DESE Update: October 19, 2018
Librarian Surprised with Milken Educator Award:
Jennifer Gordon, the librarian at Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School in Cambridge, had a surprising morning on October 16, 2018, when she was presented with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award. Ms. Gordon, who has worked at the preschool through grade 6 school for 17 years, was shocked. After the news sank in, she said, “I am here because of the people I work with and because of my kids. I love all of you!”
In addition to matching students with books and working with classroom teachers, Ms. Gordon has created a makerspace, leads the school’s Adventure Club, leads professional development, mentors new teachers, coordinates field day and the daily morning announcements, and is a member of the school band. Congratulations, Ms. Gordon!
Picture of the Week:
Upcoming Technology Webinar:
Check out EducationSuperHighway’s free upcoming E-rate Category 2 Masterclass series starting October 24. Through E-rate modernization, the Federal Communications Commission made available $150 per student for internal connections and Wi-Fi upgrades, but this funding is only guaranteed through FY2019. EducationSuperHighway will show how to apply for and make the best use of districts’ remaining Category 2 budgets before they expire.
Registration is open online for the first masterclass on October 24, called “Optimize Your Internal Network Upgrade.” Participants will learn:
- How the $150 per student E-rate Category 2 funding model works,
- What equipment and services are eligible for funding, and
- Key steps in the E-rate timeline and how to apply before funding expires.
EPA Webinars on Drinking Water Guidance:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a revised “3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities” guidance. The 3Ts (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provide tools for schools, child care facilities, states, and water systems to implement voluntary lead in drinking water testing and follow–up action programs. The Environmental Protection Agency will host webinars about the new guidance from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Thursday, October 25 and from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 31. Please click on the links for more information and to register.
Following these webinars, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will provide further guidance to Massachusetts schools and child care facilities on how the revised EPA guidance will impact the Massachusetts Lead Contamination Control Act program. If you have any questions on this information, please contact the MassDEP Drinking Water Program at program.director-dwp@mass.gov or 617-292-5770.
Charter School Amendments/Renewals:
This winter, Commissioner Riley will present decisions and recommendations to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education about renewing the charters of 12 schools and amending the charters of five schools to include changes to the districts served, the grades served, and/or the maximum enrollment. To request a copy of a renewal application or amendment request for expansion, please call (781) 338-3227 or email charterschools@doe.mass.edu. The Department anticipates these matters will be brought to the Board no earlier than December 18, 2018 and no later than February 12, 2019. The commissioner invites written comments about charter renewals or amendments for a school located in the commenter’s district or that enrolls students from the commenter’s district.
More information on charters that are up for renewal and the November 1 deadline for written comment is available online. More information on schools requesting charter amendments resulting in an expansion and the deadlines for written comment is also available online.
History and Social Science Instructional Planning and Implementation Grant:
This grant will provide districts with funding to help teachers deepen their understanding of the 2018 History and Social Science Curriculum Framework and use high quality, standards-aligned curricular materials that promote inclusive practices and improved outcomes for all students. Districts may apply for up to $5,000; districts proposing to work with a vendor may apply for up to $10,000. Funds must be spent by June 30, 2019. More information is available in the request for proposals (RFP). Proposals are due at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 20.
Volunteers Sought for Licensure Panel Review:
The Department is seeking experienced administrators and counselors to volunteer on the Educator Licensure Panel Review, a unique licensure path. Candidates for licensure as administrators and some professional support licenses (School Counselor, School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor and School Psychologist) are eligible to gain licensure as a result of substantial experience and formal education. Members of the review panel assess a portfolio that has been developed by the applicant and conduct an on-site interview before making a licensure recommendation to the commissioner. Serving on the review panel is a rewarding way to serve and develop the profession.
The nomination form and additional information about serving on the review panel are available online.