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Volume 13, Issue 8

February 20, 2019

Multi-tiered System of Supports February Office Hour

Audience: Members of SU/SD/School Leadership Teams and Administrators
Registration is now open for the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) February Office Hour scheduled for February 28, 2018, from 3 to 4 p.m. In this online session, we will share a perspective on addressing the DMG Report Opportunities through the VTmtss lens.
Contact: Tracy Watterson at tracy.watterson@vermont.gov or (802) 479-1353


Courtesy Posts

Professional Learning: Restorative Practices

Registration is open for Using Restorative Practices to Respond to Harm. During this day-long workshop with Annie O'Shaughnessy, we will explore Tier 2 processes - how to respond to harm in schools in a variety of restorative ways. We will examine how we know we are ready for Tier 2 work, when to proceed, when not to and why. May 17, 2019, at the Hampton Event Center in Colchester, VT and includes a resource binder.
Contact: Lauren Wooden at lauren@cvedcvt.org or (802) 497-1642

Applications Now Open: Coder Camp for Girls

Applications for Coder Camp for Girls (day camp) July 15 – 19, 2019 at Vermont Technical College, Williston Campus for rising grade seven to grade 11 girls are now open. Girls have a chance to explore coding in this experiential “hands-on” program where they can translate their creativity into a computer program of their own design using SCRATCH and other software programs; visit innovative software development companies; learn about career opportunities; and more. $175 (includes workbook, activities, instruction, some lunches, snacks, field trip and more). Many partial fee scholarships available.
Contact: Laurel Butler at laurel.butler@vtc.vsc.edu or (802) 922-3692

Beyond Bullying: Creating a Culture of Respect in Learning Communities

Registration is now open for the 7th Annual Vermont Association Middle Level Education (VAMLE) conference: Beyond Bullying: Creating a Culture of Respect in Learning Communities. The conference, focused on student leadership to prevent bullying, will be held at Champlain College on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Teams (four students and one educator) from grades 5-8 will participate in a day of informative workshops that will provide various strategies for creating school action plans. The Yoh Theatre Players, a 'spoken word' chorus, from Woodstock Union H.S., will open the conference. SoundCheck, a band of students from nine high schools who are interested in creating music on themes of social justice, will perform at the closing. Register soon as space is limited.
Contact: Sue Gee at director@vamle.org or (802) 522-7180

2019 Innovation in Education Conference

The Windsor Central Supervisory Union and EdTechTeacher are pleased to once again offer their conference: Innovation in Education- Directors of Their Own Learning at the picturesque Woodstock Inn and Resort in Woodstock, VT, April 2 to 4, 2019. This conference is designed as a collaborative endeavor for teachers, technology integration specialists and administrators. Please visit the Woodstock Inn and Resort website for room reservations and reference the conference.
Contact: Rayna Bishop at rbishop@wcsu.net or (802) 457-1213

Dream Big 5K: Run, Walk, Roll - April 14, 2019, Essex, VT

The Dream Big 5K is a community 5K, 1K and Fun Run for folks of all ages and abilities. Come run, walk or roll with us on April 14, 2019 and support EDD Memorial Fund adaptive sports programs in Vermont! The USATF-certified 5K begins and ends at Essex Middle School, winding through surrounding neighborhoods. The flat course is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, and there is a new 1K distance for youth and adaptive racers. All racers receive a medal for participating, a race t-shirt, swag bag, and special recognition for top three finishers in each category. Registration: $10 student/$25 adult. Register before March 24, 2019 to make sure you get a race t-shirt.
Contact: Dylan McNamara at dmcnamara@ewsd.org or (802) 878-8168

5th Power 2 Summit: Youth and Adults Shaping Vermont Education Together

Are you engaged in work with high school youth that is changing education in Vermont? Do you want to learn how youth and adults across the state are partnering to create a student-centered environment in our schools? The Power 2 Summit is for youth and adult teams, and will be held at the Lake Morey Resort and Conference Center on May 1, 2019. This will be a highly interactive day designed to promote dialogue, networking, creativity and collaboration.
Contact: Karen Scott at karen@upforlearning.org or (802) 552-8140

2019 Champlain College Young Writers' Conference

Bright Stars: We have released the carrier pigeons and the concourses are alight. Once again, you are cordially invited to attend a weekend of writing workshops, craft sessions and open mic at the Champlain College Young Writers' Conference, May 24 to 26, 2019. Now in our 19th year, our doors are open to high school students who wish to share their passion for story, drama and song with their writerly 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. Our 2019 Keynote Speaker is Moira Smiley. Applications are due March 8, 2019.
Contact: Lesley Wright at ccyw@champlain.edu or (802) 865-8456

Professional Development: Dyslexia Workshop with Nancy Mather

Dr. Nancy Mather, preeminent expert on dyslexia and learning disabilities, presents Students with Dyslexia: We DO Know Who They Are!, a half-day workshop with the Stern Center for Language and Learning. Participants will learn more about what dyslexia is, how to diagnose it and effective teaching strategies. Educators and parents of individuals with dyslexia are encouraged to register by March 8, 2019 for only $35/person.
Contact: SJ White at swhite@sterncenter.org or (802)-878-2332 ext. 320

Earn a Teaching License and Master's Degree in One Year

Saint Michael’s College is now offering a Master of Arts in Teaching program starting in May of 2019. This competitively priced program provides both one- and two-year options and is designed as a fifth year initial licensure option for undergraduates as well as a stand-alone licensure and master’s degree program for those seeking a career change. Learning opportunities include multiple field placements, diverse opportunities to explore progressive educational practices, a rigorous course sequence and a collaborative cohort model. The program will culminate in a transformative capstone experience. The MAT offers licensure tracks in art, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education with the option of pursuing additional endorsements (such as early childhood education).
Contact: Claudine Bedell at cbedell@smcvt.edu or (802) 654-2741

Flynn Free Family Saturday Series - Musical Zoo: Listen!

Join the Flynn for new, free family musical programs held in the Flynn's lobby and experience a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with families encouraged to choose how they engage in the activity, whether they use the available headphones for persons with sensitivities to sound, or they engage with their eyes or their whole selves, every family belongs at the Flynn Free Family Saturdays. The first event, Musical Zoo: Listen! on March 2, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m., features a collaboration with the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Society. Is that a bird or flute; a swan or a cello; a fish or a piano? Come hear and find out on an adventure through our musical zoo. Free pre-registration required.
Contact: Sarah at flynnarts@flynncenter.org or (802) 652-4537

College and Career Pathways at Castleton University

How often are you asked questions by students, parents, and adult learners about Vermont career training options, how to pay for college and training and the college admissions process? VSAC’s College & Career Pathways evening events address these questions and more. The first date is Wednesday, Feb 27, 2019 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Castleton University and features a resource fair of more than 25 exhibitors and workshops. Encourage your students and families to attend. 
Contact: Anna Telensky at events@vsac.org or (888) 943-7301

Professional Learning Opportunity: Hard of Hearing and Deafness Legal Update

Vermont Higher Education Collaborative is partnering with Nine East Network for this one day Hard of Hearing and Deafness Legal Update with Bruce Goldstein, Esq. This interactive session will provide an overview of laws protecting children and adults who are hard of hearing or deaf. It will also offer valuable information for professionals in education and elsewhere regarding legal requirements, rights and relevant scenarios from case law to avoid the potential pitfalls presented by these laws. The conference will be held at Trader Duke's in South Burlington on May 2, 2019. CART and ASL interpreters will be provided.
Contact: Julie Medose at julie.medose@vthec.org or (802) 498-3350

Educational Technology Online Sequence

Now enrolling for summer, UVM’s Educational Technology Online Sequence offers educators the opportunity to transform their teaching practice through a series of six, fully online graduate courses designed to expand their digital skills, support students’ standards-based learning, keep up with students’ interest in Web and computer-simulated learning and/or apply course credits toward a Master’s degree.
Contact: Katie Albee at learn@uvm.edu or (802) 656-2085

Calling all Vermont Poets, Ages 5 to 18

April is the Month of the Military Child. Military Kids Vermont (MKVT) invites youth to participate in the “This is Our Land” Poetry Contest. All poetry must incorporate the meaning of patriotism and the beauty of America. Open to all youth 5-18 years old. No military affiliation required. Winners will be recognized at a special ceremony on April 2, 2019 held in conjunction with the celebration of April as Month of the Military Child. All participants in the poetry contest and their families are invited to attend the event, which takes place from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier. MKVT, in partnership with University of Vermont Extension 4-H, provides community support for Vermont youths whose parents or guardians serve in the military. Deadline to enter is March 22, 2019.
Contact: Allison Smith at Allison.smith.2@uvm.edu or (802) 651-8343 x509


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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.