Here’s your monthly round-up of opportunities for Idaho educators and students:
Calling all innovators – The National Education Association Foundation and U.S. Department of Education have been tapping educators’ brains to identify the nation’s most pressing classroom problems via the Our Challenge to Innovate (C2i) program. You could win $2,500 by submitting a solution to any of these between now and January 14:
- How can educators help students learn and use fractions, ratios, and proportions?
- How can educators involve parents in positive ways to support their children in school?
- How can educators help students who lack basic literacy skills build a foundation for reading success?
- How can educators better incorporate student voices in decision making?
The NEA Foundation will offer up to five cash awards of $2,500 for individuals who submit solutions voted most responsive to these problems. To submit your idea and vote on other ideas, go to the US DOE’s Open Innovation Portal.
School liquidation sale – Downs Auction will conduct the auction of Nampa Classical Academy’s equipment and materials at 11 a.m. on December 3. Items will include computers, desks, overhead projectors, copy machines, chalkboards, whiteboards, office equipment, and school supplies. Click here for more information.
Bookfair in Boise – Shop December 4 at the Barnes & Noble at 1315 N. Milwaukee and help raise money for Boise School District libraries. The event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will feature pictures with Santa, craft projects, and free gift wrapping Use the book fair ID 10335123 at checkout or online from Dec. 5-11. See http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bookfairs/ to learn more about events at other stores or to get information on setting up an event to benefit your school.
Science and aerospace deadline extended – December 20 is the new deadline for Idaho high school juniors to apply for the second year of the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program. Get details here.
Holiday shopping? – IEA/NEA members can save big this holiday season with discounts from hundreds of retailers. Check out the opportunities at www.neamb.com > Everyday Living > Discounts > Click and Save.
‘Go On’ essay contests – The Idaho Statesman and J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation are sponsoring a series of essay contests aimed at encouraging Idaho students to further their education after high school. Go here to read past winning essays and get details on the upcoming contests, which are open to students statewide.
NEA ESP conference – Are you an Education Support Professional interested in attending the NEA’s ESP Conference March 11-13, 2011, in Washington, D.C.? Applications are due at IEA headquarters by January 10 (new date) January 14. Get information from your local president.
Family Life and Sexual Health Training – The State Department of Education is offering health educator training on the 9-12 Grade F.L.A.S.H. (Family Life and Sexual Health) Curriculum. Two-day training sessions will be held January 25-26, 2011, in Coeur d’Alene and February 8-9, 2011, in Pocatello. College Credit and Substitute Reimbursement will be provided. To learn more or to register, please visit www.centerforhealthtraining.org. If you have questions, contact Lisa Kramer, HIV/Health Education Coordinator, at (208) 332-6947 or lkramer@sde.idaho.gov.
Field trip help for Boise-area schools – Thanks to a $1,000 grant from The Whittenberger Foundation, Boise WaterShed is offering a one-time $50 per schoolbusing reimbursement. Reimbursements will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to area schools visiting the Boise WaterShed for the first time, with Title One schools receiving preference. Call Christina Rivas at (208) 489-1284for more information or to reserve a field trip date. For more information on the Boise WaterShed, visit www.BoiseEnvironmentalEducation.org.
2011 Title I Biennial Conference – “The Next Generation of Learners: Catching their Dreams” is the theme forIdaho’s next biennial Title I Conference scheduled for April 6-8, 2011, at the Boise Centre. Registration will be online beginning January 2011 at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/title_one/. For more information, contact Mary Lou Wells at mlwells@sde.idaho.gov or at (208) 332-6958.
Do you have other opportunities of interest to educators? Please send a brief description and the deadline, plus a link for more information, to jfanselow@idahoea.org.
