September 16, 2026

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a time for communities to recognize chronic absenteeism and understand how regular attendance is essential for building foundational skills and connecting with peers.

The second installment in our new series, The ROE Link, highlights our Student Services team and their work in schools across Kane County—partnering with students and families to address the barriers that cause chronic absenteeism.

Read more about how the team steps in when students stop showing up to school.

Our Student Photography Contest is officially underway. For Week 1, we received a record breaking 417 submissions from public and private schools across Kane County! Thank you to the 20 participating classrooms for sending in such amazing work. We can't wait to see what students capture during the rest of the contest.

The winning photographs for Week 1's theme, Monochrome, will be shared on our website and social media channels on Friday. They will also be shared in the next School of Thought newsletter, along with the Week 2 winners.

If you are a Kane County high school teacher—whether from public, private, or homeschool settings—you can still register for our photo contest. Visit our website for full details!

Join us this "bee" season!

We need your expertise!

Education professionals are invited to submit a proposal to present at the Kane County-wide Institute Day or the Arts Ed Institute on Friday, February 26! We're on the lookout for dynamic breakout sessions that provide valuable learning experiences for educators in various roles, grade levels, and content areas.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, November 2, 2026

Our primary site will be the Q Center in St. Charles, where hundreds of educators will engage in a day of professional learning and networking.

The goal of each breakout session is to equip attendees with new ideas and strategies that can be used to enhance their instruction and student engagement.

As part of Kane County Institute Day, this event, which will be held at Central High School in Burlington, is dedicated to visual arts, media, theatre, drama, and more.

We invite fine arts educators who are interested in sharing their expertise with colleagues to submit a presentation proposal.

Financial support for National Board Certification

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2027 National Board Component Subsidy through Oct. 1. ISBE assumed responsibility for the Illinois National Board Teaching Excellence Program in July.

Eligible Illinois educators pursuing or maintaining National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards may receive financial support through the component subsidy to help cover certification costs. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Please share this information with teachers and school counselors who may be interested in pursuing National Board Certification.



Visit ISBE’s National Board Component Subsidies webpage for more information and email NationalBoard@isbe.net with any questions.

Whether you are seeking more information in areas such as benefits, program options, or financial considerations, each session is designed to provide strategies to help you navigate this new chapter in your life.

Attend all or select the session that's right for your needs! Click on a date below to learn more and register for that workshop.

October 8

Redefining Purpose Beyond the Classroom - Be sure to register before October 1

January 21

Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)

March 18

Navigating Healthcare & Teacher Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP)



April 22

Financial Wellness & Post-Retirement Work Rules in Kane County

Each Workshop:

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location: 28 N 1st St., Geneva, IL 60134

PD Hour: 1 | Cost: Free

The First 45 Days of Your School's SIP: Early Implementation Checks

In this workshop, participants will examine key indicators of effective implementation during the first 45 days of school, identify strategies for monitoring progress, and reflect on systems that support accountability, alignment, and continuous improvement.

Date: October 6

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: 28 N 1st St, Geneva, IL 60134

Cost: FREE | PD Hours: 6

Be sure to register before

September 29

AA#1555 | Practical Guidance on Section 504: Developing a Defensible Plan

With this academy, participants will understand and identify the legal mandates under Section 504; identify the differences between Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004; and outline the proper procedures to follow in the development of a Section 504 Plan.



Date: October 28

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Online

PD Hours: 4.5 | Cost: $175

Be sure to register before

October 21

Branching Out is back! Watch the first two episodes or browse the full playlist of over 200 free classroom strategies below.

Elsa Glover shares a practical strategy that empowers students to stand by their ideas while welcoming new perspectives.

Faye Licari highlights a discussion strategy that encourages students to share their perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.

ON-DEMAND ACADEMY

ON-DEMAND COURSE

Have a question? Want to connect?

hello@kaneroe.org l kaneroe.org