School of Thought
Improving the way we keep you updated on professional learning, alternative programs, partnerships, and resources.
S tay Connected
Let's Talk Safety – School Bus Safety
Now that school has officially begun , we need to talk about an important topic – school bus safety! An estimated 15 million violations of school bus stop are expected to take place this year according to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. Do what you can to prevent these violations!

The Illinois State Board of Education has provided a School Bus Safety booklet for motorists to help eliminate the number of violations and accidents each year. You can find that here.

In addition to ISBE providing materials to help, the Illinois State Police have provided a handout for school bus safety. You can find that here.
2019 Kane County Student Photography Contest Schedule - UPDATE
We are one month away the 6th annual Kane County Photography Contest. The schedule has been finalized and we're putting the final touches on the Student Photography Exhibition to be held on December 11, 2019.

You can find the 2019 schedule here. View last years exhibition here. Please contact Matt Muntner at mmuntner@kaneroe.org with any questions.
AA#3640 - Compassion Fatigue and Burnout: Is Your Staff At Risk?
This course is designed to support school leaders in understanding the effects of burnout and compassion fatigue that their staff may encounter as the first responders to student trauma. It is encouraged that school leaders bring their support staff personnel (school counselors, social workers, teachers, etc.) so that a team approach can be utilized when developing an implementation plan.

This academy will take place on November 19, 2019.

Roundtable Discussion: Edmentum


Come network with your colleagues from neighboring districts and discuss how you are using Edmentum digital curriculum materials to support your struggling high school students. You will also hear about the Courseware enhancements that were implemented over the summer.

This academy will take place on October 23, 2019.

The Progress Report: Raising Student Achievement
This week's post in The Progress Report writes about the Raising Student Achievement Conference taking place in December at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Two world renowned speakers and other great presentations!

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.

211 for Kane County
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.

LAST CHANCE - United States Senate Youth Program Hearst Scholarship
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a scholarship program sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for this program. The scholarship sends two eligible students from each state for an all-expenses-paid week in Washington, D.C., March 7-14, 2020. While in Washington, they hear policy addresses, meet with senators, Cabinet members, and officials of the Departments of State and Defense. Delegates also traditionally participate in a meeting with a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and the president of the United States.

Upon successful completion of Washington Week, finalists are provided a $10,000 scholarship. The Hearst Foundation requires that to obtain scholarship funds, a student must participate in the Washington Week program and use the funds within four years of enrollment at an accredited U.S. college or university. Students are encouraged to include history, political science, or related subjects in their undergraduate program.

Please  click here for the USSYP Application . For a description of the program and associated rules,  view the brochure​.
Upcoming & Ongoing Workshops
AA#2001 – Teacher Evaluator Training
Date: August 29 & 30th OR
September 12 & 13, 2019
Location: Kane ROE
Cost: $400
Adaptive Schools Seminar
Dates:   January 16 and 17 &
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