Last Updated on Wednesday, July 07, 2010 at 5:01 AM
July is: Social Wellness Month; Mental Illness Awareness Month; National Cell Phone Courtesy Month; National Recreation and Parks Month; Purposeful Parenting Month; Family Reunion Month; Herbal and Prescription Awareness Month; National Culinary Arts Month; National Grilling Month; National Make a Difference to Children Month.
Fourth of July (July 4), Parents’ Day (July 25).
On this day: U.S. postage stamp goes on sale for first time (July 1, 1847); Taxes first withheld from paychecks (July 1, 1943); ZIP codes go into use (July 1, 1963); President James A. Garfield shot before dying 80 days later (July 2, 1881); U.S. annexes Hawaii (July 7, 1898); Dick Clark first hosts American Bandstand (July 9, 1956); Aaron Burr kills Alexander Hamilton in a duel (July 11, 1804); Flight TWA 800 explodes over Atlantic Ocean, killing all 229 on board (July 17, 1996); Adolph Hitler publishes Mein Kampf (July 18, 1925); Neil Armstrong first person to walk on the moon (July 20, 1969); Italian luxury liner Andrea Doria sinks after colliding with Swedish liner (July 25, 1956); the first “test tube” baby is born in UK (July 25, 1978); President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Medicare bill (July 30, 1965); Jimmy Hoffa last seen in Detroit (July 30, 1975).
Announcements
Guidance in developing writing policy and plan
The Kentucky Department of Education’s website now includes an overview of the requirements of Senate Bill 1 related to writing and provides recommendations to teams as they develop writing plans and policies to support their writing programs. Resources include a PowerPoint with facilitator notes, a process tool that leads teams through a process of building on their current program to develop a plan and policy for implementation, and a sample survey that guides discussion of recommendations to the fictional ABC Middle School as its school-based decision making council updates a past policy to meet the new requirements.
KDE arts and humanities page is updated
The Web page for arts and humanities at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Web site has been updated with information specific to arts and humanities. On the KDE homepage, choose “Instructional Resources” at the top of the page, then link to “High School,” then choose the “Arts and Humanities” link. There are now more links to resources of interest, as well as links to high school graduation requirements, the new program review documents, information and more.
Conferences and Professional Development Opportunities
Arts education
The 2010 Kentucky Arts Education Association conference is set for Oct. 8-9 in Bowling Green. Although a majority of the sessions and workshops are free, there will be some that use numerous supplies which will require a small fee. Workshop fees will be collected on site at the workshop by the presenter. Paid workshops will be on a first come basis until the cap determined by the presenter is met and then admittance to that workshop will be closed.
‘Counseling the Road to Resilience’
The annual Kentucky Counselors Association (KCA) Conference, set for Oct. 20-22 in Louisville, will focus on counselors of all fields and the ability to thrive in the current situation. Workshops will provide new tools for assisting clients/students and a renewed prospective as counselors. Keynote Speakers will be Dr. Marcheta Evans and author Kim P. Johnson. For more information, contact Beverly Martin at (606) 789-2656.
Art Museum PD opportunities
The Art Museum at the University of Kentucky will host several professional development opportunities during the 2010-11 school year. The Art Museum is already accepting registrations for any of the following PD events:
· Sept. 22, 2010, Teatime Introduction to the Horse in American Art exhibition
· Oct. 30, 2010, Lessons Learned: 3D lessons that work (for mathematics, art, science, history, social studies, writing and more)
· Nov. 20, 2010, TechArtistry workshops (two different themes)
· March 12, 2011, Teaching and Learning from Art: Visual art as primary source to teach Kentucky core content in the arts, social studies and language arts
· April 27, 2011 Teatime Introduction to Japanese Embroidery exhibition
For more information, contact Sonja Brooks at (859) 257-1926.
Federation of Genealogical Societies
The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) will host its annual conference Aug. 18-21 in Knoxville, Tenn. The event is co-sponsored by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and the East Tennessee Historical Society. The theme is “Rediscovering America's First Frontier.” Speakers will present on Kentucky and Tennessee genealogical research; researching ethnic groups, including African Americans, Native Americans and the Scots-Irish; genealogical research methodology and resources; and a variety of other topics. Kent Whitworth, KHS executive director, and J. Mark Lowe, a professional genealogist, author and teacher, will speak at the conference.
Computer program training
New Horizons CLC of Lexington offers several courses in the Microsoft Office Suite as well as Adobe. Teachers can get a head start on professional development for the 2010-11 school year with courses on Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Contact Julie Metz at (859) 266-2900, ext 223 for more information.
Summer science teacher workshops
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ball State University will offer summer workshops in physics, astronomy and physical science again this summer. These workshops are frequently used to fulfill licensure requirements and are also the primary courses used for master’s programs for in-service teachers. A doctoral program in science education also is offered. For more information, contact Tom Jordan at (765) 285-8860.
Opportunities for gifted teachers, students
The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Students has information about programs and services for youth, parents and teachers posted on its Web site. Programs for teachers include Day of Sharing for Teachers of the Gifted, as well as certification in gifted education for master’s, specialist and doctorate with an emphasis in gifted education. Programs for youth include: Career Explorations for Girls Conference, Saturday Gifted Studies Program, Leadership Studies Program, Summer Gifted Studies Program and Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth.
Online teacher training, plus course materials
Spend one hour online exploring the ins-and-outs of ‘Virtual Economics,’ a CD packed with 1,200 activity-based K-12 lessons, and participants will receive a free copy of the CD, a $150 total value. ‘Those interested can search by keyword, concept or state content standard.
Free registration for seminars
The National Humanities Center is offering 40 Kentucky teachers free registration for its spring 2010 online seminars for U.S. History and American Literature teachers. Those interested can e-mail Caryn Koplik, at the National Humanities Center.
Virtual Economics or Capstone Modules
Teachers can register to complete online professional development offered by the National Council on Economic Education for Virtual Economics (K-12) or Capstone Economics (HS) and can receive a Virtual Economics CD and/or Capstone materials (two-book set). For more information, contact Susan Sandage, susan@econ.org, at (502) 267-3570.
Check the KDE Professional Development Bulletin Board for additional opportunities.
Educators Wanted, Call for Proposals and Presenters
Mathematics teachers needed for study
Kentucky mathematics teachers in grades 5-7 can earn $200 for participating in a federally funded research study for LessonLab, a Pearson Education company. Teachers will need to allow LessonLab to videotape one fraction lesson on either ratios/proportions or variables/expression/equations. For more information, contact Frank Sotelo at (310) 664-2347.
Grants, awards and contests
ThinkQuest International Competition
ThinkQuest International Competition 2011, scheduled to run from August to April 2011, challenges students to solve a real-world problem by applying their critical thinking, communication and technology skills. Participants may enroll in the following competition events: ThinkQuest Projects, Digital Media and Application Development. At the link provided, teachers can find more information about the competition, new age divisions, evaluation guidelines and prizes.
Anita Sanford Tolson Award
The Anita Sanford Tolson High School Writing Award is awarded by the Kentucky Association of Teachers of History (KATH) to a high school student who has written an outstanding paper on a history-related topic. Teachers will submit the papers. The deadline for papers is Sept. 1. The paper's topic will be determined by the writer with length between 1,500-2,500 words. Papers will be evaluated on the following criteria (in the order of their importance): overall quality; depth of research; analysis and interpretation of information; effectiveness of topic development; and length. Submission is to be e-mailed to Beth Van Allen. For more information, contact Van Allen at (502) 564-1792, ext. 4440.
PTA ‘Reflections’ contest
Reflections is a cultural arts program that was established by National PTA in 1968. Each year National PTA asks students to submit ideas for a Reflections theme that will be used in future years. Theme ideas are submitted to Kentucky PTA and then forwarded to National PTA. The deadline each year is October 15. The 2010-11 Reflections theme is: “Together We Can.” Entries can be in the form of photography, literature, visual arts, film, musical composition or dance choreography. Divisions include primary, intermediate, middle or high school or special needs (P-12).
State Parks Adventure Quest
Family Adventure Quests (FAQs) combine trivia questions and history with a bit of scavenger hunt challenge for teams of friends and family. Teams that track 25 quest challenges on land, on the Internet and by object are rewarded with Unbridled Spirit gift cards valued at $85. Teams that successfully answer 20 questions receive cards worth $50. Team results and photos are submitted to the state parks office in Frankfort for the final tally. Participants may request the FAQ booklet, which includes riddles and questions about historic and natural landmarks, at www.parks.ky.gov or by calling toll-free (800) 255-PARK (7275) or (502) 564-2172. For more information, contact Chris Kellogg at (502) 564-8110, ext. 221.
Fulbright Scholar Program
Fulbright Scholar Program for U.S. Faculty and Professionals for 2011-12 is accepting applications. The Fulbright Scholar Program offers 13 awards in teaching, research or combined teaching/research in library sciences, including a Fulbright Distinguished Chair. Faculty and professionals in library sciences also can apply for one of the 175 “All Discipline” awards open to all fields or for short-term grant opportunities through the Fulbright Specialist Program. The application deadline is Aug. 2. E-mail scholars@iie.org for more information.
Fresh fruit and vegetable program
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is seeking elementary schools to participate in the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) during the upcoming 2010-11 school year. Eligible schools are those containing grades P-6 or any combination thereof. Participating schools must agree to offer free fresh fruits and vegetables to all enrolled students during the school day for a minimum of three days per week and at a time other than meal service periods. More information is available in the attachments to this message, or contact Denise Hagan at (502) 564-5625.
Student exchange program
AFS (American Field Service) offers many study abroad experiences and opportunities to volunteer and host a high school foreign exchange student. AFS-USA has been hosting and sending high school students and teachers on international foreign exchanges for more than 60 years and is the leading organization of its kind. Applications for hosting and sending a student abroad may both be made online. For more information, call (800) 463-6237.
www.misstennky.org
Digital learning content repository for p-20 educators
Kentucky's education community launched a repository of quality digital learning content that will be available to all P-20 educators. The repository, called the Kentucky Learning Depot, will help educators add standards-based digital content, such as textbooks, animations and videos to their courses and vastly expand the resources available to each educator.
Videos can earn national recognition
The Student Video Network (SVN) initiative at eSN.TV is giving students the opportunity to earn valuable video-production experience and a shot at national recognition for their efforts.
Target field trip grants
Target is offering up to 5,000 field trip grants this school year to qualified applicants. These field trip grants can be applied to many different venues. There are many exciting and educational places schools can visit this year.
Educational Opportunities
Pennies for Polar Bears
The Louisville Zoo is offering a program for schools to help raise funds for its Glacier Run Exhibit, called Pennies for Polar Bears. Schools will collect pennies – and any other form of currency – and turn those funds over to the zoo by Oct. 15. In return, schools will receive educational resources and incentives based on the success of the program. For more information, contact Debbie Shannon at (502) 238-5486.
Be a part of Kentucky history
The state Capitol building is celebrating its 100th birthday. For those who have a favorite memory of the capitol, you can send in a digital photo or write down a memory to be included in a virtual time capsule being created by the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. Teachers are asked to send in photos and/or memories to Paige Sexton. The deadline to send in something for the capsule is Dec. 31.
Student spaceflight experiments
The National Center for Earth and Space Science Education, in partnership with American Aerospace Advisors, has launched the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. It offers entire school districts an experiment design competition at middle and high school levels to fly a real experiment aboard the last scheduled flight of the Space Shuttle - an experiment truly designed and proposed by classes of students. The program’s website contains comprehensive information on program objectives, customizing to community need and how to participate. For more information, contact Jeff Goldstein at (301) 395-0770.
Major International Exhibition
A collection of exotic Arabian equine art and artifacts is on view at A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse through Oct. 15 in the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse – a Smithsonian Affiliate. It will feature 410 artifacts and works of art from 26 museums and private lenders including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oxford University, Ashmolean Museum, Egyptian Museum of Cairo, Carnegie Museum of Art, National Museum of Warsaw, Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, American Museum of Natural History and many others. For group tour information, contact Ali Mihankhah at (859) 259-4225.
Maze Daze this fall
Life Adventure Center of the Bluegrass in Versailles will offer Maze Daze during September and October. Using a giant corn maze and other resources, Life Adventure Center of the Bluegrass presents a unique hands-on learning opportunity for students and will customize a program that can include a variety of topics and draw an important connection between agriculture and the classroom. Each program includes cross curriculum education in mathematics, science and physical education. For more information, contact (859) 873-3271 or info@lacbg.com.
www.lacbg.com
‘Rockin’ Readin’ Revolution’
The Kentucky Press Association/Newspaper in Education's annual literacy project Rockin' Readin' Revolution, is set for the week of Sept. 12. Statewide newspapers will publish the first chapter of the new free book, “CSI: Canine Secret Investigator” by Kentucky author Leigh Anne Florence and illustrator Paul Brett Johnson. Students can make their own book by collecting each of the 10 newspaper chapters and putting them in a free scrapbook offered by newspapers. To enhance the media literacy integration teachers can use online learning activities and a podcast found at www.kypress.com. Teachers should contact their local newspaper to request newspapers and scrapbooks for student use.
'Matsuri in Kentucky'
The Asia Center is offering “Matsuri in Kentucky,” a guide for holding a Japanese festival in schools or including some Japanese activities in classes. Origami, calligraphy and traditional games are explained in short online videos. There also is an overall lesson plan linked to the Kentucky Core Content with a supporting powerpoint to set the cultural context of these activities. Contact Keiko Fukuzaki, Japan Outreach Coordinator, at with any questions.
Meet Ben Franklin
Veteran actor Dane Hosler presents an hour-long program as Benjamin Franklin, the famous American inventor, statesman and writer. In the program, Ben speaks to students and gets their assistance with a number of simple experiments while he shares his wit and wisdom. This program, displaying Franklin’s contributions to science and literature as well as explaining his place in American history, is recommended for grades 4-12. Contact Hosler for pricing and scheduling at throgmore@hotmail.com.
Resources
National Teacher Registry
The National Teacher Registry is a new and free service for teachers and schools, public and private, pre-school through college. The National Teacher Registry helps teachers get items they need and want for their classroom when there is no budget to purchase them. There are currently more than 40,000 items from multiple suppliers on the site and many more products are in the process of being added. Once a wish list is created, a direct link to the registry can be sent by the teacher or school to parents and friends. Parents and friends can access the list on the Internet, purchase items from the list, and have the items delivered directly to the teacher or school. In many cases this is a charitable donation which can be deducted on the purchaser’s tax return.
Guidance in developing writing policy and plan
The Kentucky Department of Education’s website now includes an overview of the requirements of Senate Bill 1 related to writing and provides recommendations to teams as they develop a writing plan and policy to support their writing program. Resources include a PowerPoint with facilitator notes, a process tool that leads teams through a process of building on their current program to develop a plan and policy for implementation, and a sample survey that guides discussion of recommendations to the fictional ABC Middle School as its Site Based Decision Making council updates a past policy to meet the new requirements.
Dinosaur Train activities
PBS’ Dinosaur Train has learning activities for children ages 3-7 on its website. Dino Tracks is a new game that develops pattern recognition and pattern completion skills. It enables preschool children to predict what comes next in a pattern and recognize what is missing within a pattern. The dinosaurs featured are Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Pteranodons.
Field trip finder
Teachers interested in looking for unique, nearby field trips can benefit from the Field Trip Factory, a website that lists free field trips within a zip code. The site shows trips for all different age groups.
Free rice trivia site
Free Rice is a trivia site, but for each correct answer grains of rice are donated. Questions related to mathematics, chemistry, geography, arts, English, etc. are generated, making this a good tool to keep kids sharp on certain subjects while helping the needy.
Information about lab safety
The Laboratory Safety Institute is a nonprofit international organization for safety in science and science education. The Laboratory Safety Institute’s website has many free documents to help teachers improve laboratory safety program. For more information, contact James A. Kaufman at (508) 647-1900.
KSTA looking to add resources
The Kentucky Science Teachers Association (KSTA) website has a collection of links to helpful resources, but is looking to expand the offerings. Science teachers who have an interesting site are encouraged share by sending it to Kelly Taylor, and it will be added to the list.
Mad Science
Mad Science offers a large selection of after-school, preschool, summer and vacation programs, workshops, special events and birthday parties. From entertaining educational programs to educational entertainment, Mad Science sparks imaginative learning. All Mad Science programs are animated at your location by highly-trained professional instructors equipped with awe-inspiring gear. Contact Andrea Wright at (502) 419-3934 for more information.
‘The Why Files’ Web site
The mission of The Why Files is to explore the science, mathematics and technology behind the news of the day, and to present those topics in a clear, accessible and accurate manner. The Why Files is based at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but The Why Files covers science at all institutions that engage in scientific exploration and discovery. The Web site provides teacher activity pages for curriculum suggestions on using 13 popular Why Files in the classroom. Teachers also can select from a list of National Science Teaching Standards for links to specific Why Files that address each standard.
Folklife resources for educators
The American Folklife Center has posted “Folklife Resources for Educators,” an online portal for educators working in K-12 and undergraduate education. It provides access to resources for teaching about aspects of folklife, culture and the traditional arts, with a focus on place and community-based teaching materials. All of the resources are available in a downloadable format.
Take a spin on ACT’s World-of-Work Map
Students can explore careers with ACT's interactive World-of-Work Map at http://www.act.org/wwm/index.html. The circular career map spins as students choose career groups to investigate within broad categories, such as working with data, working with ideas and things, and working with people and ideas. Within each group are several specific career areas, such as education, computer/information specialties and manufacturing/processing. Each career area includes a number of specific occupations, with detailed information on work tasks, salary, size of the field, expected growth and how to prepare for the occupation. Students can register for a free student account at www.actstudent.org to use the World-of-Work Map.
Comic Web site assists in literacy
MakeBeliefsComix.com has launched a new version of its educational comics Web site with added features to enrich the experience of students as they write, read and tell comic strip stories online. Spanish can be used on the site, and a teacher’s guide is provided. The site is used by educators to teach language, reading and writing skills and also for students in English as a Second Language programs to facilitate self-expression and storytelling, as well as computer literacy. Some educational therapists use the online comics with deaf and autistic people to help them understand concepts and communicate. Parents and children can create stories together, print them to create comic books or e-mail them to friends.
Science Writer for students
The CAST Science Writer, a free online tool to guide middle and high school students in writing effective science reports, is available. This tool breaks down the scientific writing process into manageable steps and offers supports that allow students to communicate their understanding of scientific concepts. To support teachers in integrating Science Writer into their teaching practice, CAST has created an online community, http://castsciencewriter.ning.com, for questions, to share suggestions and provide feedback.
Lockdown procedures
Kentucky House Bill 206, passed in the 2006 session of the state legislature and codified as KRS 158.164, mandates that every Kentucky school conduct a lockdown annually. There are several variations of addressing lockdown procedures when considering the school setting. Resources are available that may assist in developing a lockdown protocol in a school community. School officials should consult with local law enforcement officials to cooperatively develop this protocol.
Watch a PowerPoint presentation on lockdown procedures or use it with students or staff at www.kycss.org/emp/Lockdowns.pdf. Other lockdown resources are available at these URLS:
· www.kycss.org/emp/emp/Emgenchecklist.html
· www.kycss.org/emp/emp/UnivProc.html
· www.kycss.org/emp/emp/AfterAction.html
Kentucky Literacy Link
There is a new source of information for Kentucky educators recently posted on the KDE Web site. Kentucky Literacy Link is monthly newsletter containing the most current information on literacy topics, including writing plans and policies that schools and school-based decision making councils should be developing this year.
Planning for college
High school counselors can receive free books to distribute to students who are planning and preparing for college. The books are published by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926. To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.GoHigherKY.org.
KET EncycloMedia
This Internet-based comprehensive learning service is free to Kentucky public schools. It is the result of a partnership between Kentucky Educational Television and the Kentucky Department of Education. It offers teachers and students more than 4,000 videos, 40,000 video clips and thousands of digital images, all searchable by keyword, content area, grade level and Kentucky academic standards.
Kentucky Teacher
The Kentucky Department of Education keeps people informed about the good things happening in Kentucky schools through its professional development publication, "Kentucky Teacher."
Online KDE Bookstore
Buying publications, compact discs and videotapes about the state's education system has been made simpler by the opening of the Online KDE Bookstore.
For Parents
The Kentucky Department of Education has a Web site, "For Parents," that gives parents of Kentucky schoolchildren one-stop access to education information, resources and "ParentInfo" e-mail updates.
Scholarship information
Find helpful scholarship information and tips to avoid scholarship scams.