Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

Superintendent of Public Instruction Weekly Update – 31, 2021

Quick links to this week’s updates Superintendent Ybarra’s Updates COVID-19 Related Updates CDC K-12 Operational Guidance Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Statistics (as of , 2021) Department of Health and Welfare Vaccine Newsletter and Media Briefing – Certification It’s Time to Renew Your Certificates Child Nutrition Idaho P-EBT USDA CNP Waivers and Flexibilities in School Year 2021-2022 Emergency Operational Costs for CNP Content & Curriculum SMART Cohort Registration Federal Programs American Rescue Plan Public Comment Career Ladder Data System Submissions Indian Education 2021 Indian Education Summit School Choice Alternative School Applications Technology Services E-Rate and Broadband News and Updates Odds & Ends Youth Mental Health First Aid – Free virtual training for Idaho adults Summer Camps at the Idaho State Museum Idaho Public Television’s “Summer of Learning” programming for school-age youth Adult Depression: Getting on the Path to Wellness as a Family 2021 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards Emergency Broadband Benefit Helps Households Connect to Internet Service Registration Open for Idaho Codes, Computer Science Program for 7-12 Grade Students IDeal Offering a $25 Match During the Month of May Mini-Grants for Youth-Led Projects/Initiatives Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation 2021 Teacher Workshop Nominations open for the Idaho STEM Action Center’s INDEEDS Award Community Council of Idaho’s Hispanic Scholarship Free Online Virtual Summer Camps 2021

Superintendent Ybarra’s Update Idaho’s Draft Plan for K-12 American Rescue Plan Funds Posted for Public Review Under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, Idaho will receive $439,942,041 for K-12 public education, and the State Department of Education seeks public comment on its working draft plan for the use of these funds as required by the U.S. Department of Education.

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021 Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

Each state is required to write a plan describing, among other things, the current education needs within the state, the intended uses of ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, and plans for supporting school districts and charter schools in spending those funds. States received a plan template on 21. Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra’s staff have been working with stakeholders to develop a working draft of the plan, which will be posted on the SDE website through 1, 2021. The superintendent’s office must submit the completed plan to the U.S. Department of Education by . While this timeline is very short, input from stakeholders and members of the public is important. Please take some time to review the working draft plan and provide feedback through the Idaho ARP ESSER State Plan Public Comment form.

Guest Opinion: Supporting Schools and Students – More Important Than Ever Extraordinarily challenging is an understatement for the events of the past year. While we all hope the pandemic is in our rearview mirror, the impacts will be felt for some time. We must turn our focus to academic recovery and how to address the social-emotional impacts of the past several months. This was a central topic of discussion during the 2021 legislative session, which included appropriating significant federal funds to ensure students get caught up after the interruptions in instruction since last spring. Our schools and educators are planning how to use this funding to support students with tutoring, intervention and other resources. Continue reading here.

Gov. Little Defends Local Control, Denounces Lt. Governor’s Irresponsible Abuse of Power On Friday, Governor Little released a media release announcing that he was issuing Executive Order 2021-08, which repeals Executive Order 2021-07 regarding mask mandates. The media release says, “With the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine and steady declines in case counts and hospitalizations, masks are, thankfully, becoming a thing of the past. For the record, though, I have opposed a statewide mask mandate all along because I don’t think top-down mandates change behavior the way personal choice does.” Read the full press release here.

Idaho Students Can Get Free Online Tutoring via New Partnership The Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Office is partnering with a new online platform called Schoolhouse.world to provide free, small-group tutoring in mathematics for Idaho middle and high school students who want to catch up on their learning and get ready for what’s next. View the announcement from Superintendent Ybarra here. Idaho students can choose from a wide range of math topics and may even suggest future tutoring sessions to meet their needs. The interactive small-group sessions are offered live via Zoom. To learn more about Schoolhouse.world, go to the SDE website and click on Free Tutoring.

Superintendent Ybarra’s Student Advisory Council Superintendent Ybarra is excited to announce a new Student Advisory Council. We are looking for students in grades 3- 12 to serve as members on the Student Advisory Council. The purpose of this council is to provide a space for Idaho students’ voices to be heard. Students from different grade levels, backgrounds, cultures, school size, and areas within Idaho will share their opinions and offer advice about educational opportunities and policy in Idaho. Applications close on Monday, June 25th. We encourage you to share this information with your schools and families. To learn more and to apply, please visit this link.

COVID-19 Updates Karli Bennett, Project and Communications Specialist [email protected]

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021

Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

208-332-6812

CDC K-12 Operational Guidance There have been quite a few questions regarding the CDC’s new guidance about fully vaccinated people and how that guidance affects schools. The CDC recommends schools continue to use the COVID-19 prevention strategies outlined in the current version of CDC’s Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools for at least the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic school year. Key points: • CDC recommends schools continue to use the current COVID-19 prevention strategies for the 2020-2021 school year. • Evidence suggests that many K-12 schools that have strictly implemented prevention strategies have been able to safely open for in-person instruction and remain open. • CDC’s K-12 operational strategy presents a pathway for schools to provide in-person instruction safely through consistent use of prevention strategies, including universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing. • All schools should implement and layer prevention strategies and should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing. • Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination for teachers and staff provide additional layers of COVID-19 protection in schools. CDC will update its guidance for schools in the coming weeks.

Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Statistics (as of May 27, 2021) • 669,246 people have received the vaccine • 81,410 people have received one dose of a two-dose series • 587,836 people are fully vaccinated • 1,215,645 total doses have been administered (this may include doses reported without an indication of 1st or 2nd dose)

Department of Health and Welfare Vaccine Newsletter and Media Briefing – May 21, 2021 DHW publishes a bi-weekly COVID-19 newsletter, which is a briefing on the department’s latest news, communications activities, and resources for the pandemic. They also regularly publish media briefings. Find the latest newsletter here and the latest media briefing here.

Certification Lisa Colón Durham, Director [email protected] 208-332-6886

It’s Time to RENEW Your CERTIFICATES District/charter school staff, it is time to remind your certified staff to check their certificates! Teachers, administrators and pupil service staff that have certificates that expire 31, 2021, now is the time to apply for your renewal. There are two options: • Hardcopy application and attach your transcripts. If you must send your transcripts separately from your application please email them to [email protected]. Official transcripts are not required for renewal applications. NEW PROCESS: A complete renewal application will ensure the certificate will be mailed within 2-3

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021

Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

weeks of the cleared check. All required documents, including transcripts, must be included for an application to be considered complete. • Apply online and email your transcripts to [email protected].

Child Nutrition Colleen Fillmore, Director [email protected] 208-332-6823

Idaho P-EBT The State Department of Education is happy to announce that JFAC, House, and Senate have approved spending authority for the Idaho School P-EBT program. We are waiting for the next steps of approval before moving forward.

USDA has approved Idaho’s submitted plan to operate a School Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program during SY 2020-2021. The approved plan can be found here. Even though the plan has been approved by USDA, the State Department of Education is still waiting for approval from USDA for the submitted budget. The Child Nutrition Program (CNP) is sending emails this week to all SFAs that do and do not qualify for this program.

USDA CNP Waivers and Flexibilities in School Year 2021-2022 USDA has announced a new suite of Child Nutrition Program nationwide waivers and flexibilities to support a successful school reopening in school year 2021-2022. These waivers and flexibilities increase funding, support access, and balance operational needs with the goal of providing nutritious meals.

A list of the waivers can be seen below. • Nationwide Waiver to Allow the Seamless Summer Option through School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program Reimbursement Rates in School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver to Allow Non-Congregate Meal Service for School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver of Meal Time Requirements for School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children for School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver to Allow Specific School Meal Pattern Flexibility for School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver to Allow Specific Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child and Adult Care Food Program for School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver to Allow Offer Versus Serve Flexibility for Senior High Schools in School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver of Area Eligibility in the Afterschool Programs and for Family Day Care Home Providers in School Year 2021-2022 • Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements in the School Meals Programs – Revised – EXTENSION 3 • Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements for State Agencies in the Child and Adult Care Food Program – EXTENSION 3 • Nationwide Waiver of Monitoring Requirements for Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program – EXTENSION

Emergency Operational Costs for CNP On 26, 2021, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published implementation guidance for the CNP Emergency Operational Costs Programs, as authorized in Sec. 722 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260). Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021

Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

Under this authority, FNS is offering additional funds to State agencies administering the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to provide eligible program operators with additional reimbursements for emergency operating costs they incurred during the public health emergency. If your school district is eligible for these monies per USDA regulations you will be notified. More information will be coming.

Content & Curriculum Todd Driver, Director [email protected] 208-332-6876

SMART Cohort Registration Registration for the first SMART cohort is closed. After overwhelming interest, we have reached capacity for the 2021- 2022 school year. We hope to offer Idaho SMART to a second cohort in school year 2022-2023.”

Federal Programs Karen Seay, Director [email protected] 208-332-6978

American Rescue Plan Public Comment Under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, states must submit an application and plan to the U.S. Department of Education by June 7, 2021. Idaho’s working draft State Plan is available through June 1st at www.sde.idaho.gov . Please take some time to review the working draft plan and provide feedback through the Idaho ARP ESSER State Plan Public Comment form. Your voice is important. We look forward to hearing from you!

Career Ladder Data System Submissions Career Ladder Data System (CLDS) submissions are due Wed, June 30th. This includes both Instructional/Pupil Services Staff & Principal Evaluation data and Professional and Advanced Professional Endorsement Recommendations. The CLDS is located here. Contact Kathy Gauby at [email protected] or 208-332-6889 with any questions.

Indian Education Johanna Jones, Coordinator [email protected] 208-332-6968

2021 Indian Education Summit The 2021 Indian Education Summit will take place on June 14th and 15th at the University of Idaho, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Registration opened on May 12th and closes on June 4th. There is a $100 onsite attendance registration fee (limited to 50 participants) or a $50 virtual attendance fee. Teacher in service credit is available. Learn more and register here.

School Choice Michelle Clement Taylor, Coordinator

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021

Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

[email protected] 208-332-6963

Alternative School Applications Applications for the 2021-22 Regular School year Alternative Schools/Programs are posted on the Alternative School Webpage. The Regular School Applications are due , 2021. Applications must be submitted and approved before the start of the regular school year. Contact Michelle Clement Taylor ([email protected] or 208-332-6963) with any questions about the applications or requirements.

Technology Services Daniel Vogt, Program Coordinator [email protected] 208-332-6993

E-Rate and Broadband News and Updates The Technology Services department has started a new newsletter for E-rate and Broadband news, updates, and information about other E-rate/Broadband tangential programs for schools. This week’s newsletter is about the first wave of 2nd half reimbursements being processed. To sign up to receive weekly newsletters, please visit this link.

Odds and Ends If you would like to include information in Odds and Ends, please send it to Karli Bennett [email protected]

Youth Mental Health First Aid – Free virtual training for Idaho adults Our department is offering FREE, virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid training to Idaho adults who work with youth or have youth in their homes. Upcoming trainings are on June 9th and June 19th! Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to assess a person for signs of suicidal thoughts or other mental health conditions, how to listen nonjudgmentally, and how to help people connect with proper resources in their community to find help. Topics covered include depression and mood disorders, suicide, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis and substance use disorder. This is a six-hour class consisting of two hours of self-guided study with four hours of an interactive zoom call.

Summer Camps at the Idaho State Museum The Idaho State Museum is offering several in-person camps for youth entering grades K-2 and 3-5. Campers will engage with Idaho's cultures, traditions, architecture, recreation and more through hands-on activities, museum exploration, and play. COVID-19 safety protocols will be implemented throughout the summer. Can’t come to an Idaho State Museum camp in-person? Purchase an Explorer Camp Kit to bring with you as you travel around the state and beyond with family or friends! The “Road Trip Through Time” Explorer Camp Kit comes complete with Idaho-themed arts and crafts, science experiments, games, and more! Each kit includes an Explorer journal, activity instructions, and necessary activity materials. Kits will be available for curbside pickup at the Idaho State Museum, or they can be shipped to your home starting in June. Learn more and register here.

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021

Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

Idaho Public Television’s “Summer of Learning” programming for school-age youth Join Idaho Public Television for their “Summer of Learning” programming for school-age youth on weekdays from May 31st through August 20th! Programming will be available on the Idaho PTV CREATE Channel. From Camp TV, to Let’s Learn, DIY Science Time and Classroom Idaho, these educational programs will keep kids engaged and give them the boost they need to tackle school in the fall. Learn more here.

Adult Depression: Getting on the Path to Wellness as a Family Families for Depression Awareness is presenting their free Adult Depression: Getting on the Path to Wellness as a Family webinar on Tuesday, , 2021 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET/ 4:00 to 5:30 PM PT. In this webinar, Dr. Christine M. Crawford discusses the causes and symptoms of depression in adults, practical ways that caregivers can support a loved one in getting help and accessing treatment, and how caregivers can support their families during episodes of depression. Register to join us for a live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs.

Can't attend the live webinar? Register today to submit your questions and watch the recorded webinar after it airs. Please share information about the free webinar! • To share on Facebook, simply follow this link and click "share" • To share on Twitter, simply follow this link and click "retweet" • Display our Webinar Flyer at your organization or distribute virtually • Download and share our Adult Depression Fact Sheet To learn more about our available trainings, visit familyaware.org/trainings.

2021 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is once again conducting a nationwide search for youth who have gone above and beyond in fighting tobacco. The annual awards celebration, to be held virtually on 29, 2021, will honor the Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year, along with a group winner and four individual winners. Winners also receive scholarships, grants, and leadership opportunities over the course of the year. Apply here.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Helps Households Connect to Internet Service The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.

Registration Open for Idaho Codes, Computer Science Program for 7-12 Grade Students Idaho students in grades 7-12 may now register for Idaho Codes, a computer science program from the Idaho STEM Action Center that teaches students the foundational skills of building websites and developing apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The summer program will offer students the opportunity to learn web development at both online and in-person camps. Thanks to donations from community partners, students who register will get their fees waived. Learn more here.

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021

Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

In-person campus sites will be housed at the state’s four community colleges — College of Eastern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, and North Idaho College — and a couple other locations. Camp capacity is limited with some locations only having 30 seats available, so register quickly.

IDeal Offering a $25 Match During the Month of May To celebrate 529 Day (May 29th), the Ideal – Idaho 529 College Savings Program is offering a $25 match the month of May! Open an IDeal account for a child aged 0-5 by May 29th and they’ll match your first $25 contribution. Limited to the first 200 accounts.

Mini-Grants for Youth-Led Projects/Initiatives Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence and Idaho Youth for Change is searching for bold, creative young people to co-create solutions to sexual violence in Idaho. Focusing on young people from communities most impacted by violence, community-level funding will be provided for projects and initiatives created and led by young people between 15 and 20 years old and supported by adult mentors and allies. Mini-grant awards up to $1,500 will be awarded to young people in partnership with adults, who have a strong passion for ending sexual violence in their schools and communities. The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence will provide guidance for funded projects and work to create a community of support for each project to learn from others. Learn more here.

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation 2021 Teacher Workshop Educators, register now for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation's 2021 Teacher Workshop, held at City of Rocks on 19-20! This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse in natural and cultural history in one of Idaho's beautiful state parks! Find registration information by calling 208-309-0901 or email [email protected]. Additional information and a flyer are available on IDPR’s website.

Nominations open for the Idaho STEM Action Center’s INDEEDS Award The Industry’s Excellent Educator Dedicated to STEM (INDEEDS) Award is given to two Idaho educators who create unique opportunities for students to experience the fun and excitement of STEM by integrating real-world experiences and hands-on activities into the classroom. Educators from two award categories will be selected, one from K-6th and 7th-12th grades. These Idaho educators with a strong commitment to going above and beyond in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be chosen by industry partners. Make a nomination here.

EACH RECIPIENT RECEIVES: • $2,000 individual cash prize from Industry awards • Up to $2,000 from the Idaho STEM Action Center to attend a national conference related to STEM to advance their professional practices • The educator's school will receive $2,000 for STEM initiatives/programs

Community Council of Idaho’s Hispanic Scholarship Applications are being accepted for the Community Council of Idaho's Hispanic Scholarship. This scholarship is a one- time, $1,000 scholarship that is awarded to nine deserving, low-income high school students or first time collegiate bound Idahoans. Find more info and apply here.

Free Online Virtual Summer Camps 2021 Summer Camp Hub published a guide to the best free virtual summer camps for 2021. View more information about the camps here.

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021

Idaho State Department of Education Weekly Update 05/31/2021

SDE Weekly Updates Now Available Online Current and past weekly updates are available on our website. Visit the weekly update page. You can also subscribe to receive our weekly update directly in your inbox.

Idaho State Department of Education | Weekly Update | May 31, 2021