Dear Superintendents,
As of writing this update, Coronavirus has spread to at least 50 countries. In Wyoming, state agency leaders, including myself, are meeting to receive updates, develop response plans, and provide guidance.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detailed information about the Coronavirus, including a page with information specific to schools and communities. At this time, much of the information available is about prevention, including distancing measures and good hygiene practices.
Also, the AASA, the School Superintendents Association, is working closely with the CDC and has information on preventative strategies for districts on their website.
I will share additional resources as they become available.
THE WEEK IN PHOTOS:
District teachers of the year and their principals from across Wyoming gathered for the inaugural meeting of the WDE’s new leadership program – called Level Up – that seeks to elevate Wyoming’s education professionals by providing leadership development to an annual cohort of Wyoming’s leading educators. Upon completion of this program, these educators will be better prepared to tackle the daily challenges of providing an exceptional education to Wyoming students as well as become leaders in their community.
Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon, along with WDE Nutrition Supervisor Tamra Jackson, explained the benefits of starting a Breakfast After the Bell program at schools to the 2020 class of Level Up educational leadership members. Students who get breakfast miss fewer days of school and are more likely to graduate high school.
Bill Hardesty, Troops to Teachers Wyoming’s representative, met with Superintendent Jillian Balow Wednesday about the national organization. Troops to Teachers was established in 1993 to assist transitioning Service members and veterans in beginning new careers as K-12 school teachers in public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. While at the Capitol, Hardesty was fortunate to meet Wyoming Service members.
Wyoming’s Teacher of the Year, Dane Weaver, gave an inspirational speech to the Wyoming Senate.
Memos to be released on Monday, March 2:
- 2020-030: CTE Demonstration Project Grant:Request for Engagement Due June 1, 2020
- 2020-031: English Proficient Definition for ALT ACCESS
- 2020-032: Call for Educators – WY-TOPP Science and Math PLD Educator Panels
- 2020-033: 2020 Student Voices Award Applications Due March 20
- 2020-034: Call for Proposals: 2020 Wyoming Innovations in Learning Conference
