The U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Education issued an advisory letter last month that said schools receiving Title IX funding should treat an individual according to their “internal sense of gender,” thus launching the first salvo in the new gender identity bathroom/locker room debate. In response, eleven states filed suit against President Obama’s Administration [...]
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The Latest
Your source for timely and relevant K-12 school updates
Complying with the CPR Instruction Mandate
May 25, 2016
A new law, requires all students in grades 7 through 12 be taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) in any health education course. The bill takes effect for the 2017-18 school year, so WCRIS schools have one year to plan and practice the addition to your curriculum. WCRIS is working with the American [...]
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Alarming Rise in Child Suicide Rates
May 24, 2016
New information just released from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, while the numbers of suicides among children still remain low, the increase in suicides for children age 10-14 have seen the most growth. Wisconsin law requires private schools to educate its staff about the free suicide prevention resources available from [...]
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Preparing for the Looming Teacher Shortage
May 19, 2016
Wisconsin has a looming teacher shortage, with estimates showing that nearly 30 percent fewer college students are entering teacher preparation programs. Private schools that support teachers with their Professional Development Plans (PDPs) will have an edge when it comes to recruitment and retention. With the power of WCRIS’ statewide network of private school mission-driven teachers, we can [...]
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Summer Professional Development Opportunities
May 18, 2016
EdCamp Cost: FREE When: July 22, 2016 Where: Divine Savior Holy Angels What: EdCamp is an “unconference” for educators. The day’s agenda is set by the participants at the start of the event. More details to come from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Character Education Conference Cost: 1-Day Event is $179 for individuals, and $149 for [...]
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2016 Kohl Award Winners Named
May 17, 2016
The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has announced the 46 private school winners of $192,000 in Principal, Teacher, and Student awards to WCRIS schools. Fourteen Teacher Fellowship award recipients receive $3,000 each and another $3,000 for his/her school. Fourteen Student Excellence and 14 Student Initiative Scholarship winners each receive $3,000. For the first time this year, [...]
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Fourteen Day Countdown
May 12, 2016
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has posted the Intent to Participate Form for the new Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP). The form can be found here. Private schools interested in participating in the SNSP must complete this form by June 1, 2016. It must be completed and signed by the head of your school’s [...]
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Free, High Quality Professional Development Classes for WCRIS Schools
May 11, 2016
Library leaders have asked WCRIS to help spread the word that several Wisconsin library systems offer the ability for you and/or your staff to sign up for over 300 free online courses. All you need is a library card from one of the 54 public libraries in Wisconsin that offer these free, instructor-led online courses. [...]
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Bring Students to Madison for A Capitol Tour
May 10, 2016
Spring and early Fall are the perfect time to bring a school group to Madison to visit our state Capitol building, which stands just a few feet shorter than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Students will gain a lasting impression about their state government when they visit the marvelously ornate and stunning building. A free museum up [...]
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New Life Saving Skills Mandate
May 05, 2016
Adds CPR Training for 7-8 Graders Governor Walker signed a new bill creating Act 390, requires all students in grades 7 through 12 be taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) in any health education course. The instruction must be based on a program developed by either the American Red Cross or American Heart Association (AHA), or done through [...]
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