NSSEO Governing Board Brief
June 2024
Upcoming Events & Dates
June 10th - June 28th
ESY - Extended School Year
June 19th - Juneteenth
No School / All Buildings Closed
August 6th - August 9th
New Staff Orientation
August 7th
NSSEO Governing Board Meeting @ District Office 7PM
August 12th - August 14th
Staff Institute Days
August 15th
First Day of School for Students at Kirk, Miner and Timber Ridge
End of the Year - Continuous Improvement Plan
In May and June 2023, NSSEO leadership undertook a comprehensive review, which set forth goals and priorities for the 2023-2024 school year. This effort culminated in the development of our Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP), which details objectives and dashboard indicators across the following goal areas:
Student Outcomes
Social Emotional Learning
Supportive, Collaborative, and Person-Centered Learning Environment
Transition Services
Collaborative Partnerships
Our Continuous Improvement Plan embodies an effective process characterized by ongoing reflection, revision, and growth. At the June NSSEO Governing Board meeting, Molly Dunne, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, presented a detailed report on the actions taken this year by the leadership team and other stakeholders to achieve our established goals and objectives.
This report highlighted how the NSSEO mission, vision, and core values were integral to our daily operations and are the foundation of our Continuous Improvement Plan. The presentation illustrated our commitment to these principles and how they guided us in creating a nurturing and effective educational environment.
Special Recognition
Julie Jilek
NSSEO celebrated Julie Jilek, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, for her dedicated service to the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) spanning an impressive 17 years. During this tenure, Julie has made significant contributions to the organization’s success and growth.
NSSEO Foundation Member Sandy Neuman highlighted Julie’s pivotal role in revitalizing the Foundation, transforming it into the robust entity it is today. "Julie's efforts have breathed new life into the Foundation, ensuring its continued impact and success," Sandy remarked, underscoring Julie's commitment to the NSSEO community.
In addition, NSSEO Representatives Eileen Bell and Joy Borkowski presented Julie with a token of appreciation. They acknowledged her invaluable support and the positive influence she has had on the organization. "Julie's contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary," Eileen and Joy noted, "Her dedication and hard work have been instrumental in our collective achievements."
Dr. Judy Hackett, former Superintendent of NSSEO, also shared heartfelt sentiments about her long-term collaboration with Julie. "Working with Julie for over 17 years has been a remarkable experience," Dr. Hackett reflected. "Her passion, integrity, and dedication to our mission have left an indelible mark on NSSEO."
Julie’s tenure at NSSEO has been characterized by her commitment to excellence and her ability to inspire and lead by example. Her efforts have not only strengthened the foundation of the organization but have also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among staff, students, and stakeholders.
As Julie continues her journey with NSSEO, her colleagues and the broader NSSEO community are deeply appreciative of her contributions and look forward to many more years of her impactful service. The heartfelt acknowledgments from Dr. Schnoor, Sandy Neuman, Eileen Bell, Joy Borkowski, and Dr. Judy Hackett are a testament to Julie Jilek’s enduring legacy and the positive difference she has made in the lives of so many.
NSSEO Heartbeats of the Week
Shannon Sweezy
Shannon deserves to be the heartbeat of the week because she has entered in a new season of her teaching career working with a early braille reader. She has gone above and beyond in the work she does for this student, regardless on when she gets materials, Shannon is often coming before school or staying after school to prepare materials for the student. She is often consulting with members of the vision team to learn new ways to teach concepts to the student. You can often see, or should I say hear Shannon embossing materials at central office.
Victoria Cramer
Victoria is always hard at work supporting students throughout the day. She puts together impactful and engaging group therapy lessons, she supports students during academic lessons and she is always finding time to support her students when they are in crisis. Further, her natural ability to partner with parents has led to strong, collaborative relationships that promote growth at school and at home. She leads with curiosity, patience and understanding as she seeks to positively impact not just the lives of her students, but that of her colleagues as well. Her drive for success has been impressive and we are grateful to have her at Timber Ridge!
Nicole Bowman
Nicole has been one of our highest performing teachers at Miner. This year, she has had to navigate a few barriers within her class, ranging from more challenging students and staffing issues. Despite these barriers, Nicole is always finding ways to support her students, staff and families and does it all with a smile on her face.
What's Happening Around NSSEO
Kirk Campus Connections Ceremony
The Kirk Campus Connections Ceremony is a heartfelt and significant event celebrating the transition of our special needs high school students as they age out of our program and prepare to embark on new journeys in the world. The ceremony is designed to honor each student's unique achievements and the personal milestones they've reached. It's a moment for families, friends, teachers, and the entire Kirk Campus community to come together and acknowledge the tremendous progress these young individuals have made. Each student is recognized for their perseverance, talents, and contributions to our school, highlighting their readiness to take on new challenges and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Throughout the event, we reflect on the journey of each graduate, sharing stories and memories that illustrate their development and the impact they've had on our community. Inspirational speeches, heartfelt messages from teachers, and personalized presentations for each student underscore the supportive and inclusive environment that defines Kirk Campus.
The Kirk Campus Connections Ceremony is not just a farewell but a celebration of potential and a send-off filled with hope and encouragement. As our graduates step into the wider world, we are confident that they carry the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive and make meaningful connections in their next chapter of life.
Kirk High School Graduation
The Kirk Campus High School Graduation Ceremony is a momentous occasion celebrating the achievements of our high school students as they prepare to transition into our Connections Program. This ceremony signifies the completion of an important chapter in their educational journey and the beginning of an exciting new phase within our NSSEO community.
During this event, we honor the dedication, hard work, and growth that each student has demonstrated throughout their high school years. Families, friends, teachers, and staff gather to recognize and applaud the unique accomplishments and milestones that have shaped their time at Kirk Campus. The ceremony is a reflection on their journey and highlights the personal and academic growth they've achieved. These moments serve as a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment of Kirk Campus, where each student is empowered by our talented and dedicated staff to reach their full potential.
As our graduates move on to the Connections Program, they do so with a strong foundation of skills, confidence, and resilience. The Kirk Campus High School Graduation Ceremony is not just a celebration of past achievements but a warm welcome to the next chapter in their educational journey. We look forward to seeing our graduates continue to thrive and grow, supported by the same Kirk community that has helped them succeed thus far.
Miner Graduation
The Miner School Graduation Celebration is a special event that celebrates the accomplishments of our students as they prepare to move on to high school. This event signifies the end of an important period at Miner School and the start of a new and thrilling phase within our NSSEO community.
At this gathering, we recognize the commitment, effort, and progress demonstrated by every student during their tenure at Miner School. These occasions highlight the caring and encouraging atmosphere at Miner School, where our skilled and devoted faculty inspire each student to achieve their utmost capabilities.
After completing their time at our school, students transition to high school with a solid base of abilities, self-assurance, and perseverance. The Miner School Graduation Ceremony marks not only a recognition of previous accomplishments but also a heartfelt farewell as they embark on the next phase of their academic path. We are excited to witness our graduates prosper and develop further during their high school years.
Timber Ridge Graduation
The last of our graduations during our graduation week here at NSSEO, the Timber Ridge Graduation, is always a very special and emotional one. It is a bittersweet celebration of success due solely to the fact that the success our students and staff are working so relentlessly on means that they are ready to leave Timber Ridge and connect back to their home schools. The friendships that bond all of these graduates together are a special thing to witness every year and one that all of us in attendance cherish. Each student is showcased with their diploma and a custom superlative that reflects their individual personality and achievements of the year.
We are proud of all of the students and all of their success, but we know that at Timber Ridge, there is an essential component of individual grit that each of these graduates possesses to get back on track with their education journey and proudly move that tassel to the other side of their cap.
From everyone in the NSSEO community, we wish all of you Timber Ridge Graduates the best of luck on your next education chapter and throughout your journey in life. We are incredibly proud of your growth and maturation and do sincerely hope you come back to our community, show off your hard work and success, and inspire the next group of Timber Ridge graduates!
Safety Fair at Timber Ridge
In May, our district hosted a special collaborative event that brought together the Arlington Heights Police and Fire Departments, the Illinois Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Northwest Central Dispatch, staff, and volunteers for a day dedicated to student safety. The event was an engaging and educational experience, providing students with valuable knowledge and skills to stay safe in various environments.
Julie Jilek, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, highlighted the many contributions that made the safety fair a success. This collaborative effort underscored the community's commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students, making the safety fair an impactful and memorable event.
Trying on AHFD Gear
A New Best Friend
Sprint Testing Radar Guns
Perfect Fit
Face Paint
Tattoo Painting
Photo Booth Fun!
Photo Booth Fun!
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
June 10th - June 28th
ESY - Extended School Year
June 19th - Juneteenth
No School / All Buildings Closed
August 6th - August 9th
New Staff Orientation
August 7th
NSSEO Governing Board Meeting @ District Office 7PM
August 12th - August 14th
Staff Institute Days
August 15th
First Day of School for Students at Kirk, Miner and Timber Ridge
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