CONNECTING EDUCATORS

Our official 2025 STEM Tool Gift List is here, and it's your guide to finding the perfect present for every innovator. This year's curated list is packed with hands-on gifts for all ages, from preschoolers (Ages 3+) to high schoolers (up to Age 18). Feel free to share this list with your families so everyone can find the ideal gift!

Click here to explore the full 2025 STEM Tool Gift List and shop now!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mDKKRTIEN8bK88NX5gYI86FYKb4mOCWa-CyxaOWUkys/edit?usp=sharing

This new program is designed to help teachers discover great tabletop games, ignite classroom engagement, make meaningful standards connections, and explore hands-on learning in a fun, low pressure environment!

How it Works:

• Participants will receive a game to borrow each week for four weeks to explore asynchronously and receive SCECH credit.

• The program wraps up with a game night at One North, where educators can enjoy free food, try new games together, and receive credit to purchase classroom games.

• Limit of 30 Educators

Register Here - bit.ly/table-games-brains

Get ready to level up your next project! TeamJXN is thrilled to announce a fresh collection of innovative, hands-on learning materials now available for checkout.

Spark creativity and dive into the world of STEM with these exciting new items:

• 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen: Draw in three dimensions!
• Lego Spike Prime: Combine the creativity of LEGO with coding and robotics.
• Marty the Robot: A fun, educational walking robot you can program.
• Strawbees Robotics Kit: Build giant, motorized structures and inventions.

Visit our website today to reserve your kit: bit.ly/teamjxncheckout

Our recent Professional Development on "Unboxing STEM and Literature" was a resounding success, demonstrating innovative ways to bring cross-curricular concepts into the classroom! The first session focused on integrating literacy using the book "On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue," which tells the story of Milton Hershey. Participants then moved into a hands-on STEM activity where they built and refined a miniature working conveyor belt designed to move chocolate. The central theme of the activity was perseverance which mirrored Milton Hershey's real-life struggles and ultimate success. Our educators embraced the challenge, demonstrating how they will encourage students to "keep trying" and iterate on their designs, turning setbacks into learning opportunities. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this PD session so engaging and impactful!

Columbia Central Jr High

There is still time to join "Unboxing Lit & STEM: PL in a Box," a flexible, self-paced professional learning series designed for K-12 educators. Each box contains a book, lesson plans, and supplies for a hands-on STEM experience. This series highlights three books from the REMC Promoting STEM Through Literature initiative.

Course Details

• Book 3: The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan: Inventor, Entrepreneur, Hero

• Course runs Feb 2 - Mar 31, 2026 - Registration Closes Jan. 11

• Cost: FREE!

• 3 FREE SCECHS

• Complete the book and lesson anytime within the two months

• Registration: Each book is limited to 25 teachers, so register today. You can sign up for one, two, or all three boxes. Register here: https://bit.ly/unboxLIT

We’re calling on all elementary & middle school STEM educators to unite and build a countywide collaborative! This series is all about connection, collaboration, and growth.

• Build relationships with fellow STEM teachers

• Learn strategies for student engagement, project design, AI, & funding

• Collaborate + network on new ideas

🎯 Target Audience: PK–8 STEM Teachers

⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📆 Dates & Locations:

• Jan 22 – Kratz Education Center 🏫
  

• Apr 16 – Kratz Education Center 🏫
  

➡️ Register Here

We’d like to shine the spotlight on Alex Garman, one of the dedicated Network Engineers in our Technology Department! Alex is essential to keeping our systems running smoothly and securely. He works behind the scenes managing our complex network infrastructure, ensuring reliable connectivity, and troubleshooting issues so our team can operate without interruption. Whether it's upgrading hardware, optimizing system performance, or maintaining cybersecurity measures, Alex's expertise ensures our network foundation is solid. We're proud to have his skills and dedication supporting JCISD's Technology Department!

A massive shout-out to our incredible Tech Department for their phenomenal performance in November! We are thrilled to announce that the team closed out an astounding 1,677 support tickets last month. This incredible effort demonstrates their efficiency, dedication, and commitment to providing timely and effective support across the organization. Closing this volume of tickets ensures that your systems are running smoothly, issues are resolved quickly, and we can all maintain peak productivity. Well done, team!

Malware is malicious software that can track what you do online, damage your computer, or steal your personal information.

• To prevent malware, it’s important to use a reliable antivirus program, keep your operating system and apps updated, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unverified websites.
• You can also stay protected by enabling two-factor authentication, creating strong and unique passwords, and being cautious when opening email attachments since they may contain viruses.

Example of a Malware Website:

• A suspicious site might look like this: Freemovies-downloads123 with the message “Download the newest movies for FREE!” It might feature a large green Download Now button, a pop-up claiming “Click here to get premium access,” and a box asking for your email and password to “verify your age.”
• This is dangerous because of the suspicious URL, fake promises, pushy download buttons, and requests for personal information.
• Other red flags include missing security icons (like the padlock), poor grammar, and strange file types such as .exe or .zip.
• If you encounter a site like this, do not click anything; close the tab immediately. If you accidentally downloaded something, run a full antivirus scan, and if you entered any passwords, change them right away using a different, trusted device.

Creating a presentation from scratch just got a whole lot faster. The Gemini App now features the ability to generate full slide presentations using a simple text prompt or by uploading a source document in Canvas.

• Gemini will instantly create a presentation complete with a theme and relevant images.
• Once generated, you can easily export the presentation directly to Google Slides to refine it, collaborate with your team, or present immediately.
• Start creating presentations in a snap today! Read the full update here

Ready to bring the power of AI into your classroom? Google for Education has released a new collection of resources designed specifically for K-12 educators!

Discover ready-to-use AI prompts for teaching, designed to help you:

• Personalize instruction

• Streamline lesson prep

• Spark new ideas

The resources also include information on Gemini for Education, a version of Gemini built with the unique needs of the education community in mind, and a guide with 100+ ideas for using Gemini in the classroom.

Start exploring these valuable AI tools and guides today: Access the K-12 AI Educator Resources

Formative assessment doesn't have to be complicated! Discover five practical and engaging ways to check for student understanding in real-time using the Google tools you already use every day.

1. Google Forms for quick, flexible exit tickets.

2. Google Slides with Q&A or Pear Deck for live, interactive questioning.

3. Google Docs for collaborative summary writing.

4. Google FigJam for visual thinking and concept mapping.

5. Google Classroom's "Question" feature for low-stakes, individual reflections.

Stop guessing and start knowing what your students have learned! Check out this article written by Diana Benner - TCEA's 5 Ways to Check for Understanding

Ready to bring the cutting-edge world of Artificial Intelligence into your classroom without needing any prior experience?

Trusted Resources: Content from leading STEM and CS organizations ensures quality and relevance.

• CS for All Resources

• Resources by Forward Education

• Microsoft Arcade
• CodeMonkey Activities
• No Experience Needed: Lessons are designed for all grade bands, subjects, and experience levels—no prior coding or AI knowledge is required for students or educators.
• Spark curiosity and inspire creative thinking in your students!
• Register Your Hour of AI Here - https://csforall.org/en-US/hour-of-ai/how-to/k-12educator
  

  
  

Click the links below to have access to all of Wayground's most popular resources!

Mission.io transforms your classroom into a collaborative simulation, empowering students to solve real-world challenges together. This highly engaging and easy-to-implement program is already gaining traction in districts statewide. Take advantage of an extended access program offered through REMC and MACUL:

• Access through February: Simply complete the sign-up form.

• Access through June: Renew your complimentary MACUL membership.

https://mission.io/michigan

Roblox is a massive, complex world, not just a simple game. Knowing how it works is key to keeping your students and kids safe. With millions of experiences and its own economy, it can be tough for teachers and parents to keep up. Common Sense Media has created the Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Roblox to help you understand the platform and set appropriate boundaries.

Inside the Guide, You'll Learn:

• Platform Safety: How to navigate issues like mature content, scams, and interactions with other players.

• Privacy Controls: Step-by-step instructions for setting up the best privacy and parental controls.

• The Economy: An explanation of "Robux" (the in-game currency) and the virtual marketplace.

Empower yourself with the knowledge to make sure your students or child's experience is fun, healthy, and safe. Read the full guide now for essential tips and controls: Parents' Ultimate Guide to Roblox

MACUL is updating its membership database, and all current and future members must complete our form to maintain their membership and continue receiving benefits.

Visit the MACUL website (https://zurl.co/xNhCk ) to renew and before you register for the 2026 MACUL Conference!

Join over 4,000 educators for three days of cutting-edge EdTech tools, classroom resources, and learning strategies. This year's conference features over 300 sessions, 200+ exhibitors, and inspiring keynotes from speakers like Ariam Mogos, Jordyn Zimmerman, Holly Clark, and more.

When & Where:

• Workshops: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

• General Conference: Thursday, March 19 – Friday, March 20, 2026

• Location: Amway Grand and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Registration is NOW OPEN! Don't miss the chance to network with passionate EdTech leaders and get hands-on with the latest innovations.

Ready to register? Visit the official MACUL Conference website today for rates, hotel reservations, and to secure your spot: maculconference.org

The seventh annual Wayne RESA Maker-STEM Summit will be on February 12, 2026, at The Henry Ford Museum where you will get the chance to engage in the maker mindset of “learning through doing” and will delve into ways to expand maker and STEM opportunities for students.

• Connect with maker-minded educators
• Engage in maker-centered challenges
• Participate in hands-on activities
• Explore maker-centered technologies
• Attend interactive breakout sessions

Guest speaker, Tony Vincent, brings his signature creativity and contagious enthusiasm to every learning experience. Known for helping educators and students transform ideas into interactive, meaningful creations, Tony will guide us through the art of “vibe coding” where imagination meets innovation and code becomes a canvas for creativity.

Register to Attend

AT Live! Training sessions will be hosted throughout the school year once a month on Wednesdays. Please see WisdomWhere for more information!

Region IV AT Consortium welcomes Caroline Gaddy for a FREE virtual presentation on Reconsidering & Reframing Autistic Social Skills on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Learn how autistic people may communicate in ways that are different but meaningful. In this session, we’ll talk about common misunderstandings, explore ways to build stronger two-way connections, and practice using positive language that highlights student strengths.

There are 3 ways to participate:

1. Register through Wayne RESA and watch Live at JCISD Central Campus PD Space with the AT Team**

2. Register through Wayne RESA and watch Live on your own

3. Register through Wayne RESA and watch when you are able, up to 6 months after the session

TeamJXN Disclaimer: Information and resources shared in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement. While we strive for accuracy, it's always a good idea to verify details, especially those related to specific systems or processes, by submitting a support ticket or contacting the technology department. Please use discretion when implementing suggestions.

Email: kellie.delossantos@jcisd.org, paul.smith@jcisd.org, jeanelle.wonders@jcisd.org
Website: edtech.jcisd.org
Location: 6700 Browns Lake Road, Jackson, MI, United States
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