Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Do You Need Money for LMS Courses? Do You Need Money for PD?

Applications are due December 20 for the 2021 scholarships supported by the WEMTA Permanent Endowment Trust. 


The Lowell Wilson Scholarship provides funding for individuals currently enrolled in an educational program leading to a 902 license. The Doctoral Studies Scholarship is available to support doctoral studies that prepare educators of future Library Media/Instructional Technology Specialists.  The amount of each scholarship is $1,500.


The Professional Development Scholarship was created to encourage strong leaders serving in our schools. WEMTA's Permanent Endowment Trust (PET) is sponsoring scholarships, up to $800 to cover conference related expenses. These expenses may include: registration, lodging, mileage, airfare, or other transportation costs incurred while attending a conference such as ISTE, ALA, AASL, FECC, TIES. Receipts will be required for reimbursement of conference expenses. 

 

Applicants of the PD Scholarship must be a current member of WEMTA, living in Wisconsin, and working in a Wisconsin school.  Preference will be given to practicing, certified teachers. Recipients are expected to serve on a WEMTA committee, participate in another WEMTA leadership role, present at the WEMTA conference, or lead professional development for the WEMTA Board and/or members within two years of receipt of the scholarship. 

Additional information about the scholarships and application forms are available at https://www.wemta.org/awards-grants/pet-scholarships-grants.cfm



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Monday, September 21, 2020

Nominate an Outstanding Professional for a WEMTA Award!

Awards season starts early! We need your nominations!

There are so many amazing individuals who support the library program or who are outstanding at what they do!  Recognize them! Nominate them for a WEMTA award by December 10, 2020.  Seehttps://www.wemta.org/awards-grants/index.cfm for more details!



Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Schools, Public Libraries Closed by Safer at Home Order

Governor Evers has officially issued his Safer at Home order. As the order is 16 pages long and contains many exemptions, please read it in full if you have questions. It will go into effect at 8 a.m. on March 25 and end at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 24. 

Wisconsinites are ordered to stay at home during this time except for certain activities, which are outlined at the bottom of this post. According to the Governor, individuals will not need special permission to leave their homes.   

Schools remain closed under the order except for facilitating virtual or distance learning or food distribution. Public libraries will also be closed but they can continue to provide on-line programming. 

All public and private gatherings of any number of people are prohibited (exceptions are provided for funerals, weddings and religious facilities with less than 10 people in a room). 

The order closes all for-profit and non-profit businesses except those listed as essential by the order. Essential businesses must continue to follow social distancing recommendations and use technology to minimize in-person meetings. 

Essential businesses and functions include (but are not limited to):
  • All health care and in-home care providers
  • Pharmacies 
  • Long-term care and assisted living facilities
  • Businesses and religious or secular nonprofit organizations that provide charitable and social services. 
  • Weddings, funerals and religious entities with less than 10 people in a room 
  • Child care settings limited to 10 staff and 50 children. They must prioritize providing care to children of health care workers or employees of other vital areas
  • Adult day care and adult day services
  • Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, or other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged individuals, individuals with physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities, or otherwise needy individuals
  • Essential government functions like law enforcement, firefighters and EMS
  • Adoption agencies 
  • Public transportation, taxis, Uber/Lyft, paratransit
  • Grocery stores, food banks, restaurants and bars offering delivery or take out
  • Airlines 
  • Gas stations
  • Banks and credit unions 
  • Hotels and motels 
  • Critical trades like plumbers and electricians 
  • Post offices and delivery services 
  • Media 
  • Hardware and supply stores 
  • Laundromats and dry cleaners 
  • Professional services like legal, accounting and real estate 
  • And many more specific jobs (please read the full order for a comprehensive list) 

Wisconsin residents will be able to: 
  • Perform tasks essential to maintain health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor;
  • Get necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members, such as getting food and supplies, pet food and supplies necessary for staying at home;
  • Care for a family member in another household; 
  • Go to work at an essential business; 
  • Engage in outdoor activities like walking, running, biking and hiking as long as they follow social distancing guidelines; and
  • Care for older adults, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or other vulnerable persons.



Friday, March 20, 2020

Please Consider Voting Absentee for the Spring Election

As of this writing, Wisconsin's Spring Election on April 7 is scheduled to proceed as planned. In an effort to respond to public health guidance related to the Coronavirus outbreak, election officials are encouraging Wisconsinites to vote absentee. 

There are many important races on your ballot, including the Wisconsin Supreme Court and a proposed constitutional amendment related to crime victim rights called Marcy's Law. In addition, there are local races for school board and county executives taking place across Wisconsin. 

How to Request an Absentee Ballot 

1. Voters who are already registered can request an absentee ballot be sent to them until April 2. Due to the high demand for absentee ballots, election officials recommend submitting your request as soon as possible. 

2. Visit https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/RequestAnAbsenteeBallot and fill out the request form. You will need to upload a picture of your photo ID if this is your first time requesting an absentee ballot. 

3. Once you receive your ballot, fill it out using the instruction form that comes with the ballot. Both you and a witness will need to sign the certificate envelope.  The witness will also need to write their address. The City of Madison has made this helpful video explaining the absentee voting process: https://www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/elections-voting/voting/vote-absentee 

4. Your completed ballot must be returned to the Clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

In-person Absentee Voting 

You can also vote in-person at your local clerk's office. Please contact your clerk's office to ask about their in-person early voting hours as they vary by municipality. Find your clerkhttps://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/MyMunicipalClerk 



WEMTA Legislative Advocacy

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

#WEMTA20 Conference Schedule is Live!

Check out our online #WEMTA20 Conference Schedule at www.wemta20.sched.com There are 3 days with 12 concurrent session and so many wonderful presenters! Advanced pricing ends 2/28 so register today at https://tinyurl.com/20wemtareg

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Last Chance!

Friday, January 17th is the deadline for nominating someone you know for an award through WEMTA.  Please consider recognizing a professional who has an outstanding library, media and technology program, or nominate a supportive administrator, or even a recent retiree who has dedicated much to our organization.  Additional information and applications are available at: www.wemta.org
  

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Nominate someone today!


You still have 3 days to nominate someone for an award from WEMTA.  Do you know someone who has an exemplary library media program? Consider nominating them by January 17th.  For details on how to nominate someone for this award or one of our other awards go to our WEMTA Awards page www.wemta.org