Deseret News article disputes Graduation Rates

Go to www.deseretnews.com to read Wendy Leonard's article entitled "Graduation Findings Disputed". According to Education Week Magazine Ogden has a 40.3% graduation rate and Weber has a 67.9% rate. Utah ranks (according to this same article) 26th in the nation with a 72.2% rate which is above the national average of 69.2%. Brenda Hales, associate state superintendent disputes the numbers.

Rick

NEA Foundation offers grants

Here are some grants offered by the NEA Foundations:

• Student Acheivement Grants- $5,000 - Promotes classroom innovation
• Learning and Leadership Grants - $2,000 for individuals - $5,000 for groups - Support high-quality professional development opportunities
• Who can apply? Pre K- 12 teachers. When do I apply? Throughout the year.
• Books Across America Library Book Awards - For Librarians, teachers or other school employees - Accepted in November

Go to www.neafoundation.org for application information.

Thanks Rick

OEA Negotiations Summary

OEA signed off on a few proposals today and countered the District's proposal on salary. We will know more after Wednesday's school board meeting.

OEA Negotiations Resumes Today

OEA's Negotiations Team resumes meeting with the District team this morning at 10 am. Check this site later today for a report. Rick

Cassie Cox-Two Rivers Selected for Holocaust Event

Cassie Cox was selected as 1 of 5 teachers selected to be part of the Holocaust Remembrance Project in Chicago. She will leave June 22 for a five day visit with Holocaust Survivors and visits to the new Holocaust Museum and other sites. We congratulate Cassie for this honor.

Discount available for A Cappellastock Concert

Karsten Longhurst has offered the following discount: "As a teacher and member of the a cappella group T Minus 5, I would like to invite you again this year to A Cappellastock August 22nd at the Ogden Amphitheater. Now in it's sixth year, this night of diverse a cappella music from around the world continues to be the largest event of it's kind and has become a tradition for many inside and outside of Utah.

The members of T Minus 5 would like to offer a 10% discount to employees of the Ogden and Weber School Districts. Call the A Cappellastock ticket hotline at 801-452-1481 and us the code "Teacher" to receive the discount.

Enjoy. Karsten Longhurst and T Minus 5

SL Trib writes about pilot performance pay schools

Go to www.sltrib.com to read Lisa Schencker's article on a pilot program approved by the Legislature (evidently $300,000 not needed elsewhere) to pay 5 schools to try performance pay using evaluations and test scores.