"SHESC Messenger": End of September 2021
End of September 2021
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FCC Opens Second Window for Fully Funded School Connectivity Technology Via ECF The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) provides an opportunity for schools to pay for internet hotspots – on buses or for student check-out – as well as laptops and tablets to help address issues around remote learning and the homework gap. The FCC has opened another window for schools to apply for approximately $2 billion in funding from the ECF, which is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The SHESC E-rate team anticipates $5.1 billion in reimbursement to be authorized starting in September. The second filing window for Form 471 opens September 28 and closes October 13. The program allows for 100% funding of these critical internet connectivity products for the 2021-2022 academic year, to a maximum of $400 per laptop or tablet approved and a maximum of $250 per hotspot. While similar in some ways to the E-rate program, there are enough differences that navigating the application process can be confusing, so the Smoky Hill Education Service Center E-rate team is here to help! Needs assessments, quotes, and more are all ways the team has helped other schools through the process, and they can assist you as well. Contact E-rate Specialists Tamera Burke at tburke@smokyhill.org or Josh Dinkel at jdinkel@smokyhill.org. |
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Constitution and Citizenship Day is Friday; Find Resources Here
Constitution and Citizenship Day commemorates the adoption of the foundational U.S. law, as well as celebrating the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. All schools that receive federal funds must hold an educational program annually on September 17. Here are lesson plans, information, and other resources to help you prepare:
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Storyteller Tim Lowry Presenting to Students, Teachers Storyteller Tim Lowry arrived in Salina this week, starting off a week of presentations by working with pre-service teachers in "Child and Adolescent Literature" at Kansas Wesleyan University and with children at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Child Development Center. From kissing frogs to literary classics to American history, Tim Lowry tells stories drawing inspiration from Mark Twain, Appalachian folk tales, circus performances and more. His fourth-grade teacher once wrote on his report card: “tends to excessive speech.” Today that has proven a profound understatement, as Lowry once calculated that he could talk continuously from his repertoire for more than a full day without repeating himself. In working with the teachers-in-training, Lowry described three stages of development in what stories children will respond best to: "Rhythmic" - with simple plots, rhythm and repeating patterns; "Imaginative" - with more complex vocabulary and richer craftsmanship; and "Heroic" - with more realistic stories and protagonists for students to model themselves after. You can watch a portion of Lowry's presentation to the class on Monday - storytelling with only a kazoo! - on YouTube HERE. Lowry will continue with his assembly-style storytelling events every day through September 16, geared to students in grades K-6. Learn more about Lowry at www.storytellertimlowry.com. Lowry will also perform at the Kansas Storytelling Festival, September 17 and 18. More details are at www.kansasstorytelling.com.
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Tech Cadre Begins September 28 Tech Cadre is open to any technology directors and educators who are managing technology for improved student learning in their schools. While we offer new information, we also allow time for the exchange and discussion of all of the group members’ ideas for using technology in schools. In addition, we will discuss all topics related to providing high-quality technology support and networking for the school technology director. Each session will include an ‘open agenda’ time for discussion and research on any topic that is brought to the group. These sessions may be attended in-person in Salina or Hays or online via Zoom. Please visit HERE to see all dates and to register. |
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Featured Professional Development: "A Framework for Understanding Poverty" Based on the work of Dr. Ruby Payne, participants will look at the hidden rules that are part of economic classes and how they affect student learning and behavior. Objectives: At the end of the training, participants will:
Visit go.smokyhill.org/framework-understand-poverty to register. |
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Volume Purchasing: Bringing Back the Classroom Pet Whether fish, lizard, hamster, or even ant, living animals in the classroom are a great way to learn about biology and nature hands-on! Smoky Hill ESC has you covered with classroom pet supplies and even ways to get some pets! Items available from School Specialty include:
Many more items, including dozens of choices for a variety of live specimens, are available, from the microscopic to bigger-than-you-would-think. To learn more, contact Adam Pracht, Volume Purchasing Coordinator, at vp@smokyhill.org.
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Resources for Discussing September 11 in the Classroom
Last weekend marked 20 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Following news coverage and weekend memorials, many students probably will have questions for you as teachers and administrators this week. To help you with the conversation, here are some lesson plans, pictures, and other resources:
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