Did you miss this month's issue of the SEEC newsletter? February's newsletter covered Solveig Overturf's journey from tutor to teacher, the importance of relationships in education organizations, and a reminder that time is running out to register for the upcoming Features of Effective Math Instruction: Retention workshop! Check it out here: https://seec.edurooms.com/engage/seec/newsletters/seec-newsletter-february
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Preview of SEEC Newsletter for February
Radon is a known carcinogen, which means prolonged exposure to high levels of Radon gas can cause cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has declared Radon to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon gas continually seeps into the air from the ground. Concentrations are low outside due to dilution of the ambient air. In poorly ventilated areas and enclosed spaces, radon concentrations can build up. Request a Radon test kit here: https://deq.nd.gov/wm/radon/RadonTestKitOrderForm.aspx
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
About Radon Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas. Radon is formed when uranium in the soil breaks down. Radon emits radioactive decay products that may be breathed into a person’s lungs, causing lung cancer. Sources of Radon Cracks in concrete slabs B. Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollowbrick foundation C. Pores and cracks in concrete blocks or concrete walls D. Floor-wall joints E. Exposed soil, as in a sump F. Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to open sump G. Mortar joints H. Loose-fitting pipe penetrations I. Open tops of block walls J. Building materials such as some rocks K. Water (from some wells) (diagram of how radon enters the house). Health Effects From Radon Based on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessment of risk for radon in homes, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Radon-induced lung cancer typically develops 5-25 years after exposure. There is no evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused by radon exposure. Radon Averages The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991, the average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/ L) in the United States. In North Dakota, 63 percent of homes have an elevated level of radon above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ‘Action Level’ of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) Radon Levels Radon can be found all over the United States. It can get into any type of building and can result in a high indoor radon level. People are most likely to get their greatest exposure at home, where they spend most of their time. North Dakota ranks as one of only two states that has all of its counties in the EPA’s Zone I ranking, the highest ranking. This means all counties in North Dakota have a high potential for elevated levels of radon. The EPA recommends taking corrective action if you have levels of 4.0 pCi/L or higher. Radon Testing Testing is the only way to know your radon level. The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. Radon test kits may be obtained at your local health unit, hardware store or online. Radon Test Results If your result is 4 pCi/L or higher, take a follow-up test before conducting mitigation. If the average of your first and second test is 4pCi/L or higher the EPA recommends fixing your home. Fixing a Radon Problem Radon reduction systems are the most effective at permanently reducing radon levels in a home or building. The system may be installed during new construction or in an existing structure. A homeowner may install his or her own radon reduction system or hire a system installer. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Radon Control Program may be contacted for more information about radon.
Our tutor highlight this week goes out to one of our Math Corps Tutors, Becky! Thank you for helping students improve their math skills! #AmeriCorps #MathCorps
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Tutor Spotlight Becky Greer Medina Public School Favorite Part of Tutoring It is fun to get to know my students, and build relationships with them. I also really like to see their excitement when the improve on their Fast Facts! I Wish Everyone Knew Every little bit of tutoring helps, and can make a huge difference in the advancement of the students' skills and confidence.
Ready, STEM, Go! | Save the Date May 7-8, 2025 | Virtual Hosted by six statewide afterschool networks, including ND Afterschool Network, all out-of-school time staff are invited to attend the 3rd annual Ready, STEM, Go virtual conference to learn about STEM-related topics, tools, and strategies and connect with peers from across the state and country. Registration will open soon for this FREE, virtual conference.
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Ready, Stem, Go 2025 (Vermont, Ohio, Nebraska, Montana, Illinois, North Dakota)
Did you know our website homepage includes a map with county child care data? You can choose a county to view specific data about the projected need for child care, referral requests, child care capacity and the average cost of child care. Visit the map on our website at https://ndchildcare.org/
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
picture of north dakota county map
Did you know the ND Afterschool Network has a statewide database of out-of-school time programs? Check out the map of programs on our website: https://ndafterschoolnetwork.com/ost-map/. Don't see your program? Add to the database here: https://ndafterschoolnetwork.com/ost-application/
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
google map image of north dakota indicating afterschool programs across the state with blue pins
Time is running out to register! https://members.ndrea.org/ap/Events/Register/7EFaYvvcNCQCd At the beginning of the fall Features of Effective Math Instruction: Retention training (Jamestown), 30.8% of participants responded that they had little to no understanding of retrieval strategies to increase learner retention in math. By the end, all participants responded that they strongly or mostly understood this topic! Register for the spring training today, and get ready to build your knowledge!
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Features of Effective Math Instruction: REtention Investigate features of effective math instruction through the latest research and best practices. Understand the curve of forgetting for mathematics learning. Develop the capacity to increase learner’s retention in mathematics through sound strategies that include spaced learning over time and interleaved practice format. AUDIENCE: Elementary and Secondary teachers, school administrators, instructional coaches, and NDREA staff COST: $25/participant Register Now for Fargo’s Session on March 18th!. Facilitated by Dr. Ryan Lyson. South east education cooperative, North Dakota Regional Education Association, and North Dakota Department of Public Instruction logos
It's time to update your vacancies again! Refreshing your number of vacancies (even if they are 0) helps us ensure that ND families have the most up-to-date information to make their child care decisions. Take one minute and fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Kni_2_HO8UqGyB-SAQYdtlqBHh-E6RpNougkoiMnHvVUODkxWkkwVDhUU0VMQTMyU0VMUEE3SU1VQyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
UPDATE VACANCIES Click the link in the post description, email referral@ndchildcare.org, or call 1-800-997-8515 (ext. 1) to update your vacancies. Help Serve ND Families Routinely update your vacancies (even if they are zero), so we can continue to support families searching for child care.
Reminder that host site applications are live! Is your school looking for extra support in reading and math? Help us spread the word - Reading and Math Corps site applications for the 2025-2026 school year are open! Reading Corps: https://fs16.formsite.com/servetogrow/25-Reading/index Math Corps (K-3): https://fs16.formsite.com/servetogrow/25K3Math/index Math Corps (4-8): https://fs16.formsite.com/servetogrow/25-4-8-Math/index
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
become a host site - applications open now for reading and math corps
Looking for a FREE resource that can help you align with ND Quality Standards for out-of-school time programs? All out-of-school time programs in North Dakota have access two eLearning platforms for the 2024-2025 school year. View this informational recording or contact kristin.knorr@k12.nd.us for information on how to access the platforms! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJWH8i2bJPk
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Poster with the following text: The Flourish Lab Flyer 2024-2025 by South East Education Cooperative “The Flourish Lab is an experiential, social-emotional online learning series designed to positively shift the way adults show up for young people. This hands-on curriculum takes a refreshingly human look at creating positive afterschool environments, while supporting social and emotional growth in young people.” The flourish lab e-learning platform for ND ost programs Planning Info Session 10 - 10:45am CT: Learn more about the 4 core modules, suggested learning timelines, and how to support learning outcomes in your program. Presence The message young people get with each well-thought- out lesson plan, choice of materials, or age- appropriate option, is that they matter. relationships Being truly present means consciously choosing to show up with a heightened level of awareness. And it matters big time! Positive or negative - the choice is always ours - but either way, count on a ripple effect. ignite To understand how best to work with youth, we look for ways to practice showing up as our best. What results is a powerful roadmap for positive impact that begins with you. community of practice For site coordinators, supervisors, and direct staff, join this series to support implementation of The Flourish Lab eLearning platform into your program, connect with other OST leaders, practice strategies, reflect on shared experiences and collaboratively problem solve. www.ndafterschoolnetwork.com August 22 Aug - Sept 45 minute onboarding call with The Flourish Lab support team Sept - May In-depth learning! Your program will have access to the platform, with the Network available for guidance and support Virtual sessions from 1 - 2:30pm October 16 January 15 March 5 April 23 We believe relationships are built (or broken) in a series of moments, and that fostering a sense of belonging is essential for all to thrive. core modules: 2024 - 2025 www.theflourishlab.org
Thank you, Valerie, for helping students build their self-esteem and reading skills! #AmeriCorps #ReadingCorps
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Tutor Spotlight Favorite Part of Tutoring I have seen so much improvement in a student from the beginning of their sessions to when they exit my class. they have increased self -esteem and pride in their accomplishment and the realization that they can do what they set out to do. That makes me smile. I Wish Everyone Knew I wish people knew how much the student benefits from the extra individual tutoring and difference it makes in the long run when a student knows they can read better. I am proud to be an AmeriCorps Reading Tutor, it was the best decision I could make for myself when I retired and the students, I teach are my reward. Valerie Koivunen
Our office will be closed today in observance of Presidents' Day.
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
child care aware of north dakota office closed february 17th
Our office will be closed today in observance of Presidents' Day.
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
office closed. The SEEC office will be closed today (2/17) in observance of Presidents' Day.
This Valentine's Day we just wanted to say we love our educators!
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
collage of people making valentines with the text: we love our educators
On this Valentine's Day, we just wanted to say we love our tutors!
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
picture of two people holding up paper hearts that say we love our tutors
Thank you, Ana, for helping students reach their goals! #AmeriCorps #ReadingCorps
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Tutor Spotlight: Ana Czernek, Bennett Elementary. Favorite Part of Tutoring I love being witness to the joy a student expresses when they've made gains or reached a goal. Watching their self-confidence with reading grow. I Wish Everyone Knew Learning something completely new can be daunting, but the training with Reading Corps is very thorough and the support network is absolutely incredible.
It's time to meet the leadership team! Kristin has held the title of North Dakota Afterschool Network Lead since 2018, and one of her favorite topics of conversation is the impact of afterschool from childhood to adulthood!
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
ND Afterschool Leadership Team, Meet Kristin, North Dakota Afterschool Lead since 2018. What Do You Wish Everyone Knew About Out-of-School Time Programs? High-quality afterschool programs can not only positively impact a child's life for an afternoon, but can also predict that child's future ability to thrive socially and academically into adulthood. If You Could Design Your Dream Out-of-School Time Program, What Would It Be? A program where you could feel the welcoming and supportive energy as soon as you walked in. You can see youth of all ages leading activities, engaging positively with their peers and adults, and enthusiastically contributing. What is one book that changed your life? Closing the Loop by Patricia Weinzapfel
We held our last in-person Family Child Care Foundations trainings in Fargo and Bismarck last weekend and are feeling so thankful for North Dakota providers!
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
group picture of family child care training participants
Looking to learn more about supporting cognitive, motor, emotional, and social milestones of children aged 3-5? Sign up today for Understanding Preschoolers on February 20th: https://registry.ndgrowingfutures.org/register.aspx?evid=39419
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Understanding Preschoolers - Level 1 online 2 hour training. Thursday, February 20th from 6:30-8:30 CST Online (Zoom). This online course is designed to help you better understand the world of preschoolers and how to support their development in meaningful ways. This course will provide valuable insights into the cognitive, motor, emotional, and social milestones of children aged 3-5 years old. You will explore key developmental stages and learn how to identify and nurture each child's unique needs. The course will also delve into practical strategies for creating an environment that fosters learning, growth, and connection. Using theme-based teaching approaches, you will discover innovative ways to embed educational experiences throughout the daily routine. Additionally, the course will guide you in establishing preschool-appropriate routines and rules that not only promote structure but also strengthen relationships.. Questions? Contact Child Care Aware of North Dakota at training@ndchildcare.org or call 1-800-997-8515 option 2
Applications are open for an exciting opportunity from the ND Department of Agriculture! Licensed early childhood centers can apply for a grant of $400 to purchase plants, seeds, garden equipment, planting materials, lumber for raised garden beds, or indoor hydroponic garden equipment. Additional resources and onsite educational opportunities will be provided to successful applicants. Applications are due February 28th! Apply here: https://forms.office.com/g/NRZLyJBSA8
11 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Farm to Early Care and Education Garden Kit Grant Application Open. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is providing 10 licensed early childhood centers the opportunity to learn about growing specialty crops. Successful applicants will receive $400 to purchase plants, seeds, garden equipment, planting materials, lumber for raised garden beds or indoor hydroponic garden equipment. Logo for the North Dakota Department of Education