All posts by tgabrukiewicz

OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for public inspection on the Federal Register 2021-23643.pdf (federalregister.gov). Wyoming school districts are included in the ETS, which is effective immediately – school districts should plan for compliance. 

Why Wyoming? Wyoming has an OSHA-approved state plan along with 25 other states plus two territories.

Among requirements, employers must:

  • Provide paid time to workers to get vaccinated and to allow for paid leave to recover from any side effects.
  • Determine the vaccination status of each employee, obtain acceptable proof of vaccination status from vaccinated employees and maintain records and a roster of each employee’s vaccination status.
  • Require employees to provide prompt notice when they test positive for COVID-19 or receive a COVID-19 diagnosis. Employers must then remove the employee from the workplace, regardless of vaccination status; employers must not allow them to return to work until they meet required criteria.
  • Ensure each worker who is not fully vaccinated is tested for COVID-19 at least weekly (if the worker is in the workplace at least once a week) or within 7 days before returning to work (if the worker is away from the workplace for a week or longer).
  • Ensure that, in most circumstances, each employee who has not been fully vaccinated wears a face covering when indoors or when occupying a vehicle with another person for work purposes.
  • Comply with most requirements within 30 days of publication and with testing requirements within 60 days of publication.

Litigation against this vaccine mandate has been swift, including from Wyoming. Here are a few related articles and releases:

Our staff and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (entity that houses OSHA) began the discussion about this eventuality several weeks ago. We both anticipate learning more from federal agencies next week – We will share information with you as it becomes available.

toy

Wyoming Teachers of the Year (Dane Weaver-2020, Alexis Barney-2021) met with Senator Barrasso during their trip to Washington, DC

Veterans Day is November 11

Many events taking place across the nation will be streamed, including the popular wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery. According to the website, this year’s event can be “viewed online at @ARLINGTONNATL” at 11:00AM.

Here are a few Veterans Day reads that I have enjoyed over the years:

Memos to be released today:

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A Podcast Worth Your Time

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Congratulations to WDE’s Dr. Michelle Aldrich, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director. She received the Rising Star award from the national organization, Advance CTE. Dr. Aldrich and her team work with Wyoming schools, businesses, higher education, and other partners to ensure all students have access to high quality CTE opportunities.

Do you listen to podcasts? Share good podcasts with students or colleagues? The WYpod is worth a listen. Host Eric Ruckle interviews Wyoming people with interesting stories. From ultramarathon runners to cowboys to scientists – this is a good one and a personal favorite of mine.

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WDE directors and chiefs did a service project at the Boys and Girls Club of Cheyenne this week – Here, Dicky Shanor and Margee Robertson call out Halloween Bingo

FEDERAL UPDATES

  • The White House announced additional actions to increase school-based COVID-19 screening testing for students and staff. Here is the full memo.
  • The U.S. Department of Education (USED) will host (virtually and in-person) the National ESEA Conference on February 16-19, 2022. Formerly called the National Title I Conference, the National ESEA Conference welcomes thousands of K-12 educators from across the country each year. Conference details, including registration materials, are available here.
  • The IRS released FAQs on Rehiring Retirees to Address Labor Shortages. You can find more information on this employer relief to address school labor shortages here

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Federal Updates

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Congratulations to Scott Marion, Executive Director at the Center for Assessment, who was appointed to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB). Scott was the Director of Assessment and Accountability in Wyoming until 2003. He continues to work with the Wyoming State Board of Education, the WDE, and the Wyoming Legislature on education accountability. Until 2020, former Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer served on NAGB. It’s always good to have Wyoming ties in national leadership positions.

Federal Updates

On October 8, President Biden signed into law the K-12 Cybersecurity Act, aimed at protecting sensitive information maintained by schools across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its quarantine guidance for K-12 schools.

rita

Happy Birthday to the Heart of WDE, Rita Watson (middle). In addition to her birthday, she celebrates 52 years with the State of Wyoming this month.

Memos to be released to be released today:

2021-124-ESSER-Funds-Prior-Written-Approval-for-Construction-Projects-PDF

Blue Balow Signature

Public Comment Sought on Removal of Rules Chapters 4 and 45

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education invites the public to comment on the proposed removal of Rules Chapters 4 and 45.

The Chapter 4 rule set originated in 2008 and is out of date and not relevant at this time. When the rules were created, the legislature designated funding to all districts operating in the red financially regarding nonprofit food service accounts. In order to be eligible for funding, districts were required to follow the rules set forth in Chapter 4. This rule set is proposed to be removed from the agency’s list of rules.

To submit public comment, review the State of Reasons and the rule changes here or

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNCcoWryg5ZfOy5r2KEulBdWlx2EDxu9NANlk6yHwHq_XnKg/viewform

The Chapter 45 rules were adopted due to 2018 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 137, section 6(b) regarding a special education out-of-district placement appropriation. The law only provided funding for one biennium and not renewed. Chapter 45 is proposed to be removed from the agency’s list of rules.

To submit public comment, review the Statement of Reasons and the rule changes here or

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckZcJNDOIRN95ECBqB4oyxZcZZsPrEstFHB1IPQXqwqIgZsg/viewform

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Wyoming’s FASFA Campaign Begins

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

During the month of October we proudly recognize:

Wyoming has kicked off its FAFSA campaign in full and the new FAFSA application is now available. We have brought the updated application, that is easier to navigate, plus many resources to the front and center for counselors, students, and parents across the state. And, if you are at the next UW game, stop by the Hathaway Scholarship table before the game to get a little Hathaway and FAFSA “swag.”

WAIC

Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) offers free resources for teachers including science curriculum and teacher trainings. All content is aligned with Wyoming’s content and performance standards and UW credit is given for participating in trainings.

waic

 

IN OTHER NEWS:

  • On Thursday, September 30 the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security held a hearing titled “Protecting Kids Online: Facebook, Instagram, and Mental Health Harms.” To learn more, click here.
  • The Institution of Education Sciences (IES) released a report examining district strategies for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming. To read the report, click here.
  • The Hunt Institute released “The COVID Constituency: Emerging Priorities for Education Leaders.” The report examines the state of education in the U.S. both before and during the pandemic and provides recommendations for States and districts. To read the report, click here.

 

1room

Students in Thermopolis took a step back in time to 1920 at the grand re-opening of the Middleton one-room schoolhouse.

Memo to be released today:

2021-120-Public-Comment-on-Proposed-School-Schedules-Rules-PDF

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Wyoming’s 2022 Teacher of the Year

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

We had a fantastic virtual Wyoming Education Summit (WES) conference last week. Thank you for attending! Our keynote speakers were excellent and the breakout sessions were informative and relevant. Always, the most exciting part of WES is celebrating district teachers of the year and announcing the Wyoming Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to the 2022 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Brittney Montgomery of Green River! We are excited to welcome all of the district recipients and their principals into the Level Up! leadership program.

Several weeks ago I noted in this update that Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 – October 15. In Wyoming we celebrate in a number of ways and one opportunity is the Wyoming Latina Youth Conference. Participants can join virtually or in-person October 8-9. Here is a letter from me with more information about the conference. Please share with your networks.

toy

2022 WY Teacher of the Year, Brittney Montgomery with Superintendent Balow and 2021 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Alexis Barney

Here is a touching back-to-school letter from the 2021 national Teacher of the Year.

FEDERAL UPDATES

  • The U.S. Department of Education (USED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released two virtual “resource binders,” to assist schools and institutions — one for K-12 schools and the other for postsecondary institutions — contain fact sheets, Q&As, letters to educators and school leaders, and related materials about their responsibilities to provide educational environments free from discrimination under the federal civil rights laws enforced by OCR.
  • Through September 30, the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) is soliciting feedback on updating its framework for the 2028 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in science.
  • The USED Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) issued an “OSEP Fast Facts” on race and ethnicity of children with disabilities served under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a “Hand in Hand” supplemental tool that guides parents and stakeholders through the information.

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Brittney Montgomery Named Wyoming’s 2022 Teacher of the Year

News Releases

CHEYENNE – Brittney Montgomery, a first-grade teacher at Sweetwater County School District #2’s Harrison Elementary School in Green River, was named Wyoming’s 2022 Teacher of the Year during Wednesday’s Wyoming Education Summit.

Montgomery is an advocate for her students and believes in every student’s ability to grow academically and socially, setting students up for success. Montgomery uses positive reinforcement, motivates, and encourages students to become lifelong learners. She teaches students to take ownership of their learning and to be advocates for themselves and their peers.

“I am so excited to work with Brittney as Wyoming’s Teacher of the Year,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “Her skill and passion in the classroom and as a teacher leader will represent Wyoming well. Brittany’s belief in teaching the entire child is evident –  she has a positive impact on the students she teaches. As Teacher of the Year, her influence and impact will extend to colleagues and others across the state and nation.”

Every student Montgomery encounters is treated as if they were her own child. When school shut down, Montgomery began reading stories online to help children keep a sense of normalcy. This was quickly picked up by a local news source and “Storytime with Mrs. Montgomery” was shared with thousands of children across the country.

“One of the things when I think about Brittney as an educator is her ability to connect with kids and build relationships –  it just puts her over the top,” said Steven Lake, Principal of Harrison Elementary School, “The little things set her apart. During the pandemic, Brittney’s story time turned into something that ended up impacting students across the county. She has such positive energy that is infectious for staff and for students.”

Montgomery said she has a desire to help those pursuing a career in education. She works with new educators as a mentor-teacher and spends time helping college students pursuing their degree in education. Montgomery is an active member of her school leadership committee and served as secretary for the Green River Education Association.

“I am honored to have been chosen as the 2022 Wyoming Teacher of the Year,” Montgomery said. “We are blessed in Wyoming with some of the best educators in the nation and I am proud to have been nominated beside them. Congratulations to all of the 2022 District Teachers of the Year. I look forward to representing – and being an ambassador – of education in our incredible state.”

The Wyoming Teacher of the Year comes with the significant responsibility of representing the teaching profession in Wyoming. The Wyoming Teacher of the Year acts as liaison among the teaching community, Wyoming Legislature, Wyoming Department of Education, districts and communities. In addition, the Teacher of the Year is an education ambassador to businesses, parents, service organizations, and media, as well as an education leader involved in teacher forums and education reform.

-END-

Photo of the 2022 Teacher of the Year

Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

WDE Seeks Public Input on Proposed Fine and Performing Arts Standards

News Releases

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education is collecting public input on proposed changes to the 2022 Wyoming Fine and Performing Arts Content and Performance Standards at the request of the State Board of Education (SBE). The collected input will be shared with the SBE.

To provide input, review the 2022 Wyoming Fine and Performing Arts Content and Performance Standards. Written or verbal input can be provided through the following options:

  1. Complete the Fine and Performing Arts Standards Public Survey by 11:59 p.m. on November 3, 2021.
  2. Attend the virtual Public Input Meeting from 4:30-6 p.m. MST on Monday, October 11, 2021. (click link to Join Zoom Meeting or call in at 346-248-7799 and enter Meeting ID: 972-4048-7034).
  3. Attend the virtual Public Input Meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MST on Thursday, October 14, 2021. (click link to Join Zoom Meeting or call in at 346-248-7799 and enter Meeting ID: 978-3579-4572).

The proposed standards provide for 11 standards in five disciplines: dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts. The changes were developed by a review committee of 30 members, including educators, business members, community members, and a parent.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

Racines, Balow to Make History, Compete in Wyoming’s One Shot Antelope Hunt

News Releases

CHEYENNE – State Auditor Kristi Racines and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow will compete in the 2021 Wyoming One Shot Antelope Hunt September 15-18. While notable past shooters include the likes of General Norman Schwarzkopf, Roy Rogers, Senator Al Simpson, and Vice President Dick Cheney, this is the first year that women will participate as hunters.

“The One Shot Antelope Hunt has been a cherished Wyoming tradition for generations,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “It is a special year for the One Shot. I’m looking forward to spending time in the great outdoors with friends who appreciate our hunting legacy.”

The purpose of the event is to promote the ideals of good sportsmanship and game conservation, which has not changed since its inception 77 years ago. Emphasis is placed on camaraderie, ability in the field, and accuracy with a big-game rifle. In 1975, the Hunt partnered with the Water For Wildlife® Foundation, a conservation organization designed to benefit wildlife with a focus on providing water sources to drought-stricken habitats.

“I’m honored and humbled to be a part of this historic hunt, particularly since it’s in my home county,” Racines said. “In Wyoming, hunting is a critical part of our culture, and for good reason. It engenders respect for our lands, our wildlife, and most importantly, for each other. This hunt honors our past, while carrying these important values into the future.”

With the inclusion of seven women in this year’s hunt, several of the traditions have been altered or omitted from the event. Ceremonies this year include an Indian Ceremony, coordinated with members of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. Hunters will hear the “Legend of the Hunt” and participate in a brothers and sisters ceremony, in which participants’ bullets are blessed for the hunt.

“The purpose of the hunt remains unchanged: to promote the ideals of sportsmanship and game conservation,” said Darin Hubbel, President of the One Shot Hunt Board of Directors. “It has always been our goal to bring new hunters and supporters to the community while maintaining strong traditional ties to our roots. By opening our event to a more diverse group, we ensure both the event and the sport of hunting remain viable for future generations. We also want to thank the Wyoming Game and Fish and the Shoshone Tribe for their continued support.”

Hunters shoot individually and compete on teams of three. Racines is on a team with Governor Gordon. Balow is on this year’s only all-Wyoming, all-women’s team with Wyoming State Representative Ember Oakley and Megan Degenfelder of Morningstar Partners. There is one other sponsored all-women’s team competing.

“It is novel to think about ‘breaking through the glass ceiling’ by being the first women to compete in the One Shot,” Balow said. “But, I assure you that is not why we are participating. Like others before us, we appreciate the comradery of the hunt and the stories that follow, we grow from the self-reliance of self-confidence that comes from an ethical harvest, and we are committed to conservation of wildlife and outdoor resources.”

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov

COVID-19 Action Plan

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Federal FYI:

This week President Biden announced his COVID-19 Action Plan. The plan focuses on three priority areas:

  • Get more people vaccinated.
  • Decrease hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.
  • Keep schools and our economy open.

President Biden also announced that the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing a rule that will require all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require workers to produce a negative test result at least  weekly. While this requirement has been widely publicized around its impact on workers in the private sector, it is probable that public sector employees – including K-12 educators – will be included in the 26 states and 2 territories that have OSHA-Approved State Plans. Wyoming is one of the states with an OSHA approved plan. We anticipate more information in the coming days.

stem

Students at the Wild West Air Show STEM DAY on September 10

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature