computerdisc-l: Monday Memo

["Teresa Jones" <TJones@mde.k12.ms.us>]

Monday Memo 
March 19, 2007
 
Good Morning,
 
A statewide pilot process orientation meeting will be held March 28 for districts that are interested in submitting a proposal for the Redesigning Education for the 21st Century Workforce Pilot Site Application Request for Proposals. The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. in Jackson in the Central High School Building Auditorium. Application and implementation details, requirements and other information will be provided. A make-up session will be held April 9 at 9:00 a.m. in the same location for those unable to attend the March 28 meeting. You will receive the Request for Proposals application and lab specifications by mail, however this information also may be found online at http://redesign.rcu.msstate.edu. If you have any questions or need additional information about the RFP or the orientation meetings, please contact Mike Mulvihill at 601-359-6619 or mmulvihill@mde.k12.ms.us. 

The Mississippi Virtual Public School (MVPS) Team is now recruiting for the 2007-2008 school year. We are searching for dynamic, innovative pace setters interested in teaching through technology, especially teachers with an AP certification. Not only will online teachers experience being a part of cutting edge learning strategies for students, but they will also be a forerunner in the fastest growing learning environment in the nation. If you, or someone you know, is an exemplary teacher, meeting this description, please fill out the online application found at http://www.mvps.mde.k12.ms.us according to the Web site instructions and mail or fax the application, resume, state license, and for AP Certified teachers, include an AP certification, to the MVPS Team for consideration. 
 
The MDE is seeking applicants for the 2007-2008 AmeriCorps Future Teachers' Literacy Corps Program. Applicants must be qualified to be a Teacher Assistant as defined in Section 37-21-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated. Selection for this program will be based upon the applicant being employed by a Mississippi school district or Head Start Center for the 2007-2008 school year and the completion of a criminal background check. AmeriCorps Teacher Assistants will have the opportunity to earn an education award up to $4,725 per year (term of service) for a maximum of two years. The award may be used toward obtaining a college degree, repaying qualified student loans, or paying for current educational expenses at a "qualified institution of higher education." A term of service includes the time worked by a Teacher Assistant during the school year, plus additional hours of tutoring and other approved activities for a total of 1,700 hours of service. The deadline to submit an application is April 19. Please contact Frednia Perkins, Director, Division of Student and Professional Services at (601) 359-2950 or wmccluskey@mde.k12.ms.us for the information packet, program application and/or additional information. 

State Farm and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will offer ten Good Decisions Service-Learning Grants. These $1,000 grants can be used to develop local service-learning projects for the 2007-2008 school year. The service-learning projects must address one of three topics: underage alcohol use prevention, vehicle safety or adult impaired driving. Applicants must be a school-based or community-based organization working with youth ages 5-25. Projects must fulfill State Farm's service learning criteria. The deadline for grant applications is May 1. Grant winners and non-selected applicants will be notified by Mary 25. Applications are available at http://www.pypm.org/youth_leaders/index.cfm or by mail at State Farm/MADD Good Decisions Serivce-Learning Grant, c/o Project Director Kappie Bliss, 5221 Cove Canyon #A, Park City, UT 84098. 

Watch Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) television as the state's best spellers square off LIVE in the 2007 State Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. As sponsor of the event, The Clarion-Ledger will provide the winner with $1,200 toward expenses to compete in the 80th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., along with a trophy and the ability to claim the title of best speller in the state for a year. For more information visit http://www.mpbonline.org.

Beginning March 21, MDE's Office of Leadership and Professional Development (OLPD) will offer online professional development opportunities through the Mississippi E-Learning for Educators Initiative. A total of three CEUs will be awarded to teacher participants, at no cost, upon successful completion of respective course requirements. A valid e-mail address is required in order to enroll and participate in the online courses. Register online at http://register.mde.k12.ms.us. Contact the OLPD office at 601-359-3954 or npearson@mde.k12.ms.us for questions regarding registration. 

The Writing and Scholarship Planning for College-Bound Students Scholarship Contest is open to matriculating students in grades 11 and 12 who are enrolled in a public or accredited private school. Entries will be accepted until April 11. Entrants are required to write a two-page (approximately 500 words) essay in English responding to a specified topic. Two grand prize winners will each receive a $15,000 check to be put towards college tuition, plus additional prizes. In addition, second and third place winners, as well as the teachers of all winners will receive prizes. For more information, visit http://www.scholastic.com/collegesuccess.



Teresa P. Jones, Program Coordinator
Business and Computer Technology
Mississippi Department of Education 
Office of Vocational Education and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 771
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: 601-359-3940
Fax: 601-359-6619
Email: tjones@mde.k12.ms.us