From the Desk of the Superintendent | | |
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Students are Back to School at Summit Academy | |
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It's that time of year, and the halls of Summit Academy are once again filled with middle and high school students. As has become an annual tradition, seasoned and newly introduced staff and administrators were excited to roll out the "Summit Blue" carpet for students attending the first day of classes on site at the Machesney Park campus.
The fanfare of signage and a smiling, all-hands-on-deck attitude was, of course, planned as a way to mark the start of the new school year. However, with this unique student body (they are all attending classes away from their home school), it was also a way for staff to demonstrate an appreciative climate for these students, that the entire school community is available and ready to support them, and that they are valued.
The fun welcome was extended to all 100+ students who were scheduled for in-person attendance on the first day. They will quickly acclimate to their new school routine and begin their journey of success in the best way - on a positive note.
Welcome Back, Eagles!
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Zoe Walker Begins New School Year as
Summit Academy School Resource Officer
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If you see a Winnebago County Sheriff squad car parked at Summit Academy, don't automatically think the worst. In fact, the Summit Academy Administrative Team hopes you'll actually think the very, VERY best! Because that's exactly what she is. Zoe Walker has been chosen as Summit's new SRO, and Executive Director Nicole Corbett is excited to have Officer Walker's presence on campus.
Mrs. Corbett and her staff felt issue intervention in real-time would add a layer of security and groundedness for both students and staff. They also felt positive exposure to law enforcement would be one more teaching moment for the middle and high school students who walk the halls of the Academy.
Ms. Walker shared that she is "SO excited to work on building relationships with students and foster a better understanding of police in the community." She continued, "I am hoping to bring a positive view of police and educate students on what they want to know about policing. When I was in school, I wanted to be a teacher, so being able to be a police officer in a school is a dream come true!"
Zoe has earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice through Rock Valley College and is currently working towards a Bachelor's in Psychology through Upper Iowa University. What else should we know about her? Well, she enjoys hiking, working out, fostering dogs, and hanging out with friends and family. She has a dog, Artemis, and a cat, Apollo. A few fun facts are that her favorite color is pink, she LOVES iced coffee, and she flew a plane in middle school!
It was difficult for Mrs. Corbett to contain her excitement when speaking about Zoe and having an SRO in their midst, stating, "This is great! We had been trying (to obtain an SRO) for a year. We are over the moon. And, Officer Walker studied to be a teacher and also went to Harlem!" It's probably no coincidence that Summit Academy falls in the Harlem #122 School District and is housed on what was previously the site of the Harlem 9th Grade Campus.
Welcome "home" to Summit Academy, Officer Walker!
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Summit Middle School Receives Classroom Updates | |
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The Summit Academy Middle School recently received numerous updates in time to begin the FY24 school year. All new furniture was installed in the middle school section of the Academy to enhance direct instruction. This included a kidney shaped table, flexible seating, 1:1 tutoring space, a classroom library, a calm corner, and SMARTboards.
Kaileigh Lobrano is pictured above utilizing several of the new middle school updates as she teaches RSSP Middle School Basecamp.
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ROE 4 Professional Learning Begins School Year with New Director
School administrators have so much on their plates at the start of the school year, it's often difficult to even imagine also planning required continuing education for their staff. They understand the most impactful outcomes for educators can only be gained from training with experienced experts who possess strong leadership skills. Employing only the best of the best, the Regional Office is confident their newest Professional Learning Team Leader fits that description perfectly.
ROE 4 is excited to share that Carrie Brockway is the new Director of Professional Learning at ROE 4. Carrie accepted the role after a third grade teaching career in Kinnikinnick Schools, where she earned a Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. She is also proud of her 17 years of service to the Pecatonica School District as their elementary principal, during which time Pecatonica Elementary School was named a 2015 High Performing National Blue Ribbon School. Mrs. Brockway has also taught a wide variety of elementary and secondary coursework at the collegiate level for many years. She continues to lead professional development in best practices in reading and math instruction across the country.
Carrie will head up a Regional Office team which includes ROE veterans Linda DeYounge, PL Facilitator, and Diane Capriola, PL Coordinator. Other newcomers to the Professional Learning Division are Leanna Keith, PL Coach, and Jennifer Kaiser, SEL Specialist/Coach. These new hires were a must as the PL needs of the districts served by the ROE had continued to outgrow staff capacity.
The entire team is already teaching customized professional development in closed sessions in our region. These school- and district-specific training profiles are quickly drawing attention with an increased number of requests for personalized training throughout Northern Illinois. Mrs. Brockway is extremely encouraged by her team's dynamic chemistry and willingness to grow to meet those added needs. Please help us welcome Carrie Brockway to her new position, and feel free to reach out via email to [email protected] with congratulations and/or Professional Learning questions.
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Highlights of a Busy Summer Course Schedule
for ROE 4 Professional Learning
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Science of Reading with Dr. Amy Stewart saw a sold-out crowd in literacy best practices and engagement with Science of Reading in this two-day interactive workshop. So many educators expressed interest in this workshop that PL had to request the presenter's permission to increase the class size and then moved the session to a larger venue. Professional Learning is currently in the process of bringing back Dr. Stewart for more work within our region this school year and also during the upcoming summer!
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Restorative Practices with Jason Smith inspired 41 local teachers to explore how to best build rapport to engage students in their classrooms this fall. This two-day series was so well received that the PL Department is in the process of scheduling additional sessions of RP with Mr. Smith this fall - so stay tuned for further details.
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Before The Crisis with Regional Superintendent Scott Bloomquist and Assistant Superintendent Allison Pierson motivated 35 administrators in the Freeport School District and 83 assistant principals in Rockford Public Schools to learn how to best prepare their schools to keep staff and students safe in the upcoming school year. This academy offers threat assessment training considered to be "best practice" by the US Department of Education and the US Secret Service and enables participants to assess the severity of a school threat, analyze the safety of students and staff, and proactively develop a plan of action to protect them. This was an impactful way for these administrators to start off their school year.
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Co-Teaching Collaboration: We are excited to announce the commitment of SIX school districts, over 100 educators, and 48 coaching groups to engage in this valuable work. This collaboration kicked off this summer with training by Shelley Taylor, renowned educator and Executive Director of Catalyst for Educational Change. Her engaging sessions for educators set an excellent foundation for co-teaching teams to head off to school this fall with practical tools in their toolkits which will ensure quality learning experiences for ALL students! This yearlong collaboration provides personalized professional development from Shelley Taylor and three coaching cycles for each team of participants. If you are interested in superpowering your special education team with tools that will make learning better for ALL learners and educators in co-teaching classrooms, please reach out to Carrie Brockway, Director of Professional Learning.
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Social Emotional Learning | |
ISBE Selects Area 2 SEL Hub to Host First Listening Session on Student Mental & Behavioral Health
As large organizations roll out new information, it's reassuring for them to lean on groups who are well versed in communications to present their opening act. This was the case recently when the Illinois State Board of Education scheduled their listening sessions focused on student mental health screenings. The Area 2 Social Emotional Learning Hub was the first of the seven Illinois Hubs to present the virtual session, where districts and community members could offer input about mental and behavioral health screenings for students in Illinois schools. The Area 2 Hub is headquartered at ROE 4 and operates under the Directorship of Allison Pierson, Assistant Regional Superintendent.
The Area 2 listening session was presented by Jeff Aranowski, Executive Director of Safety & Health Climate Center at ISBE, as well as Julia Strehlow, Social Emotional Learning Lead at ISBE, and Kiljoong Kim, data analyst in child welfare and education with a focus on social emotional learning. Attendees registered through the ROE 4 website with ROE staff in attendance to facilitate the delivery of this important information. The session lasted 90 minutes with 34 participants logging on to the virtual event. The listening sessions give everyone in the State of Illinois the opportunity to be heard on the topic of mental/behavioral health screening for students in our state.
ISBE's final listening session takes place on September 20th and is open to educators, caregivers, community members, parents, and all school staff. Remember to save your spot for that final session before registration closes - details below!
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Parents! Caregivers! Community Members! School Personnel!
Here's YOUR Opportunity to be HEARD
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New SEL Specialist/Coach in HIGH Demand for
Back-to-School Trauma Training
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With the districts served by ROE 4 requesting increased SEL support, Area 2 SEL Hub Director Allison Pierson quickly made additional SEL staff a top priority. Her first inclination was to dip into her colleagues and Social Emotional Leadership foundations (SELf) scholars for suggestions. She had worked closely with the SELf members during a recent yearlong term of intensive SEL training. She knew connecting with these highly trained individuals would guide her to the best possible fit to join "The Hub" as a specialist/coach. In the end, Jennifer Kaiser checked all the boxes of SEL skills on Mrs. Pierson's wish list.
Mrs. Kaiser accepted the position and immediately brought her resources and creative toolkit to the ROE PL/SEL Department. She went to work familiarizing herself with SEL presentation materials and manned previously scheduled training slots at many local schools.
By mid August, Jen had already delivered a two-hour Trauma 101 training to 13 certified staff members at Shirland Grade School, 26 certified staff at Stephen Mack Middle School, 45 staff members at Rockton Grade School, and 30 certified staff and administrators at Whitman Post Elementary. Whitman Post has since reached out and requested the same training for their paraprofessionals and bus drivers as well - way to support your school community, Whitman Post!
Mrs. Pierson was pleased to receive positive feedback about her newest staff member. "It's been so rewarding to watch Jennifer soak in her SEL training and then hit the ground running during her first days in this position. The fact that schools are not only responding positively to her presentations but are requesting additional time with Jen is such bonus. She is fitting in so well, and is a huge asset to the entire team," shared the Area 2 SEL Director. Well done, Mrs. Kaiser!
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Testimonials on Mrs. Kaiser's SEL Training
"Thank you for leading our PD on trauma! We really want to make changes at RGS for our students and staff to be supported."
"It was great and resourceful. Thank you for being here today!"
"It was wonderful having you start our year with this training. It’s such an important topic and you did a fantastic job presenting to us."
"Thank you so much, Jennifer! We have received amazing feedback on your training. They found the info insightful, helpful, and loved your presentation style. Looking forward to working with you in the future."
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❤ Watch for Details of our 2024 Virtual HEART Summit! ❤ | |
Human Resources & Finance | Positions Filled at ROE 4 and Summit Academy | |
While educator and school staff shortages continued to plague the US, the Regional Office recently set their sights on upgrading salaries and benefits packages for employees. With these actions implemented to show how much the ROE values their employees, they are so pleased to announce that both the ROE and Summit area nearly 100% staffed. They are proud to share the newest members of the ROE 4 and Summit Academy work families!
Regional Office of Education
Carrie Brockway - Director of Professional Learning
Chris Eilders - Truancy Interventionist
Madelynn Glenn - Receptionist
Michelle Hammer - Truancy Interventionist
Jennifer Kaiser - Social Emotional Learning Specialist/Coach
Leanna Keith - Professional Learning Coach
Mark Marinaro - Health/Life Safety Consultant
Emily O'Neill - Assistant Director of At-Risk Student Services
Logan Watts - GED Coordinator
Caitlyn Wingo - Truancy Interventionist
Cole Yaun - AP and Payroll Clerk
Alexandra Zimmerman - Intensive Attendance Interventionist
Summit Academy
Ernest Austin - Interventionist
Antony Ballenger - Interventionist
Justin Barber - Facilitative Teacher
Brittany Bauer - Paraprofessional
Nadia Bender - Interventionist
Estee Braun - Paraprofessional
Allie Brazelton - Special Education Paraprofessional
Joshua English - Paraprofessional
Naomi Gonzalez - Interventionist
Samuel Gutsmiedl - Facilitative Teacher
Gregory Kuhn - Assistant Director at Summit
Angel Love-Adams - Interventionist
Sarah Mallari - Facilitative Teacher
Danielle Ritter - Teacher
Michelle Rockwell - Special Education Paraprofessional
Denys Rosado - Special Education Paraprofessional
Alma Tapia - Administrative Assistant
Alyssa Tinder - Paraprofessional
Valerie Wam - Paraprofessional
Catching their breath after onboarding over 30 employees in the past two months, the HR/Finance Team is turning their focus to completion of the following objectives:
- Commencing Skyward Time Tracking meetings for FY24 implementation
- Reviewing mandated training for completion in FY23
- Implementing new training for FY24
- EIS Reporting
- TRS Reporting
- HR Advisory Council planning
If you're interested in attending the in-person (or remote) monthly HR Advisory Council - see details below, please contact ROE 4 Human Resources Specialist Jamie Watts at [email protected] or Dr. Kendra Asbury at [email protected] for further details. The Council meetings are tentatively scheduled to resume September 12th.
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You Go, Young Picasso HS Art Competition
Winners Celebrated at ROE 4
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Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education held its first annual art competition during the 2022-23 school year. The contest, titled "You Go, Young Picasso: Architecture That Elevates", was created by Regional Superintendent Scott Bloomquist, Assistant Superintendent Allison Pierson, and PL Facilitator Linda DeYounge. The seven winning regional high school artists were invited to a private awards ceremony for family, friends, and their art instructors in late July.
The yearlong competition was developed via a brainstorming session of what to do with an expansive hallway space at the Regional Office. The empty hallway seemed to lack good mojo for employees, and it was decided to display something that represents the reason all ROE employees come to work every day - Our Students!
The winners (listed at left) each received $100, an award certificate, and a gallery reception. Their original artwork will now be displayed for an entire year at the Regional Office.
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Congratulations and fabulous job to all the amazing artists, as well as a round of applause for the event creators and others who made this blank canvas come to life! | |
Central Office Staff
Pictured L-R: Mary Wilson, Leah Blake, Denise Rux, Logan Watts, Madelynn Glenn
Madelynn Glenn has joined the Regional Office as the new Administrative Assistant. She will attend the front desk of the Central Office and greet all walk-in customers, as well as schedule appointments. Logan Watts has transitioned into the position of GED Services Coordinator. He has learned his new role quickly and is a great asset to that position. Congratulations to both Madelynn and Logan!
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ROE 4 Reminds Educators Time is Running Out to Renew | |
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If the June Professional Educator License (PEL) renewal deadline snuck by without you noticing, you only have a few more days to renew. August 31st is the final day to log in to your ELIS account on ISBE.net and renew your PEL. As always, contact ROE 4 Licensure Director Leah Blake at [email protected] with questions or for assistance.
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FREE GED Testing Offered Through September 30th | |
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Are you interested in earning your Illinois High School Diploma via the GED exam? If so, you have perfect timing! From now through 9/30, GED testing for everyone (both online and in-person exams) is FREE!
Please check the flyer for the required testing and retake promo codes or visit www.freegedil.org for more information.
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The Regional Office is bee-ginning to plan for the 2024 Spelling Bee! District and school offices, bee sure to watch your email and snail mail inbox following the start of the FY24 school year. ROE 4 will bee sending out important 2024 Spelling Bee information once school is back in session!
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Local School Leaders Take Time to Attend ROE 4's
Second Annual Administrators' Breakfast
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Always on the lookout for creative ways to honor the hard work of our regional education professionals, ROE 4 again treated dozens of school administrators to a fun event at the annual ROE 4 Administrators' Breakfast.
This year's breakfast was again a huge success, with local school building leaders being celebrated prior to the start of the new school year. Participants were treated, with support from keynote speaker Dr. PJ Caposey, to a copy of his book on time management, breakfast, and gift basket drawings. Dr. Caposey spoke about the importance of time with a few tips and tricks on time management thrown in for good measure.
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Mr. Bloomquist also took time to welcome guests and invited each to reach out to anyone in the room they didn't know and recount a brief impactful story. That icebreaker was influential in encouraging a few in the audience to then participate by further sharing for the entire group.
Following the morning get-together, ROE 4 Directors, Summit Academy Administrators, and several leaders from South Beloit Schools met up for a round of 18 on the beautiful Aldeen Golf Course.
Attendees were appreciative of the time spent celebrating them. Many thanks to all who took the time to be with us this year!
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Four: For Leaders - August Edition | |
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Frustration leaders feel can be due to the “Cascading Effect” that decisions that are made have on an organization.
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@doodleyounge (of ROE 4) demonstrates in the graphic below how the Cascading Effect can affect an organization.
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Good leaders manage the flow by understanding the consequences of those decisions.
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To view next month's Four: For Leaders with Chris Collins of ROE 4 in its entirety and/or to receive F4L monthly delivered to your inbox, hurry over to https://conta.cc/3pmMPyV ASAP and subscribe! | |
ARSS Staff Members Step Into New Roles and Welcome Three Additional Attendance Interventionists | | | |
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Emily O’Neill was recently promoted to Assistant Director of At-Risk Student Services. Emily has a Master's Degree in criminal justice and a passion for guiding youth to their fullest potential. As Assistant Director, Emily’s focus will be on working closely with the Assistant State’s Attorney, Guardian Ad Litem, and Judges in all Educational Neglect and Truancy court cases while also improving the internal processes and procedures at the ROE. There were approximately 115 court appearances scheduled for the month of August and nearly 50 in September, with cases being added daily to that schedule. Emily’s dedication to her work and drive to become ever better make her an excellent person for this position. We look forward to seeing how Emily will mold the position into what it needs to be, all while improving its encompassing processes.
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 |  | Alex Zimmerman has taken on a new role as Intensive Attendance Interventionist. Alex has worked as an Attendance Interventionist at ROE 4 for two years and came to us with extensive experience and an internal drive to make a difference in the lives of our youth. The Intensive Attendance Interventionists work closely with the Summit Academy staff and the students and families in their Second Chance Program (a classroom designed to address the increase in students refusing to attend school due to mental health barriers), as well as all students in the 12 school districts we serve. Their focus is on students who are struggling with school avoidance and/or refusal. This will be the second year this position has been in existence, created as the ARSS team saw a need they were unable to fill due to the size of their caseloads and the time required to focus on those students and families. Alex was an integral part of the planning committee for the Second Chance Program at Summit Academy. So, when the Intensive Attendance Intervention position became available, it was a natural transition for Alex to move into that role. We are excited to have Alex continue on our team and look forward to watching her growth and how she changes the lives of her students and families.
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ARSS also welcomes three new attendance interventionists to the department. Michelle Hammer is assigned to Summit Academy, while Caitlyn Wingo will work with Harlem Elementary and Chris Eilders will be the presence in North Boone Elementary and Middle Schools. Be sure to watch for next month's newsletter when we will introduce these new employees. | |
Team Building Day Marks Start of New School Year for At-Risk Student Services
Prior to the start of the new school year, the At-Risk Student Services Department scheduled a team building day. They began the day on-site at the Regional Office with breakfast and exploration/training on new software. They will utilize this software beginning this school year to track our students and the progress we are making in their attendance barriers. The software is called Apricot 360. ARSS also discussed the previous year and their end-of-year numbers/data that were gathered, expectations for the upcoming school year, and goal-setting.
Following the morning meeting, they took time for fun with veteran and new team members and did a local scavenger hunt throughout the Boone and Winnebago County areas. They accomplished this using an app called Goose Chase. Following the scavenger hunt, which was held on a close-to-100-degree day, they enjoyed lunch at a local eatery.
Director Meghan Hawkinson stated she is very excited to see the impact this team will have on the current truancy situation in the districts served by her department. Past success has drawn some new areas into her coverage as well, including a local private academy.
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Learning Technology Center of Illinois Monthly ROE 4 #TechTip
Become a Google-certified educator to sharpen your use of technology to enhance instruction and demonstrate proficiency. Learn about the ease and advantages of obtaining your Google certification in this month's Tech Tip with LTC and ROE 4.
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Quote of the Month:

"There is a difference between not knowing and not knowing yet."

~ Sheila Tobias ~
American College Administrator, Researcher, and Author
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300 Heart Boulevard, Loves Park, IL 61111 • (815) 636-3060
www.roe4.org
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