 WHAT The Alaska Mental Health in Schools Community of Practice is hosting an online learning session on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), facilitated by Northwest PBIS. The objectives for the session are:
- Provide an overview of mental health integration in schools.
- Define systems, practices, and data in the school district that facilitate integration of mental health promotion and response.
- Provide examples of integration at the classroom, school, and district level.
WHO The workshop is free and open to all interested school district personnel and community providers/partners in Alaska.
WHEN Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
 Or visit: https://bit.ly/pc_cares_ak
For questions or more information, please contact adrian@stellargp.com.
Q&A: AK Reads for Early Education Programs
Registration required. Click the link to register.
Who: Administrators or Coordinators of district preschool programs
What: Open office hour via zoom allows time for questions and communication about the early learning components of the Alaska Reads Act.
Next Session: Thursday February 27, 1:00
Contact jayne.mcfarland@alaska.gov with questions.
Overview
The “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” media campaign competition aims to recruit the help of Alaska high school students to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl to their fellow students. By getting involved, students will gain valuable experience in media and public affairs campaigns – important life experiences that will also serve their communities.
What:
We are asking students to launch a “One Pill Can Kill” media campaign to reach high school students. The campaign can reach students in a variety of ways: posters in hallways, advertisements in student newspapers, or videos on social media are a few examples. Creativity is key.
The campaigns should use the “One Pill Can Kill” messaging and highlight the dangers of fentanyl, the risks of non-prescription drug use, and the importance of staying informed and seeking help.
Who:
This competition is open to groups of high school students in Alaska. Schools are encouraged to submit one campaign per school but may submit more.
Each entry must include at least two students’ participation. Home-schooled students may also participate by launching a media campaign that reaches youth in locations other than school, including online.
How:
After launching the campaign, contestants must submit a report to Senator Sullivan’s communications team explaining their campaign, how it was executed and what they learned. Keep in mind the judging criteria below. Examples of the campaign’s media materials must be included or linked to in the report.
Reports will be submitted via a link on Senator Sullivan’s website that will become available in February.
Judging Criteria:
1. Effectiveness – Is the campaign effective?
2. Targeted Audience – Does the campaign reach the intended audience?
3. Messaging – Does the campaign incorporate the theme of “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska?”
4. Creativity – Is the campaign innovative?
5. Accuracy – Are the facts about fentanyl and its risks correct and well-researched?
6. Lessons Learned – Does the report explain what they learned from the experience?
Prize:
While all campaigns will be featured on Senator Sullivan’s website, the winning campaign will work with Senator Sullivan’s communications team to design public service announcements featured as part of the statewide “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” campaign.
It will be shared on Senator Sullivan’s social media channels and offered for distribution to local television, radio, and print media across Alaska.
Timeline:
• Report Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
• Winners Announced: March 14, 2025
Download media campaign one-pager here.
 Beyond the Likes - Social Media, Mental Health & You Virtual Youth Forum
The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health is excited to announce the upcoming Beyond the Likes - Social Media, Mental Health & You Virtual Youth Forum.
Developed for youth and young adults (ages 14-24) this event will take place on Saturday, March 1 and Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM CST.
This free, two-day, interactive event is designed to educate and empower youth and young adults to navigate the digital world with confidence. Participants will explore the impact of social media on mental health, engage in meaningful conversations with peers and experts, and gain practical tools for managing their digital lives.
We Need Your Help to Share This Opportunity!
Please help spread the word with the youth-focused organizations or young people in your community. This is a unique chance for youth to:
- Hear from mental health and social media experts
- Learn practical tips for managing social media use
- Build confidence to have open discussions with peers, parents, and community members
- Get trained on how to advocate for positive changes in digital spaces
The Countdown is On!
Don't miss this year's Alaska Science of Reading Symposium on May 2-4, 2025, at the Anchorage Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. Learn more and register TODAY at aksorsymposium.org. (Don't forget: Early-bird pricing ends March 21st!)
The Department of Education and Early Development is recruiting statewide to fill an Education Specialist 2 Tribal Education Liaison position.This position is in the PRS retirement system.
What you will be doing: A Tribal Education Liaison for the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) plays a critical role in fostering collaboration between the state education system and Alaska Native Tribes, organizations, and school districts serving Indigenous students. Given Alaska’s unique geographic and cultural diversity, this role will focus on ensuring that education policies and programs align with the needs and priorities of Alaska Native communities.
This position is open to Alaska Residents only. Please check our residency definition to determine if you qualify.
View position description and minimum qualifications here.
DEED releases 21st Century Community Learning Centers FY21 Request for Applications
DEED is seeking applicants for competitive 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funding that would begin providing programming in the fall of the 25-26 school year. The goal of the 21st CCLC program is to raise student academic achievement by providing students engaging out-of-school-time academic assistance and educational enrichment opportunities. Awards are made for up to five years, and applicants can request up to $900,000 per year. DEED expects to award $3,700,000 this spring.
Any Alaska school district, community-based organization, tribal organization, faith-based organization, or other public or private entity located in Alaska and working in partnership with their school and community is eligible to apply. Applications are due April 16, 2025. For questions, please contact Jessica Paris at jessica.paris@alaska.gov or 907-465-8716.
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 Candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Announced
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.
Congratulations to our Alaska candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program!
The Healthy Futures Elementary Spring Challenge starts on the first of February across the state. If you are looking for an opportunity to champion physical activity and preventative health measures for students, this program is for you!
How does the Challenge work? It’s simple!
Students who are active for at least 60 minutes a day, 15 days a month, and record their activity on the Healthy Futures Activity Log are awarded fun incentives when their school representative submits the information to Healthy Futures via the online app.
The Healthy Futures Challenge is for ALL Alaska elementary school kids, whether they are learning in-school or at-home. The spring challenge will run from February through April. Let’s keep moving together through the New Year!
Check out HFC Registered Schools to find out which elementary schools have already signed up for the spring challenge. Registration is quick and easy online HERE.
Questions? Contact Kayla Williamson, Healthy Futures Coordinator 907-299-7248 kayla@healthyfuturesak.org
 February is Teen Dating
Violence Awareness Month
Please click here for Free Resources and Supplies for youth and those who work with or support them, to promote healthy relationships, healthy coping skills, and build knowlege and skills to prevent teen dating violence and related issues.
Casting Call: Youth Talent Wanted to Write and Record Song for Alaska Health Campaign
Do you have a passion for writing and producing songs? You can use your creativity to share messages with other Alaska teens about tobacco and nicotine through music.
What We’re Looking For: We’re looking for young Alaskans (ages 13-18) to write a music script for Alaska's Not Buying It tobacco and nicotine education campaign. If selected, you will have the opportunity to record your song with a local agency. Your song will be used for fully produced videos that will be shared with young people across Alaska. If selected, you will be compensated for your time and completed media. All music genres and styles will be considered.
School music programs, local artists, arts & music groups, and more are encouraged to apply. Each submission gives you one entry towards three $25 gift card prizes.
Submission deadline is Friday, March 7.
Learn More About Alaska's Not Buying It Campaign at https://alaskaquitline.com/not-buying-it/or check out the Instagram page @notbuyingit.alaska.
Email mary@futureelder.com with any questions.
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Professional Boundaries and the PTPC |
The Professional Teaching Practices Commission would like to remind educators of their obligations to the professional standards and the Code of Ethics for Educators, especially on the subjects of Professional Boundaries and Professional Communications. Using sound judgement along these lines helps educators earn and maintain the public’s trust in Alask’s public educators.
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), Child Nutrition Programs Seeks Sponsors for 2025 Summer Food Service Program
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Each year, states are required by U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations to issue a press release calling for sponsor organizations for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). |
This program provides nutritious meals during the summer break for children 18 years of age and younger during periods when they do not have access to school meals. Children with disabilities and approved individualized education programs may participate through age 21. Sponsors provide nutritionally balanced meals and/or snacks at eligible schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, parks, camps, community centers, swimming pools, libraries, and low-income housing complexes at no cost to the child or family. The USDA provides program funding and DEED administers the program and provides sponsors with SFSP training and technical assistance. Sponsors receive reimbursement for meals and snacks that meet the USDA program requirements.
A sponsoring organization must be:
- A public or nonprofit private school;
- A public or nonprofit private residential summer camp;
- A unit of local, municipal, county or state government;
- A public or nonprofit college or university; or
- Any other type of private nonprofit organization, which develops a special summer program providing foodservice for children 18 years of age and under.
Meal service locations must meet eligibility requirements.
To learn more, please visit the Summer Food Service Program website or contact DEED's SFSP program staff by emailing eed.cnp.summer@alaska.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. View USDA’s nondiscrimination statement.
ACPE is Hiring:
Executive Director/Officer
(ACPE/ASLC)
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) and the Alaska Student Loan Corporation (ASLC) are seeking an Executive Director/Executive Officer to lead and be responsible for the overall culture, mission, health and success of the two organizations. The Executive Director/Officer works closely with the 14-member Commission and 5-member Corporation Board and is principally responsible for developing and presenting recommendations to both bodies regarding the efficient and effective execution of the agencies' statutory charges.
ACPE is Hiring:
College Intern
Are you a college student looking for full-time or part-time work?
ACPE is recruiting for a Juneau-based College Intern to perform administrative support and clerical accounting duties. For more information about this exciting job opportunity and to submit an application, please see the posting on Workplace Alaska.
AI Ready Skills – Available now at NO COST for Alaska Public Schools
AI Ready Skills is a credential program which develops and proves students’ skills in the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. The program engages young learners through game-based learning in a highly engaging curriculum and rewards their learning with credentials. The program is easy-to-teach and uses Minecraft Education to immerse students in a fun and engaging learning environment.
Providing foundational knowledge in the subject of Artificial Intelligence, the credential program is comprised of 4 units – Introduction to AI, Exploring Data and AI, Coding and AI and Practicing Responsible AI. Students learn in a series of Minecraft Education worlds and prove their skills by undertaking both formative and summative assessments including a capstone credential exam. AI Ready Skills provides students with skills for in-demand job roles, building the workforce of tomorrow, and creating economic opportunity.
Find out more and request your free teacher account at https://aireadyskills.com.
Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century
 GRANT PURPOSE
The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals for Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century (referred to as Perkins V) Postsecondary Grants targeting one of nine priority workforce areas (shown above) identified by the Alaska Workforce Investment Board as important to the current and future state economy.
These grants will deliver high-quality CTE programs targeting:
1. Postsecondary students studying in a CTE field;
2. Professional development of CTE instructors; or
3. CTE instruction of secondary students at the postsecondary level (dual credit/dual
enrollment).
Grants are expected to facilitate smooth transitions from secondary education, through
postsecondary training, and into the workforce. They will prioritize offering multiple entry and
exit points, including stackable courses and/or credentials for maximum participation and
effect.
DEED/CTE expects to make up to six (6) awards of $50,000 to $150,000 per year for three (3) years. Total grants shall not exceed $753,000 per year. Exceptional proposals may be granted a larger annual budget, or longer grant term, upon request. Grants will be awarded to eligible organizations seeking funding to operate Perkins Postsecondary CTE program in Alaska only.
 The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) has developed a free, teacher-facilitated curriculum designed to meet the Alaska Safe Children’s Act requirements for students in grades 7-12. This comprehensive and user-friendly curriculum focuses on preventing violence and promoting healthy relationships by addressing topics like dating violence, abusive behaviors, fostering positive relationship habits, and community resources. Developed with input from school districts and national experts, the curriculum offers engaging, developmentally appropriate content through interactive learning experiences, ensuring consistent and effective education for students across Alaska.
As an added bonus--to support schools with implementing this curriculum, the 2024 ASCA Curriculum Committee developed implementation guides for teachers and schools & districts.”
“If Bree’s Law curriculum was not offered, I think many students would not be aware that they have power to stand up for themselves when someone crosses their boundaries. I think they might always be hesitant to tell someone because they may not know that this is an option. Just knowing that they have the right to do these things is powerful.” – Educator in Alaska
For more information reach out to EED.AlaskaSafeChildrensAct@alaska.gov
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Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) is excited to offer a K-3 Alaska Reads Act course. eLearning Keys to Beginning Reading, Keys to Literacy asynchronous course is now live and available on Alaska DEED’s e-learning platform.
This course is approved by the DEED to meet the regulatory statute requirements outlined in the Alaska Reads Act. Upon successful completion of this course, educators must submit their course certificate to AK Teacher Certification to add the K-3 AK Reads Act Reading Endorsement to their Teacher Certificate. This certificate can also be used for 3 CEUs when renewing teacher or administrative certification.
eLearning Keys to Beginning Reading, Keys to Literacy is a 45-hour course designed by Keys to Literacy founder Joan Sedita, and tailored specifically for Alaska educators. It is a practical course that provides the background knowledge needed to teach all the components of beginning reading instruction. The instructional practices are designed to easily transfer to classroom lessons and can be integrated with any reading curriculum or published reading program.
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Keys to Literacy Professional Development
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