A new direction. A time for a change. District of Columbia Public School (DCPS) will extend the school year for ten schools in the 2016/2017 school year.

Is it the days, or meeting testing requirements? 

Take it to a new level.  Additional days for practical additions such as:  resume building, interviewing skills, additional days to meet volunteer requirements, free emergency management training from FEMA (training.fema.gov).  Time for a change.   2016 the Year for Change.

BEMA

February 3, 2016 | Volume 2, Issue 4 Washingtonians, We all know that the pathway to the middle class begins with a great education.  Here in the District, our public schools are on the up and up.  High school graduation rates are increasing, student satisfaction is improving, and enrollment is growing. As your Mayor, I am committed to building on our progress – ramping up education reform.  All this week, I have been highlighting new programs and policies that will strengthen our schools.  We are retaining top-notch principals and teachers. We are giving parents and students the ability to find the best school for them through the My School DC lottery. We are launching new academies to prepare our students for the good-paying jobs of the future. We are giving families resources to help their youngest children get a jump start, through ‘Books from Birth.’  And we are recruiting mentors to help our young men of color, who are most at risk of falling behind.  We are also making sure that every minute students spend in school counts.  This morning, I announced that District of Columbia Public School (DCPS) will extend the school year for ten schools in the 2016/2017 school year. Research suggests that the ‘summer slide’ contributes to the achievement gap – when disadvantaged kids tend to lose the gains they made during the school year.  With this extended year, we will take another big step toward reducing the achievement gap. Together, we will ensure that children in all 8 wards have a fair shot to live up to their enormous potential. Sincerely, Muriel Bowser Mayor 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Yesterday, Mayor Bowser and Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey S. DeWitt released the District’s 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This is the 19th consecutive year in which the District received a clean audit opinion. For the first time, the audit found no Material Weaknesses or Significant Deficiencies in the central government. This report confirms that the District’s finances are strong – and are getting stronger. Read more here. The District weathered a historic storm – with nearly 3.5 billion cubic feet of snow falling on our city.  That’s roughly the weight of 163 Washington Monuments and 2,109 U.S. Capitol domes! I want to thank all of our residents who really stepped up to the plate to help us with the big ‘dig out.’ It was an ‘all hands on deck’ effort, but we did it! While this was this winter’s first major snowfall, it’s likely not the last. Next time it snows, we’ll need your help clearing sidewalks and curb-cuts for elderly and disabled residents. Will you volunteer with the District’s Resident Snow Team? Visit serve.dc.gov to sign up.  One Resident’s Story We’ve been inspired by the messages that have come in from across the city during last week’s storm, about neighbors helping neighbors. Thanks to Judy and Gary Kopff for sharing the following story, and thank you so much to “B” and the 3,000+ volunteers who volunteered their time and muscle to help their neighbors.  #DCProud More than a year ago, my husband, Gary, and I enrolled in the DC Office on Aging’s program to receive free snow shoveling help for seniors and people with disabilities. Although we did not receive any offers of assistance during last year’s snow storms, we were surprised and thrilled early this afternoon when a young woman in her late 30s rang our bell and said that she was here to shovel our walkways for free. Our wonderful volunteer from the DC Resident Snow Team was Biljana (known as “B”) Milenkovic, who told me that she lives one block away from us. “B” also works for Marion Wright Edelman (our neighbor) as Manager of Social Media and Video Production of the Children’s Defense Fund. “B” told me that she has volunteered often for various DC Government programs since she arrived here from Serbia a few years ago. When I asked why she signed up to help seniors and disabled people with their snow shoveling and snow removal needs, she said something to the effect of, “How could I NOT sign up?” We need more people like “B” in this world! “B” spent more than 90 minutes shoveling our walkways in the front and back of our house and spreading our ice melt on our back patio. She was enthusiastic, industrious, and happy to help. I gave her in return a container of my homemade lentil soup, plus a big hug. Because I learned on LinkedIn that “B” is a seasoned storyteller in addition to her other talents, I asked if she would be willing to join Gary and me some time in our volunteer performances as clowns at local hospitals and for various non-profits, and of course, she answered yes. Many thanks to “B” Milenkovic and the DC Office on Aging for a job well done. If you’re feeling inspired and want to sign-up for the next time it snows, call Serve DC at 202-727-7925. Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Announcement: Safety Manager, District Department of Transportation The mission of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment. DDOT’s Progressive Transportation Services Administration has an opening for a Safety Manager. This individual is responsible for maintaining the highest safety standards in the delivery of transit operations and compliance with applicable federal and local safety laws, regulations, and requirement. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of safety experience in transit is required. Additional details regarding this vacancy can be found by visiting the job announcement. STAY CONNECTED:     Questions? Contact Us SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:   Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help This message has been sent by the District of Columbia · Washington, D.C. 20004

D.C. Government. Free Job Skills Classes for Residents.

Black History Month\Ancestry Remembrance. Event. Chicago, Feb 25-27, 2016

Remembering the past, to know the present, and make changes for our future.

BEMA

Come, Let Us Build A New World Together: Fifty Years after the Mississippi Summer Project Join us for a three day conference that will focus on the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and lessons from the Mississippi Summer Project for youth activists today. Speakers include Freedom Rider and SNCC staff member John Hardy, “Faces of Freedom Summer” photographer Herbert Randall, and Bree Newsome, the young African American woman who removed the confederate flag from the grounds of the South Carolina State House last June. The interactive conference also includes panels, discussion circles, films, and musical performances by the SNCC Freedom Singers, the Mark Durham Trio and others. When: February 25-27, 2016 Where: Benedictine University, Lisle, Illinois (Thursday) Roosevelt University, Chicago (Friday & Saturday) Register today

2016. Computer Science For All

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, I was lucky to have teachers in my local public school who found creative and exciting ways to introduce me to all of the STEM (science, tech, engineering and math) disciplines. Hands-on experiences with innovative technology built my confidence and skills for the future and helped me understand that STEM, especially computer science, could be used to make the world a better place. And now, we have the chance to work together to expand that hands-on learning experience to all children across America, with President Obama's new Computer Science for All (#CSforAll) initiative. The President's bold new proposal will empower students from kindergarten through high school to learn computer science, equipping them with the analytical skills they need to be creators in the digital economy, not just consumers, and to apply their passion and enthusiasm to solving problems using technology. The United States has been home to so many amazing digital inventions -- from Silicon Valley to its counterparts like Austin, Boston, Eastern Kentucky, Louisville, Boise, Salt Lake, Atlanta, and more. Last year, there were more than 600,000 high-paying jobs across a variety of industries in the United States that were unfilled, and by 2018, 51 percent of all STEM jobs are projected to be in CS-related fields. Our economy and our children's futures can't afford to wait. Elementary students in Baltimore, Maryland with the author. We’ve made real progress, but we have a lot of work left to do. In 22 states, computer science still doesn’t count toward high school graduation requirements for math or science, and 75% of schools don’t yet offer a single high-quality computer science course. Plus, stereotypes perpetuated by media portrayals, unconscious bias, the unsung history of CS heroes like Grace Hopper, and outdated classroom materials often discourage many from taking these courses -- they often 'opt-out' of CS even when it is offered. The good news is innovators in education are already solving these challenges and leading the way all over the country. We recently recognized just a handful of these Americans at the White House Champions of Change for Computer Science Education event. These students, teachers, and community leaders are proving what’s possible, like the Spanish teacher in Queens who co-created a “Digital Dance” experience, bringing code into school dances. Or the high school and college students who tutor their younger peers in these skills, solidifying their own knowledge through mentoring. As a kid, I was lucky to be exposed to CS -- but a lot of my generation didn’t get that chance. Let’s get all-hands-on-deck to make sure every child is learning to code as a new 'basic' skill ­-- so they can all be part of the next generation of American ingenuity, problem solving, adventure, and deep economic impact. Find out how you can get involved today, whether you are a student, teacher, techie or an interested citizen. There's something we all can do. Megan Smith U.S. Chief Technology Officer @USCTO

Car in good shape? Signup to partner with Uber.

Signup to partner with Uber and get an extra $150 after your first 20 trips! 

As an Uber driver, you�ll make good money driving when you want. Please pass this opportunity on to all that may be in need of extra money.

All you have to do is click this link to begin! https://get.uber.com/drive/?invite_code=k1ts4e

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Internship Opportunities U.S. AFRICOM & EUCOM College Intern Program links and information

Intern Program links and information

FYI/SA

  For those who have, or know of university students who may be interested, links to the AFRICOM and EUCOM internship programs are below.  

Each link is fairly comprehensive and provides all of the info you may need.

AVIP: http://www.africom.mil/staff-resources/africom-volunteer-internship-program-avip

EVIP: http://eucom.mil/organization/personnel-resources/volunteer-internship-program-evip

For our future leaders. HOT! HOT! HOT! FEMA Pathways Summer Internship Vacancies

FEMA summer announcements are open.  

Keep in mind, it’s open to the first 200; therefore, the announcement will shut down sooner than the closing date. 

Remember, to qualify for FEMA internships, applicants must be CURRENT students, at least half-time, and meet the minimum GPA requirement (2.0 for high school or undergrad, 3.0 for graduate).

Thanks in advance for sharing these with qualified candidates!

Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support) GS-399-2/5 (Grade varies by location)

DC:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427846600

Anniston: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427877800

Boston: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427866300

Bothell: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427878500

Chicago: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427879100

Denton: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427879800

Emmitsburg: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427880400

Kansas City: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427880800

Lakewood: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427881300

New York: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427881700

Round Hill: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427882300

Winchester:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427882800

Student Trainee (Information Technology) GS-2299-5

DC:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427863700

Winchester:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427877500

Boston:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427872200

Chicago:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427874600

Oakland:  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427875200

Student Trainee (Accounting and Budget) GS-599-5 (Grade varies by location)

Washington, DC

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427712100

New York, NY

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427725500

Oakland, CA

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427727800

Denton, TX

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/427729800

Training Opportunity. ICISF. Atlanta, GA Regional Training April 28-May 1, 2016

The ICISF Faculty & Staff
invite you to attend the
Atlanta, GA Regional Training
April 28-May 1, 2016

For more information, click here

New to ICISF and CISM Training?  
Get 27 contact hours of training in 3 days with this course:
Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention- Just released 5th edition curriculum

Ready for Advanced courses? 
Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis

Interested in our newest course? 
Behavioral Aspects of Integrated Community Para-medicine

Pursuing a specialty?
Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP): Coping with the Psychological Aftermath of Violence
Law Enforcement Perspectives for CISM Enhancement
Line of Duty Death: Preparing the Best for the Worst
Staff Support in the Healthcare Setting
Working with Victims of Individual and Mass Crimes

For more information and to register click here

_____________________________________________

 Can't make it to a Regional Training?
Have ICISF Faculty come to you through our Speakers Bureau Program


_____________________________________________

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
3290 Pine Orchard La, Suite 106
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Tel (410)750-9600
Fax (410) 750-9601
www.icisf.org

Situational Awareness. Zika Virus. Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal - January 28, 2016

EXPEDITED AHEAD-OF-PRINT ARTICLES — January 28, 2016 Letter Detection of Autochthonous Zika Virus Transmission in Sincelejo, Colombia Erwin Camacho, Margaret Paternina-Gomez, Pedro J. Blanco, Jorge E. Osorio, and Matthew T. Aliota To the Editor Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropodborne member of the genus Flavivirus of the Spondweni serocomplex and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes (primarily Ae. aegypti in urban and periurban cycles). ZIKV emerged in Africa and has caused outbreaks of febrile disease that clinically resemble dengue fever and other arboviral diseases (1) but has been linked to neurologic syndromes and congenital malformation (2). Outbreaks have been reported in the Yap islands of the Federated States of Micronesia (3), French Polynesia (4), and Oceania; Brazil is currently experiencing the first reported local transmission of ZIKV in the Americas (5). Volume 22, Number 5 - May 2016

 

Networking Opportunity. FREE ACPDC Meet & Greet. BCP and EM professionals. February 9, 2016

BEMA'S M&G SCHEDULED FOR WEDS FEB 17TH
But in the meantime..........

TUE, FEB 9 AT 5:30 PM   

ACPDC After work "meet and greet" at the Bistro

BY: ACP - WASH DC METRO AREA CHAPTER

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/acpdc-after-work-meet-and-greet-at-the-bistro-tickets-20862670810

Happy New Year!  

To kick off the year, were hosting an after work "meet and greet".  This is an opportunity to meet the 2016 board, network, share what’s on your “professional development” checklist, and learn about our planned initiatives for 2016.  

Please invite and bring another continuity or emergency management colleague, and don't miss out on this great opportunity to engage and share - Register now!

WHEN

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EST) - Add to Calendar

WHERE

Marriott Courtyard Wash., DC /U.S. Capitol - 1325 2nd Street Northeast Washington, DC 20002 - View Map

MARCH 3, 2016. Chamber of Digital Commerce DC Blockchain Summit. Georgetown University.

Join the BEMA collective during our new annual renewal period starting February 1, 2016.

2016 the Year of Change.  Change from pure consumers to a change force in our communities.

I will be attending.

Charles D. Sharp.  CEO.  BEMA.

                               

THU, MAR 3 AT 8:00 AM

Chamber of Digital Commerce DC Blockchain Summit

BY: CHAMBER OF DIGITAL COMMERCE

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$39–$99GET TICKETS

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Event Information

Event Description

The Chamber of Digital Commerce, in conjunction with Georgetown University, is holding the Capital’s Inaugural Blockchain Conference.

Market leading companies from every industry are pioneering with bitcoin, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies to change global finance as we know it.

We are bringing together the best and brightest minds from industry and government to Washington, DC, to provide thought leadership on the policy challenges facing this disruptive technology.

We invite you to be a part of this historic event!

Join us on Facebook and Twitter. 

For more information, visit www.DigitalChamber.org. 

If you'd like to pay for registration using bitcoin, please contact the event organizer. 

WHEN

Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (EST) - Add to Calendar

WHERE

Georgetown University: McDonough School Of Business - 37th and O St., N.W. Washington, DC 20007 - View Map