Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Good News You Can Use is written by Abigail Swetz. Abby is the Communications Director at the DPI and a former eighth grade teacher.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of ConnectEd’s newest feature: Good News You Can Use! Because let’s be real, we could also use a reminder of the good out there in the world. I think our state superintendent put it best when she said that teaching is an act of hope and learning is an act of humility back in September at the State of Education ceremony. There is so much great work happening in our schools and libraries, and uplifting that work can also uplift our spirits! Here are some stories from around our state to know about, to share, and to build on!
We would also love to hear from you! Share good news about what’s going on in your school!
Some great tunes!
Why not listen to good news while you read about good news? Check out the YouTube Channel for the Milwaukee High School for the Arts as a playlist to put on as you read, and be sure to catch the performances from YoungArts Award Winning student Akira Harris! Her renditions of “Put Your Records On” and “All I Ask” are required listening.
School libraries foster creativity and exploration
Growing up, I lived half a block from my hometown’s public library, so the basement reading room was pretty much my home away from home. As soon as kindergarten rolled around, I added the school library to my favorite places list, which is why I loved reading about the Gaenslen school library and all the mindful nooks and crannies they built to create a fun and inclusive space!
School librarians in Wisconsin continue to find new and creative ways to connect students with a love of reading, creating, and imagination. I would have a hard time not hitting all the buttons of this vending machine!
Book vending machine at Jefferson Lighthouse promotes literacy
Gardens and environmental learning bring kids into the bigger world classroom
At the middle school where I taught, there was a school garden outside the window, tended to by the students at the attached elementary school. I always loved seeing the kids out there with their hands in the dirt! So many of our kids express themselves through their connection with the outdoors and our natural environment, and I know watching things grow and restoring natural balance sure offers me valuable lessons about renewal; the same can be true for you and your students!
- Peshtigo third graders grow lettuce and have a salad party
- Oregon Middle School uses goats for student inspiration and more
- Hmong American students find their roots in a garden
YOU inspire me, and all of us as DPI, every single day!
It’s true, you do, and as educators, I know we do not hear the words “thank you” enough, but thank you. The things you do every single day reflect the hope and skill you put into your job. Here are a few of you who were recognized this year… and we know that there are so many more stories of recognition out there!
- The DPI and Kohl Educational Foundation announced the 2024 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year
- School Bulletin: English teacher offers more than language lesson
- Eight Wisconsin schools named 2023 Blue Ribbon Schools
- For first time in decades, a Wisconsin principal earns national group's honor
Please send us your thoughts, ideas, your shout-outs for amazing colleagues. Good news needs to be shared… and let me say one more time… thank you.
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