Serving Students, Educators, and the Community
Support Service Team Success Stories
Following the pandemic many students struggled to return to in person learning. Sometimes this is due to anxiety and school refusal behavior. This fall I had the chance to work with a student who is now enrolled in the Pleasant Valley School District. Through weekly meetings and allowing the student to decide what incentives would be most beneficial to him we were able to see his attendance improve to consistently coming 4 out of 5 days per week. As the weeks went on we would meet and discuss how his days were going.

During our first meetings, this student would be very negative. He also would exclaim, “facts” after every statement he thought was true. For example, his teacher would say, he states he does not like coming to school in person and he would chime in, “FACTS”. As he began to improve we would talk about how he was connecting to his classmates and students more and how he was enjoying school more and more. For a student who had not been in person for learning in a few school years, we were very happy to see him hitting the 85% mark for attendance….that’s the FACTS. 
December was a month of Christmas cheer. One of our previously homeless families in Peoria who had been staying at the Dream Center Peoria was housed in their own place in December.

With support of funds from the McKinney Vento grant, donations of household goods and Christmas gifts the Student Support Services Team was able to bless a family with 3 car-fulls of donated bedding, curtains, dishes and household items. It was truly a blessing to see this family so excited about getting their new home set up.

They were also able to continue attendance in the school they had been enrolled in during their stay at Dream Center Peoria due to their educational rights under McKinney Vento. These students are able to wake up in their own bedrooms now and attend the school where they have connections.
A sixth grade student from Sterling Middle School has greatly improved his attendance and has been to school 4 weeks in a row. Prior to working with his Student Support Specialist, he missed 16 out of 35 days of school. He is working very well with his school counselor, his Student Support Specialist, and he enjoys the new attendance group that he now participates in at school.  

The Hope Store

The Hope Store is part of the Dream Center where families can get free clothing and household items. See flier for more details.

As a case worker, you can contact Krista.bergthold@dreamcenter.org to schedule a time to shop for your clients or have them meet you there to shop. There are also public shopping days and drop off donation days.
Adult Literacy
HELP WANTED!

ROE Adult Literacy needs you for one hour per week to tutor an adult who wants to learn to read. You can help! Become a volunteer tutor for an adult who needs help! Contact John at jmeisinger@peoriaroe.org, or text/call 309-472-2468.

Are you in education?
If you are a certified teacher, student teacher, or have a background in education and want to help, please contact us. You will not have to take the three session training, but instead have an hour-long introduction to familiarize you with the program. Please contact us so we may set up a time and get you started!
Not in education but want to help? No problem, just take the training!

ROE Adult Literacy will be conducting an Adult Basic Literacy & ELL Volunteer Tutor Training at the Peoria North Branch Library, Grand Parkway, Peoria, IL 61615 on February 21, 26 & 28, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Advanced registration is required by emailing jmeisinger@peoriaroe.org, or text/call 309-472-2468. Please plan to attend all three sessions.

If you have questions regarding the workshop and becoming a volunteer tutor, or interested in finding out more about our program, please contact us. Materials and training are provided free. Bring a friend!! 

*This program was made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds designated for literacy.
Edutopia Article: The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2023
Following our annual tussle with hundreds of studies of merit, we’ve pared them down to 10 you shouldn’t miss—from what AI can (and can’t) do to the neuroscience of brain synchrony.
Free Virtual Screening of "The Right to Read" for Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, watch The Right to Read for a one-day free virtual screening!

The Right to Read will be available to watch online on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 12:00AM PST to 11:59PM PST.
Professional Learning
Stress Reduction for Educators
A calm and focused class starts with the teacher. Through this 1-hour online self-paced course led by Angie Swearingian, K-12 educators will feel the personal benefits from stretching, breathing, self-massage, and mindful meditation. 

Begin the new year with regulation techniques to navigate stress and compassion fatigue.

Open Enrollment - Enroll Anytime.
Location: Online
Cost: $20
Earn 1 PDH
ISBE Social Work Listening Session

Date: January 22, 2024
Time: 10am-11:30am
Location: Peoria Public Schools Administration Building, PLC 1
Cost: Free
Earn 1.5 PDHs

ISBE wants your perspective on the current Illinois school social work environment.
Online Book Study:
Racial Healing Handbook

Runs January 22 - April 14
Location: Online
Cost: $30
The first 15 to enroll will receive a free copy of the book.
Earn 24 PDHs
Repairing Relationships through Restorative Conversations

Date: January 23, 2024
Time: 10am-11am
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Safe Zone Training

Date: January 24, 2024
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Goodwill Commons
Cost: Free

Three sessions available
during the day!
Cultivating
Holistic Wellness

Dates January 30, February 27, March 12, April 9, and April 30
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Five Points
Cost: Free
Earn up to 12 PDHs

Making Connections:
Supporting Students through 504 Plans, IEPs, and Accommodations

Presented by Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Date: January 30, 2024
Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Earn 1 Credit Hour towards CEU and PEL
Google Educator
Level 1 Certification

Date: February 1, 2024
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Goodwill Commons
Cost: Free
Earn 5.5 PDHs

In this workshop, we will break down the Google Educator Level 1 Certification into smaller segments while preparing you to take and pass the exam.
Online Book Study: Whole-Brain Child

Runs from Feb 5 - May 10
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Earn 12 PDHs
Note: As of January 11, all 40 free books have been claimed. New enrollee will need to purchase own copy of the book.
Online Book Study: Atomic Habits

Runs from Feb 5 - March 17
Location: Online
Cost: $30
The first 15 to enroll will receive a free copy of the book.
Earn 12 PDHs


The Legacy Project Webinar

Date: February 8, 2024
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Earn 1 PDHs
Youth Mental Health
First Aid

Date: February 13, 2024
Time: 8:30am-2:30pm
Location: Goodwill Commons
Cost: Free
Earn 6.5 PDHs
Google Educator
Level 2 Certification

Date: February 29, 2024
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Goodwill Commons
Cost: Free
Earn 5.5 PDHs



Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
This two-part online, self-paced book study provides a platform for you to study Hammond’s work while reflecting on its meaning and application to your practice and students.  

Open Enrollment - Enroll Anytime.
Location: Online
Cost: $50 per course
Earn 12 PDHs per course
Community Partners
so you don't miss anything from ROE 48!