Please find the latest information on the open iGrants and respective due dates.

The WA-ACTE Summer Conference theme for this yearis "CTE and STEM: Moving from Innovation to Integration and Implementation". It will be held at the Great Wolf Lodge from October 31-November 1, 2013.

Conference sessions incude some of the following topics:

• Best Practices in innovation and integration of CTE and STEM
• CTE & STEM Course Development & Planning
• CTE & STEM Promotion
• Business/Industry Partnerships
• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Course Equivalencies and Graduation Requirements
• Professional Development
• Programs of Study & Multiple Pathways
• Work Based Learning

2,961 high schools have already registered.

Only 15 days left to register!

The program Celebrate My DriveŽ is a safe driving program where one's community will also be encouraged to make safe driving commitments on behalf of a school during the commitment period of October 18-26, 2013.

The more commitments made, the better the chances of winning a grant for a school.

For more information on the program, please click here.

Project Lead the Way State Conferences 
The PLTW State Conference is a professional development opportunity designed to inform school counselors, advisors, principals, school administrators, and teachers about the PLTW program and give them information they can use to begin or expand their own programs, and to encourage a full range of students to enroll in PLTW courses. PLTW schools are required to send one advisor/counselor to an annual conference.

• Preregistration is required
• Clock hours are available
• There is no charge to attend
• Lunch is included

Jump$tart National Educator Conference

Experian is pleased to offer 20 scholarships for PreK-12^th grade classroom teachers to attend the Jump$tart National Educator Conference in Washington, DC,

November 1-3, 2013.

The scholarship covers the registration fee of $395, which includes full participation in the conference, all conference meals and receptions, and two nights in a private room at the JW Marriott. 

Visit the Jump$tart website for conference and registration information.

Please note that teachers (or their schools) are responsible for transportation, incidental, and optional costs.

Attend a National Cluster Meeting this fall and discover new ways to put FCCLA's national program to work for you. National Cluster meetings provide an opportunity for student and advisers to come together for inspiration, to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents, and explore career pathways. 

• Junior/Senior High Students 
• New and Experienced Advisers
• Teacher Educators
• Collaborative Partners 

Click here for details.

CareerSafe Grants: Vouchers that will allow students to take on online assessment and earn their OSHA 10 hours Construction or General Industry Safety Credential. 

Schools in Need Grant: Provide basic needs to improve the quality of students' education experience. Grants between $2500 and $25,000 are available.

Applications are open now.

Applications must be received by November 1, 2013.

Vouchers will be awarded in January 2014.

Advisors can call or email the SkillsUSA Membership Hotline when they have questions about starting a SkillsUSA chapter or need assistance with ways to strengthen their existing chapter and engage more members.

Get involved with SkillsUSA!

SkillsUSA Members are encouraged to create a video that showcases how members are becoming educated (what are you learning, what facilities or equipment are you training on) and skilled (what skills have your learned). Tell their story.

For more information contact Kelly Horton at khorton@skillsusa.org.

PLTW Student Rostering Is Open

PLTW student rostering for the fall is now open.

Based on network feedback, we have made some key enhancements to the rostering process for the upcoming school year. A list of these enhancements can be found in myPLTW.  

It is a key responsibility of the principal, delegate, or school administrator to roster their students. Student rostering is a prerequisite for enrolling students (including middle school students) into the LMS.

October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate the connections that are happening all over the country between schools and local food. In 2010, Congress approved a resolution to officially designate October as National Farm to School Month. The passage of House Resolution 1655 demonstrated the growing importance of Farm to School programs as a means to improve child nutrition, support local economies and educate children about the origins of food.

 

What is farm to school?
Farm to school is broadly defined as any program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. Farm to school programs exist in all 50 states, but since farm to school is a grassroots movement, programs are as diverse as the communities that build them.

 

What are the benefits of farm to school?
Farm to school programs are based on the premise that students will choose healthier foods, including more fruits and vegetables, if products are fresh, locally grown, and picked at the peak of their flavor and if those choices are reinforced with educational activities. Farm to School programs provide benefits to the entire community: children, farmers, food service staff, parents, and teachers.

 

How can I start a farm to school program in my community?
Farm to school programs exist in all 50 states, so support and resources are available no matter where you are. For tips and resources to help you get started, visit the National Farm to School Network's website, and read the "How to Start a Program" page.

 

Here are three things you can do now:

• Download resources. We have a host of resources on this website, including a communications toolkit to help you spread the word about your events and a fact sheet you can share with everyone in your community. There are also posters, logos and a shop full of other materials, like stickers and buttons.

• Make plans to participate in Farm to School Counts. After you've completed your Farm to School Month activities, fill out our Farm to School Counts survey to share your stories and photos with us and be entered in a drawing for one of several prizes including free registration to the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Austin, Texas in April 2014!

• Donate. Through November 1, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation will match donations made to the National Farm to School Network up to a total of $2,500.

The IT Academy helps students attain industry recognized certification in a variety of Microsoft technologies.

Click here for Microsoft IT Academy details.