NSSEO Governing Board Brief
April 2024
Upcoming Events & Dates
April 16th 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Parent to Parent (PERC Event)
@ PERC
April 18th 6:00 pm
Timber Ridge Movie Night
@ Timber Ridge
April 19th 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Navigating the Special Education Process
@ PERC
April 19th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Spring Student & Alumni Dance
@ Kirk Campus
April 24th 10:00 am - 11:30 am
IPADD Unite (PERC EVENT)
@ PERC
April 26th
School Improvement Day - Students Not In Attendance
May 1st 5:30 pm
NSSEO Retirement Celebration
@ Timber Ridge School
May 1st 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
NSSEO Board Meeting
@ Timber Ridge School
May 9th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Kirk Prom
@ Schaumburg Country Club
May 20th 6:30 pm
Kirk Connections Commencement
@ Kirk Campus
May 21st 6:30 pm
Kirk High School Graduation
@ Kirk Campus
May 22nd 6:30 pm
Miner School Graduation
@ Miner School
May 23rd 6:30 pm
Timber Ridge Graduation
@ Timber Ridge School
June 1st 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Timber Ridge Scholarship Bags Tournament
@ Beacon Tap, 1374 Lee Street, Des Plaines
Shining Stars - Timber Ridge
David S
Since joining our classroom in November 2022, David has made an indelible impression. His welcoming nature and deep understanding of scientific concepts enrich Timber Ridge's learning environment. David's remarkable ability to recall intricate details, like the timing of an upcoming solar eclipse, is truly impressive. He actively seeks feedback, readily asks for help, and embraces challenges with determination. We're immensely proud of his progress, as he now spends half of his day at his home school and is working towards fully integrating out of Timber Ridge.
David's creativity and enthusiasm for science are infectious, making him a role model in our classroom. He actively participates, shares his ideas, and fosters strong relationships with peers and staff. His emotional intelligence and leadership skills are evident as he navigates interactions with calmness and empathy. David's insatiable curiosity drives his love for learning, and he eagerly supports his classmates in their academic journey.
David's strengths shine through his intellect and overall academic prowess. While he excels in various subjects, he faces challenges with certain mathematical concepts and occasionally struggles with technological instructions. However, with the support of staff and his own space to work, David continues to thrive.
Edwin C
Edwin's growth this year, academically and socially, is remarkable. His kindness, empathy, and support for classmates reflect his outstanding character. With exceptional manners and a strong work ethic, Edwin accepts feedback graciously and seeks help when needed. He takes pride in his accomplishments and eagerly shares his work. Notably, he recently demonstrated his thoughtfulness by using his allowance to gift his teacher. Edwin also enjoys going above and beyond, spending extra time reading and discussing novels with Mr. Julian.
Outstanding Strengths
Edwin has grown so much this year, both academically and socially.
He is kind and empathetic towards classmates.
Edwin is supportive of students when they are struggling.
He has great manners.
Edwin has a strong work ethic; he accepts feedback and asks for help appropriately.
He is excited to show his work and is proud of his accomplishments.
Edwin recently saved his allowance money to get a gift for his teacher.
Edwin enjoys spending extra time reading and discussing novels with Mr. Julian.
Edwin and Family
Edwin with Teachers, Principals and Board Member
Timber Ridge Presentation - Continuous Improvement Plan
At April's Governing Board meeting, Mike Wagrowski, Principal of Timber Ridge School, and Nancy Milne, Assistant Principal of Timber Ridge School provided an update on Goal 1 (Student Outcomes), Goal 2 (Social Emotional Learning), and Goal 3 (Supportive, Collaborative, and Person-Centered Learning Environment) of NSSEO's Continuous Improvement Plan. Mike and Nancy discussed their school's work across three goal areas that tie into the SEL and Climate and Culture goals at Timber Ridge.
- Enhancing Student Skills through Assessment
Utilizing formative and summative assessments has facilitated the discovery of effective intervention strategies in mathematics and literacy, consequently fostering the development of these proficiencies among our students.
- Building a Positive Team Environment at Timber Ridge
Timber Ridge has been on cultivating a favorable atmosphere within our diverse teams. Drawing insights from the works of Patrick Lencioni and Brene Brown, they have prioritized the establishment and sustenance of trust, as well as engaging in constructive dialogues to address challenges effectively.
- Promoting Student Involvement in Intervention Plans
Recognizing the importance of student engagement in intervention initiatives, particularly those related to self-regulation, Timber Ridge has emphasized empowering students to contribute to the creation of their own intervention plans. This collaborative approach not only enhances student commitment from the outset but also allows for ongoing adjustments to be made throughout the academic year, ensuring clarity and student investment in the process.
Special Recognition
Nicole Burke - Program Coordinator
Nicole's journey as an educator and leader has been deeply influenced by her experiences at North Shore Academy and NSSEO. These experiences have shaped her approach to supporting students and staff in understanding social-emotional learning (SEL) in profound ways.
Embracing the philosophy of Dr. Ross Greene that "kids do well if they can," Nicole has become a champion of restorative approaches over punitive measures. This shift has led to the fostering of a culture centered on understanding and growth within the school community.
For the past two years, Nicole has served as an Instructional Coach at NSSEO. In this role, she has played a pivotal part in facilitating professional development, coaching teachers, and coordinating testing. Through these responsibilities, Nicole has continued to enhance her exceptional skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
It is with great pride that we announce Nicole's appointment to a new role for the upcoming 24-25 school year. Her dedication to restorative education and commitment to supporting both students and staff make her an invaluable asset to our school community. We look forward to the positive impact she will continue to have in her new capacity.
Christina Spizzirri - Kirk Assistant Principal
Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, Christina has showcased exemplary leadership and expertise, drawing from her firsthand insights into the Kirk community and NSSEO gained through a principal internship and classroom teacher.
Her multifaceted experiences have spanned various domains, including assessment, curriculum development, instructional strategies, professional development, staff appreciation initiatives, and fostering a positive school culture. Christina's collaborative nature and aptitude as a team player are evident, qualities that will undoubtedly enrich the teams she leads within the organization.
Christina's dedication to enhancing educational environments seamlessly aligns with the goals and values of NSSEO, rendering her an ideal candidate for the assistant principal position. We eagerly anticipate Christina's continued support for the Kirk community in her new leadership role, confident in the positive impact she will undoubtedly make.
NSSEO Heartbeats of the Week
Sue Herbst
Sue is the epitome of greatness! She is so knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and always there to help anyone and everyone. She does all this with humor and grace. There is no stronger advocate for our students and their families. Sue is such a valuable asset to the Kirk community!
Katie Krafton
In a short time, she has made herself invaluable to the NSSEO central office team. She came in during a difficult time and went right to work, learning new things and organizing her new department so it could run smoothly and efficiently. She is always willing to help other staff members out, whether they work in her department or not. She always has a smile on her face and brightens the room when she is in it.
What's Happening Around NSSEO
Timber Ridge Talent Show
Johnny Cash Performance
Celine Dion Sing-A-Long
Karate Demonstration
The Macarena
Lamb Chop Puppet Show
Demonstration of Frequency and Electronics
PERC Day Panel
This exciting event included presentations from a variety of day program providers in our area. Panelists included PURSUIT, Avenues to Independence, Little City, Orchard Village, and others.
All the families who attended had the time to connect with representatives from each program to ask questions and gather important details for future planning. Networking is an incredibly important facet of any area of life; we all know this. So when you come to the PERC day panel, you get the chance to get to know everyone there and become part of our network. There is always a steady stream of vital information, great ideas, and shared experiences throughout these PERC events. You can scroll down a little bit more and check out all of the upcoming PERC events for April and May.
Summer School ESY is Now Hiring!
Recruitment and Hiring
NSSEO is looking to grow our teams with talent people, just like you! If you or know others looking for a wonderful job opportunity for the 2024-25 school year, click the link below to search our openings.
Making a Difference
Important Dates
April 16th 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
@ PERC
April 18th 6:00 pm
Timber Ridge Movie Night
@ Timber Ridge
April 19th 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Navigating the Special Education Process
@ PERC
April 19th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Spring Student & Alumni Dance
@ Kirk Campus
April 24th 10:00 am - 11:30 am
IPADD Unite (PERC EVENT)
@ PERC
April 26th
School Improvement Day - Students Not In Attendance
May 1st 5:30 pm
NSSEO Retirement Celebration
@ Timber Ridge School
May 1st 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
NSSEO Board Meeting
@ Timber Ridge School
May 9th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Kirk Prom
@ Schaumburg Country Club
May 20th 6:30 pm
Kirk Connections Commencement
@ Kirk Campus
May 21st 6:30 pm
Kirk High School Graduation
@ Kirk Campus
May 22nd 6:30 pm
Miner School Graduation
@ Miner School
May 23rd 6:30 pm
Timber Ridge Graduation
@ Timber Ridge School
June 1st 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Timber Ridge Scholarship Bags Tournament
@ Beacon Tap, 1374 Lee Street, Des Plaines
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