Week of Sep 3

The Community’s public school is the greatest discovery, and the cornerstone of our democratic society – Horace Mann

Good Morning,
Welcome back to a new school year. I know your time is valuable, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of service to help you find resources or needed information. Have a great year!

Also, a quick reminder that WiRSA membership invoices that were mailed in July are due this week. Please feel free to contact me, if you have questions.

In this edition:

• WiRSA Conference Registration is now open.
• Nominate someone for the WiRSA Rural Awards.
• ‘Grading the States’ – An eye-opening article.
• DOJ’s second round of School Safety Funding deadline and training.
• UW Professional Development opportunity.
• Good reads from the NREA.
• Great resource from IES and Midwest REL for the start of the year.

Legislative Update for the Week of September 3
Sept. 5 – Legislative Study Committee on the Investment and use of the School Trust Funds

National Level Legislative Update From NREA/CEF
Nothing to report this week.

From the Department of Justice
Adolescent Mental Health Training and Threat Assessment Team Course
The Adolescent Mental Health Training and Threat Assessment Team Course required as a prerequisite for the second round of funding will be provided by the DOJ for no cost to the school. However, the school will need to cover the cost associated with travel to the training such as mileage, lodging and meals. It is permitted to use grant funding to cover these costs if it is identified within the budget spreadsheet submitted in Egrants.

Schools can send as many teachers and counselors as they see necessary to the training. However, DOJ will only cover cost of tuition for 10% of the school’s staff. Additional staff costs would need to be requested in the budget.

DOJ suggests that your budget narrative and budget excel spreadsheet includes two separate line items. One for the 10% of staff where tuition is covered by DOJ, along with requested travel, meals and lodging paid with grant funds. A second line item should include any additional staff training above the 10% to include tuition, meals, travel and lodging. This will make clear to grant specialist when approving school budgets. The tuition for additional staff above the 10% is $180 per person.
Frequently asked Questions

From UW Education Outreach and Partnerships
September 22, Professional Development Opportunity -The Teaching About the 2018 Elections conference is an exciting opportunity for K-12 teachers and administrators to learn about important election related issues, to receive training in effective discussion strategies, and to be introduced to national civic education programs and their curricula.

Articles from NREA
RURAL RESIDENTS SPEND LESS TIME COMMUTING
Four out of five workers in metropolitan areas and small cities commute alone to their job. Commuters in smaller cities and rural areas are much less likely to get caught in a commute of more than a half hour, a new study finds Print article

LEARNING WHAT MEDICAL SCHOOL REALLY TAKES
A UNC summer program gives students from rural and underserved communities the opportunity to experience what first year medical or dental school is like. Print article

Broadband and the Opioid Epidemic: Connecting Rural Communities to Hope

Blackfoot Broadband Fosters Innovation and Problem-Solving in Rural America

From IES
Mobile Digest of Education Statistics, 2017 offers on-the-go access to NCES data.

From Midwest REL
Using technology to increase depth of learning
Learn how REL Midwest is working with regional and school education staff to identify learning technology that could deepen students’ understanding of core content. Read more
Kindergarten entry assessments

Gain a better understanding of kindergarten entry assessments, including their uses and benefits for teachers, families, and administrators at the local and state levels. View the video

Director Events from Last Week
Aug. 27 – Ed Issues conference call
Aug. 28 – Meeting with Sabor Core
Aug. 29 – Meeting with HealthTide
Aug. 30 – RCN Meeting
Aug. 30 – DPI Meeting on equity and school improvement strategy

Director Events for the Upcoming Week
Sept. 5 – Legislative Council Meeting on Common School Fund
Sept. 6 – Connect America Meeting

Resources and Grant/Scholarship Reminders
• WiRSA Rural Awards – Click here for more information
• ESEA Information
• Licensure Webinar
• NREA Conference in Denver, Colorado– October 11-13
• 2018 WiRSA Conference, RURAL SCHOOLS MATTER, October 29-30, Glacier Canyon in Wisconsin Dells.

 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Alliant Energy, CESA Foundation, Ehlers, Jostens, McKinstry,
Mid-State Technical College, National Insurance Services, Nexus Solutions,
The Insurance Center, TRICORE Insurance, UW Colleges Online,
WEA Member Benefits and Wisconsin Farmers Union