May+-+2013


 * __ Virginia Department of Education Update __**
 * __ Virginia e-Learning Backpack Initiative __**

Virginia e-Learning Backpack Initiative provides funds to schools that administer SOL tests in Spring 2013 and are not fully accredited based on school accreditation ratings in effect for FY 2014. Schools will qualify to receive: (1) a supplemental grant of $400 per student reported in ninth grade fall membership in a qualifying school for the purchase of a tablet computer device for that student and (2) a supplemental grant of $2,400 per qualifying school to purchase two content creation packages for teachers. Schools eligible to receive this supplemental grant in FY 2014 shall continue to receive the grant for the number of subsequent years equaling the number of grades 9 through 12 in the qualifying school up to a maximum of four years. Schools that are fully accredited or that are new schools with conditional accreditation in their first year shall not be eligible to receive this supplemental grant. Localities are required to provide a match for these funds equal to 20 percent of the grant amount. At least 25 percent of the local match shall be used for teacher training in the use of instructional technology. A superintendent's memo will be released to provide more information for school divisions.

Go to: [] (Section #12 Educational Technology Payments, item #5) for more information.


 * __ New Multidivision Online Providers Approved __**

Four new multidivision online providers (MOPs) were approved in March. Connections Education GradPoint, Edmentum, Milburn Online, and The American Academy were approved to offer online programs to Virginia students. Additional courses were approved for existing MOPs Cambium Education, Inc. (dba Lincoln National Academy), Chesterfield County Public Schools //Online//, CompuHigh, Edgenuity (formerly known as e2020), Glynlyon- OdysseyWare, and K12, Inc.

Enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year started on April 1st. Enrollment for non-public schools starts July 1st. Enrollment for summer session courses started on April 15th. Courses will be offered if minimum enrollment numbers are met. Divisions will be able to use Virtual Virginia's learning management system to facilitate the Economics and Personal Finance course with their own teachers again for the 2013-2014 school year. Teacher training is required and will be provided on August 5-6 at the Hotel Roanoke. Contact Jane James jane.james@virtualvirginia.org for more information and registration.
 * __ Virtual Virginia __**

__** New Online Resource and Guide for Educators **__
 * __ Updates from WCVE __**


 * Blast off into space with Mission: Solar System, the latest resources from //[|Design Squad]//! **

Inspired by NASA's Year of the Solar System, Mission: Solar System brings kids fun, hands-on ways to think like NASA engineers. Designed for kids in school and afterschool programs, Mission: Solar System’s resources bring to life NASA’s Year of the Solar System.

You’ll find: * 5 new hands-on engineering activities. Each challenge provides an engaging way to integrate science and engineering into your science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program. * 5 Do-It-Yourself videos. Each activity has its own three-minute DIY video featuring kids doing the activity and talking about its science and engineering and its connection to NASA missions. * 5 video profiles of NASA engineers. These three-minute videos feature young, dynamic engineers who tackle interesting problems related to NASA’s solar system missions. Each profile also comes with discussion questions and follow-up ideas to help kids make connections. * Wall poster. This full-color poster gives kids a dramatic visual guide to NASA’s Year of the Solar System missions with fun mission facts, solar system destinations and images of spacecraft. * The guide also contains leader notes, kids’ handouts, standards alignments, assessment rubrics and more.Find the Mission: Solar System resources on the //Design Squad Nation// website.

**Elementary School Counselors** - Do you have young children coping with a family divorce? Sesame St. offers the //Little Children, Big Challenges// Toolkit to help. It offers tips, strategies, and activities to help with the difficult challenges that come with //divorce//.

[|www.] [|**sesamestreet**] [|.org/parents/topicsandactivities/tool] [|**kits**] [|/] [|**divorce**]

**Science Matters** - @http://ideastations.org/sciencematters - Science is all around and it matters!! With a concentration in workforce development and the need for more students being proficient in the science fields, our Science Matters Program was begun. New resources are added continuously. Please check it out!


 * PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest Winners Announced! **

Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest!

Kindergarten:First Place - Mary Katelyn Hite - Kenbridge, VASecond Place - Sheldon Robinson - Orange VAThird Place - Victoria Harris - Goochland VA

First Grade:First Place - Michelle Kang - Annandale, VASecond Place - Henry Pollard - Charlottesville, VAThird Place - Madison Jones - King George, VA

Second Grade:First Place: Luke Jones - Glen Allen, VASecond Place: Johanna Bragg - Burke, VAThird Place: Cole Elrod - Mechanicsville, VA

Third Grade: First Place: Kayla Rose Previtera - Richmond, VASecond Place: Charlotte Flynn - Stafford, VAThird Place: Helena Giles - North Chesterfield, VA

**More resources below in the PBS Education Newsletter:**

Please note that PBS Teachers is moving to PBS LearningMedia June 1st. Our state eMediaVA is constantly evolving to better meet the needs of Virginia’s teachers and students.What’s even better, eMediaVA is free for Virginia’s teachers and students! Please visit the [|About Us] page to get connected. [|www.] [|**emediava**] [|.org/]

Also, please note the online courses available through PBS Teacherline....great way to get recertification points at your convenience.