Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Welcome to the ConnectEd Bulletin Board!
This is the place to find opportunities for further professional development, grant and awards opportunities, and much more!
State of Education Address: Save the Date!
Mark your calendars! State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly will deliver her third State of Education Address on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at noon in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. The annual address will be streamed live online and archived via WisconsinEye. During her remarks, Dr. Underly will discuss the state of public education and public libraries in Wisconsin, honor Wisconsin's 2024 Teachers of the Year, outline priorities and initiatives to support and grow lifelong learners in the state, and much more. Please plan to join us either in person or through the online livestream!
#WhyApply Day
#WhyApply (to college) Day is September 22 this year, and WEOP encourages all educators of Juniors and Seniors in high school to access resources to help bring awareness. #WhyApply is sponsored by the American College Application Campaign, an initiative of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, which partners with thousands of high schools across the country each fall to host events supporting students through the college application process, especially first-generation college students and those from low-income families who may not otherwise apply to college. This year we anticipate 6,000 high schools hosting application completion events between September and December.
To celebrate the nearly 300,000 students who will participate in these application events, #WhyApply Day kicks off the application season and provides encouragement for the students. Though state campaigns and local events will run from September through December, the goal of #WhyApply Day is to kick off the season and to utilize social media to encourage students as they begin the application process.
A’Jeanette Gordon is Wisconsin's state representative for ACAC (American College Application Campaign) which is an initiative designed to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families who pursue a postsecondary degree. The purpose is to assist high school seniors as they navigate the college application and admissions process and ensure each participating student submits at least one admissions application.
Many states connect college application completion events with FAFSA completion and College Signing Day efforts. After submitting the admissions application, some events encourage students to register for their FSA ID and are provided with the date of their state’s FAFSA completion event to ensure they complete the admissions process and apply for financial aid.
Nominate an Outstanding WI Mathematics or Science Teacher Today!
Calling all elementary teachers who love math or science! The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for mathematics or science teaching. The award recognizes those teachers who use their deep content knowledge and pedagogical skills to support and leverage students’ strengths to be successful in learning mathematics or science. Nominations are now open for the K-6 cycle of these awards with applications due in February 2024. Learn more about this White House-sponsored award, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) by visiting the PAEMST website. Mentors and other supports are available for Wisconsin applicants. Have questions? Please contact Julie Bormett for math, or Kevin Anderson for science!
Design a Civics Game for Fun and Prizes!
The Library of Congress is sponsoring a challenge to help improve public knowledge of civics – that is, the rights and responsibilities of citizens – by asking video game developers to create fun, lightweight video games related to civics that incorporate Library of Congress resources. The Library will award cash prizes to the winners and the games will be hosted on the Library's site for use by the public. The deadline for entries is Nov. 27, 2023. Additional details on the rules and information on how to enter are available on this website.
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin South Central Region Community Scavenger Hunt
A fun and action-oriented scavenger hunt that takes you to hidden gems, fascinating spots, and diverse people in your community. You register online, download the printable scavenger hunt sheet, and then follow the instructions to visit places or complete tasks in your community. Sharing achievement photos on social media is encouraged! Prizes available! Proceeds support local K-12 grade youth through Junior Achievement programs. Scavenger hunt registration opens October 1, and the hunt runs October 1-31, 2023. For families unable to afford the event registration fee, family scholarships are available. Email your family event registration scholarship request to: southcentralregion@jawis.org
News from Around the State
Extended Interview: Dr. Jill Underly talks upcoming school year via NBC 15 - Madison
State Superintendent Dr. Underly discussed public school funding issues, school choice, the new Wisconsin Reading Center, staffing shortages, mental health and advice to families heading into the new school year. There’s also a separate segment cut out of the extended interview where Dr. Underly talks about artificial intelligence and how it can work within education.
De Pere school program offers free childcare via WBAY 2 – Green Bay
A new program in the De Pere school district is giving many parents access to free childcare before and after school, plus providing support in literacy and math. It’s called Redbird Ready. It’s at three elementary schools, including Dickinson.
“Safety comes before education because you can’t teach dead kids,” Parkland parent says in message for Wisconsin lawmakers via NBC 15 - Madison
A recent move by the Wisconsin legislature is causing some outrage across the nation. The move was when lawmakers passed the biennial budget without including money to fund the Office of School Safety. Now, a parent from Parkland, Florida whose son was shot and killed in school is pleading with Wisconsin legislators to make a change.