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Weekly Newsletter


March 21, 2024

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

For Administrators 

Tackle Student Vaping Head-On With Resources from Idaho Public Television's KNOW Vape Campaign

Districts, schools and charters looking for resources to raise student awareness about the dangers of vaping are encouraged to explore Idaho Public Television's dedicated anti-vaping campaign, KNOW Vape. The KNOW Vape campaign features a wide variety of resources designed with student awareness in mind: 
  • Professional Development: Join Idaho Public Television for a virtual professional development series for educators on the dangers of vaping. There is one remaining webinar left in this professional development series on March 28. Idaho Public Television is pleased to offer this course for university credit through ISU, BSU and U of I.
  • Parent Resources: Access free resources for parents, including handouts in both English and Spanish, fast facts and a quick link to IPTV's Nic Sick documentary. 
  • Teacher Resources: Discover lessons and interactive classroom activities for educators on the topic of youth vaping centered on the personal stories featured in the Nic Sick documentary. 
  • Wall Hangers and Posters: Raise awareness in your school with posters and wall hangers designed for students. 
Students interested in getting involved in creating awareness media for their peers are encouraged to check out the KNOW Vape teen video contest. Video entries are due on April 1. Learn more about the campaign at the button below: 
Visit the IPTV KNOW Vape Page
Alternative School Applications Now Posted 

Applications for the 2024 Summer Alternative Schools/Programs are now posted on the Alternative School Webpage for access and submission by administrators. Please note that Summer School Applications are due April 15. Applications must be submitted before the start of the summer school session.

Contact Michelle Clement Taylor (mtaylor@sde.idaho.gov or 208-332-6963) with any questions about the applications or requirements. To access the forms, follow the link below and expand your choice of files in the resource section of the page:

Access the Alternative School Applications

Have You Completed Your School Wellness Policy Check-Up? 

If your school operates a Child Nutrition Program through the USDA, has your School Wellness Policy had its annual check-up? How about its Triennial Assessment? These policy reviews at the school and district level are typically performed by the Wellness Committee and presented to the School Board for approval. If you need help, please reach out to Child Nutrition Programs. You can also find resources under School Meal Programs on the Idaho Department of Education website. Now is a great time to review those policies. Learn more at the link below:  

Visit the Child Nutrition Programs 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 April 1:

Districts Only:
  • March 22 | Form 6 and Virtual FTE Forms | Contact Branwyn Phillips | 208-332-6875
Districts & Charters: 
  • 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
  • April 1 | Community Eligibility Provision Direct Certification Report | Cambria Steffler | 208-332-6861
  • April 1 | Migrant Student Information System (MSIS) Data Reporting; Instructional Services, Supportive Services, Priority for Services and Continuation of Services | Maria Puga | 208-332-6905
Download the Data Acquisition Calendar
For Teachers

Meridian Educators: Learn More About Opportunities in the Treasure Valley 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 who are looking to hire.

  • Monday, April 1 – Meridian 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:

Register for the Meridian Career Fair
Building a Culture of STEM: Idaho EcoSystem 2024 Convening

Save the date, spread the word and work to build a culture of STEM together! Educators are invited to join Idaho EcosySTEM April 11-12 for the 4th annual Convening at the Nampa Civic Center in Nampa.

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. 

Reminder: You must be logged into the Community Platform to register for this event. 
 

 
Calling All Classrooms: Student Arbor Day Photo Contest

The Idaho Forest Products Commission invites educators across the state to offer their students the opportunity to explore Arbor Day in Idaho through photography. The competition is open to all Idaho students in grades 5-12. This year's theme, "Healthy Tree, Healthy Me," asks students to submit up to two photos along with a brief photographer's statement that describes what "Healthy Tree, Healthy Me," means to them and how their photo relates to the theme. The photo must have been taken by the student and must be taken in the state of Idaho. Deadline for entry is April 8. Learn more and enter at the link below:
 

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
For Parents

From the Special Education Department: A Dedicated Resource for Parents

Parents can access resources designed to assist them in being the most effective advocate for their students' education and well-being. The Idaho Department of Education's Special Education Parent Resource Page provides parents and guardians with information on various special education topics and organizations in Idaho focused on providing tools and support to help families successfully engage with the world of Special Education. Navigate to the page to expand sections covering:
  • Understanding Special Education 
  • Resolving Conflict 
  • Preparing for Graduation and Adulthood 
  • Behavior and Discipline Resources 
Parents can also access a variety of third-party resources:
Visit the SPED Parent's Page

KNOW Vape Video Contest for Idaho Teens: Deadline Approaching Soon 

Idaho students ages 13-18 years old still have time to enter the KNOW Vape video contest. This contest help teens to explore the dangers of vaping while exposing the shadowy commercial tobacco marketing tactics behind vaping, the misinformation about vaping and how addictive and harmful vaping can be for teens. Teens are asked to create and upload a 90-second video, for the chance to win a portion of the more than $10,000 in prize money being awarded.

Learn more about the contest rules and guidelines, get tips, resources and research links and enter the contest below. Deadline to enter is April 1. Winners will be announced May 1.

Visit the Teen Video Contest Webpage
Important Dates
Recent News Releases

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