Last Friday, we welcomed students, counselors, social workers, and representatives from Kane County offices to our annual Youth Voices Forum on Mental Health at Elgin Community College. This event, now in its seventh year, was organized by the Kane County System of Care, which includes the Kane County ROE, the Kane County Juvenile Justice Council, Kane County Health Department, the Kane County Behavioral Health Council, and the All Our Kids Early Childhood Networks. | | Throughout the day, the over 120 students in attendance engaged with various panels of professionals and participated in group discussions about enhancing mental health support in our community. They also had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Nathan Harmon, who delivered an inspiring presentation about his own experiences with mental health. | | | It was truly inspiring to see students come together, connect with their peers, and discuss this vital topic. We are grateful to each of them for taking the time to listen to one another and share their stories, which helps us learn how to better improve mental health support services within our county's schools. | | Continuing to learn strategies for improving and addressing school attendance | | Also at Elgin Community College, on January 29, Dr. Patricia Graczyk led the second in a series of four workshops jointly sponsored by the Kane County ROE and the Kane County Juvenile Justice Council on a Multi-Dimensional, Multi-Tiered System of Supports for students that she helped develop. This workshop focused on Tier 2 interventions. | | | ROE staff members took part in this workshop, along over 100 educators! To register for the next one, set for April 16th, click below (it's free to attend!). | | The Kane County ROE is hiring! | | Looking for a new career? Want to make a difference in the Kane County community? The ROE currently has two openings with our team! Learn more about each position below. | | Director of Communications and Marketing | This role oversees messaging, media relations, digital platforms, marketing campaigns, and stakeholder engagement to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. | | Regional Homeless Liaison | This position provides support and services to school districts and students experiencing homelessness in all aspects of the McKinney Vento Act and the Illinois Education for Homeless Children Act. | | *NEW* ADMIN. ACADEMY: Using Protocols to Guide Professional Learning Conversations | |
Protocols can be valuable tools for guiding professional conversations and promoting a collaborative environment.
If you're looking to incorporate these into your discussions, AA#1544 will guide you in effectively engaging with colleagues and help you ensure that every voice in the room is heard!
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PD Hours: 5 | Cost: $150
On-Demand, Online, 60 days to complete from enrollment
| | Parents, teachers, and students invited to take the 5 Essentials Survey | |
The 5Essentials Survey is now open and accepting responses from Illinois parents, teachers and students through March 13. We highly encourage you take the time to complete this survey, as the results provide valuable insights into school climate and organizational conditions that support student success.
Visit isbe.net for more information about this survey, and click below to submit your response.
| | Interested in National Board Certification? | |
The Kane County ROE is collaborating with the National Board Resource Center (NBRC) to host a free, informational meeting for educators interested in National Board Certification. Achieving this distinction is a powerful step toward advancing your career, enhancing your teaching skills, and making a lasting impact in the classroom.
During the meeting, you will learn more about the process, as well as the benefits and financial incentives available to eligible candidates.
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Date: February 24
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Online (link will be provided)
| | | | | SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: $3,000 for Environmental/Natural Science Students | The Friends of Moraine Hills State Park are awarding TWO $3,000 scholarships to eligible students in 2026. This includes Kane County residents! | | Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2026. Click below to learn more, check eligibility, and apply. | | Nominate your Kane County Educator of the Year! | |
Our annual celebration of Kane County's dedicated educational staff has been around for half a century, and we want your school to be a part of our upcoming celebration on Friday, May 1, 2026!
We will be accepting nominations for these awards until March 6. Both public and non-public schools in Kane County are highly encouraged to submit. Help us celebrate the exceptional educators who positively impact our community every day!
| | Looking for a new way to get your students thinking before a lesson begins? Watch this Branching Out to uncover a flexible strategy from Jenny Clark that will spark their curiosity. | | |
Elsa Glover shares a strategy from literacy expert, Dr. Katie McKnight. It's a simple way for students to track their thinking as they engage with content!
| | Additional professional learning opportunities | | |
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April 14, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
AA#3807 | Leadership and Learning: Implementing a Change Process (Online, $175)
| | | *NEW*! AA#913 | Building a Common Purpose and Vision for the School Improvement Process (Online, $150) |
|  | Build School Communities: Brain Smart Classroom Management (Online, $200) |
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