In addition to meeting with legislators about our Health and Safety Grants, WCRIS’ 2.25 lobbyists have been busy at the Capitol this spring. Aside from the usual scrimmages about school choice, some issues in play include: regulating water quality in private schools; mandating specific reading education; the impact on children and schools of legalizing marijuana; [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
Student Mental Health Concerns Rising
May 25, 2023
Results from the DPI’s Youth Behavior Risk Survey, given every two years to Wisconsin high school students, were released yesterday. The results are unsettling: More than one in two students reported anxiety; One in three students reported depression; and One in five students reported self-harming behaviors. These statistics are consistent with the increasing trend of [...]
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Mark You Calendars for Summer SNSP Trainings
May 25, 2023
New and returning Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) administrators are encouraged to attend two, free virtual DPI trainings over the summer: June 21, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Student Eligibility & Program Overview Training July 13, 8 a.m. – noon Choice & SNSP Payment Process, Financial & Enrollment Audits Training Learn more and register for [...]
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Take 10 Minutes for 10 Percent
May 18, 2023
You sent over 100 messages to legislators in one day. Thank you! But our work is not done. We need to continue to flood legislators’ inboxes by May 26 so that private schools are included in state budget conversations about K-12 spending. Please take less than 10 minutes to ask legislators for 10% of the state funds [...]
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New Principal Guide
May 18, 2023
Feeling overwhelmed as a new principal? Check out WCRIS’ free New Principal Guide. It was created to help new principals adjust to their new responsibilities. The guide explains the intricate relationships between the state and federal government and private schools while advising best practices. This 24-page guide is a WCRIS member-exclusive resource. It’s available digitally [...]
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WIAA Passes Competitive Balance Plan
May 18, 2023
The division for school athletic programs, that are part of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA), will be determined using a points-based system beginning in the 2024-25 school year. The “competitive balance plan” was recently approved at the WIAA’s annual meeting to make state tournaments more competitive. It promotes teams that consistently achieve postseason success to [...]
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Nominations for Rising Scientist Award
May 18, 2023
Five high school students nationwide are annually recognized by the Child Mind Institute for their exceptional interest and achievement in psychology, neuroscience or biomedical engineering. Students who receive a Rising Scientist Award will be given a $2,000 scholarship for college, an opportunity to present their research at a professional symposium and recognition at a national awards ceremony. [...]
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Free Math Curriculum Sample
May 18, 2023
Considering upgrading your middle school math curriculum next school year? According to a recent efficacy study, the Desmos Math curriculum for 6th, 7th and 8th grades significantly improves math achievement among middle school students. The study, conducted by the independent research agency WestEd, analyzed data from nearly 900 schools in nine states. The results showed [...]
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Choice Schools: Moving Forward with Your Mission
May 11, 2023
A recent article scrutinized several WCRIS member schools’ administration of the Parental Choice Programs. WCRIS schools are operating in accordance with their missions and beliefs and are compliant with the laws that regulate the choice programs. We encourage you to revisit the six points from last week’s Current Events story if you are participating in or considering [...]
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Time Is Running Out to Support Student Safety
May 11, 2023
Hardening school buildings is essential but expensive. A one-time Health and Safety Grant would allow private K-12 schools to make necessary infrastructure updates, like installing cameras, locks, intercoms, hard core doors and alarms. “As a retired law enforcement officer, I have a good understanding of the school’s needs for school safety… With additional dollars and adequate funding [...]
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