March 3: Read Across America
Get ready to grab your hat and read with the Cat in the Hat on Monday, March 3 for the 17th annual Read Across America Day.
The Seussical celebration kicks off a week of reading across the nation as students, parents, educators and community members gather together to share their love of reading. For ideas on planning an event and to download a poster, visit www.nea.org; join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/neareadacrossamerica.
Get your motor running at The Henry Ford
Up to 40 educators from across the country will have an opportunity to dialogue with leading scholars and museum curators about the impact of industrialization in America.
"America's Industrial Revolution at The Henry Ford" is a recognized National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshop. It is offered in two sessions: July 14-18 and Aug. 11-15 at the museum in Dearborn, Mich.
Participants will explore the diverse ways Americans experienced social change between the 1760s and the 1920s through lecture/discussions and by visiting select sites in Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum.
Educators will receive a $1,200 stipend to help cover living expenses, books and travel.
For more information and application instructions, visit www.thehenryford.org/neh. Applications must be postmarked by March 4.
Feb. 14 new deadline for student video contest
Due to the poor weather conditions in the northeast, organizers for the third annual Speak Truth to Power Student Video Contest have extended the submission deadline to Feb. 14.
Students in grades 6 through 12 may submit a three- to six-minute video examining a human rights issue or violation, and profiling the defenders who are fighting to restore justice. This is the first year the contest is open to student filmmakers across the nation. For details, visit www.speaktruthvideo.com.
Help a girl change the world for the better
NYSUT, in its commitment to supporting girls' rights, is urging leaders to help identify promising female leaders and encourage them to apply to Girls' Leadership Worldwide. The intensive nine-day program is held at the Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center at Valkill in Hyde Park. All girls entering 10th or 11th grade as of September 2014 are eligible to apply.
Girls will experience interactive workshops, field trips and opportunities to build solid relationships with peers as they focus on: empowerment; passion and purpose; girls, women and power; social justice; advocacy and activism; leadership; global citizenship; sisterhood; and networking. To apply before the March 21 deadline, visit http://www.ervk.org/.
Summer archaeology institute for teachers
The National Endowment for the Humanities hosts a three-week summer institute, Exploring the past: Archaeology in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Educators participating in the institute, held at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, are eligible for graduate credits, continuing education credits and a stipend. Application deadline is March 4. www.uwlax.edu/mvac/neh.htm.
NY health marketplace enrollment remains open until March 31
Open enrollment for health insurance for individuals through the NY State of Health is continuing until March 31. This primarily affects members and their families who are not eligible for employer-sponsored coverage. It does not apply to Medicare beneficiaries.
For assistance in finding navigators to help in the enrollment process, contact NYSUT Social Services at 800-342-9810, ext. 6206.