This is a time of year when many celebrate and acknowledge the various religious and cultural holiday traditions celebrated during winter months. While there are appropriate educational benefits to teaching about the diverse religious traditions and cultures of our country, public school teachers and administrators must be thoughtful about being inclusive and ensure they do not give students the impression that one set of holidays or beliefs is more important or more acceptable than others. We should also remain aware that some religions do not celebrate holidays and birthdays.
Be accurate and sensitive
Religious and cultural holidays offer excellent opportunities to teach about culture, religion and their historical importance.
More about holiday celebrations...
|
Every year, students from around the country design ornaments for trees that surround the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. Students from the Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD) participated in the program this year and their artwork is now on display, part of the 100th National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This news release explains more about the tradition. The Washington Post wrote a story including OSD student Ariel Xiong and her ornament showing mountains and evergreens.
|
Last month, four school districts around the state passed bond measures that got a boost from the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Program. Commitments are made to districts ahead of the election so districts can inform their communities of the potential for additional funds from the state if the local bond passes. Before submitting an application for the OSCIM Program, districts must also submit a Facilities Assessment and Long-Range Facility Plan. Districts are awarded grants based on their position on the Priority List or First in Time List.
Since the first round of grants in 2016, the OSCIM program has awarded more than $350-million in matching funds that added to $6.5-billion in bonds approved by voters. Here are the districts receiving matching funds following successful bond elections last month:
|
District
|
Local Bond Value
|
OSCIM Match
|
|
Bend-LaPine
Administrative SD 1
|
$249,729,668
|
$8,000,000
|
|
David Douglas SD 40
|
$140,320,000
|
$8,000,000
|
|
Forest Grove SD 15
|
$121,900,000
|
$6,695,268
|
|
Umatilla SD 6R
|
$45,200,000
|
$4,000,000
|
|
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Uplift by Youth Era events. Uplift is a live, trauma-informed, virtual summit for teens (14-19). Participants will join youth from around the world to master their mental health, learn how to support their friends and how to build community.
Uplift is 100% virtual and completely free for Oregon high school students thanks to funding through the Oregon Health Authority. The 4 day training happens outside of school hours, typically during school breaks, and requires no demands on teachers’ limited time. Students earn a $75 stipend for participation and chances to win lots of prizes.
Encourage students to go to the Uplift website to register for the upcoming events in February and March. If you have questions or are interested in a class/school zoom presentation, email Maj Bonnet, Uplift Outreach, or call (541) 335-1367.
|
 The Oregon Statewide Educator Survey (formerly known as the TELL) is Coming February 2023
Designed by educators, for educators.
What: Action for School Quality (ASQ) Oregon Statewide Educator Survey (formerly known as the TELL)
When: February 2023
Who: School-based, licensed educators in Oregon
Why: Your experience matters. Participation in the redesigned, anonymous survey helps inform decisions affecting conditions and practices in our schools as part of a multi-year project to improve data collection and reporting to be responsive to local and regional needs. The survey results will be publicly available for use by schools, districts, advocates, state agencies, and researchers.
For updates and to learn more, please visit the EAC website.
The Educator Advancement Council is now on LinkedIn!
|
