Elementary teachers are invited to register for a one-day workshop entitled Inquiry-based Chemistry Education for K-5 Teachers and Students to take place Friday, June 26, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Virginia (UVa). Instructors will include chemistry faculty and graduate students associated with Chemistry LEAD, UVa’s student-based chemistry outreach group that has been sharing science with K-12 students through inquiry-based lessons and demonstrations since 2009. Continue reading
Using Stand Up Tables in the Classroom
Modernization of furniture in our schools offers more to young people than seating flexibility, easier collaborative access, or physical comfort. Furniture also makes a difference in a person’s physical health and capability to sustain attention. This Edutopia post was written by students to share their R&D regarding standing desks as an alternative to sitting.
JMRL’s Summer Reading Challenge, June 1 – August 31
The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s summer challenge is back! Beginning June 1, adults, teens and kids can participate in the same program, using the same process. Prizes include Barnes & Noble gift cards for four kids, Amazon gift cards for two teens, and an Amazon Kindle for one lucky adult! Don’t miss it—the program ends on August 31. Get the details »
benefits FOCUS – May 26, 2015
In last week’s edition of benefits FOCUS, we explained that effective October 1, 2015, spouses who have access to “affordable” medical coverage under their own employer’s plan will no longer be eligible for coverage on our medical plan.* Continue reading
9 Essentials of Crowdfunding for the Classroom
What is crowdfunding and why might a teacher be interested? In the classroom, crowdfunding—using the collective power of individual donors who are united in support of a common cause—can be used to fund exciting projects, purchase technology, or supplement resources. It might sound work-intensive, but an article in eSchool News ensures that it’s actually quite easy to get started and successfully fund your own projects. Find out more »
Seeds for Education Grant – Apply by October 15
Wild Ones, a nonprofit environmental education and advocacy organization, is accepting applications from projects designed to enhance and develop an appreciation for nature using native plants. Through the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund, grants of up to $500 will be awarded for projects that emphasize the involvement of students and volunteers in all phases. In addition, local nurseries identified by Wild Ones will supply seeds, plants and advice to grant recipients. View complete program guidelines and application instructions »
Naiku Innovative Teacher Grant – Awards Granted Monthly
The Innovative Teacher Grant is for K-12 classroom teachers in public or private schools that seek to employ learner-centric assessment methodologies to engage and motivate students, differentiate instruction, and personalize learning for all students. The award combines professional development and next-gen classroom assessment software to provide teachers the guidance and tools necessary to successfully implement learner-centric assessment methodologies in the classroom. Approximately 10 new awards are granted each month, and applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
Registration Now Open for Virginia Military Institute’s 2015 STEM Education Conference, Oct. 6-7, 2015
The 2015 VMI STEM Education Conference explores the ‘T’ for technology in STEM education. The conference will focus on teachers of students in grades 3-8 and their administrators. While there will be a few more offerings focused on technology, the conference will continue to offer many workshops on the building blocks of STEM: Science, Engineering and Math. VMI’s affordable STEM conferences are known for their practical, hands-on workshops offering ideas and activities that educators can immediately bring back to the classroom. Get registered »
CBIC Honors Katina Dudley as Educator of the Year
Congratulations to our three finalists this year for the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council’s Educator of the Year award: Karen Heathcock, who teaches third grade at Broadus Wood; Anne Geraty, a gifted resource teacher at Meriwether Lewis; and Katina Dudley, director of and teacher at Monticello High School’s Health and Medical Sciences Academy. Katina received the award, which recognizes excellence in classroom innovation. Continue reading
Update: Consolidation of Google Domains
New student accounts are available! The student accounts have been created in the @k12albemarle.org domain. Students and teachers can start transitioning data as needed. Student usernames are the same; initial passwords are the student’s lunch number. This is only for the @k12albemarle.org domain; the credentials for the @student.k12albemarle.org have not changed. Continue reading