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Weekly Newsletter


March 14, 2024

Welcome to the Idaho Department of Education Weekly Newsletter
For Administrators | For Teachers | For Parents | Important Dates

For Administrators 

Registration Open for the 30th Annual Idaho Prevention and Support Conference 

Educators in Idaho are invited to collaborate with thought leaders and other educational stakeholders at the Idaho Department of Education's annual Prevention and Support Conference. This year's conference will be held April 10 - 12 at the Sun Valley Resort.

The event continues the Prevention and Support Conference’s 30-year tradition of providing professional development focused on innovation, best practices and collective problem-solving to effectively meet the needs of historically underserved student populations. The conference is organized by learning tracks specific to both safe environments and discipline practices that all school districts are required to implement. 

Learn more about the five available learning tracks or secure your place at the conference at the button below: 
Learn More & Register

Three Sessions Remaining in the Idaho Department of Education's Educator Career Fairs 

Do you know of a certificated educator who wants to brush up on interview skills? Or are you an administrator who knows others who are interested in becoming a teacher? Maybe you know of a career seeker or changer with a bachelor’s degree? Join the Idaho Department of Education to explore different routes to teacher certification and connect with current and potential educators looking for work. There are still regional fairs remaining in this year's series: 

  • Monday, March 18 – Lewiston at Lewis Clark State College. ADM 201, 806 6th Avenue, Lewiston 83501
  • Wednesday, March 20 – Coeur d’Alene at North Idaho College, Edminster Student Union, Driftwood Bay Conference Room, 495 N College Drive, Coeur d’Alene 83815
  • Monday, April 1 – Meridian at the Galaxy Event Center. 1385 S Blue Marlin Lane, Meridian 83642
Find your region of interest and register for a public information session to learn more about the many available paths to becoming an educator in Idaho. Register at the button below:
Register for a Regional Fair
Two Weeks Remaining: E-Rate Deadline 

The deadline to file the annual E-Rate Form 471 funding application is Wednesday, March 27th at 10pm MST. Please complete it as soon as possible to avoid system issues and funding delays.

For schools and libraries that need a refresher on the application and how to respond to review requests, sign up for one or more of the below dates for a live demonstration of the process.

Register for Webinar

Available dates and times:
Mar 20 @ 11:00am MT
Mar 27 @ 11:00am MT

If you are unable to make any of these times but would still like a refresher or assistance completing your Form 471, please schedule a Zoom call:

Schedule an E-Rate Program Zoom Call

Put Your School Regalia on Display 

Reminder for schools and districts: send the Idaho Department of Education your school shirt, and Superintendent Critchfield will put your school colors on display! Shirts can be mailed directly to the Idaho Department of Education office where Superintendent Critchfield will make every effort to ensure that your school's shirt is worn for a day of work at the department and featured in the department's social media channels. Please mail your school shirts to: 

Idaho Department of Education 
c/o Maggie Reynolds
650 W. State Street
Boise, Idaho 83720


Check out our first featured shirt from Oakley Jr./Sr. High School:

Visit the Idaho Department of Education Facebook page

Upcoming Deadlines on the Idaho Department of Education 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.  

Below are upcoming deadlines through the end of March: 

Districts Only:
  • March 22 | Form 6 and Virtual FTE Forms | Contact Branwyn Phillips | 208-332-6875
Charters Only:
  • March 15 | Charter School Significant Expansion/Enrollment | Contact Lisa Pofelski Rosa | 208-332-6916
Districts & Charters: 
  • March 15 | Lunch Eligibility Report | Contact Melissa Cook | 208-332-6830
  • March 15 | CLDS Data Corrections | Contact Kathy Gauby | 208-332-6889
  • March 15 | Staff Assignment Credential Reporting | Contact Cina Lackey | 208-332-6936
  • March 17 | ISEE Coding for McKinney-Vento Students for data collection period 8/15/22 - 3/3/23 | Contact Emily Sommer | 208-332-6904
  • March 22 | ISEE Data Corrections - May 15th Foundation Payment | Contact Dean Reich | 208-332-6983
  • March 31 | Deadline to request tuition waiver from the State Board of Education | Contact Julie Oberle | 208-332-6843
  • March 31 | Title I-A Federal Programs Self-Assessment | Contact Michelle Perreira | 208-332-6942
Charters and LEAs:
  • March 17 | Certification of Low Income Student Count for Charter LEAs | Contact Lisa Pofelski Rosa | 208-332-6916
Download the Data Acquisition Calendar
For Teachers

Join the Idaho State Historical Society's Educator Advisory Panel

Are you interested in learning more about the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) and becoming involved in the ISHS's education initiatives? The agency's Educator Advisory Panel may be the opportunity you're looking for. 

The EAC is composed of certified educators who can commit to a two-year term to advise the ISHS on its educational programs, discuss the changing needs of today's teachers and serve as ISHS ambassadors in their schools, district and community. EAC members will be selected from educators across a variety of content areas and grade levels throughout the state of Idaho. Members are expected to attend four meetings each school year. Meetings will be held in-person with a virtual option to accommodate educators from outside of the Treasure Valley. 

EAC Members will receive: 

  • Free ISHS Topaz Level Membership (per year) 
  • $200 stipend per year 
  • Trip to Boise and behind-the-scenes tours at Idaho State Historical Society sites in July 2024
  • Fun and engaging meetings with opportunities to network with other educators from around the state

The deadline to apply is April 12Please email shseducation@ishs.idaho.gov with questions. 

Click here to download the program flyer or apply at the button below:

Learn More & Apply
What's Upcoming from the Idaho Science Coaches?

Don't miss out on your opportunity to hone your craft and convene with colleagues at upcoming workshops from the Idaho Science Coaches: 
  • Leading with Science and Engineering Practices: This online, asynchronous course explores the Science and Engineering Practices dimension of Idaho Science Standards. April 1 - May 10. An optional credit is available to participants through CSI. 
  • Deep Dive Into Life Science: This in-person workshop will be held in Burley for K-5 educators, curriculum coaches and administrators. April 5 and April 12. An optional credit is available to participants through ISU. Register for the April 5 or April 12 workshop. 

 
Final Trainings: May 2024 Dyslexia PD Schedule 

As Idaho's K-12 teachers work to fulfill the requirements of Idaho Code 33-1811, the Idaho Department of Education is here to assist. There are three remaining courses upcoming on May 8. These will be the final courses offered in the training series. The three course topics serve to satisfy the complete requirements of both K-12 administrators and school counselors as well as all K-12 instructional staff, including instructional coaches and special education staff members:

Registration Now Open for the 2024 Driver Education Conference

The 2024 Driver Education Conference provides the eight-hour professional development for driver education instructors that is required by IDAPA 08.02.02.004 Section 3.6.1. Join the Idaho Department of Education at Idaho State University where driver education instructors, law enforcement, the Office of Highway Safety, Idaho STAR, Operation Lifesaver, AAA and educators will explore and collaborate to elevate young driver safety in the Gem State. Attendees have the choice to participate in-person at the ISU campus or can register for the asynchronous virtual court.

This year's conference will take place on April 26, and virtual attendees will receive access to the recorded sessions on May 6. Find out more about the in-person and virtual options and learn about this year's keynote speaker at the button below: 

Learn More & Register
For Parents

Focusing on Advanced Opportunities: a Word to Parents and Students from Superintendent Critchfield

Learn more about what Advanced Opportunities can mean for motivated, future-focused high school students. Advanced Opportunities allow for students to individualize their high school learning plan to get a jump start on their future. Options include things like earning dual credit, workforce training, certification exams, Advanced Placement and more. Click here to learn more. 
Learn More at the Parent Resource Toolkit

Coming to a Feeding Site Near You: Summer Food Service Program 

Families in Idaho looking for extra support finding healthy meals for their children this summer will soon be able to locate a Summer Food Service Program site operating near them. Each year, The Idaho Department of Education collaborates with community partners to provide meals to children during the summer months. Take a deep-dive into what the program brings to communities in this conversation between Superintendent Debbie Critchfield and the Idaho Department of Education's Director of Child Nutrition Programs, Lynda Westphal. 
Hear More from The Super in 10 Podcast
Important Dates
Recent News Releases

Want to read more? Visit the Idaho Department of Education's News page today!

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