Happy New Year!!!

As you reflect on 2019, consider nominating an administrator, library media or technology leader who deserves to be recognized for their amazing work.  Please see the award categories at www.wemta.org !    

WEMTA PET Scholarship Applications Due DECEMBER 20!

Applications are due December 20 for the 2020 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 scholarship/s 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

Have your registered your Battle teams yet?

Battle of the Books registration is just $30 until December 15th! Everything you need to know is here in this details document. Price goes up to $45 from December 16-January 15. No registrations will be accepted after January 15th.

#WEMTA20 Conference Registration is Open!

Please go to https://tinyurl.com/20wemtareg for the registration directions and to register for the WEMTA Conference March 22nd-24th in Wisconsin Dells. Prices will increase after January 15th, 2020 so register today!

Santa and his WEMTA elves are looking for recruits!

Do you know any library media or educational technology leaders who who deserve to be recruited? Nominate them for the WEMTA Professional of the Year Award! www.wemta.org

Don’t be a Turkey!

Help lift up the professionals in our field by recognizing them for the amazing work they do with staff and students! Nominate a colleague for an award today! You can find everything you need to know about the types of awards and the process to follow to nominate someone on the WEMTA website under Awards!  www.wemta.org

PubPD last minute addition in NW WI

Hey Northwestern Wisconsin ~ Join us in Chippewa Falls at the Rumor Mill 6pm on Thursday for PubPD. Let Dawn T know if you plan to attend so we get a big enough table!

Movie Trailer Contest

Have you heard about our new contest? Students can create book trailers for any of the Golden Archer or Battle of the Books titles. Here's the link to the details. Special thanks to Karen H for leading this new adventure!

--

Have a great day!

from

Dawn Totzke

WEMTA Secretary

Battle Early bird Deadline 11/15

Have you registered your Battle teams yet? Early bird pricing $15 ends on Friday. View the details document or visit the WEMTA website to register. Be sure to note the new address!

--

Have a great day!

from

Dawn Totzke

WEMTA Secretary

WEMTA - Call for Proposals Extended to 11/17!

Here's your chance to share innovative programs that are happening in your school! Primary presenters receive discounted registration for the annual WEMTA Conference March 22nd-March 24th 2020. Special Bring Your Administrator pricing!!! More information available on our website wemta.org/events/call-for-proposals.cfm (The image is a word cloud of topics that 2019 attendees would especially like to see in 2020.) 

WEMTA Conference - Call for Proposals Due Oct 31st

Get ConnectED #WEMTA20 and submit a Session Proposal for our annual conference March 22nd-24th 2020 at the Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Session proposals are due October 31st and primary presenters receive discounted registration. More information available on our website.

NOW is the Time to Apply for WEMTA PET Scholarships!

Applications are due December 20 for the 2020 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 scholarship/s 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

#WEMTA20 Spotlight Speaker: Dr. Kristen Mattson

Dr. Kristen Mattson (sponsored by Follett School Solutions) will be at the WEMTA conference Sunday March 22nd & Monday March 23rd 2020 to discuss digital citizenship. She will also be signing copies of her book, Digital Citizenship in Action (first 50 people receive a free book thanks to Follett!!!) More info on our website https://www.wemta.org/events/conference.cfm

WEMTA Conference Call for Proposals

WEMTA is excited to announce a Call for General Session Proposals for our annual conference March 22nd-24th 2020 at the Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Session proposals are due October 31st and primary presenters receive discounted registration. More information available on our website.

Wonder Workshop

Bring coding to life in all classrooms! Sign up for @WonderWorkshop's new online courses, #TeachWonder & get a Dash Robot + course ($450 value) for $125 through #WEMTA partnership - more info here: https://www.wemta.org/learn/teach-wonder-workshop.cfm

Registration is Available for WEMTA's Battle of the Books

Battle 2020 is set to begin! Only $15! Early-bird pricing ends November 15th.

Visit the Battle of the Books website for Booklists, Timeline  and Registration Instructions.

WEMTA 2020 Conference Case to Attend

Happy beginning of the school year! Save the date for our Annual WEMTA Conference March 22nd-24th 2020 with 12 concurrent sessions over 3 days! Please see the Case to Attend for more information.

Sign up now for ISTE Summer Bites!

Join us for ISTE Summer Bites!

You could win a $100 Amazon gift card just for signing up!

Get bite-sized learning delivered directly to your inbox.

Choose your flavor:

• Creativity
• Digital Citizenship
• STEM

Sign up by July 31!

Are you looking for something to read this summer? Want to help out the Battle of the Books Committee? All you have to do is write a few questions while you are reading the Battle Books! The titles are ... Elementary ... Middle ... Senior. The question writing forms are ... Elementary ... Middle ... Senior. Happy Reading!

 boblogo.jpg

ISTE Summer Bites

Join us for ISTE Summer Bites!

You could win a $100 Amazon gift card just for signing up!

Get bite-sized learning delivered directly to your inbox.

Choose your flavor:

• Creativity
• Digital Citizenship
• STEM

Sign up by July 31!

Future Ready Librarians

If you are a K–12 librarian serving a high-need community, you may be eligible to receive scholarship funding for an online course toward becoming "Future Ready." http://bit.ly/LIBAPP

Join us for ISTE Summer Bites!

You could win a $100 Amazon gift card just for signing up!

Get bite-sized learning delivered directly to your inbox.

Choose your flavor:

• Creativity
• Digital Citizenship
• STEM

Sign up by July 31!

WEMTA Members tour the BCPL archives

Thank you to the BCPL Commissioners and staff for being excellent custodians of the school trust funds. After learning more about investment policies today we were treated to a tour of the archives. A librarian's dream!

Headed to ISTE19?

Are you headed to ISTE19 in Philadelphia? 

Celebrate ISTE's 40th anniversary: https://conference.iste.org/2019/program/search/detail_session.php?id=112586266

Continue critical #digcit work: https://conference.iste.org/2019/program/search/detail_session.php?id=112298563

Support fellow Wisconsinites: https://conference.iste.org/2019/program/search/index.php?other=%7B%22nm%22%3A%22WLA%22%2C%22vl%22%3A%22afl_wla%22%7D

Safe travels!

Does you administrator champion your library media program?

Nominate him or her for the AASL School Leader Collaborative. See this article for details:

http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2019/05/aasl-opens-nominations-administrator-collaborative  

$300 opportunity for school librarians!

Teach a lesson on coding and digital skills and you could be eligible for $300! http://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2019/06/google-sponsors-school-library-rewards-program-donorschooseorg-teach-coding-and 

 

AASL launches school administrator collaborative

Just announced! Something to watch for! 

http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2019/05/aasl-launches-school-administrator-collaborative?utm_source=alanews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0528&utm_content=pressrelease  

40% off ISTE membership, just for you!

Want more lesson plans, on-demand videos, expert-led PD and discounts on ISTE edtech events?

ISTE is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special offer to WEMTA members: 40% off basic ISTE membership. Normally $125, membership is just $75 until August 31, 2019 with offer code 40FORISTE at checkout. Learn more about ISTE membership!

Planning to attend ISTE19? Use the offer code during conference registration.

Sign -up for your AASL District Kit!

Applications now open for "AASL District Kits for the National School Library Standards" The AASL developed kits are available for use by districts to present professional development focused on exploration and implementation of the 2018 National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. More information is found in this news release from ALA Member News https://bit.ly/2IpKFro

VOTE TODAY! for AASL concurrent sessions

Even if you are not an AASL member, here is your chance to have your voice heard about what types of information is presented at the AASL National Conference in November 2019. Please use this link to vote for concurrent sessions. 

Follow this link to vote:

https://national.aasl.org/sessions/

Attending the WEMTA Conference? Vote Early!

Wisconsin's Spring Election is April 2, 2019! If you are attending the WEMTA Conference on Tuesday, April 2, you will want to vote early. In-person absentee voting (early voting) opportunities vary between municipalities. Check with your local clerk for early voting hours at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/MyMunicipalClerk .

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

What's on the ballot: The only statewide race is for the Wisconsin Supreme Court between Judge Brian Hagedorn and Judge Lisa Neubauer. There are many local races across the state, including mayoral, school board and city council races. Find out what's on your ballot here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/PreviewMyBallot

How to Find Your Polling Place:You can find your polling place here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/FindMyPollingPlace

Absentee Ballot Deadlines: The deadline to request an absentee ballot be mailed to you is March 28. Your completed ballot must be received by your municipal clerk no later than April 2 at 8 p.m. 

ISTE Awards Nominations are Open!

Have you heard that ISTE has two new awards this year?

• ISTE Impact Award: This award honors individuals or organizations making a difference in education and whose outstanding work improves learning for all students.
• ISTE Distinguished District Award: This award highlights an exceptional school district who demonstrates effectiveness and innovation in the application of educational technology. They ensure equitable, accessible and appropriate technology for all students and exhibit a progressive mindset when it comes to challenges in education (we have presented this award in the past, but have updated the nomination form).

 

Nomination forms are live on the awards page on iste.org. Nominations close March 31. You can nominate yourself or someone else. 

WEMTA Update: Opportunities to Meet with Legislators in District

State legislators are holding in-district listening sessions across the state to help inform their decision-making on the state budget and other legislative proposals. Listening sessions are a great way to form relationships with your local legislators and to educate them on issues that matter to you. If you live in one of the districts listed below, please considering attending an upcoming listening session to discuss the Common School Fund, staffing shortages, and other WEMTA priority issues with lawmakers.

Representative John Macco (R – Ledgeview)

 

Friday, February 22

Village of Bellevue Public Safety Building/Village Hall at 3100 Eaton Road.

11:00 am to 12:30 p.m.

 

Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay)

 

Friday, February 22

 

Kaukauna City Hall

144 W 2nd Street, Kaukauna

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

 

Ashwaubenon Village Hall

2155 Holmgren Way, Ashwaubenon

4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

 

Representative Romaine Quinn (R-Barron)

 

Monday, February 25

 

Cumberland

Cumberland Public Library

9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

 

Shell Lake

Shell Lake Arts Center

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

Rice Lake

Rice Lake Municipal Court

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Cameron

Cameron Public Library

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green)—Joint Finance Committee Member

 

Friday, March 1 with Rep. Tony Kurtz, 50^th Assembly District
9-10 a.m.                     Mauston City Hall Council Chambers
                                    303 Mansion St., Mauston, WI  53948
 
1-2 p.m.                       Reedsburg City Hall Council Chambers
                                    134 S. Locust Street, Reedsburg, WI  53959
 
Monday, March 4
10-11 a.m.                   Darlington Municipal Bldg. - Council Room
                                    627 Main St., Darlington, WI  53530
 
12:30–1:30 p.m.          Monroe Public Library – Upstairs Program Room
                                    925 16th Ave, Monroe, WI  53566
 
Monday, March 11 with Rep. Travis Tranel, 49^th Assembly District
10:30-11:30 a.m.         Schreiner Memorial Library – Community Room Two
                                    113 West Elm St., Lancaster, WI  53813
 
2-3 p.m.                       Linden Municipal Building – "Senior Citizen Room"
                                    444 Jefferson St., Linden, WI  53553
 
Monday, March 18 with Rep. Tony Kurtz (50) & Rep. Travis Tranel (49)
10:30-11:30 a.m.         Brewer Public Library – "Story Time Room" in basement
                                    325 N. Central Ave., Richland Center

 

Representative Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee)

 

Wednesday, February 27
Waukesha Public Library
Community Room
7-8pm

Wednesday, March 27
Sussex Public Library
Quad/Graphics Room
7-8pm

Wednesday, April 24
Pewaukee Public Library
Community Meeting Room
7-8pm

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MO3_H-HYjs0IZE_zMdxXVoKeJtzjpc5f/view 

#WEMTA19 Keynote Speaker: Patricia Brown

Monday morning technology specialist Patricia Brown, @msEdtechie will deliver the keynote address:

STEM is for ALL-Bridging the Gap Tackling Digital Equity

After the keynote, dig in with Patricia during her breakout session: Unleash Student Creativity with iPads!

Be sure to take advantage of EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNTS by registering by February 20. https://www.wemta.org/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=139

#wemta19 #wieducators, #wisconsineducators, #Edleaders, #PersonalizedPD, #TeacherPD, #MakerED, #STEM

Tuesday Lunch Keynote

Don't miss Varian Johnson, winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award, as our Tuesday Lunch Keynote Speaker. #WEMTA19

Case to Attend WEMTA 19

Early-bird prices available now!

Have you registered? Be sure to take advantage of the early-bird pricing. https://wemta.org/events/conference.cfm

2019 ISTE Librarians Network Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2019 #istelib awards. You can nominate a colleague or yourself. Nominations are due February 28, 2019.  Visit the website for the nomination form: http://librariansnetwork.weebly.com/

Don't Forget to Vote!

Calling all WEMTA Members!   Voting for the 2019-2010 WEMTA Board is open through February 5th!  You can find more information about the election on our website. (The ballot was sent to all members on January 16th).  Please vote....your vote matters!

AASL Social Media Superstar! deadline for submissions Feb 1

Social Media Superstars enrich the profession and its work on behalf of students and school communities by sharing information, expertise, ideas, encouragement, dialogue and inspiration widely using a variety of social media channels. Nominate your peers for one or more of the following eight categories. (Deadline for nominations is Feb. 1)

• Advocacy Ambassador
  

• ...advocate for strong school libraries for all students.

• Curriculum Champion
  ...share exemplary school library curriculum.

• Leadership Luminary
  ...empower leadership among school library professionals.

• Program Pioneer
  ...promote exemplary school library programming.

• Reader Leader
  ...highlight authors and literature and exemplify collection development.

• Sensational Student Voice
  ...empower student voice.

• Social Justice Defender
  ...promote social justice for students and the community.

• Tech Troubadour
  ...share technology expertise of benefit to school libraries and school librarians and their work.

• An open call for nominations will be held January 7 through February 1, 2019.

• For more information and criteria: http://www.ala.org/aasl/awards/superstar