Posted inEducation

Tribal school officials, lawmakers sketch out performance gap solutions

by Katie Klingsporn, WyoFile FORT WASHAKIE—Wyoming can support tribal schools on the Wind River Indian Reservation with funds for additional language teachers and counselors, substance abuse programs, early childhood education and mental health needs, district superintendents told legislators Friday.  The mental health piece, “I’m sure it would resonate across the state of Wyoming in many different […]

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Public funds for private schools? Lawmakers advance ‘education savings account’ bill

by Katie Klingsporn, WyoFile A measure to create “education savings accounts” using state funds for parents to pay for costs associated with their children’s preschool education or non-public-school expenses is headed to the legislative session, despite concerns it may not be constitutional.  The Legislature’s Joint Education Committee advanced the bill on Wednesday. Under the measure, Wyoming parents whose […]

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Degenfelder issues library book guidance: Here’s what’s in it

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Education released on Wednesday its school district guidance for shaping policies related to library books. It comes as districts are increasingly contending with book challenges from parents concerned about mature or explicit topics.  Lacking legal teeth, the guidance is intended as a resource rather than a requirement, Wyoming […]

Posted inWyoming

State education agency will wade into book battles, Degenfelder tells Congress

by Maggie Mullen, WyoFile The Wyoming Department of Education will formally step into the ongoing battle over library books next month when it releases guidance and model policies to local school districts.  “I respect local control in government including authority of books and curriculum by locally elected school boards,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder told the U.S. […]

Posted inArts

‘Spark! Places of Innovation’ set to ignite Wyoming’s rich history next year

CASPER, Wyo. — Smithsonian’s “Spark! Places of Innovation” is set to light up Wyoming. Wyoming Humanities recently unveiled six selected sites for the exhibition’s statewide tour. A Smithsonian Showcase in Wyoming’s Heart The Smithsonian Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program, dedicated to delivering top-notch tours to U.S. towns, backs the “Spark! Places of Innovation” initiative. […]

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Congress grapples with explicit content debate in school libraries

CASPER, Wyo. — Megan Degenfelder, the elected state superintendent of public instruction for Wyoming, testified before Congress Oct. 19, highlighting the need to shield children from explicit content in school libraries. The testimony was given at a House Committee on Education & the Workforce meeting titled “Protecting Kids: Combatting Graphic, Explicit Content in School Libraries.” […]

Posted inWyoming

Out-of-state anti-trans group stages protest at UW sorority

by Joshua Wolfson, September 29, 2023 Three out-of-state activists placed flyers and rocks with discriminatory statements Thursday evening near a University of Wyoming sorority that made history last year by becoming the first to admit a transgender woman, police and LGBTQ advocates said. University police responded near the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house after the three […]

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Daniels Scholarship Program application now open

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Daniels Fund has opened the application process for the Daniels Scholarship Program, providing opportunities for students looking to pursue their higher education dreams. Wyoming high school seniors are encouraged to apply to become a 2024 Daniels Scholar online here by 4 p.m. on Oct. 15 to be considered for the scholarship. The Daniels Scholarship […]

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Pineview Elementary awaits approval for edible garden grant

CASPER, Wyo. — Pineview Elementary School has secured a $3,000 grant from the Whole Kids Foundation, a sum that’s currently awaiting the nod from the Natrona County School District Board of Trustees. The grant’s purpose is to initiate an in-class edible garden, aimed at educating students about life cycles, sustainability and consumer and distribution dynamics. […]

Posted inEvents

Palestinian Christian scholar to speak on Middle East issues at Wheeler Concert Hall

CASPER, Wyo. — Middle East specialist, biblical scholar and author Peter Sabella will discuss “The Middle East: A Crisis of Identity” at Wheeler Concert Hall on Monday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., according to a news release by Casper College. Sabella, a Palestinian Christian from Jerusalem, offers a unique dual perspective as both a Palestinian […]

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(PHOTOS) NCSD students and Lions Club collaborate to complete Casper Mountain bridge project

CASPER, Wyo. — A remarkable project that showcased creativity, teamwork and technical expertise came to fruition over the summer as a group of Natrona County School District students and staff joined forces with the Casper Mountain Lions Club to design and construct an upper bridge for the Casper Mountain Lee McCune Braille Trail, according to […]

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CyberWyoming’s student challenge focuses on safeguarding internet-connected medical devices

CASPER, Wyo. — CyberWyoming Alliance has announced a challenge aimed at students in grades 6–12 to enhance their understanding of internet-connected medical devices and their protection. The initiative aims to promote cybersecurity awareness and equip Wyoming’s youth with valuable employability skills. The third annual Cyber-In-A-Box School Video Challenge focuses on the subject of medical internet […]