For a more complete list of professional development opportunities, visit www.southdakotapd.com.

• Testing workshops offered across state

• Summer Food Service training offered

HOT TOPIC: Testing workshops offered across state

In preparation for this spring’s testing administration, the Department of Education offers test coordinators the opportunity to attend Dakota STEP Pre-Test and Stanford Writing Post-Test Workshops. The workshops will be held Feb. 27-March 3, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in Rapid City, Aberdeen, Pierre and Sioux Falls. (See schedule below.)

The workshops will help schools prepare for spring testing by addressing the following topics: testing students with disabilities, alternate assessment use, test administration issues, and proper packaging and shipping. In addition, there will be an update on Stanford Writing results from fall 2005.

Workshop Schedule:

Pre-registration is required and available online at www.southdakotapd.com/registration.asp. The deadline to register is Feb. 17.

NOTE: Harcourt’s Spectrum site for ordering Dakota STEP testing materials will re-open March 6-17.

For more information, contact Gay Pickner at (605) 773-3247 or gay.pickner@state.sd.us.

Summer Food Service training offered

Research shows that children who aren’t hungry learn better, act better and feel better. Just as learning doesn’t end when school lets out, neither does the need for nutritious meals for children. That’s why Child and Adult Nutrition Services is looking for school districts, local government agencies, churches, and non-profit organizations to sponsor the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Several training sessions will be conducted for sponsors of the SFSP in late March.

On March 24, there will be a DDN session for sponsors participating under the SFSP Seamless Summer Option. The session will be held 8-8:45 a.m. (CST). This session is designed for schools that already offer school lunch and/or breakfast.

Also on March 24, any agencies that previously participated in the regular Summer Food Service Program can join a DDN session for experienced sponsors. This session will run from 8:55 to 10:45 a.m. (CST).

Finally, on March 28, sponsors that are new to the regular Summer Food Service Program and do not plan to participate in the Seamless Summer Option can join a session being held at the State Library. This session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST).

We urge you to contribute to the health and well-being of the children in your community by sponsoring a Summer Food Service Program.  If you have further questions or need more information, contact Cassandra Pope at (605) 773-3110 or e-mail cassandra.pope@state.sd.us.