SEDOL News

As we kick off another exceptional school year, you may have noticed several exciting changes across our campus!

The Administration Building is nearing the completion of a major upgrade. Alongside the installation of a state-of-the-art Geothermal system, the new HVAC updates will provide improved temperature regulation, ensuring a more comfortable environment for all. In addition, brighter, energy-efficient LED lighting has replaced the older fluorescent bulbs, making the building more inviting and eco-friendly. The staff has already begun moving back in, and we expect to complete the transition by October.

Outside, our campus is also getting a fresh new look! The fencing project surrounding the pond near Gages Lake School is now finished, adding an extra layer of safety and visual appeal to our grounds.

But the most exciting change? We’re thrilled to welcome 92 new team members! From administrators and related service staff members to teachers and paraprofessionals, these talented professionals are ready to make an impact. Among them are key additions to our leadership team, including Co-Interim Superintendents Dr. Judy Hackett and Dr. Tim Thomas; Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Dr. Yesenia Jiménez-Captain, and Interim Assistant Superintendent of Business Dr. Stephen Johns.

We’re excited about the direction we’re heading and can’t wait for the amazing year ahead!

SEDOL kicked off the start of a very special year of transition with a very emotional Opening Day in August. There was a celebration and highlights shared from the many different areas of SEDOL and will be highlighted below. There was also a special moment of silence for the sudden loss of Lynn Bryon who passed away a week before school. Lynn was a truly dedicated and passionate SEDOL educator who made a significant impact in the lives of so many students, families and colleagues during her extensive career in special education.

This year Tasha Schuh, our keynote speaker, had the team laughing and then crying, hearing a life journey filled with tragedy, perseverance and purpose. Staff shared that it was truly one of the most special and inspirational starts to a very special year.

The following is a special note received from Tasha after our Opening Day..

“Doug and I were so honored to speak at the SEDOL Opening Day. We had such a wonderful morning with the staff and had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who endeavor each day to make such an impact and a difference in the lives of their students. I loved sharing my message on PATH - an acronym for Purpose, Attitude, Team and Hope - which are four ways to be resilient to help us with the challenges we face each day. We were so thankful for all who stayed to share their testimonies of challenges they have faced, as well as how muy message affected them. This was truly a day that Doug and I will long remember! Thank you SEDOL for fighting for kids and making our world a better place!”

Congratulations to our Employee of the Year Academic Specialist Karen Schreck! Thank you for your 26 years of service.
Karen is kind, caring and passionate about the work she does. She takes the time to make sure staff are taken care of and have the resources needed to create the best possible learning experience for SEDOL students. She is an integral part of the new staff onboarding program, spending a full day with new staff providing them with the tools, resources and instructional strategies needed to ensure success.

Each year, SEDOL proudly highlights the dedicated staff who have served our community. This year, we honored 64 employees, celebrating a combined 890 years of service.

A special acknowledgment goes to Patricia Fredsbo, who stood out with an impressive 40 years of service. Thank you all for your unwavering commitment—you’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children.

The SEDOL administrative team worked together at an administrative retreat this summer and developed the 2024-2025 Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) goals and objectives. These goals and objectives reflect input from various stakeholder groups provided during the past 1-2 years, including information and recommendations generated by the Educational Learning Solutions report. Several of those recommendations have been incorporated into the CIP. The 2024-2025 CIP was shared with the SEDOL Executive Board and they voted to approve it. Therefore the CIP will guide much of SEDOL’s activities throughout the year.

The CIP has four primary goals which are: (1) Provide exceptional programs and services to meet the needs of students throughout the SEDOL community; (2) Establish an effective equitable financial structure that best supports students and district needs; (3) Advance high standards and expectations; (4) Advance effective collaborative team practices.

The goals have 3-5 objectives associated with each respective goal. These were designed to be measurable allowing for continual monitoring and review of progress. The SEDOL administrative team and the SEDOL Executive Board believe it is critical for SEDOL to regularly share the progress being made for all the goals and objectives. In our monthly SEDOL Executive Board meetings and in these newsletters, a more in-depth update will be provided highlighting 2 different areas of SEDOL aligned to goals in the CIP. In addition, a broader update on the CIP will be presented at mid and end-of-year Board meetings. In addition, information related to the CIP goals and objectives will be shared with all SEDOL stakeholders throughout the year in various other meetings and discussions. This CIP will serve as our road map for this year with both short and long-term focus for the organization.

By Tasha Schuh

As we head into a brand-new school year, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities of a fresh start. But I know it won’t take long for challenges and roadblocks to appear. Things aren’t always going to go our way, and we’re going to experience setbacks that aren’t within our control.

One of the best ways to handle adversity is by controlling our attitude. A method that I’ve used in my journey, to help me keep a positive attitude, is reading encouraging affirmations. It’s been life-changing for me to keep these front and center in my life! Research shows that positive affirmations can have many benefits, including improved self-worth, reduced stress, and improved well-being.

Positive affirmations are statements of truth from YOU, regarding your beliefs, talents, and facts you know that will counter the fears and insecurities that get in your way. You may not feel like these things are true, but they are ways to overcome the negative thoughts that you face. Positive affirmations may lead you to see that negativity doesn’t have to last. You can read them to yourself or say them out loud!

Here are some of my favorite positive affirmations:

“The best is yet to come.”

“I’m beautiful inside and out.”

“I’m quick to forgive.”

“I refuse to live in fear”

“Something good is going to happen today.”

“Great things are coming my way.”

“Anticipate Awesome!”

“I will accomplish my dreams.”

“I can do this!”

“I will get through this.”

“I’m stronger than I think… I’ve got this!”

“It’s okay to ask for help.”

“I am here for a purpose… I am destined for great things.”

“I choose happiness and gratitude.”

“I choose to be hopeful… I will never give up.”

“I am unique and have great worth.”

Please use some of these affirmations as you head into the weeks and months ahead!

Don’t Miss Laremont School’s Special Needs Resource Fair and Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 5, 2024!

Make sure you attend Laremont School’s Special Needs Resource Fair and Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 am-1 pm at Laremont School, 17934 Gages Lake Road, Gages Lake, IL 60030. It's FREE!!!

We will have about 40 different special needs organizations and businesses participating, ranging from state government agencies to special recreation groups to health care businesses to respite services. Plus you can participate in a sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat and have fun playing accessible games!

Please spread the word to your friends, family, and others!!! To register for Trunk or Treat, please email Eileen Shaughnessy at eshaughnessy@sedol.us. If you have any questions, please email Andre Probst at aprobst@sedol.us.

By Erin Tidd

The SEDOL Vocational Department moved this summer onto the SEDOL Campus. The new Pre-Vocational Center is located behind Gage Lake School. It houses the vocational offices and is the work site for seven of the eighteen work crews SEDOL runs during the school day. One of those crews is Voc Explorer. Students on this crew have the opportunity to learn about various jobs, from landscaping and horticulture jobs to retail-related tasks to light janitorial. In early September, they had the opportunity to work offsite as volunteers at the SEDOL Foundation golf outing where they were doormen, and assisted with golfer registration. Another highlight of work they have done so far this year includes unloading the Food Bank Truck. Additionally, they recently held a meeting with Dr. Judy Hackett to discuss a campus beautification project they will soon be embarking on.

By Kelly Olsen

This year at Fairhaven, we are excited to introduce a new initiative called the Nest, our dedicated behavior support team. The Nest consists of one behavior specialist, Ms. Bailey Kostas, along with three behavior support paraprofessionals: Jenny O'Day, Hannah Johnson, and Bree Johnson.

The team provides essential in-classroom support, focusing on routines, schedules, visual aids, and token economy systems. They also offer staff training, classroom material development, and behavior support. In addition, the Nest assists with behavior intervention planning, behavior data collection, and crisis intervention.

This initiative has already proven to be a valuable resource for both students and staff, enhancing the overall learning environment at Fairhaven.

Another exciting addition to Fairhaven is the new gym floor! the SEDOL Foundation has generously supported Fairhaven in upgrading our gym, which now features brand new flooring, safety mats on the walls, fresh paint, and a striking mural of the Fairhaven Falcon. The new flooring also includes a pickleball court, available for both students and staff to enjoy.

The gym looks fantastic and truly embodies the spirit of the Fairhaven Falcons, providing a vibrant, safe, and engaging space for our community!

Fairhaven held its first all-school celebration of the year on September 27th, called "Fall into Learning." Students participated in two fall-themed arts and crafts activities, creating fun leaf designs. The celebration continued in the multipurpose room with engaging activities such as fall-themed bowling, sensory rice bins filled with leaves, acorns, and pumpkins, and ball pits containing pumpkins, leaves, and glow sticks.

The students had a fantastic time enjoying these autumnal activities, and we are excitedly looking forward to our next all-school celebration in October: the Boo Bash!

By Andrea Rouse

Gages Lake School has hit the ground running with our established systems and rewards.

Data Den meetings have started. These meetings allow for dedicated time for each classroom to review behavioral data and targeted interventions needed.

We have also continued past reward/incentive systems such as Pawmart and the Roaring Wheel.

Finally, we have also come together for the first SAB Production of the year. This is an opportunity for our SAB students to practice social skills and life skills by hosting the rest of the student body for a movie and refreshments. Students also have the opportunity to "purchase" refreshments for the SAB students to enjoy during the movie.

As a staff, we continue to implement these amazing activities and systems while also working to fine tune and develop other exciting opportunities for our students.