WEAC Direct

Legislature passes 5k attendance bill

The Senate on Tuesday gave final legislative approval to a bill that makes school attendance mandatory for children whose parents choose to enroll them in 5-year-old kindergarten. Last week, the Assembly passed the bill. The measure now awaits the governor's signature.

The 5k attendance bill is a 2009-10 WEAC Legislative Agenda item, and WEAC members worked hard to support passage of the bill. Read more

Still time to make the Kickoff Kids

Two more Kickoff Kid spots are left in WEAC's promotion with the University of Wisconsin Badgers football team. Last week, Lucas Jagodzinski of Stevens Point was the Kickoff Kid, grabbing the opening kick tee and waving to fans on the scoreboard. This week, Bailey Zak takes the honors as the Badgers host Michigan State.

To be eligible, a student must be between ages 8-13. Tell us what the student has done in your school and/or community that distinguishes the student from his or her peers. Read more and nominate

'Evening of Discovery' at Convention

The 2009 WEAC Convention next month features sessions on a wide range of topics, from personal finance to SMART Boards. One session is "Evening of Discovery," which gives you a chance to explore all that Discovery World has to offer.

The Discovery World open house allows you to peek into the labs, go in, on, and through aquariums, try the exhibits, and enjoy some wine and cheese. To take part, register for the October 29-30 Convention in Milwaukee. Preregistration also is required for the "Evening" event. Read more and register

Evers delivers State of Education address

State Superintendent Tony Evers, who was elected this past April to succeed Elizabeth Burmaster, delivered his first State of Education address on Thursday from Madison. Evers offered a broad outline of the direction he is moving public education. Read more

Editor's Blog: You have somethin' to say?

Have a thought on our news stories or blog entries? Now's the time to share them. In his blog, Editor Bill Hurley breaks down weac.org's comment feature, highlighting several recent thoughts shared by readers. Comments are coming in via our Facebook page as well. "It's educational for all of us to share our perspectives, helps us build relationships and it's just a lot of fun," Hurley writes. Read more

Shape your professional development

When and how do you want your professional development? What subjects and topics are of greatest interest? Take the WEA Academy survey to let us know and you'll be eligible for prizes, including sweatshirts, baseball caps, aluminum water bottles and 2GB flash drives. The survey takes about four to seven minutes and is focused on your professional development needs.

Contest promotes alcohol/drug crisis line

mPower, an under 21 alcohol and drug crisis line, has launched a video contest that will award one grand prize winner with a $2,500 scholarship toward further education. Southeastern Wisconsin teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 20 are encouraged to participate. Read about this and other events, professional development opportunities and classroom resources on the weac.org Educators' Bulletin Board