Education news from around Idaho

Computer science grant available

ATTInternetService.com invites teachers to apply for a $1,000 grant that promotes technology in the classroom.

The grant is open to K-12 teachers and college professors who write an essay or shoot a short video explaining internet-connected technologies in the classroom.  The video can be anything from a keyboarding program to software that teaches students to code.

Entries are judged on completion of all directions, creativity, opportunity for student enrichment and opportunities for student participation.

How to enter

  1. Write a 300-450 word essay or create a one-to-two minute video that explains how you or your students use internet-connected technology in the classroom.
  1. Fill out a submission form and upload your essay or video online no later than Feb. 3rd, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Entries submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

For more information on how to apply, click here.

Support professionals honored at Boise’s Horizon Elementary

The Idaho Education Association and the Boise Education Association recognized Education Support Professionals (ESP) on Wednesday for National ESP Day.

“Education Support Professionals are an integral component to the successful education of students in Idaho, and they frequently fly under the radar in terms of recognition,” said BEA president Stephanie Myers.

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Cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodial, maintenance staff and para-professionals are some of the jobs that fall under ESP.

On average, ESPs make up 40 percent of a district’s employees.

Idaho AEYC receives $17,000 donation

CapEd Credit Union is donating $17,000 to the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children’s READY! for Kindergarten and READ Up programs.

Idaho AEYC’s READY! for Kindergarten program provides parents with free workshops and tools to help young children develop success skills.

CapEd’s donation will serve 50 Boise families with children ages three to five.

“Parents who engage with their children at home can be one of the most influential teachers a child has,” said executive director Beth Oppenheimer.

An additional donation of $2,000 will support the Idaho AEYC READ Up program, which encourages summer reading by providing free books.

Legislative bid opens seat on Idaho Falls School Board 

An Idaho Falls trustee’s successful bid for the Legislature has left a vacancy on the local school board.

Trustee and board clerk Bryan Zollinger announced his resignation effective Dec. 14, after winning House Seat 33B.

The district is now accepting applications to fill Zollinger’s seat.

Bryan Zollinger
Bryan Zollinger

“We will miss Bryan’s contributions. His thoughtful approach has improved us as a board many times over the past year,” said board chair Lisa Burtenshaw. “We wish him all the best in the Idaho Legislature.

Zollinger toutes a highly conservative bent and says he’ll work to maximize local control for districts across the state.

“I loved my time on the board,” he said, “but I felt a little bit like a rubber stamp at times. I think I can make a greater difference in this new capacity.”

An East Idaho native, Zollinger holds an accounting degree from the University of Utah. He also earned a law degree at Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. He joined the school board in 2013 and currently works as an attorney with Smith, Driscoll & Associates in Idaho Falls.

Anyone interested in replacing Zollinger should submit a letter of interest to Idaho Falls’ administrative offices at 690 John Adams Parkway by Friday, Dec. 2, said district spokesman Margaret Wimborne. Letters should include candidate’s qualifications and reasons for wanting to serve. They  must also be 18 years old or older, a U.S. citizen and live in zone 1 of the district.

Board members will begin interviewing candidates the week of Dec. 5, Wimborne said. They hope to swear in the new trustee at their regular Dec. 14 meeting.

 

Idaho EdNews Staff

Idaho EdNews Staff

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