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Weekly Newsletter


March 28, 2024

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

For Administrators 

Registration Remains 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

Upcoming Deadlines from the Student Transportation Department  

April 1: "Of the Year" Nominations Due
The Student Transportation Department is now accepting nominations for "Of the Year" awards. The awards are designed to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles in student transportation. All  nominations are due to the Department of Education by April 1. Download the program flyer here to learn more about categories and eligibility requirements or to nominate. Award recipients will be honored at the opening session of the department's Student Transportation Training Conference on July 23. 
 
April 8-12: Student Transportation (all LEA) Ridership Collection Week 
Local education agencies will soon be hearing from the Student Transportation Department regarding the second annual collection of ridership counts. LEAs will receive a route ridership training document along with a route data template to assist in completing this submission. Transportation administrators will also receive information on what is required to submit a complete and correct ridership count as well as how to upload the documents into the IBUS system. The ridership collection dates are April 8-12 and the due date to submit information is May 3. Questions on completing the submission or uploading to IBUS can be directed to Lori Olsen at lolsen@sde.idaho.gov

Learn More
Assessment Item Review Committee Recruitment Underway

The Assessment and Accountability team is recruiting parents, teachers, school board members and administrators to serve on the Assessment Item Review Committee (also known as Bias and Sensitivity).

The department seeks to fill these open positions for a four-year term beginning in August 2024. The SY 2024-2025 Assessment Item Review Committee meeting will be held in-person in Boise on August 26-28. Open spots will be filled by role and region on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Prospective members can learn more and access the official application link at the button below:

 
Applications Now Open: 2024 Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program

Elementary school students in Idaho will once again have the chance to access a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable options with the USDA’s 2024 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Schools are invited to apply for program funds now. Applications are due May 1. Eligibility requirements for schools are as follows: 
  • Must serve grades 1–6
  • Must operate the National School Lunch Program
  • Must have more than 50 percent of enrolled students eligible for free and reduced priced meals
  • Must submit a complete application, including a signed Certificate of Support
For Teachers

Treasure Valley Educators: Learn More About Opportunities at the Meridian Career Fair 

Certificated educators and job-seekers with bachelor's degrees are encouraged to explore opportunities to start or advance their careers in education at the Meridian Educator Career Fair, hosted by the Idaho Department of Education. The fair will help job-seekers explore different routes to teacher certification and connect with LEAs that are looking to hire.

  • Tuesday, April 2 at the Galaxy Event Center. 1385 S Blue Marlin Lane, Meridian 83642

The event also features a public information session on the day prior to the fair. Learn more about the Meridian event and register at the button below:

Learn More & Register
Training Opportunity: Assessing and Treating Suicide Risk 

In these newly-structured trainings for behavioral health providers, school administrators and classroom educators, Dr. M. David Rudd will teach skills on intervening with suicidal individuals in a clinical setting. Dr. Rudd is an internationally and nationally recognized expert in clinical suidicology and the author of several books, including The Assessment and Management of Suicidality. The trainings are funded by the State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

The two-day trainings will be held three times in May: 

  • May 21 and 22 at the Galaxy Event Center in Meridian
  • May 23 and 24 at the Shoshone-Bannock Event Center in Fort Hall
  • May 29 and 30 in CDA/Post Falls at a to-be-determined location 
Direct questions to mblackwell.youthsp@gmail.com. Download the training flyer here or register at the link below: 

Learn More & Register

Student Contest: America's Field Trip from A250

Students are invited to make their voices heard with help from America250 and the America's Field Trip contest. America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country.

Students are asked to respond to the prompt "What does American mean to you?" in the following formats: 

  • Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5): Students should submit artwork in response to the prompt or a short essay (up to 100 words)
  • Middle School (Grades 6 - 8): Students should submit artwork or a video (up to two minutes)
  • High School (Grades 9 - 12): Students should submit a written essay (up to 1,000 words) or a video (up to two minutes)
Submissions are due May 17.

Administrators and instructors can access official contest rules and begin their classroom's application at the link below: 

Learn More & Apply

Upcoming Opportunities from the Idaho Science Coaches

Idaho science instructors are encouraged to take advantage of several upcoming opportunities brought to you by the Idaho Science Coaches: 

  • Project GREEN Summit 2024 - Join Project GREEN 2024 for Grit, the 6th annual Sustainability Summit to get gritty and get sustainable. Explore ecological restoration, service and partnerships, recycling and reduction with educators and sustainability experts. The summit will take place at the Riverstone International School in Boise on June 5 - 6. 1 credit available.    
  • Idaho EcosySTEM 2024 Convening - Save the date, spread the word and build a culture of STEM. Join the Idaho Science Coaches on April 11 and 12 for the 4th annual EcosySTEM Convening at the Nampa Civic Center. Find more information at the 2024 Convening webpage, including sponsors, lodging information and proposals for presentations. Connect with partners before the Convening by joining the 2024 Convening Group inside the Community Platform. 
Learn More About The Idaho Science Coaches
For Parents

2024 College Starter Kit Opportunity for College-Bound Students Experiencing Homelessness

The Idaho Department of Education’s Homeless Education for Children & Youth Program is offering an opportunity for graduating high school students in Idaho who are experiencing homelessness to receive a College Starter Kit. The kit will include items such as a laptop, luggage, school supplies and other essential items to prepare a student for success in the first year of college for the 2024-25 academic year. Parents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their college-bound students. Requirements for application are: 

  • Student must have experienced homelessness during the 2023-24 school year
  • Student must have been identified as experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento eligible) by the LEA or charter in ISEE data reporting
  • Student must provide proof of acceptance and/or enrollment into a college or university for the 2024 summer/fall semester or term

Application packets must include the following:

  • A completed application
  • A personal essay (1,000-1,500 words) about the impact of experiencing homelessness and the desire to attend college
  • A minimum of one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or adult who can speak to the applicant’s educational qualifications and life experiences
  • Proof of acceptance into a college or university (e.g. college acceptance letter, class schedule or housing confirmation letter)
The deadline to apply is Friday, May 31. Download the program flyer here or access the application at the button below: 
Apply for a College Starter Kit
Important Dates
Recent News Releases

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

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