#INspirEDgrants
April 2020, Volume 9
It Takes a Village...
"It takes a village" has become a cliche. It is also a truism, especially during national emergencies.
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to write for this edition of the newsletter. There is so much going on, events rapidly changing, with it all more than a bit overwhelming! As I'm sure with all of you, I have to work to maintain balance in unknown territory.
I decided I would concentrate on how we are coming together as a village. Many teachers, literally overnight, have had to figure out how to accommodate a new way of teaching. School districts have had to figure out how to feed thousands of students every day. Businesses have had to adjust to new consumer patterns. State Departments of Education have had to develop and distribute e-learning resources practically overnight. State governments have had to figure out how to get factual information out in the midst of outside influences. And, they have done it!
We have also seen authors giving permission for teachers to read and record their books as part of lessons, authors are doing live read-alouds, illustrators are offering drawing lessons, artists are providing free concerts, museums have opened their online collections, educational businesses are offering their content for free during the crisis, and companies are stepping up to offer things such as free internet access.
The above is "it takes a village" in action.
As we progress through this journey of many unknowns, remember to breathe and practice balance. Turn the news off and stay off social media (this is my main challenge for balance), for a few hours. Read a mentor text or a novel. Listen to some music and dance around your living room. Binge watch that one show you've been putting off. Check in with your friends, neighbors and family who may live alone, or are older, to make sure they are okay, and to ask if they need anything. Actually, stay connected with everyone through social media, video chatting, or an old-fashioned phone call. Do anything that helps you stay grounded and provides at least a quick warm fuzzy.
As with everything, this too shall pass, things will eventually get better--it always does. We will make it through this together (I know, another cliche...oh well, what can I say)!
Here is what you'll find in this issue:
- Federal Funds and COVID-19 Related Issues Memo
- Title Con 20/20 Update
- Indiana Census 2020
- Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Grant Funds
- Important Upcoming Deadlines
- Twitter Accounts to Follow
- Links to other IDOE newsletters
- Archived #INspirEDgrants
Please remember to like and follow us using the buttons over the banner above. By following us, you will receive a notice when the next newsletter is ready each month. Feel free to share using the Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest icons above as well.
Practice balance and kindness,
Frank
Federal Funds and COVID-19 Related Issues
Title Con 20/20 Cancelled
General Information
Due to evolving COVID-19 concerns, IDOE made the difficult decision to cancel Title Con 2020.
We are working to provide the most critical information via webinars in the coming weeks. As they are finished, the information will be posted either on the Title Con 20/20 website or via Moodle. Those on Moodle will provide the opportunity to still earn PGP points towards licensure renewals.
Please continue to check the Title Con website for other updates for the foreseeable future. If you have any questions, please contact Mitch Fortune, Tracie Mansfield or Frank Chiki.
Hotel Reservation
A reminder if you had made reservations at the Embassy Suites, or other nearby hotel, please take a moment to cancel the reservation to allow the hotel(s) the opportunity to rebook for other guests.
Indiana Census 2020
The 2020 Census count impacts the federal funds that communities receive each year for programs and services that are critical for schools, students, and younger children, such as:
- Title I, II, III, and IV Grant Funding
- Special Education Grant Funding
- Head Start
- After-School Programs
- National School Lunch Program (including free and reduced-price school lunches)
- Maternal and Child Health Programs
Here are links for additional information on the Indiana Census 2020 and Statistics in School: Classrooms Powered by Census Data.
2020 U.S. Census and Indiana Schools: Census Information Arriving in Hoosier Households
Indiana households are now receiving online census participation instructions in the mail. It is critically important for our children and schools that each household participates. Find helpful resources on IDOE's Census Website.
Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) Grant Funds
Important Upcoming Dates
Twitter Accounts to Follow
University of Missouri
Past President of NCTE
IDOE Newsletters
Contacts
Dwayne Marshall
Email: dmarshall2@doe.in.gov
Website: doe.in.gov
Location: Indiana Department of Education, West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: (317) 232-0548
Twitter: @DAusben80
Frank Chiki
Email: fchiki@doe.in.gov
Website: doe.in.gov
Location: Indiana Department of Education, West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: (317) 232-3103
Twitter: @FrankChikiIN