January+2013


 * __ Virginia Department of Education Update __**

[|Superintendent’s Memo #340-12] provides guidance to divisions for working with approved multidivision online providers. School divisions should review the Department of Education Web page at [] for information on providers, courses approved by the Department of Education, and key responsibilities of stakeholders before entering into a relationship with a multidivision online provider.
 * __ Contracts with Multidivision Online Providers __**

The Virginia Department of Education, in cooperation with the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) and the Alliance for Excellent Education, is pleased to announce February 6 as Digital Learning Day. A national town hall meeting will be held on February 6 to highlight and celebrate participants across the nation. VSTE will host a series of webinars that highlight the work of the recently announced regional educational technology leadership award winners. To view the webinars on Digital Learning Day, go to [].
 * __ Digital Learning Day 2013 __**

This event is part of a national campaign designed to celebrate innovative teaching and highlight practices that make learning more personalized and engaging for students; explore how digital learning can provide all students with the opportunities they deserve; and build the skills students need to succeed in college, career, and life. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the use of digital learning resources such as the Department of Education’s contract with Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association, Inc., to develop [|eMediaVA], a digital media distribution platform that provides teachers and students with digital content correlated to Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOL) at no cost; the multi-touch [|Economics] and [|Personal Finance] iBook two-volume set that meets the Virginia SOL for Economics and Personal Finance; and other Department of Education [|technology initiatives].To learn more about this event or to sign up to participate, go to [].


 * Added January 10, 2013 from WCVE: **

Teachers K-3! Are you looking for a great way to support children's writing and to meet the //new// English SOL Writing Assessments? Have your students participate in the **Central Virginia PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest**. Children in grades K-3 are encouraged to use their imagination to create an original story for a chance to win a first, second, or third place prize. What a fun, purposeful way for children to practice writing! Each participant will receive a Certificate of Achievement. **All entries must be received by March 22, 2013**. More information can be found at @http://ideastations.org/writerscontest. If anyone would like a poster or flyers to display at school, please send an email request to preed@ideastations.org. For more information about the new English SOL writing assessments visit http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/english/2010/online_writing/index.shtml#writing_prompts)
 * __ PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest __**


 * __ Science Matters __**

Looking for resources to help inspire students' interest in STEM? Be sure to check out the new stories and videos on the Science Matters website and Facebook page. Go to www.ideastations.org/sciencematters and @http://www.facebook.com/ScienceMattersVA Debbie Mickle, Science Matters Project Manager, would also like to encourage you to send her potential story ideas. She likes to feature science related articles written by students and teachers and she is always looking for video opportunities. Let her know why Science Matters in your school system. Debbie's email is: dmickle@ideastations.org, or call (804) 560-8221.

William Shakespeare will get the full PBS treatment in //Shakespeare Uncovered//, a six-part series to be shown on three consecutive Friday evenings starting Jan. 25. In conjunction with the series, WCVE PBS is creating a series of one- to two-minute short programs featuring showstopper Shakespeare moments performed by the professional actors from the renowned Richmond Shakespeare organization. //Bard Bits// will air throughout the schedule on WCVE PBS and WHTJ PBS and can be viewed online at ideastations.org/Shakespeare.
 * __ Shakespeare Uncovered & Bard Bits __**

Here are some PBS resources that are designed to bring educational content to life in dynamic and original ways, and include activities, games, quests, quizzes, and other interactive experiences. Take a look:
 * __ PBS Resources __**
 * Get the Math: See how professionals use math in music, fashion, videogames, restaurants, basketball, and special effects. (Grades 8-11)
 * Annie: Explore the world of 1930s New York with ANNIE and get an up-close look behind the scenes of a major Broadway musical. (Grades 1-3)
 * Mission US: Get immersed in the history of 1770 Boston or 1848 Kentucky through this award winning multimedia project. (Grades 5-8)
 * Oh Noah!: ¡Hola! Learn Spanish through interactive videos and games! (Grades 1-3)
 * American Graduate: Curates the best of public media's interactive resources for all subject areas. (Grades 6-12)

Attached are the materials for this year’s PBS Kids GO! Writers Contest open to Kindergarten through 3rd Grade students in our broadcast area.
 * Added January 23, 2013 from WBRA: **

Please encourage a young author in your life to enter!