Happy to Meet You!

Welcome to the first edition of the Idaho Public Television Education Newsletter!

We hope that you find our brand-new, twice-monthly newsletter informative, helpful, and fun! We are here to serve you, whether you are a parent or caregiver, teacher, librarian, or organization supporting the educational interests of Idaho's children.
We are your source for the latest on local education events related to STEM, early literacy, and school readiness; free educational materials and resources; professional development opportunities in education; and so much more.
Hello! My name is Kari Wardle and I’m Idaho Public Television's Education Manager. Prior to joining Idaho Public Television in 2017, I taught elementary school for 10 years.

I provide professional development and support to Idaho teachers, with a focus on integrating technology into the classroom. I am passionate about education and LOVE working with teachers.
¡Bienvenidos! I am Florina Ruvio, Idaho Public Television’s Family Education Specialist.

I work with Idaho families and schools to help caregivers foster children's love of learning, with a focus on deep engagement, including school readiness and STEM workshops. As an advocate for the prevention of child abuse, I also offer workshops on Adverse Childhood Experiences and what can be done to mitigate them—personally and at the community level.
Hello! I’m Trisha Mick, the Community Education Specialist at Idaho Public Television.
 
In my role, I get to bring fun and free educational activities and resources to communities all across Idaho. I focus on reaching youth in school and at libraries and early childhood centers, and I also work with informal educators in a variety of settings.
 
I am passionate about early childhood education, literacy, and STEM. As a native Idahoan and former children's librarian who grew up watching Idaho Public Television, I consider this my dream job. I am so excited to meet you and help support your community.
Parent Talk topic for January is Getting Ready for Kindergarten. Join Idaho classroom teachers and IdahoPTV's Family Education Specialist Florina Ruvio on Zoom to discuss specific actions you can take to prepare your child for his or her first year of school.
Gather the gang for Family Night, featuring movie specials or themed programming every Friday from 7 to 9 pm and repeating on Saturday and Sunday evenings. This week: Curious George Double Feature, "Follow That Monkey," and "Back to the Jungle."

January 14: Tech Talk Tuesday. Every week, we release new virtual discussions about teaching and learning with technology. Stream anytime!


Ongoing: Earn certification hours and discover new tools to inspire young minds. Self-Paced Learning for PreK-2 Teachers.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, January 17, 2022
 
Join PBS LearningMedia in observing and celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr., Day with this special collection of resources related to Dr. King and his achievements. Explore Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Resources. Find additional materials here.

Although Martin Luther King, Jr., Day became a federal holiday in 1986, it wasn't until 2000 that all 50 states honored the day. In 1990, Idaho became the 47th state to approve the holiday, officially named "Martin Luther King, Jr./Idaho Human Rights Day."
Early Elementary Planning Kits

Teach your way during the 2021-22 school year with this timely collection of flexible resources, aligned to monthly themes and skills for PreK-2 students.

Use the monthly Teach Your Way calendar & teacher planner to integrate media in creative and developmentally appropriate ways.

Looking for middle and high school resources and planning support? Check out the Expanding Narratives Using Media: A Planning Kit. 
2022 PBS KIDS Writers Contest 

We are seeking young writers and artists in kindergarten through third grade to submit their original, illustrated stories to the 28th annual IdahoPTV PBS KIDS Writers Contest.

Deadline for Entries: March 19, 2022.

Changing Lives

"The material from Idaho Public Television and PBS is what I want my kids to learn. I love that it’s all family oriented."

Idaho Public Television supports the entire learning ecosystem and promotes lifelong learning by offering educational programs, activities and resources across Idaho. Hear from Idaho parents, teachers, and community members are putting IdahoPTV educational materials to use in homes, schools, and libraries across the state.
January 4: Tech Talk Tuesday. Join IdahoPTV and MontanaPBS for a weekly virtual discussion about teaching and learning with technology. Hosted by Kari Wardle and Nikki Vradenburg, public media educators who are tech nerds and former classroom teachers! 

January 11: Tech Talk Tuesday

January 26, 6-7pm, Zoom: Parent Talk: Getting Ready for Kindergarten. Join Idaho classroom teachers and IdahoPTV's Family Education Specialist Florina Ruvio on Zoom to discuss specific actions you can take to prepare your child for his or her first year of school.