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Weekly Newsletter


December 21, 2023

Welcome to the Idaho Department of Education Weekly Newsletter
For Administrators | For Teachers | For Parents | Important Dates
For Administrators 
Teacher in front of classroom with students

Shine a Light on Extraordinary Idaho Educators - Nominate a Teacher Today 
Do you know an educator who has gone above and beyond for their students and school community? Nominations are now being accepted for a variety of educator award programs: 
  • LifeChanger of the Year - The LifeChanger program celebrates educators and administrators making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Nominations for the 2023-2024 school year and now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis. 
  • Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) - Both nominations and applications are being accepted for the 2023-2024 PAMST awards. The PAEMST Awards are considered the nation's highest honor for K-6 teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Applications are open through January 8. 
  • Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching - This award program awards funding to allow K-12 educators to conduct research and engage in other professional learning experiences abroad for three to six months. Applications are due February 19. 
Looking for more ways to honor educators and administrators? Visit the Idaho Department of Education Grants & Awards page at the button below. 
Visit the Awards & Grants Page
SCALES Application for Rural Food Service Now Open

As part of the USDA's Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative, funding and learning support is now available for a cohort of up to 35 rural school food authorities (SFAs) nationwide.

Supporting Community Agriculture & Local Education Systems (SCALES) will work with SFA directors over a two-year period to build partnerships and innovative methods to increase local procurement in their school meal programs. The Center for School and Community Partnerships at Boise State University will provide a grant (up to $150,000) for each SFA, with technical assistance and a learning community provided by the experts at LunchAssist. Applications are now open and close January 26. 

Learn more or apply
Healthy Schools Program Grant for School Nurses Now Open
 
Idaho districts and schools are now eligible to apply for funding for school nurse positions through the Healthy Schools Program Grant. The Healthy Schools Program is funded by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Division of Medicaid, and is administered by the Idaho Department of Education.

The grant supports school-based nursing in underserved schools with funding for either one FTE ($40,000) or one-half FTE ($20,000) for the 2024-2025 school year. The grant funding will be available for three years (through the 2026-2027 school year). Access instructions or download the application at the link below. Applications are due on or before February 15.

Download the program application

Additional Sessions Available for "Community Conversations" from BPA Health and the Idaho Youth Suicide Prevention Program 
Educators, administrators and any stakeholder who works with youth are encouraged to join BPA Health for two more sessions of "Community Conversations" for the Regional Clinical Case Management program in late January. 

Join to learn more about the Idaho Youth Suicide Prevention Program's Regional Clinical Case Management Program and how to refer individuals for this free service. The service is available to youth up to the age of 24 who have attempted suicide or who have had treatment for serious thoughts of suicide. Join in the conversation to share and learn from others about these valuable community resources. The sessions are scheduled for January 30 at 10 a.m. MST and January 31 at 3:30 p.m. MST.  

Topics covered will include: 
  • Learn about the program and the services provided to youth, young adults and their families.
  • Meet the BPA Health Regional Clinical Case Managers. 
  • Share the challenges you are seeing youth and adults face in your schools and communities. 
  • Learn how to refer youth, young adults and families to the program.  
Download the program flyer and registration information at the button below. 
Download the Community Conversation Flyer
For Teachers
Overhead view of a teacher teaching
Simulated Instruction in Mathematics Professional Development Opportunity

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is conducting a study of the Simulated Instruction in Mathematics Professional Development (SIM PD) program. This innovative learning opportunity for 4th and 5th grade math teachers leverages a simulated classroom, where teachers work in small groups with the support of a coach to practice math questioning and discussion strategies. Teachers will also have the opportunity to collaborate and test instructional approaches with avatar students prior to implementing these strategies with their own students. The AIR team is currently seeking districts to participate in SIM PD during the 2024-25 school year. Download the program flyer or schedule a meeting to learn more at the link below. 

Schedule a meeting
A hand on a clipboard filling out a form
Idaho Reading Indictor Stakeholder Feedback Survey Extended
 
The Idaho Department of Education is seeking input from educational stakeholders in preparation for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to overhaul the state’s early literacy assessment, the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI). Stakeholders are invited to fill out a short, 10-minute survey to help guide this process. The survey will  now remain open through January 5. Your feedback will inform the department on what changes or additions may be needed on future IRI assessments. Feedback is anonymous, and although several questions are geared towards educators and administrators, any member of the public is welcome to take the survey. Not all survey questions are required to make your submission. Learn more and access the survey at the button below. 

Access the IRI feedback link
For Parents

Opportunity for High School Sophomores and Juniors: Idaho State Youth Education Summit  
Idaho sophomores and juniors are once again invited to apply for the Idaho State Youth Education Summit (Idaho Y.E.S.). Idaho Y.E.S. is part of a larger national program that offers high school students the chance to learn more about the branches of government and how they work, all while interfacing with state elected officials and government agencies. Exercises in public speaking and problem solving are combined with firearms training at a local gun range. The training is open to shooters of all abilities and is led by certified firearms instructors.

Accepted applicants will be considered for participation in the national Y.E.S. program in Washington D.C in July of 2024. Scholarships are awarded at both the state and national level, with over $5,500 going to Idaho participants last year. Application materials should be returned to Matthew Faulks at P.O. Box 416, Nampa, Idaho 83653 or at idahoyes@outlook.com. All application materials are due by January 10. 
Download the Y.E.S. Application

A Word on Newsletter Delivery
We'll pause the newsletter next week, December 28 and will return with our normal Thursday newsletter delivery on January 4. Everyone at the Idaho Department of Education wishes you a healthy and happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year! 
Important Dates
Recent News Releases

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