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An Official Vermont Government Website

Volume 11, Issue 6

Weekly Field Memo
February 8, 2017

Vermont State Plan Public Comment Period Closes Saturday

Audience: All
The Vermont State Plan, created in response to the federal requirements of the Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA), is open for public comment through the end of this week. The plan considers the ESSA requirements within the context of the state’s goals and priorities as expressed through the Education Quality Standards. The comment window began in mid-January and runs through Saturday, February 11, 2017. We encourage all to share their thoughts as the plan’s efficacy depends on reflecting the voices of all Vermonters. Learn more about the Vermont State Plan public comment process online.
Contact: Chris Case, Education Project Manager, at (802) 479-1179 or chris.case@vermont.gov, or Patrick Halladay, Education Project Manager, at (802) 479-1712 or patrick.halladay@vermont.gov

Licensing Updates

Audience: Vermont School Nurses Renewing in 2017
Please read the memo regarding licenses expiring June 30, 2017.
Contact: aoe.licensingInfo@vermont.gov

The Statewide 2017-2018 Prekindergarten Tuition Rate

Audience: Elementary Principals, Superintendents, Business Managers, Special Education Directors, Pre-K Coordinators, School Boards
The statewide 2017-2018 Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,178.00. This amount is adjusted each year by the New England Economic Project cumulative price index for state and local government purchases of goods and services. Districts paying tuition for prekindergarten education on behalf of a prekindergarten child to a prequalified prekindergarten education program (private or public) shall pay at the statewide rate for 10 hours per week for 35 weeks annually. Learn more about the 2017-2018 Prekindergarten Tuition Rate. 
Contact: Tierney O’Meara at (802) 479-1142 or tierney.omeara@vermont.gov

Kindergarten Conference Save-the-Date: The Arts as a Tool for Learning

Audience: Principals, Curriculum Directors, & Early Educators
The Vermont Agency of Education, the Early Childhood PreK-3 Program at the University of Vermont, and VAEYC invite you to participate in the 25th Annual Kindergarten Conference. It will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017, at the Hilton in Burlington. The theme of this year’s conference is nurturing imagination and learning through the arts. Learn more about The Arts as a Tool for Learning.
Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons at (802) 479-1425 or pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov

Adverse Effect Office Hours

Audience: Special Education Administrators and Special Educators
Office hours are now being offered for the field who have questions related to determining adverse effects. Your questions can be sent ahead of time via email and we will address those questions and any previous questions sent to us from the field. The first scheduled office hour will take place on Monday, February 13, 2017 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please join this meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also dial in using your phone:  (646) 749-3131, Access Code: 286-703-613. 
Contact: Ernest Wheeler at ernest.wheeler@vermont.gov

Smarter Balanced Newsletter 

Audience: All
Issue six of the Smarter Balanced Newsletter is out. This month's newsletter includes information on adaptive testing, home-schooled students, testing and para-professionals, a new text-to-speech accommodation checklist and webinar registration, additions to the Digital Library (new connections, SNE compensation, SNE handbook and January enhancements), and a clarification on administering the Smarter Balanced assessment in high school.
Contact: Linda Moreno at (802)479-1309 or linda.moreno@vermont.gov

State Personnel Development Grant Newsletter

Audience: All Involved with the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG)
The SPDG monthly newsletter is dedicated to improving communication across the SPDG by providing relevant information about upcoming professional development opportunities while highlighting different teams' work implementing vtMTSS across the SPDG.
Contact: Meg Porcella at meg.porcella@vermont.gov

Survey on Personalized and Proficiency-Based Learning; Deadline Extended

Audience: Principals, Assistant Principals, Curriculum Directors, Directors of Special Education, Directors of Guidance
The AOE has extended its invitation to district and school leaders to complete the survey on implementation of Act 77 and the Education Quality Standards at their respective Schools. The data collected from this survey will direct AOE’s efforts in providing effective and efficient support to schools around Vermont. The survey will now close at the end of the day on February 28, 2017.
Contact: Jessica DeCarolis at (802) 595-9740 or jess.decarolis@vermont.gov

New E-Rate Related Deadline

Audience: All Local Personnel Involved in E-rate Funding
USAC, the entity that manages E-rate, has a new deadline this year. All schools are required to update all information about eligible schools and sites in the EPC portal before February 26, 2017. This is particularly important in Vermont with regard to those Supervisory Unions that have changes as a result of Act 46. After February 26, 2017 no changes will be allowed in the online portal. Please be sure to update information by the deadline to ensure there is no risk to your E-rate funds.
Contact: Peter Drescher at peter.drescher@vermont.gov

What If Wednesday

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, School Crisis Planning Team Members
The “What if Wednesday” school safety initiative is designed to stimulate a conversation about school emergency preparedness. Participants should read the summary of the “fictional” school safety incident and then answer the multiple choice question with the appropriate response action to be taken for the specific emergency. 
Contact: Rob Evans, Margolis Healy, at revans@margolishealy.com

Upcoming School Workshops on Green Cleaners, Safe Chemistry in the Lab and Hidden Art Studio Hazards

Audience: Principals, Superintendents, Facility Operation Managers, Educators
The Environmental Assistance Office will host three workshops related to green cleaners, safe chemistry in the lab and hidden hazards in the art studio. The "Green Up to Clean Up Our Schools" workshop will be held April 12, 2017 at Mascoma Valley Regional High School in Canaan, New Hampshire. The "Safe Chemistry in the Lab" workshop will be held May 22, 2017 at the River Valley Community College in Claremont, New Hampshire. "Hidden Hazards in the Art Studio" will be at the AVA Gallery in Lebanon, New Hampshire on May 23, 2017.
Contact: Maura Mancini, Environmental Assistance Office, at (802) 522-0218 or maura.mancini@vermont.gov

Courtesy Postings

Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators Annual Awards Applications 2017

Audience: Principals, Superintendents, School Board Chairs, Curriculum Coordinators, Career and Technology Center Directors, Special Education Administrators, Teachers
The 2017 application forms for both the Gail Lynk Special Education Administrator of the Year and the Golden Apple Awards are now available through the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators (VCSEA). The Gail Lynk Award will be presented by VCSEA to a Vermont Special Education Administrator who has demonstrated exemplary effort and achievement in the field of special education on behalf of Vermont children. The Gold Apple Awards will be presented to an individual or team demonstrating through professionalism, collaboration, advocacy, resourcefulness and compassion a high level of support for students with disabilities. Applications for each award are due on March 24, 2017.
Contact: Jo-Anne Unruh, executive director of VCSEA at (802)595-5799 or junruh@vcsea.net

2017 Champlain College Young Writers' Conference

High school students are cordially invited to attend a weekend of writing workshops, craft sessions, and open mic at the Champlain College Young Writers' Conference, May 26-28, 2017. Now in our 17th year, our doors are open to emerging writers who wish to share their passion for story, drama, and song with their writer brothers and sisters—and with celebrated New England authors. We offer three days of readings, improv, Moth storytelling, poetry slams, literary jazz/blues fusion, and extended friendship on the hillside campus of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. The 2017 keynote speaker is Naomi Shihab Nye.  Apply online by February 24, 2017. 
Contact: Lesley Wright at (802)865-8456 or ccyw@champlain.edu

Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course

The Vermont Recreation and Parks Association (VRPA) is hosting a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course April 4-6, 2017 at the Windjammer Best Western in South Burlington. The CPSI course is the most comprehensive training program on playground identification and risk management methods offered anywhere. The program includes a site visit to a nearby playground for hands-on learning and an optional written exam on day three. The CPSI certification course is eligible for IACET continuing education units. Register by February 15, 2017 at a discounted rate. Learn more and register online through VRPA.
Contact: Betsy Terry, VRPA Executive Director, (802)878-2077 or betsy@vrpa.org

Rosie’s Girls STEM Leadership Overnight Camps & Mentorship Program (3rd year)

For Vermont girls entering 9th and 10th grades (fall 2017) – at Vermont Tech, Randolph Center Campus, June 19 - 23, 2017 or July 10 - 14, 2017.  Modeled after Rosie’s Girls Day Camps by Vermont Works for Women these residential camps help build strong, powerful confident young women through hands-on exploration of STEM programs & skilled trades, (CIT/CIS,   Civil/Environ, Arch, Mechanical and Advanced Manuf Engineering Technology- some welding, fire science, agriculture, entrepreneurship) loads of activities, arts, career exploration, plus more.  Low cost - some scholarships. Learn more and apply online through Vermont Technical College.
Contact: Page Spiess at pspiess@vtc.vsc.edu

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Course

The VT Recreation & Parks Association (VRPA) is hosting a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course  March 21-22, 2017 at the Windjammer Best Western in South Burlington. The CPO certification program includes pool and spa chemistry, testing, treatment, filtration, maintenance, automatic feeding equipment, and government requirements. Participation is this training will give your staff a better understanding of the operator’s role in pool care, management and risk reduction.  The CPO certification course is eligible for IACET continuing education units. Register by March 2, 2017 at a discounted rate. Learn more and register online through VRPA.
Contact: Betsy Terry, VRPA Executive Director, (802)878-2077 or betsy@vrpa.org

Camp Daybreak: Exciting Summer Opportunities in 2017

Camp Daybreak is a program that serves Vermont kids ages 8-11 with a range of social, emotional, and behavioral needs by pairing them with a high school volunteer. These relationships are extremely powerful for both our campers and our volunteers. Our campers, many of whom would not be successful in traditional camp settings, are provided with constant support and encouragement while our volunteers receive a unique hands-on training on mental health conditions and kids. Everyone has fun and leaves Camp Daybreak being positively affected. Applications for both campers and volunteers are due April 1, 2017. Space is limited. Register online.
Contact: Dan Osman at dan@pear-vt.org

Subscribe Online

The field memo has time-sensitive and relevant information designed for students, teachers, and staff. The agency encourages principals, headmasters, and superintendents to share the memo with their education community. Additionally, individuals can subscribe or unsubscribe online.

Questions? Email Ted Fisher at ted.fisher@vermont.gov.