Saturday, September 26, 2009

U.S. Department of Education Video Contest Challenges Students to Take Responsibility for Their Education

In two minutes or less, America's students have an opportunity to show the nation and the world how far education can take them and how they will achieve their dreams.

On September 8, President Barack Obama called on the nation's students to take greater responsibility for their education. Now, the U.S. Department of Education is asking students to respond by participating in a national video contest titled “I Am What I Learn.” (Click here to watch U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s launch video.)

“Students share responsibility for their education and for fulfilling their dreams,” Secretary Duncan said. “This video contest is an opportunity for young people to share their stories about where their education and career training can take them. At the same time, I encourage parents, schools and communities to play a strong role in their stories by being accountable for forming stronger partnerships that guide students to their goals.”

Read more:

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/09/09212009.html

Education Secretary Arne Duncan Designates 314 Schools as 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools

Secretary Duncan Says Rewrite of 'No Child Left Behind' Should Start Now; Reauthorization Can't Wait

Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest Returns

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                

Contact: Jennifer Pensy, (850) 681-3200, jennifer.pensy@saltermitchell.com
September 16, 2009                                                                                                                                                           
Annie Jones, (850) 701-6114, jonesa@healthykids.org                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                       

Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest Returns

Students use technology to promote benefits of good healthcare

Tallahassee, Fla. – Students dreaming of a “big break” can compete for their moment in the spotlight with the Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest [www.actout4health.org]. Middle school and high school students across Florida are encouraged to produce a 30-second television commercial or create a billboard advertisement promoting Florida KidCare, the state and federally-funded insurance program providing affordable health benefits for children birth through 18. Launched statewide in 2008, the Act-Out for Health contest drew more than 100 PSA and print advertisement entries from middle and high school students. This year, students will use a unique application on the contest website to create their billboard ad and lesson plans have been created for teachers.

“I am thrilled to see the Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health contest again this year,” said Reggie Grant, communications technology teacher at Lincoln High School in Leon County. “It’s an amazing opportunity for students to collaborate and creatively problem solve. Not only are students required to demonstrate important skills -- planning, organization, technology, communication, media literacy -- but scholarships are available to help further their education.”

All of the contest entries will be judged on originality and ability to promote Florida KidCare benefits to a diverse population. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and by the students themselves. This year, students can vote online for their favorite PSA and billboard ad for the Kids’ Choice winners. Grand prize winners will be chosen by Florida KidCare judges. The grand prize winning billboard design will be placed in the statewide winner’s hometown or the closest billboard location possible. The grand prize winning commercial will air on television stations and YouTube. Both grand prize winners will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship. Regional winners have the opportunity to win great prizes including gifts cards and funding for their schools.

 “The Act-Out for Health contest is a creative way to motivate kids to action,” said Rich Robleto, executive director of Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, a Florida KidCare partner. “We think it’s important for kids to know about quality healthcare, whether they have insurance or not. The contest has been a really good vehicle to get kids thinking about healthy lifestyles, preventive care and building awareness of the Florida KidCare program.”

Florida KidCare is available to Florida children without health insurance.  Children enrolled in the program receive preventive care, such as regular doctor’s visits, immunizations, dental and eye care, at a price their families can afford. Many families pay $15 or $20 per month; most pay nothing at all. A full-pay option is also available for families who may not be eligible for subsidized coverage. A recent study by the University of Florida Institute for Child Health Policy revealed the highest percentage of uninsured children in the state are kids between the ages of 12 and 18.

The contest is open to all middle and high school students across the state. To download the entry form and contest guidelines and to view last year’s winners, visit www.actout4health.org.

For questions about the Act-Out for Health contest, please call Annie Jones, communications specialist for the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation at (850) 701-6114.

Contest entries must be postmarked or submitted online no later than Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

 

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About Florida KidCare

Florida KidCare offers affordable, quality health insurance for children under the age of 19. Children enrolled in the program receive regular doctor’s visits, dental check-ups, and immunizations. For additional information please visit www.floridakidcare.org.

 

Thursday, September 24, 2009

On Special Education: Special Educators' Group Sets Standards for Restraint and Seclusion

Special Educators' Group Sets Standards for Restraint and Seclusion

The Council for Exceptional Children, a professional association for special educators, has announced a policy on the use of physical restraint and seclusion in school settings. The group hopes to establish as a professional standard that such procedures should only be used as a last resort when a child or others are in immediate danger, the policy says.

The group is also pushing for new laws that would require data on restraint and seclusion be reported to outside agencies, such as state or provincial departments of education.

Read more:

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2009/09/special_educators_group_sets_s.html

High School Connections: 'Graduation Promise Act' Introduced in Senate

Your duly elected representatives are forging ahead to conquer the graduation-rate problem.

Yesterday, a passel of senators introduced the "Graduation Promise Act," which would authorize $3 billion to combat the dropout problem. About $2.4 billion would create a fund to help states develop systemic, differentiated ways of bolstering struggling high schools. About $60 million would be available in competitive grants to expand the supply of secondary school models that would best help students at high risk of dropping out, or those who have already dropped out.

Read more:

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/high-school-connections/2009/09/graduation_promise_act_is_intr.html

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Senator LeMieux's Weekly Update

 
George LeMieux - U.S. Senator for Florida E-Newsletter
September 16, 2009
Senator George LeMieux

Thank You for Your Support

Last week, I officially took the oath of office for the U.S. Senate. Serving 18 million Floridians in this capacity is the honor of a lifetime and a great responsibility I take very seriously. My wife Meike and I appreciate the hundreds of well wishes we've already received. Thank you for your support and words of encouragement and know that I intend to be the hardest working U.S. senator while I am in office. Be it health care, the national debt, or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am here to represent your views and I look forward to hearing from you.

Upholding Free Speech and the 2nd Amendment

Minutes after my swearing-in ceremony, I had the privilege of casting my first vote. The question was whether to confirm Cass R. Sunstein to be the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. While Mr. Sunstein is a very accomplished individual, I cast my vote against this nominee because his views are not in line with the values of Florida's families. Mr. Sunstein's opposition to an individual's right to bear arms as guaranteed under the 2nd Amendment make him an inappropriate pick to lead an important federal office.

Blocking ACORN Funding

This week, the United States Senate considered striking funding for ACORN, the not-for-profit group making headlines in the news lately, Monday, I voted to block any Federal dollars from going to ACORN because of their questionable activities including at least 30 cases of suspected voter fraud. With our mounting national debt, we can't afford to spend taxpayer money on organizations operating on the edges of the law.

The Debt, the Deficit, and Health Care Reform

In the coming months, Congress will deal with a great number of issues critically important to the future of our nation. One of the largest issues pending before Congress is how to reform our system of health care. I support affordability and access to quality health care. Right now, the costs are too high and too many people are without health insurance; but the solution can't be worse than the problem. As this debate continues, I strongly encourage you to contact me with your thoughts on the health care situation, and let me know what you believe needs to be done.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

US Department of Education Announces Recommendations on the Continuity of Learning

http://www.healthinschools.org/News-Room/News-Alerts/August-2009/US-Department-of-Education-Announces-Recommendations-on-the-Continuity-of-Learning.aspx

August 25, 2009

U.S. Department of Education Announces Recommendations on the Continuity of Learning in Case of Flu Outbreak

New recommendations on the continuity of learning in the event of student absences or school closures due to seasonal flu or H1N1 outbreaks were announced on August 24, 2009 by the U.S. Department of Education.   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius noted, “Our top priority is making sure that [students] have a way to get well, stay well and to keep learning. With these recommendations, we’re providing a menu of strategies for educators to help ensure that the learning process will continue.” The recommendations suggest that educators prepare take-home assignments in advance for distribution to affected students and use the Internet and telephones to post homework materials, conduct classes, share information and keep teachers, parents and students in the loop. The department is working with Google, Apple, Microsoft, Scholastic Inc., Pearson, Curriki, the International Association for Online Learning and other private sector partners, and service providers to make continuity of learning resources like pre-printed lesson plans, conference call services, webinar support, podcasting, and virtual classrooms more affordable and accessible for educators.     

See also:

Preparing for the Flu: Department of Education Recommendations to Ensure the Continuity of Learning for Schools (K-12) During Extended Student Absence or School Dismissal

CHHCS: News Alert, August 7, 2009 - CDC Releases Update on Interim Recommendations for K-12 Schools in Response to H1N1

CHHCS: Flu Season and Schools

http://www.healthinschools.org/News-Room/News-Alerts/August-2009/US-Department-of-Education-Announces-Recommendations-on-the-Continuity-of-Learning.aspx