All posts by tgabrukiewicz

Federal Updates

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

There are EIGHT memos this week including an important survey, summer professional development, grant opportunities, and more.

It was a treat to be back in schools for in-person visits – I am amazed by the teaching and learning happening in every classroom, every day across our great state. Thank you for welcoming me warmly into your buildings and classes.

FEDERAL UPDATES

The U.S. Department of Education (USED) released this statement about the monthly NAEP survey results regarding reopening schools. Thank you Wyoming for setting the gold standard and for lending to America’s success.

U.S. Education Secretary Cardona thanked teachers in this letter. It is a touching ode to our teachers and the profession. I wholeheartedly agree with the statement, “Every day America’s teachers change lives, and every day those lives change the world.” Thank you teachers!

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Celebrating WYTOPP scores with 3rd graders, Mrs. Cobb, Principal Thomas, and Supt. Hamel at Little Snake River Valley K-12 School

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Rebecca Murray was named Laramie County School District #1 Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Brown, Principal Cox, and I were on-hand to surprise her.

Military Appreciation Month Continues! Please tag us on social media as you observe the month in your schools. This week Tech Sergeant Dudley, of the Wyoming Air Guard joined us for school visits.

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Tech Sergeant Dudley joined me at a school visit to Evansville Elementary to congratulate Wyoming’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, Alexis Barney.

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

State Superintendent Jillian Balow’s Statement on Proposed U.S. Department of Education Rule Prioritizing Critical Race Theory Curriculum in K-12 Schools

News Releases

May 4, 2021

CHEYENNE – The U.S. Department of Education has proposed priorities for American History and Civics Education grant programs published in the Federal Register. Those priorities include encouraging districts to use curriculum related to divisive author Ibram X. Kendi and the New York Times “1619 Project.” This is an alarming move toward federal overreach into district curriculum and should be rebuked across party lines.

The draft rule is an attempt to normalize teaching controversial and politically trendy theories about America’s history. History and civics should not be secondary to political whim. Instead, history and civics instruction should engage students in objective, non-partisan analyses of historical and current events. For good reason, public schools do not promote particular political ideologies or religions over others. This federal rule attempts to break from that practice and use taxpayer dollars to do just that.

America needs to update and renew our expectations for teaching and learning about history and civics. Every school board, state legislature, and state superintendent should be working to build local consensus about what should be taught and what materials to use in classrooms. Every family should be engaged in activities that ensure the rising generation is properly prepared to be informed citizens. Every student deserves a rich and engaging education about America’s triumphs, treacheries, losses, and victories. Our touchstone is our shared principle that all Americans have infinite value and individual freedom and responsibility. We must strive to find common goals and values as a nation, not tear each other and our country apart.

The proposed federal rule is open for public comment until May 19 and can be accessed here, or by using the Google search for “Federal Register American history and civics education.” I intend to comment, and I urge you to research the issue and comment if compelled.

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

May is Military Appreciation Month

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

In May, we celebrate high school seniors going to college or a trade school, or entering the military. Schools and communities are encouraged to celebrate SIGNING DAYS by posting on social media using #CollegeSigningDay and #MilitarySigningDay. 

*Please tag us in your posts so we can share on our social media as well!

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MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, and Military Spouse Appreciation Day all take place in May. The month-long celebration gives us many opportunities to show our support and gratitude to all the men and women that sacrifice so much for our freedom.

Chances are that we have families in every school with close ties to active duty military members and veterans. These men and women have stories, lessons, and wisdom to share with all of us. Consider inviting a few of them to “zoom in” to classrooms in your district during the month of May.

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State officials and 4th grade Arbor Day poster contest winner, Effie Maycock, plant a tree on Wyoming Supreme Court lawn.

FEDERAL UPDATES

  • During his address to Congress, President Biden announced the American Families Plan. Specific to education, the plan includes free community college and free universal pre-kindergarten for all three and four year old children.
  • President Biden and the U.S. Department of Education released this compilation of initiatives, funds, and actions taken during the President’s first one hundred days in office.
  • In a recent letter to district superintendents, Acting Assistant U.S. Secretary for Civil Rights Suzanne Goldberg discussed 2020-21 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC).
  • $200 million in state allocations for Homeless Children and Youth was distributed to states, along with a letter to state superintendents expressing the urgent need to identify those who are homeless, offer wrap-around services in light of the impact of the pandemic, and provide assistance to enable homeless students to attend school and fully participate in school activities.

These memos will be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Wyoming Student Selected to Attend the 2021 National Youth Science Camp

News Releases

April 30, 2021

CHEYENNE – Danielle Jones has been selected to represent Wyoming at the 2021 National Youth Science Camp.

Jones will graduate in May from Thunder Basin High School in Gillette and was selected by Governor Mark Gordon to attend the camp.

“This will be a life-changing experience for Danielle,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow. “No matter what path Danielle takes after high school graduation, she will have a jump on the skills it takes to work and compete in the 21st Century.”

The National Youth Science Foundation cancelled the in-residence portion of the 2021 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). Held in West Virginia since 1963, this is only the third time that the annual program has not been held in the Mountain State.

One hundred eight delegates representing the United States, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago will, however, have the opportunity to connect from home for an exclusive virtual program. The 2021 Virtual NYSCamp features a lecture series, directed studies, breakout seminars, special events, and a panel discussion with STEM policy experts.

Support from the National Youth Science Foundation allows delegates to attend the NYSCamp program free of charge.

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

Seamless Summer Food Option

Superintendent's Update

April 26, 2021

Dear Superintendents,

We received good news from USDA Food Nutrition Services this past week. Students will continue to receive free meals through next school year through the Seamless Summer Food Option (school enrollment in the program is required). WDE Child Nutrition Programs Director, Tamra Jackson, is in communication with your food service directors to provide details.

Here is a fact sheet on the three federal COVID-19 relief bills.

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Students from across the state received congressional awards for achievements in personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. Photo Credit: Rachael and Steven Girt

Memo to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Month of the Military Child

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Earlier this week, the CDC announced that nearly 80% of pre-K-12 teachers, school staff, and child care workers (nationwide) had received at least their first shot of COVID-19 vaccine by the end of March.

MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

April is the Month of the Military Child. Many active and part-time (guard, reserve) military members call Wyoming communities home. In a recent report, “Military Kids Now 2020 Survey,” over five-thousand parents, educators, and secondary students weighed in on academics and social and emotional support. Here is the report. 88% of participants reported having activities in their schools to support
military-connected students; most common events were:

  • Recognizing Month of the Military Child
  • Honoring military service members in ceremonies
  • Assisting new students (e.g., tours, lunch buddies, etc.)

NAEP

Wyoming is participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2021 School Survey. Here is the first monthly report. Of the states that provided sufficient data, Wyoming has the highest percentage of students attending full-time in-person school for both January and February.

BREAKING THROUGH

Did you miss this in hard-copy? The Casper Star Tribune celebrated the 150th anniversary of women’s suffrage with stories about forty women who found success in Wyoming. Here is a link to the e-edition. 

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Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

Public Input Requested for Foreign Language Standards

News Releases

April 19, 2021

CHEYENNE – The 2013 Wyoming Foreign Language Content and Performance Standards are up for review, and the Wyoming Department of Education seeks public input for the committee’s consideration during its review.

To give public input on Foreign Language Standards:

  • Review the 2013 Wyoming Foreign Language Content & Performance Standards.
  • Provide input through any of the following options:
    • Complete the Public Input Survey by 11:59 p.m. MDT on May 28, 2021.
    • Attend a virtual Community Input Meeting. The first 15 minutes will be an informational presentation, and the remainder of the time will be to collect input. Attendees may enter and exit the Zoom meeting at any time during the block.
      • 4:30-6 p.m. MDT on Monday, May 10 (click the link to Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 346-248-7799, press # when connected).
      • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. MDT on Thursday, May 13 (click the link to Join Zoom Meeting or Dial +1 346-248-7799, Meeting ID: 918 3716 0704)

The input collected on the Foreign Language Standards will be shared with the Foreign Language Standards Review Committee. 

The WDE also seeks stakeholders interested in reviewing the Wyoming Content & Performance Standards for Foreign Language. Those interested in serving on the Foreign Language Standards Review Committee can complete the Call for Participants Survey by May 28, 2021. Completing a survey expresses interest in participating, but does not commit anyone to serve on the review committee. Standards review committee members will be chosen based on diversity in experience, role, region, and school size.

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

WDE Announces ESSER I Reserve Grant Opportunity

News Releases

April 13, 2021

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education has announced an opportunity for Wyoming school districts to apply for remaining ESSER I State Education Agency Reserve (SEA reserve) funds. The intent of ESSER I funding is to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools. The authorizing federal legislation identifies allowable uses of funds related to preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19.

Districts can access the application here. Applications for remaining ESSER I SEA reserve funds will be accepted through April 30, 2021, and should be submitted via email to danielle.netzer@wyo.gov.

Approved grant applications will be funded as received until the funds are depleted.

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

USED’s COVID-19 Handbook

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

Thank you to those of you who participated in the live student discussion with Dana Perino. If you missed it or want to share it with others here is the link. 

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) released the COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs. The handbook may be helpful to Wyoming educators as we seek to address learning loss and the social-emotional wellbeing of students. Strategies are aligned to acceptable funding uses under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) including:

  • Meeting the social, emotional, and mental-health needs of students
  • Accelerating learning via instructional approaches, tutoring, and expanded learning time
  • Supporting use of technology for teaching and learning

The Wyoming Legislature wrapped up its work this session without passing a school funding recalibration bill. The House and the Senate came to a late-hour impasse on HB173. It’s anticipated they will take up school funding in a special session during the summer. As in years past, the WDE will assemble a webinar discussion for superintendents where we will share pertinent passed and signed legislation.

And, for your information:

The USED’s Office for Civil Rights Launches a Comprehensive Review of Title IX Regulations: ED’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a comprehensive review of the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as part of implementing President Biden’s March 8 Executive Order on Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free from Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity. In a letter, OCR outlined plans to solicit the public’s input on the regulations, ultimately leading to possible revisions through a notice of proposed rulemaking. OCR also plans to hold a public hearing to enable those who are interested to share their views through oral comments and written submissions. More information on the hearing will be available in the coming weeks and will be posted on the News Room section of OCR’s website. After listening to the public and completing its review of the Title IX regulations, OCR anticipates publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking.

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature

A Conversation With Dana Perino

Superintendent's Update

Dear Superintendents,

I am so excited about a project I have been working on with students and their teachers in Ten Sleep, Chugwater, and Fort Washakie. Next week, the students will have a live, virtual discussion with Dana Perino, best-selling author and Fox News host from noon-1 p.m. MDT on April 7. The students have developed discussion questions on a range of issues including leadership, the media, politics, and Dana’s Wyoming roots. All Wyoming students and their teachers are invited to watch the discussion live on Zoom or Facebook. The discussion will be available on-demand afterward. Registration is NOT required, the event is FREE, and it will be available to the public afterward on-demand. Event link: https://zoom.us/j/98023259924#success

I thank you for sharing this information broadly with secondary-level teachers in your school district. 

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OTHER UPDATES

  • Representatives from the military academies and the offices of our federal delegation (Senators Barrasso and Lummis and Congresswoman Cheney will host a webinar for students interested in attending an academy after graduation. Information about the event and registration can be found here. 
  • In this week’s memo #43, we announce the Multi-Tiered System Supports Center along with new PD opportunities.
  • The U.S. Department of Education (USED) and the Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd hosted a virtual discussion on Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 through Summer Learning and Enrichment.  \The webinar elevated the evidence-based components of high-quality summer and enrichment programming, described how ARP funds can be used to support their design and implementation, and detailed how these opportunities may be available this summer and beyond by building capacity, including the role of philanthropy and community-based partners.
  • In April we recognize the Month of the Military Child and National Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month.

 

Memos to be released today:

Blue Balow Signature