Full disclosure: If there was an award for the least motivated person in Bentonville during Winter Break, I'd most likely be the winner. Hope you all found time to do nothing as well.
Head's Up
Some of you participated in, and many of you heard about, Diversability Awareness Festival last year. The inaugural event not only provided students an opportunity to think critically and find creative solutions to challenges faced by people with disabilities, but also educate and create awareness of the contributions made by people with disabilities. Diversability Awareness is back and committed to making a greater impact on the community. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2016 in Downtown Bentonville. Diversablities Awareness is supported by strategic partnerships with Downtown Bentonville Inc., Walmart, Bentonville Special Education Equality Network (BeSEEN), and a group led by Former Cave Springs Police Chief Mike Caudill to bring an international disability support organization called Best Buddies to Northwest Arkansas. If you're interested in participating or know students who are already working on projects that align with Diversabilities, let me know. Here's the Google doc from previous planning meetings. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 12, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at Student Services 1000 SE 14th Street.
Here's video from last year's event, just to pique your interest.
Do you have students wanting to change the world, this opportunity for student voice in a public forum might be perfect for them. The MLK Holiday is Monday, January 18, 2015.
High school artists are invited to participate in the 2016 Governor's Young Artist Exhibit Competition. This year's theme is "bridges" and how creating "bridges" can help find solutions to various challenges. Click the above link for details and entry forms.
Just found out about this: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles seeks entrants for the 2016 Drive for Design Contest. High School students are asked to design a Dodge SRT Hellcat for the year 2025. Unfortunately, the deadline is January 8! Something to keep in mind for next year.
@bpscommunity
Students at Sugar Creek collected food for Samaritan Community Center the week before Winter Break.
Make your New Year's Resolution to share the great things going on throughout Bentonville Schools! Email me or Taylor Blackwell tblackwell@bentonvillek12.org and we'll get the word out. If you're using social media, tag @Bentonville_ps or use #bpsCares #bpsmorethanascore.
Thank you to Buddy Herndon and this great group of kids for their hard work and support for those less fortunate.
We'll be fighting food insecurity in NWA again in February during our Hunger is Heartbreaking food drive.
Social Media policy status update
Work continues to draft a District Social Media policy. Currently, BPS attorney Marshall Ney is reviewing the current draft. After his input, we'll look at any changes to language. The next step is to develop guidelines for professional use. There are a number of people interested in collaborating in this process, if you'd like to help, contact me. Here is an interesting article with an infographic on best practices when using social media.
Grants and PD
Farmers Insurance is accepting applications in January for the 2016 Thank a Teacher Program. This program provides $2,500 grants for day-to-day classroom needs and $100,000 for visionary ideas that improve schools and the community at large.
Did you know that Crystal Bridges does PD? And did you know you can get credit for it? Check out these two offerings:
Looking Beyond the Obvious Part 1: Decoding Symbolism
Wednesday, January 6, 6 - 8 pm
This is the first part of a two part series that explores works of art using historical context clues to decipher the symbolism and intended meaning of the piece. Cost $10.
Learning with Chemistry and the Arts
Saturday, January 9, 9 am - 1 pm
What do Haiku poetry and chemistry have in common? And how do both relate to visual arts? Find out by attending. Cost $10.
For more details on these and many other opportunities available at Crystal Bridges click here.
Are you a science teacher who always wanted to attend Stanford? Then this MOOC's for you.
Video of the week
A lot of us are setting goals around this time of year. Here's a little video to help.
Have a great week.
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