Good afternoon,

I’m traveling this weekend and sending this update from the road.

Draft science standards are still out for review. Today, I had an opportunity to celebrate with winners of the the Ag in the Classroom bookmark contest. Ten winners were selected from over one-thousand entries. Ag in the Classroom was one entity that provided input on the science standards. This summer, teachers from across the state will work to strengthen AIC curricular resources that are aligned with science and other standards. These and other resources will be of great value to teachers once new standards are adopted.

IMG_2619

End of year culminating events are beginning to take place. I had the honor of keynoting Wyoming History Day for the second year. If you are interested in having me spotlight end of year celebrations or graduation, please contact Rita or I and to check calendars.

History Day teachers are honored during the awards ceremony at Wyoming History Day in Laramie

History Day teachers are honored during the awards ceremony at Wyoming History Day in Laramie

Finally, a guest column I penned about suicide prevention will likely begin to appear in newspapers this weekend. In short, it is a call to action for communities and individuals, not just schools, to work to prevent suicide and address the causes that lead to suicide. Statistically, we may be experiencing a statewide suicide “cluster” with a rate of youth suicide that is twice the national average. I will be working to roll out a few other components in partnership with community advocacy groups also. My main message is that suicide and causes leading to suicide need to be addressed through the efforts and collaboration of many in the  community.

Memos to be released Monday, April 18:

Jillian