Weekly Field Memo

March 22, 2023

Agency of Education, State of Vermont and Federal Updates
Courtesy Posts

Agency of Education, State of Vermont and Federal Updates

This section of the Weekly Field Memo contains posts from the Agency of Education (AOE), other State of Vermont agencies, federal agencies or Vermont's congressional delegation.

2024 Vermont Teacher of the Year Nominations Open

Audience: All
Did a colleague in your building distinguish herself during the pandemic? Did a specific teacher make you or your child feel more connected? Is there a teacher who you think has never received acknowledgment for his innovation in the classroom? Now is your chance to celebrate that great work by nominating an educator as the Vermont Teacher of the Year. Any currently practicing, licensed teacher in Vermont is eligible for nomination. Nominations are open now through March 31, 2023.
Contact: Andrew Prowten at andrew.prowten@vermont.gov

Bureau of Justice Assistance School Safety Grants

Audience: Superintendents, Principals and School Safety Stakeholders
The Vermont School Safety Center is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Justice Assistance school safety grants are now available and links to these grants can be found on the Vermont School Safety Center’s website. A 25% cash match is required for these grants.
Contact: Robert L. Evans at revans@margolishealy.com or (802) 839-0448

Coordinated Early Intervening Services Funds Office Hour

Audience: Special Education Directors, Superintendents, Business Managers
The Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) Funds Office Hour will be held on March 23, 2023, from 3-4 p.m. to discuss the use of CEIS funds. To learn more, join in the office hour. Please submit any questions in advance through the submission form.
Contact: Cassie Santo at cassie.santo@vermont.gov

Vermont State Personnel Development Grant: Intent to Participate

Audience: Schools, Supervisory Unions, Supervisory Districts, Independent Schools in Vermont
The AOE is recruiting the first of three cohorts to receive training and coaching around using the VTmtss Framework to improve instruction and intervention systems and practices through the Vermont State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG). Eligibility is offered to Children's Integrated Service and Early Intervention providers, SU/SD along with member PreK programs, as well as public and independent schools. Visit the SPDG website for more information. Complete the SPDG Intent to Participate survey to participate.
Contact: Meg Porcella at meg.porcella@vermont.gov

2022-2023 Child Nutrition Free and Reduced Eligibility Report

Audience: School Administrators
The AOE has posted the 2022-2023 Annual Statistical Report on the Percent of Students Approved for Free and Reduced Price School Meals. This report is based on information from the last operating day in October, as reported in the Child Nutrition Programs Site Enrollment Report. The data is used for several child nutrition purposes, including determining area eligibility for summer meal sites and after-school meals and determining eligibility for the Fresh, Fruit and Vegetable Program. The data may also be referenced for a variety of non-child nutrition program purposes.
Contact: Rosie Krueger at mary.krueger@vermont.gov

Early Learning Networked Improvement Community Lunch and Learn

Audience: Principals, SU/SD Leaders
The Agency’s Early Learning Networked Improvement Community (ELNIC) invites you to a lunch and learn on April 6, 2023, from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Connect with our nationally renowned content experts, Dr. Sharon Walpole, Dr. Doug Clements, Dr. Julie Sarama and some current lead participants. We will share our efforts to improve instruction in foundational skills and formative assessment practices in PreK-3rd grade math and literacy, as well as possible opportunities to participate. The ELNIC is a unique, job-embedded professional learning opportunity where participants collaborate to provide equitable, high-quality instruction. We hope that you can join us at the event.
Contact: Lori Dolezal at aoe.elnichubgroup@vermont.gov

Grant Applications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Interdisciplinary Team, and Blind or Visually Impaired Awards Open April 15, 2023

Audience: Administrators, Grant Coordinators, Educators
Grant Applications for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Interdisciplinary Team, and Blind or Visually Impaired awards open April 15, 2023, with a due date of May 15, 2023. Applicants will need to sign into their GMS account to apply. The purpose of these grants is to improve local educational team's capacities to implement research-based interventions and current best practices in the field of education. The grantee will provide services to individual students aged 3-22 and their educational teams, provide professional development training and consultation to educators and professionals in the field and work in collaboration with other statewide consultants as appropriate.
Contact: Cassie Santo at cassie.santo@vermont.gov

Vermont Regional School Calendars for 2023-2024

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Headmasters, Regional Technical Center Directors, Curriculum Coordinators
16 V.S.A. §1071 (e), requires that before April 1 of each year, the superintendents of schools and the headmasters of public schools not managed by school boards in an area shall meet, and by majority vote, establish a uniform calendar within that area for the following school year. The calendar must include student attendance days, vacations, holidays and the requisite five teacher in-service education days. Please send approved, regional calendars to the Agency of Education at AOE.EDInfo@vermont.gov no later than April 1, 2023, or as soon as approved.
Contact: Maureen Gaidys at aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov

School Safety Training: Emergency Operations Plan Development

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, School Safety Stakeholders
The Vermont School Safety Center is pleased to announce an important school safety training: Emergency Operations Plan Development. The training will be on April 5, 2023, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., in Waterbury, Vermont. This training is free and we strongly encourage each school district to have representation at this important training initiative. Register on the School Safety Center's webpage.
Contact: Robert L. Evans at revans@margolishealy.com or (802) 839-0448

The Vermont Kindergarten Conference: Registration is Open

Audience: Administrators and Early Educators
Come celebrate the 30th year of the Vermont Kindergarten Conference. The conference is filling up quickly. After opening registration last week, ninety-six educators registered in the first two days. Workshops will focus on the Power of Stories through a variety of lenses including the arts, puppetry and mathematics. Jane Lindholm, the host of But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, will be the keynote speaker. The conference will take place on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain. Please register early so you can get your choice of workshops.
Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons at pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov

Two Student Members Sought for State Board of Education

Audience: Vermont Secondary Students, Superintendents, Principals, CTE Directors, Guidance Counselors, Secondary Educators
The Governor’s Office is seeking student representatives for the State Board of Education. One appointment will be for a one-year term (voting student member); the second appointment will be for a two-year term (first-year non-voting, second-year voting). Candidates may apply using the Application for Gubernatorial Appointment. Application deadline is April 28, 2023. Questions about the State Board of Education may be directed to Maureen Gaidys (Maureen.Gaidys@vermont.gov) at the Agency of Education. Questions about the application or the nomination process itself can be emailed to EXE.Appointments@vermont.gov.
Contact: Maureen Gaidys at aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov

Civic Literacy Grant Opportunity

Audience: Superintendents, Curriculum Directors, Social Studies, ELA Educators, Interdisciplinary Educators
Due to continued interest, the Agency of Education has re-opened the streamlined, competitive Civic Literacy Grant opportunity for Supervisory Unions/Supervisory Districts to complement and/or amplify their existing secondary school curricula. This grant will provide SU/SDs with funds for the purchase of the book "Our Unfinished March" by former United States Attorney General Eric Holder, and to support student participation in an event at The Flynn Center for Arts on May 16, 2023, where they will hear from and talk with Mr. Holder. The grant application is due March 31, 2023.
Contact: Martha Deiss at martha.deiss@vermont.gov

Vermont Public: Family Fun

Audience: Curriculum Directors, Principals, PreK-12 Teachers
Looking for family fun in March? Learn about how to turn screen time into family time from PBS Parents. Go to the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain’s “Let’s Get Curious” exhibit from January 28 – May 31, 2023. This interactive STEM exhibit is inspired by the classic children’s story character, Curious George. Meet Curious George on Vermont Public Day on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Incorporate Curious George into Your Classroom using the Agency of Education’s resources and episode-specific activities. Visit the Vermont Public Kids and Education page for more recommendations.
Contacts: Emily Leute at emily.leute@vermont.gov or Heather Duhamel at hduhamel@vermontpublic.org

Agency of Education Open Positions

Audience: All
The Vermont Agency of Education has open positions that are available to both state employees and external applicants. The open positions are: Student Support Services Division Director - Contact: Heather Bouchey at heather.bouchey@vermont.gov, Education Quality Division Director - Contact: Heather Bouchey at heather.bouchey@vermont.gov and Director of Education Finance - Contact: Bill Bates at bill.bates@vermont.gov.
Contact: AOE Info at aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov

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.

Dairy Grant Opportunity for School Meals

New England Dairy is pleased to announce a funding opportunity for eligible schools in Vermont to support food service needs related to expanding summer or school meal programs or serving new dairy menu items. New for 2023, schools can apply for our turn-key Bulk Milk Dispenser Kit, Hot Chocolate Milk Kit or Smoothie Kit. Visit New England Dairy’s School Meals webpage for the application and more details. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2023.
Contact: Jill Hussels at jhussels@NewEnglandDairy.com

Governor’s Institutes of Vermont Presents the Technology and Design Institute this Summer

The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont will be hosting a series of Institutes for Vermont high school students this summer, including our Institute of Technology and Design, happening June 24 - July 2, 2023, at Champlain College. In the Technology Institute, students dive into game design, 3D modeling, graphic design and programming. Student technology enthusiasts utilize state-of-the-art computer labs and industry hardware to create projects, art pieces and more. Students work alongside tech world professionals as a community of innovators to explore the tools of the future. Students can attend for as little as $10.
Contact: Matthew Binginot at hello@giv.org

Classroom Robotics Opportunity for PreK-8

Interested in a fun way to build STE(A)M in your classroom? Funding is available for FIRST robotics teams and Class Packs to purchase robot sets, tools and other items through DonorsChoose. Building, coding and curricular activities can take place entirely in the classroom, and there are also competition opportunities. Teachers must have an active DonorsChoose project and complete this Google Form in order to be eligible for project funding consideration.
Contact: Shawn Kasulka at shawn.kasulka@gmail.com

New Vermont Higher Education Collaborative Special Educator Initial Licensure Cohort Starts in July

Vermont Higher Education Collaborative is offering a new program that results in an initial license and endorsement as a special educator. Our two-year program is designed for individuals who are currently working in schools. Courses have occasional face-to-face meetings or are totally online and are scheduled outside of school hours. Courses for the 2023 Initial Licensure Cohort will start in July 2023. If you are already a licensed teacher and want to add the special educator endorsement, our endorsement program is also filling quickly. Contact us for program information and registration.
Contact: Joy Wilcox at joy.wilcox@vthec.org

Umatter Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills April with American Sign Language Interpreter

Join Center for Health and Learning's (CHL) Umatter Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training on April 12, 2023, from 10-11:30 a.m. This will be a ninety-minute virtual, live session structured to enhance knowledge, comfort and skills to identify those at risk for suicide in your organization or community, including resources to get help. Umatter Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training provides the fundamental knowledge to build a suicide prevention-aware community or workplace. Visit the registration page to register for free or low-cost training opportunities offered by the Vermont Suicide Prevention Center, a CHL program supported by Facing Suicide Vermont.
Contact: Joy Wilcox at joy.wilcox@vthec.org

2023 Transition and Career Planning Conference

Registration is open for the 18th Annual Transition and Career Planning Conference taking place in person on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa. “Living and Learning in the 802: Vermont Opportunities and Pathways” will feature Jess DeCarolis as the keynote speaker. This year’s conference focuses on a variety of Vermont’s educational opportunities and the belief that the future is a destination of value. To view workshop descriptions visit the conference event page.
Contact: Cathy Printon at printon@vsac.org

Middle Grades Literature: Bringing Relevant Texts Into Our Classrooms

Reading is a social act, and in this graduate course, Partnerships for Literacy and Learning (PLL) will engage with middle grade text in a social and analytical manner. We will read and analyze current, relevant texts for middle grade readers, along with The Joy of Reading from Miller and Lesene. There will be an emphasis on practical applications of book clubs, discussion protocols and familiarity with current literature. This hybrid course runs from June 28 - August 16, 2023, with six one-hour meetings. Find details on the PLL’s course webpage.
Contact: Mary Grace at info@pllvt.org or (802) 828-0521

Professional Learning: Summer Math K-6

Registration is open for this summer's Enhancing The Math Gameplan: High Impact, Low-Cost Shifts to Increase Engagement, Equity, and Understanding with Christian Courtemanche K-6. Christian Courtemanche brings his energy and expertise back for this popular course that will level-up pedagogy and create resources that will be more impactful, more accessible and more inclusive for every learner. The course will be held on June 20-23, 2023 with two fall follow-up sessions at the Champlain Valley Educator Development Center in South Burlington. In-person and remote options are available.
Contact: Lauren Wooden at lauren@cvedcvt.org or (802) 497-1642

Vermont Plants Sunflowers for Ukraine - Invitation for Schools to Join in Solidarity Community Action

Vermont Plants Sunflowers for Ukraine (VPSU) is a Vermont community action group. Our mission is to inspire countless acts of solidarity with the people of Ukraine by sharing free seed packets and inspiring the planting of hundreds of thousands of sunflowers in every corner of Vermont. The message of sunflowers splashing against the blue Vermont sky will give us all hope and inspiration for positive action. Every seed planted will be a statement of solidarity. VPSU asks schools across Vermont to join in this act of solidarity. Visit our webpage to learn more.
Contact: Dale Newton at solidarity@vtsunflowers4ukraine.org or (802) 426-3889

Applications Now Open for Free Agriscience Summer Academies at University of Vermont

University of Vermont (UVM) Extension’s 4-H Program invites rising 8-12 graders to apply for one of three, free, residential summer academies held on the UVM campus June 25-30, 2023. AgroTek Innovation exposes students to agriscience skills in one of three topics; Culturing Cells for Healthier Soils, Shifting the Waste to Value Paradigm (converting agricultural waste into value-added products) and Using Virtual Reality for More Precise Agriculture. Participants will build important relationships with undergraduate student mentors along with faculty and staff. Details can be found on the AgroTek website. Deadline to apply has been extended to April 7, 2023.
Contact: Sarah Kleinman at sarah.kleinman@uvm.edu or (802) 651-8343 ext. 521

Summer Architecture Camp

Norwich University School of Architecture and Art Summer Design Academy is a week-long intensive architecture and design camp open to high school students, teaching students the essentials of design thinking and architectural composition. Over the week, students will design a small building, using drawings and models to communicate how it would be experienced and how it could be built. All materials will be provided. More information is on the Summer Design Academy webpage.
Contact: Tolya Syril Stonorov at tstonoro@norwich.edu

2023 Vermont Family Network Annual Conference Registration

The conference, 2023 Annual Conference “Inclusion and Well-Being”, will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. This year our new Executive Director, Jacqui Kelleher, and Vermont Agency of Education guest, Cassie Santo, will start off our day talking about Building Inclusive Systems. We will then welcome our featured presenter, Dr. Joelle van Lent, who will focus on the well-being and resilience of caregivers, families and helping professionals.
Contact: Sienna Tuinei at sienna.tuinei@vtfn.org

Introduction to Orton-Gillingham: Classroom Educator Level - June 23 Start Date

Registration is open for the Introduction to Orton-Gillingham: Classroom Educator Level course, which begins on June 23, 2023. The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is a powerful, multisensory approach to literacy instruction grounded in a deep understanding of how the English language works. Gain an overview of the OG Approach and learn how to teach reading directly, explicitly, sequentially and systematically. This course also covers the reading brain and dyslexia, phonemic awareness, handwriting, syllable types, syllable division, spelling patterns and more. Visit the course page for more info.
Contact: Julia Caminiti at jcaminiti@sterncenter.org

Weekly Field Memo - Volume 17, Issue 12