IPA 2023-2024 Kishwaukee Region

Superintendent of the Year!

Pictured (L-R): Faith McNamee; Carrie Brockway; Bonnie Bloomquist; Chris Collins: Scott Bloomquist; Nicole Brady; Meghan Hawkinson; and Allison Pierson

Professional Learning

LCI's Literacy Roadmap Unveiled at the Regional Office

The Literacy Collective of Illinois has been hard at work here at ROE 4! We've created a host of literacy professional learning opportunities that will meet the needs of all educators in the best possible ways, all at a variety of price points. 

The last few weeks has had us all out of our routines, making necessary adjustments with the winter weather, but we have some COOL news for YOU! The LCI Winter/Spring 2024 Literacy Roadmap is here. And, everyone is welcome to buckle up for this amazing roadtrip!  Keep in mind, you can pick and choose from the PL opportunities on the roadmap or you can elect to attend them all. There is no incorrect way to navigate YOUR training experience. This journey is 100% up to you.

Many of our district partners wished to send larger groups to our literacy learning opportunities and asked for more substantial discounts in order to do so. Well, they asked, and we listened!  Check out the graphic for pricing and reach out to plcoordinators@roe4.org to get in on those special savings codes.

The ISBE Board approved the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan on Wednesday, January 24th at its regularly scheduled monthly board meeting. The ISBE team shared that the plan would be presented with substantial edits that had been suggested at each of the various listening tour stops and through the feedback forms submitted for the second draft. (We all fully participated in this step!) In addition, the plan is now longer, and messaging on aligned and not-aligned practices has been clarified based on the feedback across the state. 

In other welcome news, LETRS cohorts are currently forming. On February 8th, we are excited to host a FREE informational session for literacy leaders, showcasing our summer cohorts of LETRS programming through Lexia. If you are a PreK-6th grade decision-maker looking to have your staff become the most informed reading teachers they can be OR if you would like to attend our region's first EVER LETRS for Administrators training cohort, join us on February 8th from 10:30-11:30 to learn more! 

Also on February 8th, from 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m., we are excited to host a FREE informational session for all teachers and administrators wanting to learn more about LETRS training. This session is also perfect for administrators looking to help connect their teachers with this nationally revered program to provide teachers with deep knowledge of how to best help ALL children learn to read. This session will not include the programming information about LETRS for Administrators, but will focus on the newly forming LETRS cohort, so is a shorter version. Both sessions will feature a Q&A session to answer ANY questions you may have.

Finally, last month, new dyslexia guidance documents were released. You can head here to view the newest Dyslexia Handbook or click here to access the Dyslexia Toolkit. ROE 4 is also offering two FREE dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia simulation sessions on April 10th. These are open to anyone wishing to learn more about how to meet the needs of these diverse learners. Visit the AM session or PM session registration page for all the details.

We look forward to partnering with you in 2024!!

Literacy Collective of Illinois has scheduled in-person literacy workshops for 2024. These are currently open for registration on the ROE 4 website events calendar. For any event you or your school team are interested in, please click the DETAILS button on the event to learn more about a $100 workshop savings. Teacher and administrator teams of 3 or more also qualify for additional discounts as listed on the roadmap graphic above. Check it out!

January Literacy Launch Fills ROE 4 Training Facility

ROE 4 Professional Learning Director Carrie Brockway and Literacy Specialist Dr. Kim Wagner of Rockford University presented the launch of the Literacy Pathway in late January following the release of ISBE's Comprehensive Illinois Literacy Plan. These co-founders of the Literacy Collective of Illinois distributed the Teaching Reading Sourcebook to attendees and kicked off the extensive literacy catalog available on the course registration platform on the Regional Office website. One- and two-day workshops specific to four different grade bands are available through the end of the FY24 school year. What are YOU looking to learn?

Professional Learning Coach Takes on Full Load for Districts

Change can be difficult, but we recently asked new ROE 4 PL Coach Leanna Keith how she was enjoying the "lovely" Illinois weather since moving here from North Carolina. Her answer on a rainy/snowy/icy/we might cancel school AGAIN day was, "Today actually feels kind of warm!" We bet that has more to do with the warm welcome she has receivied from schools in our region who are enjoying her casual but thorough style of coaching.

Leanna is currently coaching co-teaching pairs in ROE 4's Co-Teaching Collaboration Program. This customizable professional learning opportunity encompasses strengthening of co-teaching departments in the elementary, middle school, and high school grade bands. She currently travels TO the partnering schools in Belvidere, Nippersink, North Boone, and Winnebago School Districts to work alongside these pairs as they continue to grow.

Her coaching sessions include a variety of teaching and training strategies, including weekly sessions of creating expectations for inclusion, proactive planning and partnerships in teaching, and focused training for special education partners. She also instructs the teacher-pairs or -teams on team building and skill building, among other intensive protocols.

But her coaching responsibilities do not stop there. She is also involved in secondary level student engagement at Harlem High School. During this specialized coaching, Mrs. Keith observes students in-person during class time in each department. She then utilizes Catalyst for Educational Change's Engagement Tool to offer feedback during a subsequent meeting with each department head/chair. She not only shares instruments to drive improvement where she notes challenges, but also emphasizes current strategies that are effective and should be continued, as well as innovative activities to further improve classroom habits that are already at a high quality level. Leanna will then follow up with a second observation, all on a continuing trend toward even greater success.

We think Leanna is doing a dog-gone great job!

LETRS for Leaders and Educators Info Sessions in February

Summit Academy

If you're learning anything about Summit Academy from reading our monthly newsletters, you've probably noticed how staff, administration, and students all play an equal role in the success of the school. Standout traits that paint a recurring theme make up the canvas of Summit and include 1) discovery, 2) hidden talent, and 3) fearlessness. Oh....we'd be remiss if we didn't include "trust" on that list as well.

When a Summit administrator recently offered up the idea of creating a large mural for the Summit Eagles' Nest (a top-tier room reserved for students earning the highest level of independence at the alternative school), Summit Academy Special Education Paraprofessional Allie Brazelton casually spoke up, sharing that she had some art skills and would happily volunteer to help. The idea was to paint large eagle's wings on one wall so that selfies and group pictures could be taken (a la Nashville's angel wings) by individuals enjoying the comfy atmosphere. Without missing a beat, those in charge of school updates fearlessly trusted Ms. Brazelton and discovered a true hidden talent. They had no clue they had hired a true artist to join their team.

Allie's artistic flight took off with her extraordinary painting of the symbol of freedom, but she has also gone on to design Summit's cool new sweatshirt with a Patagonia flair. She is pictured above at the ROE 4/Summit Academy holiday party holding that most recent design, a sweatshirt that was distributed to all attendees at the event. Thanks, Summit!

I recently had the opportunity to ask Allie a few questions about her art, and instead of creating a story about her, I found her own words did a much better job of spotlighting her sweet personality. Keep reading for what Allie had to say:

Pictured: Summit Eagle located in the Eagles' Nest; Insert: Regional Superintendent Scott Bloomquist and Assistant Superintendent Allison Pierson posing in front of the artwork

Our sincere thanks to Ms. Brazelton for being such a good sport with our questions. We appreciate her enthusiasm for her art as well as for her future and the future of her students. Her interview also allows stakeholders to note the high quality staff Summit Academy employs to work with our students. Her dream of a free art studio is so inspiring. Allie is one amazing example of why Summit continues to not only succeed but to flourish.

Summit Academy students Dylan Leal and Shymiah Bradley recently visited the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education to present Regional Superintendent of Schools Scott Bloomquist with a heartfelt gift. The personalized planner embossed with his favorite (and often-quoted) Bible verse was created to commemorate Mr. Bloomquist's Illinois Principals Association Kishwaukee Region 2023-2024 Superintendent of the Year Award. Their kindness should motivate us all!

School Improvement

SI Adopting "The Working Genius" Strategy and Training

Sometimes, establishing an efficient procedure in an effort to resolve a challenge can demand more time, energy, and brain power than the issue you were originally attempting to iron out. Diving deeper into his specialty of effective teams training, School Improvement Director Chris Collins realized that in order to make this process more efficient it would require insight into the strengths of team members and a plug-and-play methodology.

It was during this research that Chris landed on a highly effective strategy known as "The Working Genius". He has since invested his time to become fully trained in this intriguing approach.

"The Working Genius", created by Patrick Lencioni, "identifies the six fundamental activities that are required for any type of work and provides a simple framework for how work gets done." By way of a brief survey, it assesses an individual's "genius" or natural personal strength, as well as their "frustration" when working within a team of problem-solvers. Lencioni identifies six geniuses in the workplace - Wonder, Intervention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enabling, and Tenacity. These are referred to as the WIDGET.

This model transcends traditional personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs, the Enneagram, and StrengthsFinder, by offering a unique lens to view an individual's contributions at work. It’s not just who we are, but how we excel and inspire in the workplace.

Once team members have completed the survey, they are then able to understand and apply their "Working Genius” to the appropriate phase of the solution cycle. Staying in their power lane and out of the "road to frustration" will improve how the entire team collaborates. This lays the groundwork for making stronger decisions, strengthening creative teaching methodologies in the classroom, and even positively impacting personal job satisfaction. And, often most imporantly, it saves time and effort.

Teams that learn and utilize their “Working Genius” note stronger collaboration among educators, administrators, and support staff. This innovative approach to resolution has already been implemented at the ROE and Summit Academy, resulting in transparency, better use of time, and a feeling of team solidarity.

Starting this February, the Regional Office will be offering schools and districts the opportunity to become trained in "The Working Genius". Join Chris and explore Patrick Lencioni's framework for enhancing your leadership and team dynamics through understanding how your “Working Genius” impacts your organization and also discovering how to harness the power of the members of your teams. Efficacy and efficiency at work? Yes, please!

Women in Leadership Lunch Meeting in January

On January 18, 2024, the Women in Leadership networking lunch drew more than a dozen participants from Northern Illinois. The 15 attendees in the virtual session focused on promoting wellness for leaders and discussed implementing strategies for increased work-life balance in their often-stressful leadership roles.

The conversation centered around making SMALL, achievable goals in both day-to-day life, as well as in work schedules in an effort to eventually develop a manageable habit. Some suggestions included wellness opportunities like taking advantage of delivery services, meal prepping once a month, paying attention to physical health by incorporating walking meetings, and being aware of boundaries, including carving out time for yourself and being less focused on your phone, all in order to concentrate on mental health and prevent burnout.

The one topic all were in agreement about was the fact that family time is most important and is a great opportunity to look outside of the office or the classroom to feel successful and engaged. Plus. what better way is there to boost your overall confidence and refresh your mindset than spending time with loved ones as often as possible?

If you are interested in being part of the next WIL network meeting on February 8th featuring Tovi Scruggs Hussein and her take on Brene Brown's "Dare to Lead", please reach out to Chris Collins via email or call the Regional Office at 815.636.3060 and ask for Mr. Collins. He can also speak with you further about customized school improvement training!

Professional Services

ROE 4 Central Office Data: January

CEANCI Builds Relationships with "Tuesdays with Tab"

With an ever-growing presence in our region, CEANCI is often thought of as connecting students with local business partners associated strictly with "the trades." To a degree, this is true, but there really is so much more to the amazing work the CEANCI team of Tabatha Dougherty, Beth Mead, and Janet Zinke includes in their focus.

CEANCI stands for Career Education Associates of North Central Illinois, and their mission is to "prepare and invest in all students for career and college through partnerships that build innovative regional opportunities." This small-but-mighty group of leaders is eager to spread the word that they are in the business of helping regional students explore ALL career roadmaps through CTE (Career and Technology Education).

The Illinois State Board of Education describes CTE as students taking "specialized courses in addition to the required courses in core academic subjects; participating in work-based learning; engaging with mentors; and practicing what they are learning through hands-on projects." It's impressive to note that middle and high school CTE programs in Illinois serve more than 283,000 students.

In an effort to become a recognized first line resource for youth in our communities interested in these educational pathways, Director Tabatha Dougherty recently started the "Tuesdays with Tab" Project. While Janet Zinke fields calls and manages home base and Beth Mead works with dozens of regional business partners, Tabatha (or "Tab" as she is often referred to) heads out to on-site classes, courses, competitions, or speaking engagements weekly on Tuesdays. There, she works her magic to plant CEANCI and its attributes firmly in the minds of those who in the past have been told they would "only" quallify for a blue collar job.

This initiative has already gained traction with regional school leaders, although the humble director shared that she is "willing to be patient" as TwT grows. How does she spread the word about the opportunity to have Tab bring her team's infinite career and technology knowledge to their classroom? In a very unique approach, Tabatha connects with school CTE programs and invites THEM to invite HER to witness their amazing CTE work in-person. She then champions CTE projects & experiences; promotes CTE career exploration and pathways; and celebrates CTE student successes.

She states she is willing to do whatever it takes to invest in these students and programs. She can be as hands-off as simply being there to observe or join a walking tour or she can completely engage by presenting job market/outlook information, speaking about training options for desired career fields, talking about Regional Program information (that CEANCI manages), or sharing CEANCI-hosted events/competitions.

Several recent Tuesdays with Tab opportunities:

• Jefferson High School: Presented on manufacturing as a career path
• Winnebago: Presented about our regional programs
• Roosevelt: Took part in the manufacturing room remodel grand opening/ribbon cutting
• Byron: Toured departments
• Harlem: Toured departments
• Educators of Beauty: Observed; chair massage techniques
• Jefferson: Presented to business students

She ended by stating she was looking forward to an upcoming visit at North Boone. It sounds like Tab and her Team could run out of Tuesdays before the end of the school year if the program continues its phenomenal growth.

Well done, CEANCI! You're doing incredible work for the future of our communities.

Spelling Bee Enrollment Deadline is January 31st

Only ONE day remains for elementary and middle schools to enroll in the 2024 Spelling Bee. Buzz over to spellingbee.com by January 31, 2024, to ensure you're registered in time to compete in this year's bee. This enrollment also acts as your school's registration to participate in the Regional Bee scheduled for early March 2024 at Harlem HS.

🐝 Better get bzzzzzy, Bees! 🐝

The January 24th Illinois State Board of Education budget meeting provided continued mental health support to students and schools throughout Illinois by approving the budget recommendations made by State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tony Sanders. This recommendation included the extension of the state's current SEL grant, which has funded intensive social emotional learning, trauma-responsive training, and free and low cost professional development to educators and school leaders over the previous 2+ years.

The State Superintendent's official recommendation describes it best: "The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Hubs are an initiative to provide training and resources to districts to support student health. The SEL Hubs...seek to provide each and every child with safe and healthy learning conditions, great educators, and equitable opportunities by advancing wellness, social-emotional learning, and trauma responsiveness of schools."

Originally supported by Covid-19 relief funding, the hubs are headquartered in six ROEs (including ROE 4) across the state plus Chicago Public Schools. The hubs utilize the REACH Program to work alongside school leadership to implement "data-driven strategies to address student trauma and mental health needs and build resilient communities. They do this by offering free webinars, conferences, district professional development events, and individual school coaching on relevant topics."

Over FY23, 1,700 professional learning opportunities resulted in training of 52,812 participants, in 714 school districts and 3,444 public schools. Participants described the training from the hubs as “the best PD they ever had.” As a result, educators felt they had the tools and resources necessary to support students as well as their own well-being.

Dr. Sanders recommended an $8,000,000 appropriation for the Social Emotional Learning Hubs for FY25. The plan is to distribute the funds as a grant to the six ROEs serving as hubs plus Chicago Public Schools.

Following approval of the budget recommendations, Governor Pritzker will make his budget address on February 21st, and then members of the Illinois General Assembly will review and hold committee hearings on the budget. Finalization is expected at the conclusion of the spring session in May. If all goes as planned, the Governor will then officially sign the final version of the budget, including the continued support that will strengthen school wellness across the entire state.

CLICK THE PICTURE to hear more about SELf from Brandon Kriesch, SELf Training Graduate/Hinckley-Big Rock HS Principal

Two Additional Local Schools Earn SEL Awards

Kevin Finnegan, Principal &

Clint Czizek, Superintendent

Prairie Hill Elementary

Jacqui Thompson, Principal

Willowbrook Middle School

At-Risk Student Services

ISBE Delivers Truancy and Attendance Updates

Always on top of changes in mandates at the state and federal level in order to appropriately support the students and schools in the districts we serve, the ROE 4 At-Risk Student Services Department recently attended ISBE's virtual presentation on Truancy and Attendance Law Updates. The January 17, 2024, session included not only changes to laws but also a welcome trend to a more trauma-responsive attitude when handling students and families on their caseloads.

ROE 4's ARSS Director Meghan Hawkinson shared that the main takeaways from the session were that students of any age who are enrolled in school are required to attend class and are covered under the truancy act even if they are younger or older than the previous compulsory school age (which is ages 6-17). Another top point is that students who go to other countries for family reasons, which can be a common occurrence in our districts, are not to be dropped from attendance roles just because they may be out of school or out of touch.

Mrs. Hawkinson stressed that there has been a "big overall shift surrounding attendance intervention from punitive to rehabilitative." This will prompt no adjustments for Meghan's team as this has been their policy since she took over the role of director four years ago. She added, "We are trying to help families and schools understand that we are a true resource and not an organization to be fearful of."

The ROE 4 At-Risk Student Services Department partners with schools throughout Winnebago and Boone Counties and offers attendance intervention as well as access to community resources for students and families in our area.

ARSS Success Story: Meet Student G

"I’ve been working as an attendance interventionist with an area student since she was 13 years old and a freshman in high school.

I went to the high school a few days ago to check in with Student G as she is on track to graduate at the end of this school year. When meeting with her, she stated that the fact she was graduating from high school didn’t even seem real. I asked her why, and she responded, “I really thought I was going to fail and drop out of high school, but then you showed up at my house with a box of stuff and never left! You kept telling me I could do it.”

I'm excited to share that G will graduate from high school this upcoming May!"

Human Resources

JANUARY HIRES

• Will Hartje, ROE 4 Compliance Director
• Javier Rodriguez, Summit Substitute
• Melissa Resendez, Promoted to Summit Administrative Assistant
• Jonathan Yowell, Summit Facilitative Teacher
• Ana Reyes-Rosado, Summit Substitute

The Regional Office work family continues to grow - spotlighting Will Hartje!

Next Human Resources Advisory Council Scheduled for 2/13

The HR Advisory Council is a resource on current issues, trends, and topics related to human resources. It also acts as an opportunity to collaborate as education professionals in order to ensure we all have the latest tools and information necessary to support our employees.

Unfortunately, the January session was cut short due to the region-wide snow day that occurred at the planned meeting time. For that reason, Dr. Mandolen Mull of MullMentum Consultants will return in March to delivery her insightful leadership presentation. The February guest speaker is Attorney Sara Boucek, who will be presenting on "Hot Topics in Negotiations" - you won't want to miss it!

EVERYONE is welcome to attend. Simply navigate to this link and fill out the Google form by clicking the orange REGISTER button. We offer both in-person (at Boone-Winnebago ROE 4, 300 Heart Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111) and virtual attendance. Register to be included and to receive the appropriate Zoom link. This event is open to HR staff members across all of Illinois and meets the second Tuesday of each month.

Careers at ROE 4 and Summit Academy

For the most up-to-date employment opportunities and information, please contact part-time interim HR Specialist Dr. John Ulferts at julferts@roe4 or search "Boone Winnebago Regional Office of Education" on Indeed or "ROE #04" on the Illinois Job Bank under the Job Seekers section. Plus, stay tuned as the Regional Office and Summit Academy will soon be posting open positions at both locations on their very own CAREERS page on the www.roe4.org and www.saeagles.org websites!