School of Thought
Improving the way we keep you updated on professional learning, alternative programs, partnerships, and resources.
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New Administrator Academy
AA# 3690 - Leading with Collective Efficacy: How to Empower Your Schools to Thrive! Dr. Sarah Mumm, Director of Educational Services K-5 from Kaneland #302, will be this special presenter. Join us at the Kane County ROE on May 12, 2020 from 8:30 AM -4:00 PM for an exciting workshop!

Raising Student Achievement Conference - Registration Open!

New Venue, New Logo, New Website, Nationally Recognized Keynotes, Unforgettable Featured Speakers!


Miss out on Early Bird Registration? Great news! Regular registration is open until November 25th. This is a conference you won’t want to miss! There were over 200 presenter proposals submitted, and over 30 featured school/district applications! This year’s conference has something for everyone K-12. Highlights of the conference include:
  • We have 2 world renowned keynotes – Dave Burgess & Greg Wolcott!
  • The Raising Student Achievement Conference has been upgraded to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
  • We have upgraded to a new registration system through EventBrite that allows you to view all of the presentations and reserve each session before you step foot in the door minimizing a last minute rush! 
Student Photography Contest | Week 3 & 4 Results
The Student Photography Contest is thriving as we move onto week 5 (halfway done!).

We've had some amazing submissions from talented school districts across Kane County in just the first two weeks.

If you are interested in getting involved in the photo contest, you can reach out to Matt Muntner at mmuntner@kaneroe.org for more questions!

New Illinois Online Academy Course
Illinois Online Academy presents a new course titled "Build School Communities: Brain Smart Classroom Management."

This course offers 30 PD Credits, is 100% online, and is $195 for the course!

Kane County 2-1-1
With more than 1000 government, non-profit, and faith-based organizations providing much needed services throughout Kane County, it can be overwhelming and confusing to know who does what and exactly where to start to get help needed. 2-1-1 is a free, centralized, anonymous place to start with a specialist on hand to help sort out the options. No computer or internet is required, translation is available in over 150 languages and callers of all ages can use this service as often as needed.

The Progress Report: A Little HS Love
This week's post in The Progress Report Katie writes about her High School days and how they have drastically changed since then in a positive way. Educators have adapted in providing more resources, programing and support to the students to get them college, career and community ready!

The Progress Report is a collaborative discussion space for professional learning. If there are any topics that you would like to see a post on or guest write yourself,  please contact Katie Algrim.

2020 - 2021 FAFSA - Register Now!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2020-21 school year launched on October 1 and is the first step to the financial aid process. The FAFSA assesses family finances to help determine your ability to pay for college.

The FAFSA is your primary tool to qualify for federal programs such as Pell grants, work-study programs and loans. States and colleges also frequently use the FAFSA to qualify students for local financial aid, as well as for school grants and scholarships.

Happy Halloween - Trick or Treat Safety Tips
Halloween is tomorrow, October 31st, and we hoped to share some helpful tips to make sure all the kids in your area have a safe and enjoyable Halloween night!

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween
  1. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
  2. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
  3. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  4. Get rid of any distractions - like your phone - in your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  5. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
  6. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Costumes for a Safe Halloween
  1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
  2. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
  3. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 
  4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. 

The CDC has also put together a helpful flyer for Halloween Safety! Read That Here
Upcoming & Ongoing Workshops
AA#1815 – Meeting Tips, Tools and Techniques to Achieve Results
Dates: 100% Online
PD Credits: 6
Cost: $100
Adaptive Schools Seminar
Dates:   January 27 and 28 &
March 12 and 13, 2020
Location: Kane ROE
Cost: $400
Illinois Online Academy:
Growth Mindset
Dates: 100% Online
PD Credits: 5
Cost: $40
Illinois Online Academy:
Social Emotional Learning
Dates: 100% Online
PD Credits: 2
Cost: $40