Looking Ahead: Superintendent Critchfield Outlines Idaho Department of Education Priorities for 2024
|
|
|
|
Get a preview of what's to come for Idaho education in 2024 with Superintendent Critchfield. Want to see more of what's happening at the Idaho Department of Education? Visit the department's YouTube channel today!
|
|
Maintenance Budget and Budget Enhancement Discussions to be Streamed Live
|
|
The Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC) will implement a new budget hearing and setting process consisting of setting maintenance budgets for all state agencies, followed by subsequent appropriations for budget enhancements, such as statutory adjustments and line items. State agency maintenance budgets, including Public Schools and the Department of Education, will be discussed January 12 and set January 15. The Public Schools and Department of Education budget enhancements will be heard March 4 and set March 15. JFAC agendas are posted here: jfac – Idaho State Legislature, and anyone is welcome to watch the meeting live at Idaho in Session JFAC (idahoptv.org) or at the button below: |
|
Grants Available to Local Education Agencies from Idaho Select Health Awards
|
|
|
Select Health is seeking submissions from various institutions across the state for a grant program recognizing organizations working to build strong communities and help those in need.
The application process is open to organizations that seek to:
- Improve mental wellbeing
- Prevent injury and disease
- Enhance access to care (medical, dental or behavioral health)
- Address social determinants of health (nutrition insecurity, housing instability, literacy and more)
Local education agencies are encouraged to apply.
The $5,000 awards will be presented to 10 Idaho organizations. Applications will be accepted through February 29, 2024. To learn more or apply, visit the Select Health award website at the button below:
|
|
|
|
Summer Food Service Program Feeding Site Sponsors Sought
The Idaho Department of Education is seeking sponsors for this year's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) to provide free meals and snacks to children 18 years and younger by operating sites in low-income areas during the summer months. The department can collaborate with a variety of sponsor types to administrate this program, including:
- Public or private non-profit schools
- Public or private nonprofit residential camps
- Local, municipal, county, tribal or state governments
- Upward Bound programs, religious organizations, libraries and private nonprofit organizations
Visit the SFSP page to learn more:
|
|
|
E-Rate Season Begins January 14 - Prep Guides Now Available
E-Rate season is approaching, and new guidance on how to prepare is now available from the E-Rate and Broadband Program. Learn more about:
- The close of the EPC administrative window on January 15
- Form 471's application window from January 17 - March 27
Administrators can also access guidance on the FCC's updated Eligible Services List to learn more about what school bus hardware and service charges are officially eligible. Comprehensive instructions on completing Form 470 for bus wi-fi are also included. Additional 2024 updates for the Eligible Services List are also included. The final date to post form 470 is February 28.
|
|
Upcoming Deadlines on the Data Acquisition Calendar
|
|
|
The 2023-2024 Data Acquisition Calendar shows deadlines on documents, reports and more, including who the deadline applies to, details about the required submissions as well as the departmental contacts for both submissions and questions.
Upcoming deadlines for mid-January through early February are:
Districts Only:
- February 1 | Application for Impact Aid | Contact Johanna Jones (208-332-6968).
Charters Only:
- January 25 | Final Application and Budgets IDEA Part B and Preschool Funds for New Charter School | Contact Israel Silva (208-332-6910).
Districts & Charters:
- January 31 | General Supervision File Review (GSFR) | Contact Debi Smith (208-332-6915).
- January 31 | ISEE - Financial Transparency Jan FY24 (July 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023) | Contact Todd King (208-332-6937).
- February 1 | Migrant Student Information System (MSIS) Data Reporting; Instructional Services, Supportive Services, Priority for Services, Continuation of Services | Contact Maria "Yuni" Rueda Barrera (208-332-6907).
- February 1 | SFA Onsite Review | Contact the NSLP Team (208-332-6820).
|
|
Young Woman and Leadership Conference for 9 - 12 Graders
|
|
|
Teens in grades 9 - 12 are invited to hone their skills and interface with other young leaders at the annual Young Women and Leadership Conference. This one-day event will be held at Boise State University on March 7 and will feature two keynote presentations by accomplished women leaders, hands-on skills training for personal and professional development and an exclusive networking reception in the evening. This is the ideal chance for leadership-oriented students to connect with community mentors and sponsors. The registration deadline is Tuesday, February 6 and tickets go on sale on Friday, January 12. However, eligible students can register now to have the $20 attendance fee waived. Learn more about this year's conference or access the no-cost registration link at the button below:
|
|
Free STEM Educator Training - Think Make Create Labs
|
|
Think Make Create Labs teach a variety of STEM concepts with hands-on activities for K-8 youth. All classroom teachers and out-of-school educators are invited to learn how to access and use this valuable community resource. This year's event will take place on February 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blackfoot Community Center in Blackfoot. There is no cost for admission and lunch is included.
Since 2021, more than 20,000 youth have used Think Make Create (TMC) mobile makerspace labs. Youth "do science," have fun and learn how to tinker, make and create. Click here to learn more about Think Make Create or download the training registration flyer at the button below. A QR code to register for the event is provided on the flyer. |
|
|
Reminder for Educators: Review Code of Ethics
This is a reminder to all educators to review the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators on a regular basis. Though acknowledging review of the Code of Ethics is a required section of the application process, the Certification and Professional Standards Commission would like to remind educators and administrators that they are also responsible for reviewing any changes made to the document and ensuring compliance. In the age of increasingly complex digital communications, gaining a solid understanding of how educators should conduct themselves in these environments while best supporting students is key. You can review the full Code of Ethics on the PSC webpage or you can download the complete document at the link below:
|
|
|
Science Standards Review PD Registration Now Open
Build confidence in implementing three-dimension science instruction in your classroom through this asynchronous and self-paced online course, beginning September 24 and running through November 26. Educators will complete six modules in a flexible format and will finish the course with a lesson plan that aligns with a 3D Idaho State Science Standards. The course takes a deep-dive into the various dimensions of the Idaho State Science Standards, focusing on best-practices related to the standards and equips educators with tools for success. Participants will complete the course with high-impact strategies to inspire young minds.
An optional two credits are available for this course from NNU.
Learn More & Register |
|
Access Free Books for Kids with First Book Marketplace
|
|
First Book Marketplace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting educators and elevating opportunities for children in need. For 30 years now, First Book has distributed more than 225 million books and resources to a network of over 575,000 educators and program leaders working in underserved communities.
First Book supports all types of educators and practitioners (formal and informal). Instructors working in a Title I-eligible school, early childhood program (including Head Start), afterschool program, shelter, clinic, church or any other organization where at least 70 percent of kids served come from low-income families are eligible to become a First Book member. Membership includes instant access to a wide selection of relevant, brand-new books and educational resources available at the lowest prices possible. Learn more about getting involved at the button below:
|
|
Grant Opportunity Available for Young Artists
|
|
The Kaj Seifert Foundation for Aspiring Young Artists seeks to support, encourage and provide financial support to youths interested in pursuing a new or continuing form of artistic expression.
This grant program is designed to help kids ages 10-17 to get a start in the arts. Anyone who works with children ages 10 - 17, including parents, can sign up to mentor a child as they explore a variety of art disciplines, including visual media, music and more. Applicants can learn more and get started at kajseifertfoundation.org. Student applicants will need to have a mentor to keep them on track and are asked to submit an online application and a simple video. Learn more at the button below:
|
|
Resources to Engage with your Child's School Available in English and Spanish
|
|
|
Looking for ways to constructively connect with your child's school? Find guides in English and Spanish on how to get the conversation started and keep it going. Whether you have a concern, an idea or want to become more involved with the school community, these resources are designed to walk you through the process of connecting with teachers, administrators and the larger school community:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribe for Regular Updates from the Idaho Department of Education
|
|
Would you like to receive the Idaho Department of Education's weekly newsletter? Click here to add your name to the list for regular updates from the Idaho Department of Education and Idaho's educational communities.
|
|
|
|
|
