Articles of Interest
Lynchburg City Schools opens a new Restorative Suspension Center
https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/02/17/montgomery-county-sro-creates-calming-room-students/
Rising overdoses on school grounds prompt APS, School Board to act | ARLnow.com
Roanoke schools seek public feedback on building names
Teachers push for higher pay at Virginia Beach School Board meeting | 13newsnow.com
Why is AG Miyares probing multiple Northern Virginia school systems? – WTOP News
PCPS budget comes up short; VDOE calculation error could cost school system $183K
Albemarle teachers make second bid for collective bargaining
Amherst schools’ opt-in policy draws more backlash
DOE Updates
Application for the English Standards Revision Committee
The VDOE English Program is seeking nominations from division superintendents for individuals who are qualified and available to serve on the English Standards Revision Committee to review the K-12 English Standards of Learning during the summer of 2023. Nominees should be teachers, principals, administrators, content specialists, reading specialists, or other educators who have expertise with the content area and current standards. Individuals who wish to serve on a committee to review the K-12 English Standards of Learning must submit an application through the web-based process, Instruction Committee Application Processing System (ICAPS). The application will require a professional reference and division approval. Completed applications are due to the VDOE through ICAPS by March 10. See Superintendent’s Memo 026-23 for details.
Canvas’s Training Services Portal Weekly Sessions
Educators can participate in training sessions each week via Canvas’s Training Services Portal. To find any of the sessions listed below, first make sure you are logged into your Canvas account. The upcoming hour-long sessions are appropriate for Division and School Leaders, Statewide LMS Admin, Instructors, and Support. Check out:
2/16 at 5:30 p.m.: Pages and the Rich Content Editor
2/17 at 10:00 a.m.: Data for Teachers
Virginia Humanities K-12 Fellowship
The Virginia Humanities is currently seeking six educators to join a new K-12 Fellowship scheduled to begin in April 2023. The cohort will consist of educators from across the state and will bring a wide range of humanities curriculum focus, from the elementary level to the high school level, allowing them to design new learning experiences that are easily accessible for both a physical classroom and remote use. Apply by March 3!
Ed. Department Updates
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT LEARNING SERIES
In an ongoing effort to boost family engagement and lift parent voices, the Department announced a partnership with the Carnegie Foundation of New York and the Overdeck Family Foundation to launch a Family Engagement Learning Series. This series, which will kick off later this month, is intended to help education leaders and practitioners implement family engagement strategies that support student success. The series will provide attendees with evidence-based research and strategies, bright spots in the field, and information on resources.
The first virtual session, on February 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will focus on how family engagement can support literacy and math. Additional sessions will be on the fourth Tuesday of the month over the next six months. State-, district-, and community-level family engagement leaders will discuss attendance and student engagement, student and school safety, student mental health and well-being, kindergarten readiness, and college readiness. In support of family engagement, the Department has invested nearly $100 million since 2018 in Statewide Family Engagement Centers. There are currently 12 centers across the country. These centers provide technical assistance and training to states and school districts in the implementation and enhancement of systemic and effective family engagement policies, programs, and activities.
