the Wisconsin Legislature say they’re done negotiating over the state budget, leaving GOP lawmakers to write the document themselves.”

Eleven Thoughts on Making the Work of K–12 Teachers More Successful via Marquette University Law School Faculty Blog
“What if, instead of pulling policy levers, we redirected the reform movement’s energy and enthusiasm toward improving classroom practice?”

"Well, what if? Pondiscio argued that better training of teachers and steps to lighten the workload of teachers would open paths to better results. He said too much is being expected of many teachers now. He advocated particularly for providing teachers in many subjects high-quality curricular materials so they don’t have to spend large amount of time developing lessons plans and can focus on actual teaching and connecting with students.”

Wisconsin schools request more funds for special education via WIProud
“For Eau Claire, 31 percent of all special education costs in the 2023-2024 school year are being reimbursed by the state. Mark Elworthy, the executive director of business services for the Eau Claire Area School District said that means the school district has to cover the other 70 percent. Elworthy said that is more than $20 million. He said that is a major cost for the district and many other districts in the state.”

Joint Finance to take up K-12 aid, taxes on Thursday via Wisconsin Politics
“Thursday’s votes will be the first on two main drivers of state spending. The Department of Public Instruction accounted for nearly 35% of all general fund appropriations in the 2023-25 budget when it was signed into law, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Shared revenue, another item on the committee’s Thursday agenda, is the third-largest general fund appropriation”

Over 500 Wisconsin high school musicians claim title of world’s largest pep band via WMTV15
“Monday night was extra loud at the Duck Pond when about 500 area high schoolers brought their instruments to the Mallards’ game for a world record title.Musicians from 11 local high schools are being recognized as the world’s largest pep band.The band included students from Belleville High School, Broadhead High School, Edgerton High School, Fort Atkinson High School, McFarland High School, Monona Grove High School, Oregon High School, Pecatonica High School, Reedsburg Area High School, Watertown High School, and Waunakee High School.They kicked off the game by playing the National Anthem and continued the fun in between innings by playing fan favorites like “On, Wisconsin!” and playing walk up songs for players.”

Return to top
Return to main ConnectEd index