Dear Superintendents,

This week I was humbled to accept the SETDA State Policy Maker of the Year award in Washington, D.C. SETDA is focused on expanding learning opportunities through technology. Together our work to increase access to quality and relevant learning opportunities is making a difference for students. Here are a few of our accomplishments:

  • Formation of and work by the Wyoming Distance Education Task Force
  • Virtual Education Act of 2017
  • Establishment of a K-20 Learning Management System
  • Became a Future Ready state
  • First ever Computer Science Education Week in Wyoming
  • Classroom Connectivity Initiative
  • K12 Digital Learning Conference
  • Computer Science Task Force and policy work

Superintendent speaks from the podium while accepting her award from SETDA during their Leadership Gala. A banner behind her reads, "SETDA, Leadership, Technology, Innovation, Learning"

Hathaway Scholarship

Included with this week’s memos is our second annual Hathaway toolkit. Increasing the number of students eligible for the Hathaway Scholarship is one of five focus areas in our statewide vision for education (see http://wyomingmeasuresup.com for information about the statewide vision and focus areas).  At the WDE we continue to market the scholarship program to students and families while also working with schools to make information easily understandable and accessible. One key is making the Hathaway Scholarship program part of our culture by talking to students and families in elementary schools. Included in the toolkit are certificates for 6th graders. It is my hope that ALL sixth graders are awarded the certificate this year with the message that the certificate “turns into” real scholarship money after graduation from a Wyoming high school and we are all there to support students on their educational journey.  If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our Hathaway team, Jennifer LaHiff or Bradley Barker at (307)777-7675.

There will be a proclamation signing for Hathaway Scholarship Day on November 13, 2017 in Governor Mead’s office.

Upcoming Event

One more time, the Governor’s Business Forum will be held in Cheyenne November 7-9 at Little America. There are multiple conversations that directly and indirectly impact education. Education funding, computer science, academic standards, and CTE are on the minds of many as we discuss the strength and future of our state. It is vital that educators are talking to and partnering with business now and going forward. Leaders from WDE, K12, and higher education are slated to speak at the conference. There is a special government rate that educators qualify for and the deadline to register is November 1. Here is a link to the registration site and agenda:

http://www.wyomingbusinessalliance.com/governors-business-forum

Memos to be released:

Jillian

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