Educator News - CESA 4

Parents in Partnership (PIP)

The Parents In Partnership program (PIP) is a four- or five-part leadership opportunity for parents, foster parents, or other care givers who have children, 6-14 years old, or youth 13-21 years old with special needs. Parents will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, support networks, and positive parent-professional partnerships. You will meet with parents, educators, state agency personnel, and other statewide leaders over the course of these five sessions. You will also have time to share your own stories, obtain useful information, and strengthen skills that will enable you to communicate more effectively with educational, medical, and human service providers.

Topic areas may include IDEA and the special education process, policymaking, citizen participation, and community inclusion of youth with special needs. Participants will share information about resources, collaborative teams, advocacy, and conflict management skills. This program is funded by the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI), through an IDEA Discretionary Grant from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Parents In Partnership will:

Coordinate speakers based on the needs of the group and may include policy making, citizen participation, and school/community inclusion of youth with special needs
Support parents to enable attendance by covering meals and offering a small stipend to help offset child care and travel expenses
Encourage parents to become active participants in their child's education and community by assisting parents to choose an activity that will create a positive change
Support parent-professional collaboration by offering the unique opportunity to bring parents and school staff together for one weekend to explore relevant topics

What Does it Cost?
We ask that parents make a commitment to attend all sessions (four or five weekends). In return for your time and energy, the Parents in Partnership program will cover your meals and costs of providing the training. (Other family members may join but you will be responsible for all of their expenses.) Reimbursement for a portion of child care and travel expenses is available for each of the sessions.

Registration
If you are a parent, or care giver of a child/young adult who has a disability and want to be part of this exciting partnership, register soon! Partnership sessions are limited to 25 participants. People selected for Partnership commit themselves to attend all sessions. We encourage couples to participate together, if possible. Single parents are welcome to bring a support person with them to participate in our program, provided this person shares responsibility for your child.

Register in the city that is closest to your area: For questions about this information, contact Daniel Parker (608) 266-5194

YIPPE, (Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment), Green Bay: February 24-25, 2012; April 20-21, 2012
View Brochure
Parents in Partnership (PIP), Holcombe: March 30-31, 2012
View Brochure
Parents in Partnership (PIP), Stevens Point: March 23-24, 2012
View Brochure
Parents in Partnership (PIP), Waukesha: February 24-25, 2012; March 23-24, 2012
View Brochure

Spanish Saturdays (Sábados en español)
Grades K-5
Saturdays, March 24-May 5
10-11 a.m.
125, Morris Hall, UW-La Crosse
$89 (Sibling discounts available)

¡Vamos a aprender y jugar en espanol! (Let’s learn and play in Spanish!)

The long-awaited Spanish Saturdays program is back with even more fun packed, hands-on learning activities. Learn through games, short stories, songs and other activities that build skills and interest in learning about the Spanish language and culture. The program ends with a fantastic Cinco de Mayo fiesta!

The program’s differentiated instruction challenges each child’s current level of knowledge. Three groups of learners will be formed based on age and skill level. (Adjustments may be made to ensure appropriate placement.)

Program Director: Jean Janecki, assistant professor of Spanish, Language Resource Center Director, UW-La Crosse, earned her Ph.D. from UW-Madison. Janecki has been teaching Spanish for over 15 years at different levels in the U.S. She has lived, studied, worked and traveled throughout Spain and South America. As a mother and teacher, she knows the importance of learning another language at an early age and being exposed to new cultures

Save the dates for Fall 2012 Spanish Saturdays! Saturdays, September 29-November 3, 2012.

Widening the Circle Native American and Hmong Indigenous Education Symposium
March 29th – April 1, 2012
La Crosse, WI.

The symposium seeks to be a resource for educators and gives participants the opportunity to meet Native and Hmong elders and educators, build relationships, provide a solid resource base to learn about Native and Hmong cultures, contemporary and historical issues, sovereignty, Indigenous educational practices, identify bias, privilege and stereotypes and authenticate resources to infuse a more meaningful and inclusive curriculum within a context of critical multicultural pedagogy to address problems in education and current issues. This is an extremely important symposium for educators in Wisconsin and great professional development opportunity. Especially with the advent of the new Hmong migration and education bill, along with Act 31, this symposium becomes even more important for current and future educators to meet the educational standards and goals of the state of Wisconsin, a changing demographic and to be better more critical teachers in an increasingly diverse classroom.

If you have any questions regarding the conference or distribution please contact John Lor: lor.john@uwlax.edu.

UW-L Student Summer Classes (Grades 4-9)

Environmental Explorers | June 19-20 | Grades 4-6
Learn and perform field and laboratory techniques used by scientists studying the Upper Mississippi River. Collect and identify macro invertebrates: the small “critters” living in the mud and swimming in the water. Identify and learn about aquatic plants, trees, reptiles, and amphibians of the floodplain forest. Observe and identify birds and the nests they make. Navigate the forest and prairie using the Global Positioning System, aerial photographs, and land maps.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State St., 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601 1.866.895.9233 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu |www.uwlax.edu/conted/youth

Girls in Science | June 23-24 | Grades 6-8
Girls in Science encourages girls’ interest in science and math by giving them hands on learning and activities in an environment that is designed to be supportive, enriching and – most importantly - fun! Girls work alongside UW-La Crosse faculty who encourage experimentation, investigation and involvement in the fields of math and science. In addition to the activities, girls experience a college campus with an overnight stay in a residence hall, campus meals, and social activities with peer students, university student assistants, and faculty.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State St., 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601 | 1.866.895.9233 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu |www.uwlax.edu/conted/youth

Boys Science Exploration Camp | June 23-24 | Grades 6-8
Boys Science Exploration Camp encourages interests in science and math by giving them hands on learning and activities in an environment that is supportive, enriching and – most importantly - fun! The boys work with UW-La Crosse faculty who encourage experimentation, investigation, and involvement in the fields of math and science. In addition to the activities, the boys experience a college campus with an overnight stay in a residence hall, campus meals, and social activities with peer students, university student assistants, and faculty.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State St., 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601 1.866.895.9233 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu |www.uwlax.edu/conted/youth

Young Scholars | July 9-13 | Grades 5-9
Young Scholars week-long program promotes learning through hands-on activities in areas from the arts to the sciences. Youth work alongside UW-L faculty and experts in various fields who invite experimentation, investigation, and involvement. Young Scholars offers flexible times to fit into your summer schedule: choose from a full-day or half-day program. Have fun while learning!

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State St., 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601 1.866.895.9233 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu |www.uwlax.edu/conted/youth

Kids Culinary Academy | Level I: The Basics | July 16-18 | Grades 6-8

At Kids Culinary Academy, our executive chefs and registered dietician will inspire your imagination and encourage your creativity as you create tasty delights, sumptuous delicacies and extraordinary dishes. While learning food preparation skills is the main ingredient at the Culinary Academy, each session adds a heap of kitchen safety, a scoop of etiquette, a handful of table setting, a pinch of menu planning, and laughter to taste. Your final culminating activity is a magnificent dinner you’ll prepare for your family. At Kids Culinary Academy, imaginations are free to run wild as kids discover math, reading, health, time management, food chemistry, and social skills through our hands-on cooking camp.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State St., 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601 1.866.895.9233 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu |www.uwlax.edu/conted/youth

Kids Culinary Academy | Level II: Baking | July 19-20 | Grades 6-9
At Kids Culinary Academy, our executive chefs and registered dietician will inspire your imagination and encourage your creativity as you create tasty delights, sumptuous delicacies and extraordinary dishes. While learning food preparation skills is the main ingredient at the Culinary Academy, each session adds a heap of kitchen safety, a scoop of etiquette, a handful of table setting, a pinch of menu planning, and laughter to taste. Your final culminating activity is a magnificent dinner you’ll prepare for your family. At Kids Culinary Academy, imaginations are free to run wild as kids discover math, reading, health, time management, food chemistry, and social skills through our hands-on cooking camp.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State St., 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601 1.866.895.9233 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu |www.uwlax.edu/conted/youth

Spanish Exploration Camp | August 6-9 | Grades 6-8
A great introduction to the language and culture. Expert faculty and staff lead youth through an experience they'll never forget. They will enjoy authentic foods, games, arts and crafts, sports, and songs. Use of English will be limited.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Continuing Education & Extension, 1725 State St., 205 Morris Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601 1.866.895.9233 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu |www.uwlax.edu/conted/youth

Summer 2012 Course EXCEDUC 679: Critical Issues in Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
Department of Exceptional Education
UW- Milwaukee

Instructor: Laura Owens

ONLINE - 3 credits U/G

Dates: 6/25-8/04

Description: Provide an understanding of transition planning, collaboration adult services, tips and tools to effectively assist students with disabilities in the transition process. Other topics include self-directed transition planning, self-determination, transition assessment, and IEP transition plan development. The focus of this course is based upon the development of awareness, exploration, and preparation to deliver transition-focused education for students.

Prerequisite: Junior Standing

For more information, please contact: Cindy Pharm at 414-229-5251 or cpharm@uwm.edu

Trees for Tomorrow Teacher and Adult 2012 Workshops
For more information and registration go to:
http://www.treesfortomorrow.com/courses.htm
Eagle River, WI

June 30, 2012 - "Canoe Instruction and Canoe Baker Lake"
Adult Workshop - Noncredit
July 11-15, 2012 - "Nature Photography" with Doug Moore
Teacher/Adult Workshop - Optional Credit
July 13-15, 2012 - "Using Navigation Tools-GPS, Map and Compass"
Adult Workshop - Noncredit
July 13-15, 2012 - "Willow Chair Building"
Adult Workshop - Noncredit
July 23-25, 2012 - "Wood Energy" with Don Peterson
Teacher Workshop - Credit
September 14-16, 2012- "Snowshoe and Rocking Chair Weaving"
Adult Workshop - Noncredit
September 14-16, 2012 - "Rustic Furniture"
Adult Workshop - Noncredit

A Kickapoo Valley Experience: Cultural Tour for Educators - July 9-13, 2012

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve in southwestern Wisconsin is pleased to announce our 2012 Kickapoo Valley Experience: Cultural Tour for Educators.

This week-long tour explores the beautiful and culturally rich area of rural southwestern Wisconsin, examining land and water issues and seeking a deeper awareness of how people connect with the land. The tour is specifically designed for the needs of K-12 teachers and other educators who wish to incorporate local culture into their classrooms. Tour faculty and guest speakers include scholars, artists, musicians and local residents.

For more details and a registration form go to: http://kvr.state.wi.us/culturaltour

Twenty seats are available for K-12 teachers on a first-come, first-served basis. This affordable tour is available for a $185 registration fee (to include tour transportation and meals). Lodging is available at the Kickapoo Valley Ranch for a special price of $140 for the four nights of the tour. Graduate credit from UW-La Crosse is available for $90/credit.

This tour is supported by a partnership with the Friends of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Organic Valley Family of Farms.

Feel free to email jonel.kiesau@wisconsin.gov or call 608-625-2965 for more information.