Hello All-

Have you noticed the reading theme in the smore? How are you encouraging students in your classes or building to get interested in reading or checking out the library in the building?

This will take all of us if we are going to make a difference. I had many fabulous partner teachers over the years. One in particular would remark that I was "like a dog with a bone". It was one of his favorite sayings and he was probably pretty accurate. My husband would most definitely agree with him. Our district-wide library project is a passion project for me because I saw how many of our students did not have the luxury of reading when they were home during covid, and I haven't been able to let go of that situation since I noticed it. I can't imagine not having been able to turn to a book growing up as a kid-especially when the world around me didn't make sense.

I also see the impact that a lack of literacy can have on our students, especially right from the start. You might ask our Birth to Three and Pre-K folks what they encounter and how they work to combat a lack of books (among the many other supports they provide). They are an impressive group and work tirelessly to ensure kids in our community get the best start possible and we are pretty grateful for them and the work they do.

Please don't be afraid to encourage the student with the book in the hallway while they are reading as they wait their turn for the bathroom (way to go MDE), or stop and marvel at all the kids in the media center at DHS who choose to spend their lunch reading or working on projects (it is a pretty happening place and everyone is smiling-much like Central Perk), or stop and say hi to students in the book club at NRMS (that I am itching to join myself).

However you plan to spend Thursday night and this weekend, know that you are appreciated and we recognize the positive impact you make on our students and the community-even beyond our reading initiative!

Take care,

MEB

Edutopia | It’s time to ditch these popular reading activities and make room for what works. 📚️ | Instagram

Ignite to Write: The How to Teach Writing Conference for Educators

French Lick – June 17-18: Ignite to Write: The How to Teach Writing Conference

There is also a virtual option on June 26-27.

Get Confident With Student Behavior

What you'll get:

• Specific, helpful teaching on how to understand student behavior
• Research based practices to drop into your classroom immediately
• Ways to increase positive student behavior without completely changing your teaching style
• Data collection systems that are practical for educators to use
• Printable guided notes
• Printable resources to use for your classroom

This content was created to help educators understand student behavior and improve the cultures of their classrooms.

If you would like access to the Teach Train Thrive webinar, reach out to Rachel Webber by email.

Flyers for the following workshops are attached. Please find registration links within the attachments.

• Understanding and Evaluating Components of an FBA

• Understanding and Evaluating Components of a BIP

• (For Admin.) Streamlining Individualized Behavioral Support: Developing a Collaborative Process in your School

IEP Learning Series: Writing Goals the SMART(IE) Way

Nov. 4 | 3:45-5 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.25

Host: Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network

Event Type: Virtual, Webinar

Register Here

Through the Eyes of the Child: CARA’s Kit for Preschoolers

Nov. 7 | Noon-1:30 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.5

Host: Early Choices

Event Type: Virtual, Webinar

Register Here

Inclusive Practices – Smarter Not Harder: Practical Applications of Inclusive Strategies

Nov. 7 | 2:30-4 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.5

Host: Early Choices

Event Type: In-Person

Register Here

Behavior Learning Series: Collecting Behavior Data That Informs Your Next Steps

Nov. 7 | 3:45-5 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.25

Host: Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network

Event Type: Virtual, Webinar

Register Here

Virtual Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment Series

Nov. 7 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

PD Hours: 15.5

Host: Illinois Schools Assistive Technology Support

Event Type: Virtual, Webinar

Register Here

Registration Deadline: Oct. 31

Beyond Cause & Effect - Switch Series

Presented by Christopher Marotta & Loreto Dumitrescu

Beyond Cause and Effect Series - Part 2 Switch Access to Support Reading Tasks in Education

November 6, 2024 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CST

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4d9goqz

Beyond Cause and Effect – Part 3 Switch Access to Support Writing Tasks in Education

November 13, 2024 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CST

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3zmYzGF

Beyond Cause and Effect – Part 4 Switch Access to Support Math and STEAM Tasks in Education

November 20, 2024 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM CST

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/4dgpuSm

Presented by Kim Clairy OTR/L

My Sensory Life

November 5, 2024 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM CST

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3XcvSUT

Sensational Coping

The Second Step team is a leading sponsor at the AMLE conference in Nashville from November 6 to November 9. Visit us at booth #400 or stop by one of our presentations to learn more about SEL in middle school education!

1. Thursday, November 7, from 3:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
• Transformative Impact of AI & SEL in Middle School Classrooms
• Room: Delta Lobby A
2. Friday, November 8, from 2:05 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
• Data-Driven SEL: Enhancing Second Step® Middle School for Students
• Room: Governor’s Ballroom A/E
3. Friday, November 8, from 3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.
• Make the Change: Empowering Educators with SEL
• Room: Governor’s Ballroom B

Register to Attend - AMLE24

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The week of October 7th we will begin Cybersecurity Awareness Training in collaboration with a company called Knowbe4. These will be short informational videos that can be done at your convenience. With the increased threat of cyber attacks on school districts, we felt the need to start moving forward on education of cybersecurity.

Good afternoon D118 Family,

There have been multiple questions about Clever username and passwords. Below you will find instruction on how to change password and look up student username.

Here are the details and training video:

To Change a Clever Password:

1. Go to Clever.
2. Navigate to My Students.
3. Open the student roster.
4. Choose the class.
5. Select the student.
6. Set a new Clever password using a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters.

If Clever does not accept the password, it will display an error message. For example, avoid using simple passwords like “ABC1234”.

Error message you will receive:

Clever Username: Your Clever username is the same as your district username or Skyward log in. If a student is unsure of their username, you can check in Clever.

To Find a Student Username:

1. Go to Clever.
2. Navigate to My Students.
3. Open the student roster.
4. Filter by class.
5. Go to More Class Tools.
6. Download student usernames.

If you encounter a student username that looks like this: CRISPBRO0000, please send me a ticket, that means something has not communicated correctly between Skyward and Clever.

Clever/Username & Password Training Video

Important Note: All usernames are now our district usernames (Skyward Logins). Please do not use your network email address. You will be asked to change your password daily.

If you have any problems updating passwords, please send the request to me.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Have a great day!

Kindest regards,

Christy Orr

Digital Letter Tiles:

Are you looking for a way for students to practice building words on their chromebooks/tablets? Really Great Reading offers a free version of their digital letter tiles that you can bookmark on student devices to use for making words when you need a digital option.

Really Great Reading Letter Tile Freeplay

You can also add:

Decodable Books:

We have reorganized our decodable book options in Google Slides. In this folder you will find additional folders with decodable books by skill. These books are in a printable format for you if you are looking for additional books to send home with students for practice.

Decodables

Ready-made, no copy, math estimation resource - just download and play?? Check out Steve Wybourney's Blog and try an Esti-Mystery with your students. If you subscribe, you receive an email update every time a new Esti-Mystery is created (usually twice a week). The Esti-Mysteries are leveled in grade bands and are sent as pre-made PowerPoints with instructions and transitions built in. He also has some other wonderful resources, including the What is the Mystery Number in the Box? (some subitizing, some ten frames, both with operations) and Splat. https://stevewyborney.com/2024/10/110-new-esti-mysteries/

Calling all K – 12th grade teachers! Have you heard of Paper and want to know more? Look no further.

Link: PAPER

Paper is an online tool that our students can access for: personalized academic support (24/7 tutoring), interactive, independent practice (bell ringers), & future exploration and guidance (that supports AVID).

If you are seeking additional information or training, please contact Nicole Zaayer.

• MEB: Director ext. 1086
• Heidi Goula: Secretary to the Director ext. 1098
• Cathie Witte: Records and Professional Development ext. 1092
• Julie Cox: Literacy Coordinator ext. 1064
• Christy Orr: Tech Integration Specialist ext. 1087
• Sara Stimac: Literacy Coach ext. 1939
• Angela Wilson: Math Coach ext. 3297
• Brian Klett: Fine Arts Facilitator ext. 1075
• Nicole Zaayer: Curriculum Facilitator ext. 1090
• Bob Cundiff - Math Coach ext.3538
• Jacob Roskovensky: Media Specialist ext. 1533