January+2014


 * __ Virginia Department of Education Update __**


 * __ Virginia e-Learning Backpack Initiative __**

[|E-Learning Backpack] information and resources are available on the DOE Web site. Contact Richard Schley by email (Richard.Schley@doe.virginia.gov) or telephone (804.371.6882) for more information.


 * __ Multidivision Online Provider Applications/Courses __**

The MOP application window for new applicants and courses is open January 2 – February 3.


 * __ Infinite Learning Lab __**

New content coming soon.


 * __ Innovative Learning Teams __**

Innovative learning teams, that include Virginia teachers, will be developing iTunes U courses that support the enhanced scope and sequence for mathematics. See [|Supt’s Memo #302-13] for more information.


 * __ Intel Teach PD __**

Online Intel Teach professional development courses are FREE!!!

To sign up go to the [|professional development page] on the VDOE Website, read the syllabi for the available courses, and email Jean Weller your name, school division, course name(s), and preferred date(s).

A commitment of 5 hours per week for 6 weeks is required. All courses are facilitated and participants are required to do a significant amount of reading, reflecting and discussing. Online participation is not required at a specific time, but all participants should plan to connect at least 2-3 times per week.


 * __ Virtual Virginia Information __**

Spring block courses begin January 6, 2014. Four additional cohorts of students will begin as the two final fall cohorts complete exams.

__ **Coming Soon:** __

Can't spill the beans! In the days ahead, the DOE will be announcing new digital resources available to students and teachers. Look for the upcoming press releases and superintendent’s memos.

Information about [|technology in education] along with digital innovations and outreach (digital content, technology initiatives, and more) can be found on the DOE Web site.
 * __ Technology in Education/Digital Innovations and Outreach __**


 * __ Update from WCVE __**

We would like to invite you to join WCVE and WHTJ as we encourage children here in our central VA community to build critical literacy skills by creating their own stories and taking part in the //PBS KIDS Writers Contest//.

The //PBS KIDS Writers Contest// is a national-local contest designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. All students entering the contest will receive a special PBS KIDS Certificate. A first, second, and third place winner will be named in each grade level. Winners, their families and their teachers will be invited to a special awards ceremony at the studio of the Community Idea Stations. The local first place winning entries will be submitted to the national contest. We appreciate your help in getting students involved with this fun and creative contest!


 * Contest aligns with Virginia Standards of Learning writing requirements: K.12; 1.13; 2.12; 3.9.
 * Helps develop 21st Century Skills including critical thinking, personal initiative, effective written communication, curiosity and imagination.

Click on the highlighted text for the contest and entry. You can find those electronically along with helpful writing resources at []. All entries must be received by Friday, March 21, 2014.

Few things capture a child’s imagination like a good book. We would like to invite you to join Blue Ridge PBS as we encourage children to create their own stories and to take part in the 2013 //PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest//. The contest is open to children in grades K – 3. The deadline for receipt of entries is March 20. An entry form and contest rules are attached.
 * __ Updates from WBRA __**

The //PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest// is designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. The contest encourages children in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces.

To make this contest a major success, we invite you to join in the fun. While Blue Ridge PBS is supporting the contest with broadcast promotional announcements, you can help reach more students through the display and distribution of contest rules and entry forms. In addition, we invite you to consider integrating the contest into your curricula, and/or offering special writing sessions for interested students.

We hope you will join us in bringing the love of reading and the joy of self-expression to children in our community. If you have any questions, please contact Sheila Campbell toll free at 888-332-7788 ext. 1765 and leave a message.