Offices closed 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm on December 15, 2023, for Annual ROE #21 Staff Christmas Party

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Raising Student Achievement Statewide Conference 2023

The RSAC statewide conference will be held on December 11 & 12, 2023 in Oak Brook, IL. The Keynote Speakers include Aaron Polonsky and Weston Kieschnick.

Members of the ROE #21 staff will be presenting two breakout sessions!

Chronic Truancy - The Reasons and Outcomes

Speakers: John Cox, Jeffrey Bink

Social Emotional Learning...Why Bother ?

Speakers: Dr. Christine Wiggs, Janna Surrells, Sarah White, Darlene Waier, Crystal Newcomb, Dr. Julie Bullard

On behalf of ROE #21, the following two educators were given a scholarship to attend the Raising Student Achievement Conference:

Kristin Ullmark - Carterville Intermediate School
Andrea Tester - Tri-C Elementary

For more information, visit Raising Student Achievement Conference

Who is Eligible by Law?

All children and youth who don't have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, such as those living:

In an emergency or transitional shelter, with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or economic hardship (also known as doubled up)
In a motel, hotel, campground, car, bus or train station or other public place, an abandoned building
In inadequate accommodations, such as no utilities or running water, no working kitchen, infestations/mold/vermin, number of bodies vs. beds
As an Unaccompanied Youth, including youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian

We recently had the pleasure of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army of Southern Illinois’ Red Kettle Campaign! It was a heartwarming experience spreading joy and support for a cause that truly makes a difference in our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a positive impact!

If you're interested in volunteering for the ROE #21 Bell Ringing Challenge supporting the Salvation Army of Southern Illinois' Red Kettle Campaign, you can sign up here: https://buff.ly/3StPGSI

Learn More about the McKinney-Vento Program

EDGE STUDENTS SPEAK AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON

The Franklin County EDGE Board of Directors sponsored its Annual Luncheon at Seasoning Bistro on the Square in Benton on November 29. Students in the Regional EDGE (Entrepreneurial Development, Growth and Education) Program were featured as they shared information on their experiences so far this year. Nine students proudly represented Benton, Sesser-Valier and Zeigler-Royalton High Schools.

The students were excited to share information about their most recent group project – the Runway Rodeo! Facilitator Messersmith emphasized that the students handled every aspect of this very big undertaking and accomplished it within a very short timeframe. Each student highlighted what they learned from this project and then shared a couple of comments on what they would do differently if they host this rodeo again! A portion of their profits will go toward their Annual Trade Show in the Spring of 2024. This event will showcase the businesses the students are developing at this time.

ROE #21 Brain Games Competition

Celebrating Teamwork and Creative Thinking

A couple of weeks ago, our community witnessed an inspiring showcase of mental agility and strategic brilliance at the ROE #21's Brain Games Competition. This eagerly anticipated event surpassed all expectations.

The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and a spirit of healthy competition. Participants embraced the challenges with tenacity, showcasing their problem-solving skills, creativity, and quick-thinking abilities.

The Brain Games Competition served as a reminder that irrespective of age or background, the pursuit of knowledge and the exercise of our minds is a journey without boundaries.

The success of the Brain Games Competition wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our participants, the support of our teachers, and the invaluable contributions of our sponsors.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making ROE #21's Brain Games Competition an unforgettable experience.

Stay tuned for the Regional Brain Games Competition in Spring 2024!

First Place Winners!

3rd/4th Grade - Johnston City

5th/6th Grade - Benton

7th/8th Grade - Thompsonville

High School - Herrin High School

How to Stop Truancy: Tips for Parents

As a parent, you want the best for your child’s future. You also have a legal responsibility to make sure your school-registered child attends school. If your child misses too much school, you risk being fined or even being jailed. School attendance is serious business. What you do as a parent can make a big difference in your child’s life.

Obtain a copy of the school districts policies and procedures regarding attendance and truancy. Attendance and truancy information is often contained in the student conduct section of a school districts policy manual and is likely to be found in the Student Handbook issued by many schools. Some school districts place their policies on their Web sites.
Know your child’s school attendance policy, the time school starts, the difference between an excused and unexcused absence, and share the information with your child.
Contact the administrator of the school, or the school district administrator responsible for attendance or truancy.
Talk to your kids about the role education plays in future/ life success. Let them know that you do not approve of them missing school. Refuse to write an excuse for unacceptable reasons. Review acceptable and unacceptable behavior with your child. Discuss homework rules.
Ask your child his/her thoughts on truancy.

Thanksgiving Dinner

It smelled like Thanksgiving dinner at ECHO Alternative School just before Thanksgiving break!! I was so blessed to be invited to one of THE best Thanksgiving meals I've ever eaten!! Our STARQuest Academy students and staff did not miss a detail. The table was set with real dishes, silverware, fancy glasses, name plates, and napkins folded into roses. The students greeted us at the door, sat us, refilled our drinks, passed the food dishes, and modeled how to eat family-style. We shared what we were thankful for. We laughed and we cried. It was such a humbling and wonderful opportunity for fellowship... and to experience what they worked so hard to achieve!! I was so impressed with it all... they, literally, went above and beyond!!

I'm thankful that I'm afforded the opportunity to work alongside such amazing humans on a daily basis and am so proud of them all!!

~ C Hale, Principal

A Day with Ruby Payne

We were overjoyed with the turnout for our recent event, "A Day with Ruby Payne!" Thanks to everyone who registered for this fun event!

The day brought together a diverse community of educators and support staff, all eager to delve into the profound insights shared by the esteemed Ruby Payne. Her expertise in the field of education, poverty, and social economics resonated profoundly with our audience, sparking engaging discussions and offering invaluable perspectives.

We are incredibly grateful for the turnout that packed the Pavilion to capacity. Your presence and active engagement truly made the event a grand success. The impact of "A Day with Ruby Payne" doesn't end with the event itself. The ideas, strategies, and perspectives shared during this insightful day will continue to reverberate within our community, inspiring us to implement positive change and foster greater empathy and understanding.

Thank you once again for being part of this remarkable journey. Stay tuned for more inspiring events and opportunities to learn and grow together!