Northwest Council for Computer Education names new director
Shannon Davenport, an instructional technology coach for the Clarksville Montgomery County School System in Tennessee, will take over as the director of professional learning for the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE) in July. Her career in education began in 1996 as a third-grade teacher, and since then, she has worked closely with students, administrators and teachers as technology has transformed the learning process.
Davenport joined NCCE as a professional learning specialist in 2014. Using a U.S. Department of Education grant, she helped build the curriculum for a three-year technology integration project in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In her new post, Davenport will work with more than 50 NCCE professional learning specialists, grow NCCE partnerships with business partners and nonprofit organizations, and provide opportunities for NCCE members in the United States and around the globe.
Eight Idaho Presidential Scholars Program semifinalists chosen
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which annually selects top graduating high school seniors from each state, has selected eight Idaho semifinalists.
Here are this year’s semifinalists, by category:
Academics: Rachel A. Forest, Century High School, Pocatello; Jack A. Lauer, Boise High School; Alyssa Y. Lu, Boise High School; Araoluwa P. Omotowa, Hillcrest High School, Idaho Falls; Garrett L. Thompson, Potlatch Junior-Senior High School, Viola; Tia T. Vierling, Moscow High School.
Arts: Claire Manning, Boise High School.
Career and Technical Education: Emma K. Winkle, Middleton High School.
Each state’s presidential scholars are expected to be announced Tuesday.
The program was established in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson to honor distinguished graduating seniors. The program was later expanded to recognize exceptional scholarship and talent in the visual, creative and performing arts, or outstanding achievement in career and technical fields.
Scholars are evaluated for their academic and artistic achievements, as well as school and community leadership and involvement.
Idaho students ‘fuel up’ for success
Students across Idaho are taking standardized tests this month, and the Dairy West Dairy Does Good program is supplying them free snacks.
More than 527,000 sticks of cheese were provided to 451 schools this year through Dairy West as part of its effort to encourage healthy eating. Over the five years of the program, Dairy West has donated 3 million sticks of string cheese to Idaho schools.
Evidence is strong that proper nutrition leads to improved academic performance.
Open an IDeal college savings account and receive a bonus
IDeal, Idaho’s 529 College Savings Program, is offering Idahoans with young children two chances to increase their savings this month.
The first 150 people to open IDeal accounts online for children 5 years old and younger will receive a $25 contribution in their new accounts.
All accounts opened online through May 29 for children 5 years old and younger will also be entered to win an additional $800 in college savings funds.
“We encourage families to dream big and start saving for higher education early, but we do understand that for many — especially those paying for full-time child care — it can be a challenge to set money aside,” said IDeal Executive Director Christine Stoll.
IDeal is the state’s tax-advantaged 529 plan, which offers Idahoans saving and investing resources to plan ahead for education costs. IDeal accounts can be used for education-related expenses at any eligible higher education institution in the country. As of 2018, IDeal accounts can also be used to pay for up to $10,000 of annual K-12 tuition, including tuition for private schools and public kindergarten. Idaho taxpayers are eligible for a state tax deduction on contributions to IDeal accounts.
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Concordia Law to celebrate 29 graduates in its 2018 class
Concordia University School of Law will recognize 29 graduates during commencement ceremonies Saturday in Boise.
The 2018 class is the fourth class to earn degrees since Concordia Law opened its Idaho campus in 2012.
“The work ethic, level of achievement and commitment each has shown for our school’s service mission is laudable,” said Elena Langan, the dean of the school. “I have no doubt that they will make a mark professionally and, in keeping with our broader mission, make positive impacts in their communities.”
The 2018 class also includes five graduates who are serving in the military, or military veterans. Those graduates will be distinguished with red, white and blue cords on their graduation gowns.
State Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb of Boise will deliver the commencement address.
