MONDAY SUPERINTENDENT E-MAIL – 8/29/11
Please read the Monday E-mail as it contains information on the following KDE-related topics:
1. Response to Concerns on KHRIS from Secretary Longmeyer (Attachment)
2. Kentucky Improving Schools and Districts Productivity Conference.
3. Kentucky Hybrid Diesel/Electric School Buses RFA (Cycle 4) Posted on KDE Website (Application deadline 4:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, September 20, 2011)
If you have questions about the specific items, please see the contact information for each item.
Items from KDE
Response to Concerns on KHRIS from Secretary Longmeyer (Attachment)
Attached is a response from Personnel Cabinet Secretary Tim Longmeyer to my August 18 letter to him regarding concerns I expressed on school districts’ behalf about the Kentucky Human Resource Information System (KHRIS). You will see that Secretary Longmeyer has included specific steps that he and his staff will be taking in cooperation with KDE to solve the issues that you are experiencing with KHRIS. Please take a minute to review the attached response.
I appreciate Secretary Longmeyer’s swift response to address the concerns of school districts.
Kentucky Improving Schools and Districts Productivity Conference
This is a reminder about the KY Improving Schools and Districts Productivity Conference to be held on November 10, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville. The conference will focus on efficient and effective practices in the area of district operations.
Two national speakers will provide keynote addresses, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on “The New Normal” and Jack Grayson from the American Quality and Productivity Council on “Process Management”. Additionally, breakout sessions will occur offering best practices from local school districts.
For more information on this conference, contact David Cook at david.cook@education.ky.gov .
Kentucky Hybrid Diesel/Electric School Buses RFA (Cycle 4) Posted on KDE Website (Application deadline 4:00 p.m. ET, Tuesday, September 20, 2011)
The Kentucky Hybrid Diesel/Electric School Buses (Cycle 4) RFA has been posted on the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) website.
KDE has received approximately $12.98 million in funding for project proposals from school districts to purchase approximately 213 diesel/electric hybrid school buses. The grant is to achieve maximum dispersal of school buses across the Commonwealth to test the practicality of hybrid technology in all geographic regions and pupil densities as this technology applies to Kentucky. Projects funded through this grant will assist in documenting the effectiveness of this technology for increasing fuel economy without increasing down time for maintenance.
To access the website, click on the link below:
http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Administrative+Resources/Grant+Information/Competitive+Grants+from+KDE/
The deadline to submit an application is 4:00 p.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.
Questions regarding the Kentucky Hybrid Diesel/Electric School Buses RFA can be directed to Leah Settle in KDE’s Procurement Branch at the following e-mail address: Leah.Settle@education.ky.gov. The deadline to submit questions is 12:00 noon (EDT) on Thursday, September 8, 2011.
Items from Outside Agencies
Mazak and apprenticeship
The Office of Career and Technical Education in the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet recently spotlighted an apprenticeship program at the Mazak Corporation in Florence. The story focuses on the company’s need for skilled and educated employees and ties in the importance of the ACT WorkKeys assessment.
The apprenticeship program connects students at local Area Technology Centers with Mazak, which seeks skilled and educated employees.
See the full story at http://www.kytech.ky.gov/flash357.pdf.
Kentucky Book Fair offers free admission for students
The 30th annual Kentucky Book Fair will host a Children’s Day on Friday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET, and admission is free for students. The Book Fair will be held at the Frankfort Convention Center.
Students can meet and greet their favorite authors and have lunch on site. Bus parking is available. Authors such as Leigh Anne Florence, Loretta Ellsworth, Marcia Jones, Michael Capek, Marlis Day, Alison Hart and many more will be on hand.
See information about the Kentucky Book Fair at http://www.kybookfair.com. Teachers may contact Connie Crowe at kybookfair@ky.gov for more details and to schedule field trips.
VSA Kentucky calls for student art work
VSA Kentucky is extending a call for art to K-12 students with disabilities. Selected paintings, drawings, collages and other art forms will be included in the Student Traveling Exhibition called “A Matter of Perspective.”
The goal is to recognize the creative accomplishments of students and to share them throughout the state. The Student Traveling Exhibit is comprised of original artwork created by students with disabilities and is available to schools, museums, businesses, libraries and hospitals across the Commonwealth each year. The exhibition begins its tour in November at the Exceptional Children’s Conference at the Galt House in Louisville before traveling to other locations.
Submissions must be postmarked by October 20. Only original artwork designed and executed by students should be submitted. Each student may submit up to two pieces. All artwork must be two-dimensional or low-relief and no larger than 12” x18.”
For entry forms and more information, call (270) 781-0872 or visit http://vsartsky.org/PDF/VSA-Kentucky_TravelingExhibit_EntryForm.pdf.
The National Teachers Hall of Fame
The National Teachers Hall of Fame annually honors five teachers who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to teaching our nation’s children. Anyone may nominate a teacher by completing a nomination packet. Candidates must be certified public or nonpublic classroom teachers with at least 20 years experience of teaching in grades preK-12. Nomination forms may be obtained on The National Teachers Hall of Fame web site at www.nthf.org or by contacting the Hall of Fame office at 620-341-5660.
Should you have any questions or need further information, please contact Jenny Harder, Director, Induction and Recognition, The National Teachers Hall of Fame, at (620) 341-5660.
Invitation to Attend Information Session on New World Langauges Assessment
What: Kentucky World Language Association’s (KWLA) information session and lunch.
When: Friday, 23 September, Lunch (12:00 – 1:00 p.m.), Session (1:15 – 2:15 p.m.)
Where: Hilton Downtown, Lexington
Why: To learn about the changes coming for World Language programs in our school(s). In particular, representatives from the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University, along with the Kentucky Department of Education Consultant and a national assessment expert, will comprise a panel that presents about the new Proficiency requirement currently being piloted by the University of Kentucky.
Questions:
o Are you wondering if your students can meet the world language proficiency requirements from Kentucky universities?
o What does proficiency in a world language classroom mean, and how would you assess it?
o Are you wondering how your school(s) can meet the demands of the new world language Program Review? (see write up about changes: http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/new/2011/08/board-finalizes-assessment-and-accountability-system/)
Please respond if you plan to attend, no later than September 2, 2011 at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGVEODBtN0hPV0wtbkRLanRkaExtNEE6MQ#gid=0
For further information, please visit www.kwla-online.org .