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Bulletin Board 4/16/2025

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Bulletin Board

Welcome to the ConnectEd Bulletin Board!

This is the place to find opportunities for further professional development, grant and awards opportunities, and much more!

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Upcoming Awareness Events
Math and Statistics Awareness Month
Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
Month of the Military Child
Autism Acceptance Month
Financial Literacy Month
World Autism Awareness Day
April 1-30, 2025: School Library Month
April 20 - 26, 2025: National Environmental Education Week
April 21 - 25, 2025: Out-of-School Time Professionals Appreciation Week

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New WISELearn Mathematics Hub
A new WISELearn Mathematics Hub is now available that provides big picture resources that can be used when planning professional learning connected to the Wisconsin Vision for Mathematics, organizes WISELearn Groups that connect to that Vision, and sends math related announcements from time to time as another way to keep the WI mathematics community connected. Resources and discussion threads in WISELearn Groups provide ideas from WI educators and for WI educators. Go to the Hub now to check out Groups that you may be interested in. Then, keep coming back as the Hub grows over time!

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Host a Youth Mental Health Training in Your School or Community!
If you are interested in hosting a YMHFA course in your school or community please complete the inquiry form on our website. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the WISH Center can offer a limited number of YMHFA trainings at no cost.
• Learn more about YMHFA Training and explore whether it is a good fit for your needs.
• Complete the Inquiry form. Plan for a date at least 6 weeks out to allow time to coordinate trainers and order materials.
• A minimum of 15 participants must be met. This is basic mental health training for teachers, school staff, coaches, parents, and other adults who work with youth ages 12-18. Note the basic first aider course is a prerequisite to attending a YMHFA Training of Trainers.
Questions can be directed to Alie Hubing, Project Coordinator at ahubing@cesa4.org or Chelsea Bellville, Regional Coordinator at cbellville@cesa10.org.

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DPI Cyberbullying Listening Sessions
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is hosting virtual listening sessions to gather insights on how we can better support schools, families, and students in preventing and responding to cyberbullying. These sessions will help shape the resources and guidance we provide to schools across the state. We invite educators, school leaders, caregivers, students, and community members interested in this important issue to participate and share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas.
Register for one of the listening sessions below to join the conversation. If you are unable to attend but would still like to contribute, please share your thoughts through our anonymous survey. Contact Libby Strunz (elizabeth.strunz@dpi.wi.gov) with any questions.

Listening Session #1
Thursday, May 8, 2025
4:00-4:45 p.m.
Registration Link

Listening Session #2
Monday, May 12, 2025
4:00-4:45 p.m.
Registration Link

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Student Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Mini-Grants
The Department of Public Instruction is pleased to announce the 2025-26 Student Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Mini Grant Competition. All K-12 student groups in public schools are eligible to apply. The grant supports education, prevention, and intervention programs designed by students, targeting AODA and other youth risk behaviors that include commercial tobacco use, vaping, violence, bullying, suicide, and alcohol traffic safety. Funding priority will be given to projects that involve youth in planning and implementation and those that have lasting educational value beyond the funding cycle. Each student group may receive up to $1,000. Districts or schools may submit multiple applications. Applications are due to DPI by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. For application and more information, visit the DPI Student AODA Mini-Grant Program webpage. If you have any questions, please contact DPIAODA.Grant@dpi.wi.gov.

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CCR&R Annual Conference - Conscious Discipline
This year's CCR&R annual conference will introduce participants to the foundational principles and practices of Conscious Discipline, a research-based approach to social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and classroom management. Participants will explore the Conscious Discipline Brain State Model and learn how the Seven Powers for Conscious Adults and the Seven Skills of Discipline help to create safe, connected, and cooperative environments for children and adults. Join us on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Culver Family Welcome Center in Oshkosh. The cost for this conference is $25 per person. To register or learn more about this conference, please visit Child Care Resource and Referral's website.

https://ccrrfoxvalley.org/upcoming-events/2025-ccr-r-annual-conference-conscious-discipline

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State Budget Public Hearings - Share Your Voice

The Joint Committee on Finance Co-Chairs announced dates and locations for State Budget public hearings. Hearings will take place between April 2 and April 29th - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. The JFC has also developed a dedicated email address for input only: budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov and all emails will be circulated to the full committee. Below are resources to help you understand what the DPI's recommendations are, what Governor Evers' Budget requests entail, and how they might affect you, your students, and families across the state:

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Forward Exam Educator Involvement Opportunity
The DPI is still recruiting a group of Wisconsin educators (including English learner and special education teachers) to participate in a Forward Exam New Item Review. This important step in the development of the Forward Exam is a great opportunity to be a part of test development, have detailed input on the exam, and take knowledge back to your district about the processes. New Item Review Participants will review new ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies test questions created for the exam for content, grade level appropriateness, alignment to correct standard, cultural inclusivity, and bias/sensitivity issues prior to placement on the exam.

More information about this opportunity, including how to apply, is available on the Forward Exam Educators Involvement webpage. Contact: osamail@dpi.wi.gov

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2025 Virtual Dance Education Summit!
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is proud to present the Second Annual Online Wisconsin Dance Summit on Monday, April 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM CDT.

This dynamic event brings together visionary leaders in dance education for an evening of inspiration, innovation, and meaningful dialogue. The summit will open with remarks from Susan McGreevy-Nichols, Executive Director of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). Attendees will also enjoy an exclusive live screening of PS DANCE! THE NEXTGENERATION, a powerful film showcasing Ann Biddle and her students as they demonstrate that every school can be a dance school.

Join us for an evening that will inform, inspire, and ignite your passion for dance education. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with national leaders and explore the transformative power of dance in schools! Click here to register.

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Wisconsin’s Special Educator Induction Program Now Accepting Nominations
The Wisconsin DPI is pleased to announce the continuation of Wisconsin’s Special Educator Induction Program in 2025-26. In partnership, each CESA will offer induction program opportunities for new special educators. The program will include professional learning, coaching, and a support network to increase staff retention. The induction program is designed for first or second year special educators and special educators holding a License with Stipulations. There will be no cost to the school district. In addition, continued coaching and support is available for participants who completed the first year of induction. Districts will receive a stipend per participant per year to offset the costs associated with the induction program. Participation in the induction program will not result in DPI licensure but is intended to supplement any Educator Preparation Program. Your local CESA will be sending a nomination and commitment form to each district in the near future. Please see the following webpage and one-page document or contact your local CESA for more information.

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The Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) Open House
The WSD is hosting an open house on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This open house is for any potential student and their families. They will have a campus tour, receive information on programs, and meet WSD staff. Please pass this information along to any students who may wish to attend WSD. Registration is required by April 21, 2025.

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29th Annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute
The annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute is an active, highly participatory, week-long workshop designed to increase participants’ understanding of issues related to the histories, cultures, and tribal sovereignty of the American Indian nations and tribal communities in Wisconsin. The goals of the summer institute relate to both American Indian Studies and the education of Native American students. The summer institute aims to improve teaching and learning and to enrich student services, resulting in becoming more culturally responsive. Participants will learn how to adapt or develop new techniques best suited to their unique circumstances. Please see the flyer and event website for additional information.

This event is sponsored by the Wisconsin DPI American Indian Studies Program, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, the Unity School District, and CESA 11. If you have questions please reach out to Kyle Polzin (kylep@cesa11.k12.wi.us) or questions about registration to Janelle Paulson (janellep@cesa11.k12.wi.us).

LINK TO THE FLYER & REGISTRATION

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Save the Date: Summer Institute Transforming Systems for Innovation
June 23-26, 2025 - Lowenwood Education Center in Land O' Lakes, WI

The DPI is sponsoring our second Summer Innovation Institute to provide guidance and support to districts. Hands-on activities, sessions, discussions, and networking will be provided to discover and develop pathways to innovation.
Continuous support for implementation will be provided throughout the 2025-26 school year via online sessions.

Share the Save the Date or the webpage with your networks!

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Save the Date: Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction-School Nutrition Team is excited to announce Cultivating Connections: A Wellness and Farm to School Summit.

Who: Anyone interested in school wellness and farm to school, such as school wellness leaders, school nutrition staff, farmers, educators, and farm to school advocates.
What: Two-day summit featuring a local foods vendor show and educational sessions on innovative strategies that promote student health and knowledge of local food systems through educator engagement, policy implementation, and partnership opportunities.
When: August 5 and 6, 2025
Where: Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

More information and registration links to come! 

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News from Around the State
Press Releases from the Wisconsin DPI:

In the news:

Federal education funding cuts would disproportionately hit poorer schools, Wisconsin DPI warns via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A significant portion of federal education funding supports districts with higher proportions of economically disadvantaged families and students.

Education funding takes center stage at West Allis state budget hearing on April 4 via Racine County Eye
People from across southeast Wisconsin gathered in the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center Friday to call on legislators to fund a range of priorities in the next state budget — from education to a new public safety building for Milwaukee to public transportation to child care.

 

Report that Head Start could end alarms providers for the early childhood education program via Wisconsin Examiner
“It would be absolutely devastating,” said Jen Bailey, executive director of Reach Dane, which operates 14 Head Start centers in Dane and Green counties. “The children and families we work with are some of the most vulnerable folks in our communities. The parents in those communities rely on the care we provide to stay employed.”

Meet Wisconsin's 2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year via Spectrum News 1
Samuel Karns has been named the 2025 Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA).

Elm Grove middle school assistant principal wins Assistant Principal of the Year via Spectrum News 1
Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson, associate principal for Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, won the 2025 Middle Level Principal of the Year award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Verona principal Brian Cox named Wisconsin Principal of the Year via Channel 3000
Cox received a Principal Leadership Award from the Herb Kohl Education Foundation. The leadership program aims to recognize and support excellence in Wisconsin school administration. Each year, a maximum of 13 Wisconsin Public Schools and four private school principals are selected for a Leadership Award.

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