It seems January is doing that "thing" where we have to adjust to an in and out rhythm depending on how the weather treats us. It still always amazes me how quickly this month goes and then it just keeps "snowballing"!

There are some new professional development resources, more great information on supporting our reading initiative and lots of resources and supports from SPED and IT.

Take care!

MEB

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.

Increasing Engagement Through UDL Learning Series: Resourceful & Knowledgeable Learners

Jan. 22 | 3:45-5 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.25

Host: Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network

Event Type: Virtual

New Teacher Cohort

Jan. 22 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.

PD Hours: 1

Host: STAR NET IV

Event Type: Virtual

Co-Teaching Foundations: Building Success Together

Jan. 22 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.

PD Hours: 3

Host: SLD Support Project

Event Type: In Person, Workshop

Content Area Writing: Strategies for Every Subject

Jan. 22 | 3:30-5p.m.

PD Hours 1.5

Host: SLD Support Project

Event Type: Virtual, Workshop

Book Study: A Twist on The Plot

Jan. 22-March 12 | 4-5 p.m.

PD Hours: To Be Announced

Host: STAR NET VI

Event Type: To Be Announced

An Overview of IDEA

Jan. 23 | 3:30-5 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.5

Host: STAR NET IV

Event Type: Virtual

Enhancing Team Collaboration and Success for All of Our Littlest Learners Through Data-Based Decision-Making Part 1

Jan. 23 | 4-5:30 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.5

Host: STAR NET II

Event Type: Virtual

Utilization of School-Wide Quarterly Incentives as Positive Reinforcements in the BIP

Jan. 23 | 3:30-5:30 p.m.

PD Hours: 2

Host: Behavior Assessment Training (BAT) Project

Event Type: Virtual

Assessing Emergent Voices – Strategies for Effective Feedback (K-2)

Jan. 23 | 3:30-5 p.m.

PD Hours: 1.5

Host: SLD Support Project

Event Type: Virtual, Workshop

Not for a Lack of Appropriate Instruction: The LEA’s Guide to Eligibility for Specific Learning Disability – Admin Academy #4123

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

Join us for Building Bridges: Collaborative Approaches to Student Support, a transformative conference that brings together educators, administrators, and related service professionals to create holistic, student-centered support systems. In today’s educational landscape, meeting the diverse needs of students requires teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to shared goals. This dynamic event highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, offering insightful sessions on foundational topics such as effective Data Dissection techniques, innovative Positive Behavior Supports, and "Early Childhood designed to foster safe and supportive learning environments where every student feels valued and understood.

COST: FREE! CPDU'S AVAILABLE. LUNCH PROVIDED. CLICK HERE TO:

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Conference Dates: 2/6: DeKalb, 2/7: Chicago, 2/12: Springfield, 2/18: Carbondale. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, a school leader, or a support specialist, this conference is your your toolkit for impactful student support. Don’t miss out—let’s build bridges together! Scan the QR Code to register.

In today’s digital age, it’s essential to equip kids with the prosocial skills they need to interact responsibly, both online and offline. US teens spend about 4.8 hours per day on social media platforms; adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems, including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. To help improve schooling and combat the negative effects on youth mental well-being, many states and school districts are passing policies and taking action to reduce access to social media platforms and to limit kids’ cell phone use during school hours. This seems sensible; however, we can’t ignore our technology-rich world and how younger generations will continue to have digital experiences at every turn.

Join this sponsored webinar to discover how policy and practice can provide strong life skills that give students the tools they need to competently navigate the digital world. We’ll also explore how these tools work as a necessary extension to promote student mental well-being when they are online, offline, and in the classroom.

During the webinar, you will learn:

• How policy addresses (or doesn’t address) digital well-being
• Which skill-building competencies support digital well-being
• What skill building looks like in practice
• How you and your learning communities can take steps to advance digital well-being for your kids

This webinar is recommended for education professionals at the district and school levels.

Next Session: Thursday, January 23 | 2:00 PM

REGISTER HERE

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7917240959101/WN_Jfb5xAUMT_msPfYS9XPINw#/registration

• Want to learn more about Flocabulary? Check out this Getting Started Guide.

• Check out the November Flocabulary Newsletter for tips & tricks in using Flocabulary!

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/

January 29th @ 5:30 pm CT: Better Communication with Screencastify: How to use video to strengthen the home-to-school connection

• Recommended audience: teachers, other service providers, school and district leaders
• Link to register

February 12 @ 10 am CT: Test Prep with Screencastify: Leverage video to prepare your students for upcoming assessments

• Recommended audience: teachers, coaches, school and district leaders
• Link to register

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