Jerome educator earns technology award
Janet Avery, the curriculum director at the Jerome School District, was awarded the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE) 2018 Outstanding Technology Leader of the Year Award. NCCE is a national educational technology professional development organization.
“Avery is a selfless mentor and leader who has made a tremendous impact in Idaho and the Northwest,” said Heidi Rogers, the NCCE CEO and executive director.
Avery was honored with a $500 check for her 23-year career as a teacher, curriculum director, administrator, technology director and founder of #IDedchat. While attending the NCCE Educational Technology conference in Portland, Avery was recognized for founding #idedchat, where educators chat live on twitter about instruction and education issues every Wednesday evening at 8 p.m.
Students to participate in climate education conference
Nearly 60 Boise students were awarded scholarships to attend the Partnering for Success: Working Together on Climate Solutions conference at Timberline High School on March 9-11. Students will participate in discussions about business in climate action. The Boise Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is hosting the annual Pacific Northwest Regional conference. More than 125 people are expected to attend the conference from Alaska, Oregon and Washington.
Students from the Boise School District will present science posters to attendees and participate as panelists in a student voice discussion.
The conference is open to the public. Click here for more information.
Two Idaho teachers nominated for national award
Jake Miller, an eighth grade physical education teacher at Boise’s North Junior High School, and Raya Steele, a special education teacher at Bonneville’s Mountain Valley Elementary School, have been nominated for the 2017-2018 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.
The LifeChanger of the Year is sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, and recognizes and rewards K-12 educators across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Miller has been a teacher for 10 years and was nominated by his mother-in-law, Kathy Olson. Besides his daily classes, Miller organizes overnight adventure experiences, hoping to teach students life skills in the outdoors of Idaho.
Steele was nominated by her principal, Lanie Keller. Steele leads an afterschool group that focuses on getting students outdoors. Kids go on hikes, play frisbee, golf, swim, rock climb and even scuba dive.
The Idaho teachers can win up to $10,000 if they are selected. Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools.
De Smet teacher wins $3,000 grant
Lisa Washburn, a science teacher at Coeur d’Alene Tribal School in De Smet, has been named a winner in the Shell Science Lab Challenge, a competition for middle and high school science teachers. The competition is sponsored by the Shell Oil Company and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).
Washburn is one of 18 winners named around the nation, winning a science support package of $3,000 for her school. Washburn’s approach to science instruction is to use the Next Generation Science Standards strategy of asking questions and defining problems to teach students to analyze, interpret, and sort evidence to solve everyday issues in science. Students practice scientific investigative techniques with hands-on, collaborative exercises and explore concepts that bridge the science disciplines.
Student walkout planned for March 14
Boise students are planning to walkout of class on March 14 to rally for school safety. The People For Unity organization is hosting a student walkout and rally on March 14 called “Enough is Enough.”
“We as students are concerned about our futures and our safety in school,” said Colette Raptosh, an organizer of the walkout. “We feel that the school shootings across the nation, such as the Florida school shooting, are proof that there must be real action taken by students, parents, teachers, but most importantly, our Congress.”
The walkout is scheduled for 10 a.m. and students plan to rally on the Statehouse steps.
Middleton teacher wins physical education grant
Toni Waters, a health and physical education teacher at Middleton Heights Elementary, won a Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart grant from SHAPE America — Society of Health and Physical Educators. Waters will receive a US Games gift certificate to enhance her physical education program, a one-year membership to SHAPE America and a paid trip to the SHAPE America national convention in Nashville.
“Jump Rope for Heart is one of the first activities my students ask about when we begin the school year, they love it,” Waters said.
Waters has incorporated Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart as a centerpiece of her health and physical education program for the last 31 years. She educates students on how to keep their hearts strong and teaches them the fundamental skills to lead a healthy lifestyle through adulthood.
“Waters inspires so many through her teaching and commitment to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity,” said Kim Atkinson, the principal at Middleton Heights Elementary. “Jump Rope for Heart is an example of how she combines this commitment to her students to also benefit our community.”
