MDE Weekly Superintendent Mailing - 8-29-19

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Weekly Briefing for Superintendents and School Leaders

August 29, 2019

In this edition

ITEMS OF INTEREST

State of Our Students Report

Today, Commissioner Ricker and the Minnesota Department of Education released the new State of Our Students report, a first-of-its-kind compilation of multiple data, including 2019 accountability data from the North Star accountability program.

“Each page brings together a variety of data that Minnesotans may not typically look at side-by-side, to create a picture that helps us see our students as more than their academic achievement rates… The way we use data influences the decisions that we make. By looking at a more accurate picture of our students, I invite us all to find ways to best serve every student together.”

– Message from the Commissioner, State of Our Students report, 2019

Read today’s press release to access the State of Our Students report and to find out more about the North Star accountability data.

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Principals, Nominate a Student to the U.S. Senate Youth Program

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students. Two student leaders from each state spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action, and receive a $10,000 scholarship. Principals must sign student applications; one student per school will be considered. Applications must be postmarked by October 11, 2019.

Find more information on our USSYP website, including the program brochure and the application form.

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Severe Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is working with partners across the country to investigate cases of severe lung illness potentially related to vaping and e-cigarette use among teens and adults. Typical symptoms included shortness of breath, fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. Many patients report having vaped THC (a component of cannabis) purchased on the black market.

People with lung symptoms after vaping should seek clinical care and avoid vaping products, as continued use may lead to worsening symptoms. People should avoid vaping non-medical cannabis-based products since ingredients in these products are unknown.

For more information and the latest updates on this investigation, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.

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Annual Immunization Status Report and Infectious Diseases in Minnesota Schools

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently sent the annual communication to school nurses/school health personnel. Please make sure the school nurse for your institution received the message.

The School Health Personnel Immunization and Disease Reporting website is organized to provide school nurses with the information they need to implement the Minnesota school immunization law, report diseases, and provide related information to students and families.

School nurses and school heath personnel need to:

  • Complete the Annual Immunization Status Report (AISR) by December 1, 2019. 
  • Report diseases to MDH.

Thank you for collaborating with MDH to both ensure compliance with our school immunization law and to further stop the spread of communicable diseases such as influenza, pertussis, varicella, and norovirus. All your work helps to keep Minnesota children healthy. 

If you have questions about the Immunization Program, contact  health.immquestion@state.mn.us (651-657-5503 or 1-800-657-3970).

If you have questions about the Foodborne Diseases Unit, contact health.foodill@state.mn.us (651-201-5655 or 1-877-366-3455).

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