Here are your Monday Minutes for the week of August 31 - September 4, 2020.

Please make a point of reading this email every Monday (or Tuesday), as it highlights key department announcements, opportunities, and events, particularly events hosted by one of the Department of Education’s student clubs. It covers everything you need to know in a single email message. 

From the Department Head

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, 

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind with the start of the fall semester and continued unrest in our country. I acknowledge the continued race and social issues that have sadly become part of our daily news feed. As department head, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and employees is my number one priority. Our college diversity and inclusion plan is not just a document—we “walk the talk.” 

This weekend I read a blog post that got me thinking. We all now know that masks can feel uncomfortable, and some folks wear a different kind of mask—one that cannot be removed. The author states, “Until every student can bring all of their identities, characteristics, and struggles freely and openly to the classroom, the residence hall, the student center, and the sports field, they will put on masks to feel a bit safer.”  Let’s listen, really listen, learn, and grow. As I’ve said before, growth can be uncomfortable, but we must embrace that discomfort if we are to change our thinking and behavior. As future and current educators, this is our responsibility. 

We are so glad that you have chosen MSU for your education or career! For additional resources on how to learn more about diversity and inclusion please visit the MSU resource guide.

Take good care,

 Ann Dutton Ewbank's signature 

Dr. Ann Ewbank

From the Advising Office 

  • Next Monday, September 7, is Labor Day – there are no classes, and offices are closed.
  • The Education Advising Center is currently offering a mix of in-person and remote advising options. We’re planning in small increments to allow us to adapt to changing conditions, so the following is our schedule through Friday, September 11:
    • In-Person Walk-In Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30-11:30 am, in Reid 123 (down the hall from the Education Advising Center). Please note that we may continue to scale back in-person hours and prioritize availability for remote appointments as the semester continues.
    • Phone or Webex Appointments: M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, as available. You can schedule appointments at www.montana.edu/education/advising/calendars.html.
    • And, as always, you can contact us via email or phone. We’re available to respond during normal business hours (M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm).
  • The last day to confirm and pay your Fall 2020 bill is Friday, September 4. Students who have neither confirmed nor paid may be dropped from their classes beginning Tuesday, September 8.
  • The last day to drop a class with an add/drop form is Friday, September 4.
  • The Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Education in Reid 418 is open M-Th, 9am-3pm, for students, staff and faculty. The Center offers a safe and socially-distanced space for students to collaborate and receive support. See the attached flyer for scheduled CBME programming.
  • All Monday Minutes are archived and available for your reference.
  • Make sure to check the MSU COVID-19 webpage frequently as university and system-wide updates are available all in one place.

Work/Volunteer Opportunities

  • Community Organizations Active in Disasters and Child Care Connections looking for remote or in-person tutors and caregivers: As you know, a blended return to school for P-12 students means that families are looking for support for their children’s out of school time. In southwest Montana, the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) group, in partnership with several nonprofits serving children and families, is looking for interested individuals who might be able to support this effort. You are receiving this message as an MSU teacher candidate who might be looking for an opportunity to volunteer or be hired as a remote learning tutor, in person tutor, or caregiver. Want to learn more? Please contact Tori Sproles, Provider Services Coordinator with Child Care Connections by phone at 406.548.3672 or by email at tori@cccmontana.org.
  • Gallatin Valley YMCA is looking for volunteers to staff its after-school program: The Gallatin Valley YMCA is developing an afterschool program to help support students in our community during the transition to online learning. This program is for elementary aged students grades 1-4. Through one-on-one academic coaching, we hope to build positive relationships, boost students’ confidence, and bridge the educational gap. We will be communicating directly with the Bozeman school district and teachers to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all students in our program. This program will run Tuesday-Thursday from September 14th - November 20th. Students attend 2 times per week either on Tuesday and Wednesday, or Wednesday and Thursday. As an academic coach, you would be asked to commit 2 hours a week to the student you are paired with. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Brooke French by email at ycamp_5@gallatinvalleyymca.org or by phone at (513)332-6819.
    • Session A: Tuesday 4-6 PM & Wednesday 10 AM-12 PM
    • Session B: Thursday 4-6 PM & Wednesday 1-3 PM
  • Energy Share Montana is looking for a volunteer to help coordinate outreach for their fourth-grade art contest this fall. Energy Share is a statewide nonprofit organization.  Every year we sponsor a 4th grade art contest across the state.  We use the winning drawing on the front of thank you cards sent to donors.  The winning artist and drawing are featured on a billboard in or near the community of the winner.  Cash prizes are awarded to first, second, and third places for the teachers and the artists. Interested students should contact Rachel Haberman at rachel@energysharemt.com or 406-442-4900 ext. 3.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Child care scholarship for parents in need during COVID-19: A scholarship is available to help parents offset the costs of in-home care for children aged 0-18 who live in a household with a special circumstance. The scholarship offers a flat award of $4,000 per eligible family, nothing more and nothing less. This award is to be used for in-home care expenses or in another provider's home, such as that of a family member, friend, or neighbor who is providing unregulated care for the child(ren). This scholarship must be awarded and spent by December 31st, 2020, and available first come first serve based on available funding. Find more info and apply at https://cccmontana.org/WhatsNew/Post/Family-Relief.
    • Note: This funding cannot be used in licensed/regulated family, group, or center child care facilities. It is specific for children and families who cannot attend these facilities due to special circumstances such as health conditions or lack of available child care in their area. If you are experiencing hardship and need help paying for your child to attend care you may be eligible for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship or other emergency child care support.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources

  • The Office of Public Instruction’s Indian Education for All Unit invites educators and administrators to a free six-session webinar seriesfacilitated by IEFA instructional coaches Wednesdays 4-5pm MST in September, October, and November. The webinars will explore the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians. OPI renewal units are provided. 
  • Don’t forget to register to vote for the upcoming general election! Election Day is a university holiday. Civic participation is the foundation of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

 

Take care,

David Reese
Academic Advisor
MSU Department of Education
davidreese@montana.edu
406.994.5948

Click here to schedule an appointment