The Department of Education has transferred its traditional Mailbag services to an electronic version. If you'd like to submit an item to be placed on this site, please email it to Kathi Slaughter at kathi.slaughter@iowa.gov. Submissions must include a contact name and phone number or email address.

NOTE TO READERS: The Mailbag is now being distributed electronically as a cost-savings measure. However, if readers reply electronically to any submissions within the Mailbag, the Iowa Department of Education cannot guarantee the security of the communications. DO NOT respond electronically with confidential information. For example, readers are urged to download a scholarship application, print it, and respond via conventional means.

October 19, 2005
	State Department Announces "Doors to Diplomacy" 2006 Web Project Competition for Middle School and High School Students
	The U.S. Department of State along with the Global SchoolNet Foundation is pleased to announce the 2006 "Doors to Diplomacy" award competition. This educational award program will recognize the student-created Global SchoolNet Web projects that best teach others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy. Students work in small teams with teacher-coaches. Projects must be completed by March 17, 2006. Winners will be announced in May 2006. Every team that completes a final entry will receive a special "Doors to Diplomacy" certificate to recognize their achievement. Each student member of the team who wins the "Doors to Diplomacy" receives a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches' schools each receive a $500 cash award. For a complete description and information about eligibility and judging criteria, visit http://globalschoolhouse.org/doors/. For more information, contact Dr. Yvonne Marie Andres Global SchoolNet Telephone: 760-635-0001 E-mail: diplomacy@globalschoolnet.org or Janice Clark U.S. Department of State Telephone: 703-875-5086 E-mail: clarkje4@state.gov
May 10, 2005
	Deadline Approaching for the Presidential Freedom Scholarships Available to Honor High School Students for Outstanding Service
	Two students from every high school in the country are eligible to receive $1,000 Presidential Freedom Scholarships in recognition of their outstanding service to the community. The annual college scholarship program, which will award up to 7,800 scholarships, is administered by the Corporation's Learn and Serve America program. Since 1997, more than 37,000 students from every state in the nation, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Department of Defense overseas schools have been recognized. In addition to the scholarship, students receive a letter of recognition from President Bush, and a President's Volunteer Service Award silver pin. Nominations are open to high school juniors or seniors during the 2004-2005 academic year. The scholarship program provides $500 of the award, which must be matched with at least $500 from a community organization, civic group, or business. Students who complete at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization, are eligible to receive the scholarship. The final postmark deadline is July 1, 2005. Information and certification forms are available at: http://www.nationalservice.gov/scholarships.
March 29, 2005
	Become a Member in ISPRA
	The Iowa School Public Relations Association, ISPRA, is an organization of public relations professionals, superintendents, principals, teachers and others interested in fostering understanding and support for education. ISPRA members meet several times a year for professional development, chapter business and to exchange ideas and experiences. For a membership brochure or other information, contact Diane Ostrowski, president, by phone 712-328-6443 or email dostrowski@cbcsd.org.
	ISPRA Spring Seminar
	The Iowa School Public Relations Association prints its Annual Spring Seminar on March 31, 2005. This seminar will give participants ideas and insights on the value of a positive image in school success. Session topics will include brand loyalty to your school, communicating about school finances and round table discussions on a variety of hot topics in school communications. An awards luncheon will also recognize the best of Iowa school communications. Date: March 31, 2005, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location: West Des Moines Community Schools Learning Resource Center 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines Participants: Superintendents, principals, school public relations professionals Cost: ISPRA or NSPRA members $70 Nonmembers $85 College students $45 Awards Luncheon Only $15 Registration information at http://www.ispraonline.org/.
December 02, 2004
	Driver Education Annual Reports Due December 24
	Iowa law requires that any public school offering Driver Education must file a Driver Education Annual Report and a Driver Education Program Approval & Teacher Approval/Update with the Dept. of Transportation, Office of Driver Services each year by December 24. A school not offering Driver Ed would only need to complete the upper portion of the Driver Education Annual Report showing which agency handles their Driver Ed needs. The reports may be found at http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ods/education/public.htm. If you cannot access the form or if you have questions, you may contact Steve Tudor by phone at 515-237-3180 or e-mail at steven.tudor@dot.iowa.gov.
October 27, 2004
	Scholarship Opportunity
	Apply now for the AAA (American Automobile Association) sponsored High School Geography Challenge. More than $100,000 in scholarships was awarded last year. Visit http://www.aaa.com/TravelChallenge for details.
October 06, 2004
	Apply Now for the 2004 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards
	Iowa businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to apply for the 2004 Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. This premier environmental awards program, sponsored by Governor Vilsack and the State of Iowa, recognizes leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa’s water, land and air. Awards will be given for overall environmental excellence and special recognition in water quality, waste management, energy efficiency/renewable energy, air quality and habitat restoration/development. Categories include: community/local government, business and industry, agriculture, civic organizations, public sector facilities, and more. The application deadline is November 5, 2004. To obtain an application, go to http://www.iowadnr.com/other/ee/index.html , or contact: Jill Cornell, Department of Natural Resources (515) 281-0879; e-mail: Jill.Cornell@dnr.state.ia.us
May 18, 2004
	Iowa River Bridge Environmental/Engineering/Construction Video Available Free
	The US 20 bridge over the Iowa River is a major transportation improvement and a distinctive feat of modern engineering. Constructed near the town of Steamboat Rock in Hardin County, Iowa, the bridge is the first launched steel I-girder highway bridge in the United States and one of the longest I-girder spans ever launched in the world. The unique construction method was used to preserve the Iowa River Greenbelt, one of the few remaining old-growth woodlands in north central Iowa. See the document below for more details.
		5K posted 05/18/04 27K posted 05/18/04 10K posted 05/18/04
May 04, 2004
	A Federal Grants Seminar
	A federal grants seminar will be held in Des Moines, June 3-4, at the Four Points Sheraton, 4800 Merle Hay Road. It will be conducted by The Institute for Youth Development, Sterling, VA and include federal grant programs for at-risk youth needs. A required $25 pre-registration at http://www.youthdevelopment.org will be waived with seminar attendance. If you have any questions please contact Daryl VanderWilt at 223-5345.
January 21, 2004
	Board of Regents online newsletter
December 31, 2003
	DCA Grant Funds School Field Trips
		13K posted 12/31/03 29K posted 12/31/03 14K posted 12/31/03
October 03, 2003
	The 20th Annual Write Women Back Into History Essay Contest
	This year’s theme incorporates both women from history, who led and won struggles for equality and civil rights, created and advanced educational and professional opportunities, and made great contributions to the arts, sciences, and humanistic causes, and innovative women of today who further these efforts and continue to expand the frontiers of possibility for generations to come.
		615K posted 10/03/03
September 22, 2003
	Apply Now for the 2003 Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards
	Iowa businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to apply for the 2003 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. This premier environmental awards program, sponsored by Governor Vilsack and the State of Iowa, recognizes leadership and innovation in the protection of Iowa's water, land and air. Awards will be given for overall environmental excellence and special recognition in water quality, waste management, energy efficiency/renewable energy, air quality and habitat restoration/development. Categories include: community/local government, business and industry, agriculture, civic organizations, public sector facilities, and more. The application deadline is November 10, 2003. To obtain an application, go to http://www.iowadnr.com/other/ee/index.html , or contact: Jill Cornell, Department of Natural Resources (515) 281-0879; e-mail: Jill.Cornell@dnr.state.ia.us.
	Seventh Annual Iowa Special Education Law Conference
	Do you know the "hot" issues under review by Congress that may change the 1997 IDEA requirements? What are the recent legal standards for least restrictive environment with the new focus on academic outcomes, parental choice and adequate yearly progress? What are the struggles with IDEA and No Child Left Behind? These and other questions will be answered at the Seventh Annual Iowa Special Education Law Conference scheduled October 20-21, 2003, at the Scheman Center in Ames.
		21K posted 09/22/03 36K posted 09/22/03 44K posted 09/22/03
May 21, 2003
	Energy & Sustainability Solutions Workshop
	On June 12th, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be conducting a free one-day workshop that will show you how to identify cost-saving opportunities through energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable design. If your district is considering renovation of existing buildings or construction of new facilities, this workshop is a must for ensuring you can have the quality facilities your students and communities need.
		427K posted 05/21/03
April 03, 2003
	Anatomical Gifts Public Awareness Funding
	The Iowa Department of Public Health has grants available for schools to provide public awareness of the Organ and Tissue Donation program.
		12K posted 04/03/03 25K posted 04/03/03 19K posted 04/03/03
November 20, 2002
	School Electronics Collection Opportunity
		98K posted 11/20/02 52K posted 11/20/02 56K posted 11/20/02
October 29, 2002
	Quick Facts about National History Day in Iowa
		37K posted 10/29/02
	National History Day Flyer
		103K posted 10/29/02
September 25, 2002
	President's Student Service Awards
	The President's Student Service Awards program offers youth, kindergarten through college, who have performed at least 100 hours of service within a 12-month period, are eligible to receive a gold pin (silver pin -- 50 hours of service) and certificate from the President of the United States. The President's Student Service Scholarship program offers any high school a $1,000 scholarship for TWO students (juniors or seniors) who have volunteered at least 100 hours of service in a 12-month period. Each scholarship recipient receives $500 from the Corporation for National Service and is matched by $500 from the school or community organization.
		147K posted 09/25/02 258K posted 09/25/02 44K posted 09/25/02
August 27, 2002
	Sixth Annual Iowa Special Education Law Conference
	The Sixth Annual Iowa Special Education Law Conference is scheduled for Monday-Tuesday, October 7-8, at the Iowa State University Scheman Building. To register for the conference, open the Word file below and print the registration form, or e-mail barnesmanagement@compuserve.com and request an electronic invitation for on-line registration. Contact Barnes Management at 319-338-2036 or barnesmanagement@compuserve.com for more information.
		39K posted 08/27/02 40K posted 08/27/02 56K posted 08/27/02
	Iowa State Capitol Tour Guides will conduct an interactive "virtual" tour of the Capitol via the ICN for Iowa students grades 4, 5, and 6.
		14K posted 08/27/02 29K posted 08/27/02 11K posted 08/27/02
June 18, 2002
	Brochure concerning an ICN session on indoor air quality "Tools for Schools" program
	Attending the workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to meet with other school personnel and indoor air professionals to share ideas for improving indoor air quality in your school. Attendees will learn about an indoor air quality management program that can be tailored to their specific needs and resources, and the advantages of taking a pro-active approach to indoor air issues. Tips and checklists for typical school audiences will be illustrated.
		227K posted 06/18/02 113K posted 06/18/02
May 23, 2002
	Iowa Star Schools Project 2002-2003 “connectivity awards”
	The Iowa Star Schools Project is pleased to once again announce that a new round of competitive “connectivity awards” for public elementary and middle schools will be available during the 2002-2003 school year. These awards will likely fund items such as telecommunications connections for Internet access, videoconferencing, computers for connection to the Internet, various equipment for student produced media as well as staff development for teachers in the use of various telecommunications and technology. Please note that once again the focus for Star Schools awards during this period will be on public elementary and middle schools.
	Memo to Administrators
		221K posted 05/23/02 updated 09/19/02 217K posted 05/23/02 updated 09/19/02 33K posted 05/23/02 updated 09/19/02
	Teachers should save receipts for new tax deduction.
	“Many teachers dip into their own pockets when funds for classroom supplies run out before the school year does,” said IRS Commissioner Charles O. Rossotti. “A new law gives them a tax break this year and next, and we want them to have the records they’ll need to claim it on their returns.”
	IRS News Release IR-2002-65
		105K posted 05/23/02 106K posted 05/23/02 30K posted 05/23/02
	IRS Publication 3991
		150K posted 05/23/02
April 09, 2002
	Monetary grant for districts, schools and state educational departments
	Green School Project is providing cash grants to schools, districts, and state educational departments that will recycle depleted printer cartridges and copying machine toner cartridges (instead of throwing them in the trash). Participants receive quarterly payment checks for their participation. Schools that have an effective person in charge of this grant generally receive over $1000.00 per year. Central offices and state departments of education are also eligible and typically receive payments in the thousands per year. There is NO MAXIMUM LIMIT OF GRANT MONEY that a school, district, or State DOE can receive through this program.
		12k posted 04/09/02 24k posted 04/09/02 16k posted 04/09/02
January 07, 2002
	Redefinition of High School: A Vision for Iowa
	This is a pivotal point in the history of public education. The learner has changed and today's classroom, administrative and policy leaders manage learning communities in a "24/7" world. Leaders of the 21st century high school need to adapt now. "Redefinition of High School: a Vision for Iowa", developed by members of the Urban Education Network, offers a vision of sweeping change in Iowa's high schools. This "valuable resource" and comprehensive reference provides an information base and a solid framework with strategies and action steps organized around 12 priority topics for transforming high schools. Copies of the report are available from the Urban Education Network of Iowa for $20.00. To order your copy, call, fax, or email, your order to: Urban Education Network of Iowa 2124 Grand Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50312 Tele: 515-242-7955 Fax: 515-242-7991 Email: uen@dmps.k12.ia.us
November 29, 2001
	Redistricting and Reprecincting
	All superintendents should review the School Redistricting and Reprecincting Guide for important deadline information. See the memo below or visit the Secretary of State web site. (http://www.sos.state.ia.us)
		17K posted 11/29/01 29K posted 11/29/01 27K posted 11/29/01
October 29, 2001
	President Bush Urges International Friendship
	President Bush announced Oct. 25 the creation of "Friendship Through Education," a consortium of groups that will promote rapport between U.S. students and students of Muslim countries. (http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/10-2001/wh-011025.html)