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Weekly Field Memo: Recent News and Items of Interest From the Agency

January 24, 2025
A Weekly Field Memo title graphic indicating the week of publication: January 24, 2025

Contents: January 24, 2025

Vermont Public: Ken Burns’ Leonardo da Vinci

Audience: Vermont Educators, Grades 6-12 Educators 

This captivating collection from Ken Burns' new documentary, Leonardo da Vinci, dives deep into the life and works of the ultimate Renaissance man, and will help students understand and discover his groundbreaking contributions to art, science, and invention. Explore engaging videos, activities, lesson plans, and a 3D interactive model, all of which help bring Leonardo’s inventions to life in the classroom and inspire students to think critically, push creative boundaries, and explore the intersection of art and science, presented by Vermont Public and PBS LearningMedia. Visit the Vermont Public Educators page for more recommendations of high-quality resources. 

Contact: Emily Leute at emily.leute@vermont.gov

Center Track State Afterschool Grant Application Closing Soon 

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, and Afterschool Directors 

We wish to remind all interested parties that the application period for the Center Track Grant is nearing its conclusion. The final deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This grant offers significant support for the development and expansion of single-site afterschool centers. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals through the Grants Management System before the deadline. For any assistance with the application process, please contact us for support. Thank you for your commitment to advancing youth programs. 

Contact: Johannes Haensch at johannes.heansch@vermont.gov 

Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) Access Plan Training 

Audience: VT High School Special Educators and Special Education Directors 

This Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) Access Training will cover how high schools who are using PBGRs to determine graduation can make the requirements accessible for students with intensive needs. This is the system that replaces the multi-year plan. Please register for Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) Access Plan Training. 

Contact: John Spinney at john.spinney@vermont.gov 

State Board Adopts New Health and Physical Education Standards 

AudienceAdministrators, Curriculum Directors, K-12 Educators, Physical Education and Health Educators 

The Vermont State Board of Education on December 18, 2024, as per their responsibilities outlined in 16 V.S.A. § 164, adopted the 2024 SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards and the 2024 National Health Education Standards. These standards will replace in full the previously adopted 2007 National Health Standards and 2013 SHAPE America National Standards for K-12 Physical Education starting in the 2025-26 school year. See this memorandum for the announcement and information on the rollout of the standards.  Please reach out if you have questions about the memo, the standards, or the rollout. 

Contact: Ian Burfoot-Rochford at ian.burfoot-rochford@vermont.gov 

Save the Date - Vermont Kindergarten Conference - Wonder and Joy: Sparking Playful Pathways to Learning 

Audience: Administrators and Early Educators 

The keynote speaker for this year’s Kindergarten Conference is Christine Hertz Hausman, an educator, author, and professional learning facilitator. Her keynote, The Powerful Role of Playful Literacy, will highlight examples of how teachers can foster emergent literacy and language skills as they deepen children’s play and empower them with the tools needed to express their unique voices, connect with their communities, and share their diverse and multiple literacies. The conference will take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the DoubleTree in South Burlington. For more information, please see this flyer

Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons at pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov 

K-3 Screening Guidance Orientation

Audience: Curriculum Directors, Administrators, Educators

The AOE Act 139 Review and Recommendations for K-3 Universal Screeners is now available. The document reviews the screening instruments most commonly used in Vermont, offers recommendations, and provides practical guidance for screener use and selection. Register to attend an Orientation and Q&A session about this screening guidance on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Contact: Emily Lesh at emily.lesh@vermont.gov 


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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 aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov.