April 14, 2015

I seriously thought this would be shorter. Enjoy your week.

Heads Up

We're debriefing edcampNWA in tonight's #bpseduchat, join us to add your thoughts for next year's event. Chat starts at 8:30 pm. Lurkers welcome.

Planning is well underway for this year's Technology Showcase on May 21, 2015 at Fulbright Junior High. Teachers in the first year of the 21c program should plan to show off some of the ways technology has augmented instruction in their classrooms. Grant applications for this year are due Tuesday, April 28th and principal evaluations are due on May 1st.

May 21st is a busy day! Central Park will be hosting Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Stacee Freeman let me know that she would open this event up to any student in the district who wants to donate their hair to support the program to make wigs for cancer patients. 

Have you been influenced by someone who you think would make a great "kick-off" speaker for the start of next school year? Send suggestions to Matt Saferite. 

We have more support in telling the district's story in the communications department. Taylor Blackwell is our new assistant. You'll hear more from her soon.

Thank you for reminding your staff to send us information about events at your buildings. It's important that we tell the district story through the learning that is taking place in classrooms. If we don't tell the story, someone else will and we might not like what they say.

I participated in a presentation by Peachjar last Friday. Peachjar essentially removes paper flyers from schools and replaces them with digital versions that can be submitted by users. We're able to approve the content and target by school. Flyers can also be printed for distribution. If you're interested in participating in a focus group to check out how this product might simplify flyer distribution, let me know. The entire presentation takes less than a half hour. 

Want summer camp information included in our Campopaluzza Infographic. Send it by Friday.

Gold Rush run is Friday, May 1st. This is also First Friday so it should be a great time on the Bentonville Square. We will have a booth at each First Friday this year to promote the district.

Wednesday, May 6th is Bike to School Day this year. Anyone want to join me in a bike train from Bella Vista Lake?

Wednesday Walkabouts

Finally getting back out to where the magic happens this week! I'm going to visit MMJ scouting out location for the next Minute with Mike, and then off to CPE to for ballet practice. What's that line from the Godfather . . .  wait I remember.

Grants and PD

Classics for Kids Foundation supports matching grants for quality stringed instruments.
Easton Sports Development Foundation is ready to support archery programs. Requests are rolling for amounts up to $25,000.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics requests applications for the 2015 Engaging Students in Learning Mathematics Grant Program. NCTM members can apply for funds to show connectivity between mathematics and the world.
Finally, here's an opportunity that doesn't come along every day. Northrop Grumman Foundation is asking for entries in the Fab School Labs Contest. Winner's receive $100,000 to create the STEM lab of their dreams.

Looking for information on professional development? Follow the link below from Matt Saferite. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FXyIt80yQ5Vbt86N5uCB8q0TeCqCo9AeJsC3apekuzc/edit?usp=sharing

And don't forget that any June PD activities in your building need to be entered into FS Direct to make sure the facilities are up and running. 

Video of the week