Up to Date, with SST8

News and Events for February 10 through February 21, 2025

Nominations for 2024 R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement and

Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Awards

State Support Team Region 8 will continue to facilitate the nomination process for the R. A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement and Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Special Educator Awards. Within each of the 16 State Support Teams in Ohio, the R. A. Horn award is presented to one exemplary special education student, and the Franklin B. Walter award is given to an educator or team who has made extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities.

One finalist from each region in both of these award categories will be honored. Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) may host an in-person award ceremony to honor all regional finalists. SST-8 will announce the regional finalist for both awards on the SST-8 website and share any future updates regarding a ceremony. Nominations are due by March 7, 2025 and are submitted via Google. Click below to learn more and access forms.

Click Here for Guidelines and Nominations

Capturing Student Voice at the Next PBIS Leader's Network

Join us for the February PBIS Leader’s Network. We will have a local middle school presentation focusing on student voice. Strategies for student engagement will be shared. The network meeting will also include state and regional updates for PBIS. High school networking will occur again at 10:00 am at the same meeting link.

Don’t miss this opportunity to lead change, inspire others, and make a lasting impact on your school community. To register for the remaining sessions, see the links below:

February 25, 2025

April 29, 2025

Restorative Practices Training Coming in April

Restorative practices create a sense of belonging in classrooms and schools. These practices create connectedness among school community members and help reduce conflict. Implementing restorative approaches emphasize growth, development, and learning rather than isolation and punishment.

If you are experiencing chronic absenteeism and/or seeking alternatives to suspension, this opportunity can provide strategies to use.

Save the Date! April 1st: 9-3pm

Region 8 Literacy Leader Network

Region 8 Literacy Leader Network met on January 24, 2025. If you missed it, instructional leaders from Medina, Portage and Summit counties spent an hour discussing practical applications and science of reading look-fors during administrative learning walks. Candid conversations and problem solving around implementation stages was a large portion of the meeting.

Register and join us virtually from 8:45-9:45 am on February 28; March 21 and May 16 to network with and learn from your neighboring districts.

Save the Date: Classroom Harmony

Discover the keys to creating a balanced and effective learning environment with our professional development workshop, Classroom Harmony: Proven Methods for Optimal Student Engagement and Behavior.

This session offers educators practical strategies and research-backed techniques to enhance student engagement and manage classroom behavior effectively.

SpEd Office Hours

Join Dee Dee & Helen on February 12th at 1:00 pm as they tackle your pressing questions regarding all things special education.

They will address frequently asked questions from the field and provide updates on hot topics. Please email them your questions in advance or ask in the moment!

Special Education Legal Updates

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Building Effective PLCs and TBTs: Structure, Support, Collaboration

"Building Effective PLCs and TBTs: Structure, Support, Collaboration"—a professional learning experience designed to strengthen your leadership and team-building strategies.

This session is tailored for principals, curriculum directors, and district leaders committed to fostering collaboration and driving student success.

Here is a snapshot of what you will experience:

1. The Cascade of Influence: Discover how leadership directly impacts team effectiveness.

2. The Role of the Principal: Lead with purpose to inspire collaboration and results.

3. Team Foundations: Build and sustain effective teams that make a difference.

4. Collaboration in Action: Learn to cultivate fluid, impactful team dynamics.

5. Making the Most of Meetings: Take home practical strategies, templates, and routines to ensure success.

AM Session: 8:30 - 11:30am – Register here

PM Session: 12:00 - 3:00pm – Register here

Join the Conversations!

Experts within the ODEW and the field will share experiences around various topics during the Graduation Open Office Hours. The conversations will include a presentation, time to ask questions of the experts, and any other general graduation questions. Graduation Open Office Hours will be held biweekly on Fridays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sign up here!

Scheduled topics include:

Friday, Jan. 18- Business Advisory Councils
Friday, Jan. 24- Career Planning & Career Advising
Friday, Feb. 7- Flexible Scheduling Example
Friday, Feb. 21- Chartered/Non-chartered Nonpublic & Homeschool
Friday, Feb. 28- EMIS & Graduation (10-11am)
Friday, March 7- Testing and Assessments
Friday, March 21- CCP & Credit Flex
Friday, March 28- Graduation Requirements Refresher

Accepting Applications

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Mark Your Calendars!