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Volume 14, Issue 5

Weekly Field Memo
February 5, 2020

A Blueprint for Early Literacy Comprehensive System of Services, PreK Through Third Grade

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Curriculum Specialists, Boards of Education Members
A Blueprint for Early Literacy Comprehensive System of Services, PreK Through Third Grade supports state and local policy makers and education leaders (e.g., superintendents, principals, curriculum specialists, boards of education members, etc.) in their development and implementation of a comprehensive plan in early literacy. The Blueprint's focus is on supporting young children's early language and literacy success PreK through Grade 3.
Contact: Katie McCarthy at katie.mccarthy@vermont.gov

Vermont Regional School Calendars for 2020-2021

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Headmasters, Regional Technical Center Directors, Curriculum Coordinators
Vermont statute, 16 V.S.A. §1071 (e), requires that superintendents of schools, regional public-school principals and headmasters meet before April 1, 2020, and, by majority vote, establish a uniform calendar within that area for the following school year. The calendar needs to include student attendance days, periods of vacation, holidays and the requisite five teacher in-service education days. Please send approved, regional calendars to Allison Keating at the Agency of Education no later than April 1, 2020.
Contact: Allison Keating at (802) 828-4855 or allison.keating@vermont.gov

The 28th Annual Kindergarten Conference: A Focus on Children Ages 4, 5 and 6

Audience: Administrators, Early Educators
Play, Well-Being, and Academic Expectations: Creating the Balance is the title for the 28th Annual Kindergarten Conference. The conference will focus on the role of play in fostering well-being, wonder and intellectual growth. Keynote speakers include Christine Hertz, a Literacy Interventionist and author, who will share strategies for making traditional academic instruction more playful and joy-based. John Cohn, an IBM Fellow based at the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab in Cambridge, will address the relationship between play and creativity. The conference will take place at the Hilton in Burlington on Friday, March 13, 2020. For additional information, please see the conference flyer or go to the registration site.
Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons at (802) 828-5896 or pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov

AOE Seeking Public Comment on Perkins V State Plan

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, CTE Directors, School Counselors, Educators
The AOE is seeking comments from the public on the draft Perkins V State Plan. The state plan articulates how the state will invest $20 million in federal funds to improve our career technical education (CTE) system over the next four years and possibly beyond. The draft plan and related resources are available on the AOE Perkins V website. Comments should be submitted to: AOE.PerkinsComments@vermont.gov. The deadline is Feb. 21, 2020, at 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Jay Ramsey at jay.ramsey@vermont.gov

What-if Wednesday: School Emergency Preparedness

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, School Crisis Planning Team Members
The What if Wednesday for Feb. 5, 2020 is designed for superintendents, principals and school crisis planning team members to facilitate a conversation about school emergency preparedness. Please complete the exercise and share with your faculty and staff as appropriate.
Contact: Robert L. Evans at revans@margolishealy.com or (802) 839-0448

Funding Opportunity and Grant Application: Adult Education and Literacy Services

Organizations providing adult education and literacy services
Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II, the Vermont Agency of Education requests applications from eligible organizations and entities to implement Adult Education and Literacy activities in Vermont during the July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022, grant period. Applicant workshops will be held on Feb. 7 and Feb. 28, 2020. More information and application materials may be found on the AOE's Adult Education webpage. Deadline to submit applications is March 25, 2020.
Contact: Robin Castle at robin.castle@vermont.gov or (802) 828-0508

Virtual Coffee and Conversation: Continuous Improvement and Comprehensive Needs Assessment

Superintendents, Curriculum Directors, Principals, CFP/Grants Managers
The Education Quality Assurance team will be hosting a series of virtual conversations exploring the continuous improvement process in advance of the submission of Continuous Improvement Plans, including support in conducting a comprehensive needs assessment. Session One will focus on data inquiry and be held from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020. Session Two will explore problems of practice and be held from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Session Three will aid in planning and testing change ideas and be held from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Each session will begin with a brief overview of the content, but be largely dedicated to answering questions from the field. Each session will be recorded and made available on our website after airing.
Contact: Patrick Halladay at patrick.halladay@vermont.gov

2020 School Health Profiles

Audience: Principals, Lead Health Educators
The Vermont Department of Health is currently conducting the 2020 School Health Profiles (SHP). The SHP surveys both principals and lead health educators about current health practices, policies and procedures related to health. The SHP is critical for designing and administering programs to meet the needs of our students and to provide a basis for future requests for funding. All middle and high school principals and a lead health educator from each school are asked to complete the online survey by Feb. 25, 2020. Principals and educators should have received an email inviting them to complete the School Health Profiles online.
Contact: Kristen Murray at kristen.murray@vermont.gov

DMV Safe Selfie Zone Contest for High School Students

One easy way for identity thieves to snatch personal information is when new drivers, in their excitement to show off their licenses, post photos of them on social media. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles plans to create a “Safe Selfie Zone” at all locations for new drivers to stand in front of and have their picture taken without holding up a permit or license. A contest to design the Safe Selfie Zone is open to all Vermont high-school students. Contest guidelines and a printable poster are on the DMV website.
Contact: Amy Tatko at amy.tatko@vermont.gov or (802) 498-8025

Enrollment Now Open: Governor's Institutes of Vermont Summer Learning Residencies

Audience: Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Principals, Superintendents
Curious and enthusiastic Vermont 9th-11th graders with artistic and academic passions are encouraged to apply for the Governor's Institutes of Vermont this summer. Students will spend 1-2 weeks completely immersed in a topic of their choice, work alongside industry-leading professionals and make new friends from across the state who share their passions, all while experiencing life and coursework in a collegiate setting. With exciting topics like Engineering; Technology & Design; Environmental Science; Global Issues; Health & Medicine; Astronomy, and so much more, there is something for every passionately curious young Vermonter. Tuition is based on a sliding scale model that enables families to pay only what they can afford. Please visit the Governor's Institutes of Vermont website for more detailed information and to begin the application process.
Contact: Barry Steyling at barry@giv.org

Courtesy Posts

The views, opinions and resources shared in this section of the WFM are solely those of the original contributors. The Agency of Education does not endorse the views expressed by these contributors and reserves the right to refuse submissions. Questions related to any of these resources should be directed to the organizations, people and opportunities as shared. Please refer to the Weekly Field Memo submission guidelines for additional information.

Announcing Topic for Hildene Lincoln Essay Competition 2020

Every year, Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home runs the Lincoln Essay Competition for Vermont’s 8th graders, dividing the state into four competitions. This year’s topic: Identify one issue facing Vermont that you think your state government (the Scott administration and/or the legislature) should address. Describe the challenge and its negative impacts. Then explain why governmental action is appropriate, suggest one or more actions that state government should take, and explain why you think such action would improve the situation. First place winners receive $500, second place $400, third place $300, and up to four honorable mentions of $200 each which the judges may choose from anywhere in the state. The deadline for submissions is Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, 2020. Please consult our website to identify your contest entry region and to find a complete application packet (including important guidelines and tips).
Contact: Stephanie Moffet-Hynds at stephanie@hildene.org

VT Holocaust Memorial Workshop: Analyzing Propaganda and Media Literacy

Registration is now open for educators to take part in Vermont Holocaust Memorial’s Educators Workshop taking place in Woodstock on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, in conjunction with Echoes and Reflections. This year’s theme is “Analyzing Propaganda and Teaching Media Literacy.” Educators will gain the tools to facilitate classroom discussions on the role and impact of Nazi propaganda during the Holocaust and support their students to critically analyze media in today’s world. Certificates of completion will be awarded at the end of the workshop. The registration deadline has been extended to Feb. 15, 2020. For more information and to register: Vermont Holocaust Memorial - 2020 Workshop.
Contact: Debora Steinerman at info@holocaustmemorial-vt.org

Vermont Health Educator Survey 2019-2020 School Year

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) would once again like to learn more about sexual health education in Vermont’s middle and high schools and how PPNNE can support Vermont schools in meeting the sexual and reproductive health care needs of youth. Health teachers, teachers, administrators, and nurses who work with grades 6 through 12 are invited to complete this survey. Multiple people from the same school/supervisory union are welcome to respond. If you work at multiple schools, please complete this survey for each school separately. The survey will take 2- 5 minutes to complete. Responses requested by Feb. 21, 2022 Survey participants will have the option to enter a raffle to win a $50 gift certificate.
Contact: Planned Parenthood of Northern New England at education@ppnne.org or (802) 448-9726

Spread the Word: College and Career Pathways 2020 Events

VSAC’s College & Career Pathways for 2020 has a student and parent track, plus an expanded track for adults. Join us for free workshops and a career training resource fair to help plan for college or training. Get your questions answered, talk to Vermont experts about apprenticeships and job programs, and learn about applying to and paying for college or career training. Feb. 26, 2020, in Castleton; March 11, 2020, in Putney; March 19, 2020, in Colchester; or April 6, 2020, in Lyndonville. Register for one of the free evening events. Come hungry - free light dinner available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Contact: Anna Telensky at events@vsac.org or (888) 943-7301

Cuba for Educators

The Cuban American Friendship Society is offering an opportunity for educators to travel to this unique and developing country where you will embark on an in-depth exploration of teaching and learning in schools in Havana. Explore Old Havana, visit primary, middle and secondary schools, meet with Cuban educators and experience a slice of life in Cuba. The trip is scheduled from April 18 to April 25, 2020.
Contact: Armando Vilaseca at armandovilaseca@gmail.com

Time is running out: VSAC scholarships close Feb. 12

The deadline to apply for one of the 150 scholarships managed by Vermont Student Assistance Corp. closes soon – Feb. 12, 2020. Don’t miss out on over $5 million in awards to help Vermonters pay for their education and training after high school. Check out all the scholarships and apply online using the Unified Scholarship Application. Still have questions? Watch how to apply for a scholarship and fill out the Vermont State Grant application on Facebook Live or on YouTube. Or, visit VSAC’s scholarship page for more information.
Contact: Marcia Corey at (888) 253-4819 or scholarships@vsac.org

BFA St Albans Arts Integrated Project

On Jan. 29, 2020, 65 US History students presented a theatrical performance they created with US History teacher Mike Campbell, Theater Teacher Susan Palmer and Tech Integrationist Steven Davis at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans. The work was the culmination of a 5-month exploration of what it means to be American, both historically and today. Students used theater, media arts, personal reflection and historical research to generate a script and audio/video montage in an Arts Integrated project. Check out the video and Q and A of the event.
Contact: Susan Palmer at spalmer@maplerun.org

1-Credit Online Graduate Course, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Education

The Center for Health and Learning is offering a 1-Credit Online Graduate Course Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Education beginning April 26, 2020. This course is offered as one of a series of courses by the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative toward health education endorsement and developed so that teachers, health and guidance personnel have a sufficient level of professional development to enable them to competently teach or provide other services required in the school’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention education program.
Contact Catherine Diduk at info@healthandlearning.org or (802) 254-6590

Professional Learning: Innovation Award

CVEDC's Ned Kirsch Innovative Leadership Award honors the late Ned Kirsch, former Superintendent of FWSU. Ned was an integral member of our Advisory Committee and is dearly missed by CVEDC and of course all of the #vted community. His national presence among innovative networks made other innovators aware of Vermont's work and eager to be part of it. Use the Nomination Form to nominate a Vermont Educational Leader who exemplifies the qualities that were part of Ned’s inspirational and forward-looking leadership. Deadline for nominations is March 15, 2020. The award is $1500.
Contact: Lauren Wooden at lauren@cvedcvt.org or (802) 497-1642

New Tool to Track Education and Training Progress

Advance Vermont has launched a new interactive data dashboard to measure progress toward Vermont’s postsecondary attainment goal, illuminate equity-related gaps, and prompt action to increase Vermont’s postsecondary attainment rate. The dashboard includes 26 indicators of postsecondary success in the areas of postsecondary readiness, aspiration, affordability, enrollment, completion and career readiness. It explains why each indicator is important and, where possible, disaggregates data by region and identity to allow for a deeper dive.
Contact: Tom Cheney at cheney@vsac.org or (802) 542-2217

Teacher Workshop with MOMIX

In addition to the student matinee performances of "Viva MOMIX," MOMIX will lead an experiential teacher workshop at the Flynn from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020. MOMIX, founded by Vermont's own Moses Pendleton, is known for beauty, magic, fun and inventiveness. Company dancer/illusionists will help teachers explode students' sense of the possible. "The work we did with the visiting artists provided many exercises to use with any age. The fact that we put them to use together and truly embodied them was powerful" (Alana Phinney, Independent Teaching Artist). Fee is $20/participant; fee support & PD credit available; register on the Flynn Center website.
Contact: Lauren Genta at lgenta@flynncenter.org or (802) 652-4508

More Schools Encourage Greener Transportation at Way To Go!

Eighty-three schools are already signed-up for the annual Way to Go! School Challenge to reduce single car trips to school. All K-12 schools are invited to participate in making green travel choices (walk, bike, carpool and take the bus) an everyday habit. Everything you need to know is in our Guide to encourage students, staff and faculty to battle carbon pollution head-on for at least one day. Check out the upcoming monthly statewide events, including: Feb. 10-21, 2020, Winter Walk-Bike Challenge, Feb. 14, 2020, Winter Walk to School Day, and March 16-20, 2020, Ride the Bus Week. How to Participate: Select from the Way to Go! list of activities and have fun biking, ridesharing, walking or taking the bus, all or part of your trip. School coordinators may register their school and log any school activity thru May 15, 2020. Sign up and log your activities online to be eligible to win great prizes and awards on June 3, 2020.
Contact: Deb Sachs at (802) 238-9807 or deb@netzerovt.org

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

Saint Michael’s College offers a competitively-priced Master of Arts in Teaching program that provides both one- and two-year options. It is designed as a fifth-year initial licensure option for graduating seniors, and a stand-alone licensure and master’s degree program for those seeking a career change. Learning experiences include multiple field placements, diverse opportunities to explore progressive educational practices, a rigorous course sequence, a collaborative cohort model, and a personalized culminating project. The MAT offers initial licensure tracks in art, elementary, middle, secondary and special education, and, for licensed teachers, additional endorsements in special education and English language learners (ELL). For more information, please see the Saint Michael’s College website. Regular admission deadline: March 1, 2020.
Contact:Amy Saks Pavese at asakspavese@smcvt.edu or (802) 654-2826

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.