ISTE Discount for #WEMTA Members

Join ISTE or renew your ISTE membership now through December 31, 2016, and receive a discount of 25% off your basic or premium membership just for being a WEMTA member. Use coupon code: ISTEfriends25.

More information can be found here.

December 15: Application Deadline for PET Scholarships and Grants

Are you looking for a way to expand or fund an innovative program at your school? The Outreach Grants from the WEMTA Permanent Endowment Trust are a great opportunity for you. These are three factors to consider when creating your application:

• Does your project provide a direct and recognizable benefit to WEMTA members?
• Does your project support innovation in school library media or instructional technology programs?
• Is your project a community-based one that promotes professional partnerships?

Examples of previous outreach grants include a Learning4Life professional development program, a book study of Invent to Learn along with accompanying makerspace technology, and the integration of iPads into a literacy program for students in transitional housing.

The Permanent Endowment Trust also funds scholarships. One of these is the Lowell Wilson Scholarship. This scholarship of $1500 is provided to cover tuition costs of graduate level coursework in a licensure program. Preference is given to practicing, certified teachers in a Wisconsin school, including those working as library media specialists on an emergency license. 

WEMTA membership is a requirement for applicants for PET grants and scholarships.

Application forms are due Thursday, December 15th.

January DEADLINE Approaching

DEADLINE Fast approaching on all nominations for WEMTA Awards: January 13, 2017. Need more information? see: http://www.wemta.org/awards/index.cfm

Legislative Update for WEMTA Members

Governor Walker released draft legislation, which he called on the Legislature to pass, Thursday that would provide an additional $35.5 million in broadband expansion grant and TEACH funding over the next three years.  

The bill draft makes the following funding changes:

1. It transfers $6 million from the Universal Service Fund and $5 million from the Federal E-Rate Program to provide additional funding for the state's Broadband Expansion Grant program. It also allows the Public Service Commission (PSC) to distributed an unlimited amount of broadband expansion grants each year—they are currently only allowed to issue $1.5 million in grants per year.
   
2. Transfers all unspent funds in the Universal Service Fund (which currently provides funding for Newsline for the Blind, the Digital Learning Collaboration, Public Library System Aids, TEACH grants and Library Service Contracts) to the Broadband Expansion Grant program on June 30 of each year.  It also allows PSC to use contributions made by telecommunications providers to the USF to fund broadband expansion grants.
   
3. Extends the TEACH Information Technology Block Grants to July 1, 2019 (it is currently set to end on July 1, 2017). The bill also allows the Department of Administration to award another round of Information Technology Block Grants to school district this year and expand eligibility for the program.  An additional $7.5 million is transferred from the Federal E-rate Program to fund TEACH contracts. 

More information on the Information Technology Block Grants can be found of page 11 of the draft bill. 

Wisconsin Technology Council. Applauds state proposal to boost rural broadband.

TDS. Lauds Governor Walker broadband announcement.

WEMTA Legislative Committee 

Michael Blumenfeld & Associates

Award application time is running out!

Two months remain to apply for the WEMTA awards. Give yourself and your program a shout-out by applying for one of the awards http://www.wemta.org/awards/index.cfm

Support WEMTA's Scholarships and Grants with Your Shopping

Support WEMTA's scholarships and grants with your CyberMonday shopping. Go to Smile.Amazon.com and select WEMTA from the list of charities. WEMTA's Permanent Endowment Foundation will automatically receive a donation for each purchase you make (as long as you purchase from smile.amazon.com)

Learn more about our scholarship and grants from the Permanent Endowment Trust's website. 

#wemtachat this Tuesday!

Join us for our 2016-17 @WEMTAOnline Twitter Chats! Schedule: https://goo.gl/iZFvEd   2nd one 11/15 @ 8pm! #wemtachat #wischat #tlchat #futurereadylibrarian

WEMTA ELECTION UPDATE: Don't forget to vote Tuesday, Nov. 8!

Good news! The 2016 Election is almost over, all you need to do is remember to vote on Tuesday, November 8! (Don't forget your I.D.!).

The latest Marquette University Law School poll showed that Wisconsin's U.S. Senate race between Senator Ron Johnson and former Senator Russ Feingold is essentially tied. Hillary Clinton is leading Donald Trump by 6% in Wisconsin, according to the Marquette poll.

There are also some local races and several local referenda taking place across the state. You can view a copy of your ballot and find your polling place here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/

Voting Hours: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. As long as you are in line by8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.

Registering to Vote: Wisconsin law allows you to register at the polls on Election Day as long as they provide proof of residence (such as a recent utility bill, pay stub, driver's license, or bank statement).

Photo ID: Despite recent court rulings this summer, Wisconsin's voter ID law is still in effect, so you will be required to show an acceptable photo ID in order to vote Tuesday.

The following types of acceptable IDs can be unexpired or expired after the date of the most recent general election (November 4, 2014):

• A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license, even if driving privileges are revoked or suspended 
• A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card 
• Military ID card issued by a U.S. uniformed service 
• A U.S. passport 

These photo IDs are also acceptable for voting purposes, but must be unexpired:

A certificate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented
A driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
An identification card receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT (valid for 45 days)
An identification card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe in Wisconsin

To learn more about Wisconsin's Voter ID law, visit: http://www.bringitwisconsin.com/

WEMTA Legislative Committee

Are you the next WEMTA Professional of the Year?

"The Professional of the Year award was the ultimate affirmation of my Educator Effectiveness process! My administrator has used the award as an opportunity to promote the value of an LMS to fellow administrators. She believes an effective LMS collaborates to build a culture of reading, inquiry and critical thinking which ultimately impacts student achievement."

Count yourself as a WEMTA Professional of the Year see: http://www.wemta.org/awards/index.cfm

DPI Releases State Aid Numbers for Wisconsin's School Districts

The Department of Public Instruction released the certified state aid numbers for all of Wisconsin's school districts.

The state provides $4.584 billion for general state aid during the 2016-17 school year, an increase of $108.1 million over last year.

According to DPI, 60% of the state's public school districts (255 of 424) will receive more general state aid this school year than they did in 2015‑16.

General school aid is also impacted by the school choice programs. School districts participating in either the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, Racine Parental Choice Program or the Wisconsin Parental Choice program will have general aid deductions based on the number of students enrolled in the choice programs.

Most of the $122.3 million in increased general aid will be directed toward property tax relief since the per pupil revenue limits were not increased in the last state budget.

To see DPI's full release on the general state aid amounts schools districts will receive, click here.

WEMTA Legislative Committee
Blumenfeld and Associates, LLC

Voter Resources for WEMTA Members

Election Day is fast approaching! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 8, and you can register to vote at the polls as long as you provide proof of residence. Despite recent court rulings, Wisconsin's Voter ID is still currently in effect, so you will need to show poll workers a photo ID in order to vote. To find your polling place and preview your ballot, go to https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/.

Early voting is being offered in municipalities across Wisconsin right now. Days and hours vary but some municipalities are offering early voting until November 6. In Madison, residents can vote early at all public libraries and other locations around the city. To check out your early voting options, contact your local Clerk's office. To find out who your clerk is, visit:https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/MyMunicipalClerk

On the ballot for the November 8 General Election are U.S. President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, even-numbered Wisconsin State Senate seats, and all Wisconsin Assembly seats. About half of Wisconsin's State Senate and State Assembly seats have already been filled for the 2017-18 Legislative session since many state-level races were either uncontested or decided by the August primary.

To learn about your local candidates, check out recent interviews and election coverage on Wisconsin Eye, the Wheeler Report and WisPolitics.

State Assembly Races

Republicans currently control the Assembly with a 63-36 majority. Of the 99 Assembly seats, only 52 seats are up for grabs on Election Day. Republicans are expected to easily maintain their majority next session since Democrats would not only need to defend all of their current seats but also pick up 14 seats on November 8.

Several key races were decided by primaries held in August, including:

Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) will fill Representative David Craig's (R-Big Bend) seat in Assembly District 83 after winning a crowded Republican primary. Craig left his Assembly Seat to run for retiring State Senator Mary Lazich's (R-New Berlin) seat in Senate District 28; Craig did not face a primary challenge and is uncontested in the General Election.

Former State Representative Jason Fields (D-Milwaukee) reclaimed his Assembly seat after winning the Democratic primary in Assembly District 11 to fill the seat vacated by Representative Mandela Barnes (D-Milwaukee). Fields lost his Assembly seat in 2012 after losing a primary challenge from Barnes.

Former Capitol staffer David Crowley (D-Milwaukee) will fill State Representative La Tonya Johnson's (D-Milwaukee) Assembly seat after winning the Democratic primary. Johnson gave up her Assembly seat to run for Senate.

Jimmy Anderson (D-Fitchburg) will fill State Representative Robb Kahl's (D-Monona) open seat in Assembly District 47.

State Senate Races

Republicans control the Senate with a 19-14 majority. Only 8 of the 16 even-numbered Senate seats are up for grabs in theGeneral Election. In order for Democrats to gain the majority in the Senate, they will need to defend all of their current seats and pick up three seats. Possible opportunities for pick-ups are: Senator Sheila Harsdorf's (R-River Falls) seat in Senate District 10; Senator Tom Tiffany's (R-Hazelhurst) seat in Senate District 12; Senator Luther Olsen's (R-Ripon) seat in Senate District 14; and the open seat in Senate District 18 which was held by Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) who passed away earlier this week. Republicans have several opportunities to gain seats currently held by Democrats as Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) faces a tough re-election bid against former State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse)in Senate District 32, and Senator Julie Lassa is facing a tough challenge from Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) in Senate District 24.

State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) held on to her Senate seat after easily fending off a primary challenge from State Representative Mandela Barnes (D-Milwaukee), 61%-39%, in August. Barnes had to give up his Assembly seat to challenge Taylor, so he will not be returning to the Legislature next session. State Representative La Tonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) will fill Senator Nikiya Harris Dodd's (D-Milwaukee) Senate seat after winning the Democratic primary in August.

U.S. Senate

There is a re-match for one of Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seats between former Senator Russ Feingold (D-Middleton) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-Oshkosh) in the General Election. Johnson previously unseated incumbent Senator Feingold in 2010. The race will be very close. The latest Marquette Law School poll showed Feingold narrowly leading Johnson, 46%-44%.

U.S. House of Representatives

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) faces a challenge from Ryan Solen (D-Mount Pleasant) in the District 1.

In District 2, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-Black Earth) is being challenged by Peter Theron (R-Madison).

U.S. Representative Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) is uncontested in November in District 3.

U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) has a Libertarian challenger, Andy Craig of Milwaukee, in District 4.

In District 5, U.S. Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) is challenged by Khary Penebaker (D-Hartland).

U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman (R- Glenbeulah) is challenged by Sarah Lloyd (D-Wisconsin Dells) in the District 6.

U.S. Representative Sean Duffy (R-Wausau) will face Mary Hoeft (D-Rice Lake) in District 7.

Mike Gallagher (R-Green Bay), the winner of a crowded Republican Primary, will face Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson (D-Appleton) in the race to fill U.S. Representative Reid Ribble's (R-Sherwood) open seat in District 8.

WEMTA Legislative Committee

Are you ready to vote in the general election?

Find out if you're registered to vote, find your polling place, and learn what's on your ballot at the My Vote Wisconsin website.

Although most in-person voting is from October 24 through November 4, 2016, it varies by community. Find out when early voting starts in your community here.

Voter ID is in effect for this election. The League of Women's Voters of Wisconsin has published a helpful site that explains how to get a voter ID at http://www.lwvwi.org/Vote2016/WisconsinVoterPhotoID.aspx.

Be sure to check out the WEMTA Legislative Blog for legislative updates.

Time to submit a nomination for WEMTA awards!

WEMTA award season is gearing up!  Nominate today an individual who supports the library or educational technology program or whom are outstanding in what they do!  Recognize them!

See http://www.wemta.org/awards/ for more details about nominating yourself or a colleague! Nominations close on January 15, 2017.

Election Season & WEMTA Award Season What do they have in common?

Election season & WEMTA Award Season what do they have in common? Both make your library voice heard! Please go here for more information.

#ISTE Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool

Your road map to tech integration starts here. No matter where you are on the path to technology integration, you'll encounter challenges and decision points at every step. Based on the 14 ISTE Essential Conditions, the Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool offers education leaders a starting point for making the transition to a technology-rich and standards-ready learning environment. 

Lend YOUR voice to the #ISTE Standards for Teachers refresh

Now it is time for the refresh of the ISTE Standards for Teachers, an effort that was launched at ISTE 2016 in Denver. Please read this blog post about the process and how you can contribute your voice - https://goo.gl/EAuv0b

Interested in hosting a refresh feedback forum at a conference, in a meeting with colleagues or even as a Twitter chat or webinar? Complete this short form and receive a link to download the ISTE toolkit. You can also provide your individual feedback directly by completing this survey.

Recognize YOUR Library Media Program

If you know someone who has an exemplary library media program, including yourself, consider Nominating the program for the Forward Award. 

The Forward Award recognizes exemplary school library media programs in Wisconsin's schools, in order to strengthen school library programs and support student achievement. This is an individual building program award.  

Please go to http://www.wemta.org/awards/forward_award.cfm  for more information about nominating!

Award season is starting! Are you the next Forward Award Winner?

Forward Award Winner 2011 and 2015  "Going through this process really gave me a chance to be reflective about my teaching and the library program. In addition, it provided a starting point for a wonderful conversation with my principal about what the library does and where the program should be going."

 Be a Forward Award nominee!  See http://www.wemta.org/awards/ for more details.

Forward Award: Who do you know that is forward thinking?

Teresa Voss: Forward Award Winner 2011 and 2015 “Going through this process really gave me a chance to be reflective about my teaching and the library program. In addition, it provided a starting point for a wonderful conversation with my principal about what the library does and where the program should be going.”

Be a Forward Award nominee! See http://www.wemta.org/awards/ for more details.

Present at ISTE 2017!

The Call for Proposals for ISTE 2017 is now open The Call for Proposals for ISTE 2017 is now open. That means it's time to get serious about taking that bright idea you have and turning it into a bold conference proposal. We're seeking sessions that help educators develop students' learning, problem-solving, critical-thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills. If you've had a lightning-bolt moment that led you to create an innovative ed tech initiative, tell us about it in your proposal. Proposals will be accepted through Sept. 29. Submit now technology-charged learning starts here ISTE 2017 - SAN ANTONIO Call: 800.336.5191 (U.S. and Canada)   |  503.342.2848 (International) Email: iste@iste.org International Society for Technology in Education Operations/Member Services: 621 SW Morrison Street, Ste 800, Portland OR 97205 Headquarters: 1530 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 730, Arlington, VA 22209

Awards season starts early!

Get an early start to the WEMTA Awards season!  Start thinking now of deserving individuals who support the library program or whom are outstanding in what they do!  Recognize them!  See http://www.wemta.org/awards/ for more details!

Common School Fund updated guidance

The Common School Fund Guidance has been updated and can be found on the newly created DPI website at Common School Fund. The updating process included the convening of a workgroup on April 4, 2016 and review by the WEMTA board on April 30, 2016. The process was a collaboration between teams in the Division for Libraries and Technology and the School Finance Team. 

The statutory language remains the same and purchases made with Common School Funds must support the school library program and be documented in the district library plan. The new website includes information needed by school library professionals, business managers, and other administrators. The sidebar tab for purchasing guidelines and WUFAR budget codes includes an updated guidance chart. Other information that is now included together on the same site are the BCPL loan program and audit information. Please review the site and become familiar with the information.

Thank you,
Nancy
Nancy Anderson, School Library Consultant
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Nominations for next year! Start thinking now!

WEMTA award season is over for this school year. However, did you keep your Guide to WEMTA Awards booklet from the conference? 

A copy is here:  Start planning now!  A great way to promote your library program, educational technology program, or outstanding individuals in either program. Start thinking now about who you will be nominating to be recognized at #WEMTA17!  

#WEMTA16 Reserved Seats!

WEMTA members have two new opportunities to support scholarships and grants at the 2016 conference.

Make a minimum donation of $15.00 to PET and receive reserved seating for the Keynote, the Monday Awards luncheon, and the Tuesday Author luncheon. Reserved seating tickets will be available at the PET table at the conference. (Individuals who wish to sit together should request their tickets at the same time.)

Purchase a copy of the Emmy award winning Mysteries of the Driftless for a special WEMTA conference price of $20 (the usual price for schools is $50). A portion of the purchase price will benefit PET.

Provide your input by Friday for WEMTA Website Redesign

https://goo.gl/forms/enNmMalZOi

New WEMTA Website in the Works! The WEMTA Communications Committee would like your input! Help make the WEMTA website a great communications tool for our organization by providing your feedback through this short survey. Deadline to complete the survey is Friday, February 26th.

In 1 day WEMTA Award nominations are due!

In 1 day WEMTA Award nominations are due!  Nominate today individuals who support the library program or whom are outstanding in what they do!  Recognize them!  See http://www.wemta.org/awards/ for more details! Nominations close January 15, 2016.

WEMTA Housing Block at ISTE

 

WEMTA Members!! Going to ISTE? Make sure to reserve your hotel in our special WEMTA block! Use this link to get to the reservation page and make sure to choose WEMTA once you create an account. We still have a few rooms left so join other Wisconsinites in Denver!

Our block closes Friday, January 15, 2016!

WEMTA Award Nominations due January 15, 2016

WEMTA Awards season is coming to a close!  Nominate today individuals who support the library program or whom are outstanding in what they do!  Recognize them!  See http://www.wemta.org/awards/ for more details! Nominations close January 15, 2016.

Excellence Award

The Award of Excellence

Looking to recognize a true professional in our midst?  The Excellence Award is to recognize a peer who has illustrated outstanding leadership, numerous contributions, endless giving to the WEMTA organization and it's members, and whose career accomplishments are well documents and noted within the profession.  The Excellence Award is given selectively to the most accomplished individual.  If you have an individual in mind applications are available from the Awards Chair or the WEMTA website.  

Nomination and application for The Excellence Award are due by January 15, 2016. Additional information is available at: http://www.wemta.org/awards/excellence_award.cfm

Professional of the Year

Professional of the Year

The Professional of the Year award is designed to recognize individual excellence in the library, media, and technology profession with students, staff, and all stakeholders in the K - 12 realm.  This professional is to outstanding in professionalism, an active WEMTA member, and leader in the profession; setting the pace for the future.  Sustained leadership, professionalism, and forward thinking are illustrated by the Professional of the Year.   

Additional information and applications are available at: http://www.wemta.org/awards/professional_of_the_year.cfm

Submit your nomination by January 15, 2016.

Nominate today! Warning Nominations are closing January 15, 2016!

Nominate today! Warning Nominations are closing January 15, 2016! Nominate a deserving individuals who supports school library programs or whom is outstanding in what they do! Recognize them! See http://www.wemta.org/awards/ for more details!