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.