An IL-EMPOWER approved learning partner  
Dr. Darlene J. Ruscitti
Regional Superintendent
DuPage County Schools
January 12, 2021
Tuesday Thoughts

Did you see the sunshine this morning? Sunny days seem to make everything feel a little bit better--but unfortunately, we haven't had too many lately. When the sun does peek through the clouds, we have to take advantage of the opportunity to soak in some Vitamin D, even it's just a short, 10-minute walk outside.

In similar fashion, we must actively look for the good in our community and nation, and capitalize on it. Our students deserve role models who can be beacons of hope during difficult days. They need educators to come alongside them and encourage them-- to literally "put courage in them," so they have confidence to be and do all the things they were created for. What an incredible privilege and honor you have to do this for a young person! What an awesome responsibility and calling!

We have full confidence that you are up to this task, but if you have any doubts, fall back on your training, your instincts, and your experiences. Reach out to your mentors and role models. In addition, we hope the training opportunities and resources listed below will serve to encourage you as you take part in them, so that you, like your students, will have the courage to be and do all you were created for.

As always, the DuPage ROE is always available for any questions or concerns you have. Please feel free to contact us.
Administrator Academies
The DuPage ROE is now offering a number of virtual Administrator Academies. Please see the attached flyer for dates and course offerings.


TIDE
The Spring Semester offerings of TIDE are now available. Click here for the list.

TRAIN THE TRAINERS: Navigating the American Educational System
Due to popular demand, a new session has been added on January 14! Dr. Lourdes Ferrer will lead a 3-hour workshop designed to "train the trainers" on how to present four culturally relevant workshops for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants will learn about challenges specific to Hispanic families, proven methods of improving communication, and how to increase parental participation in school activities. In addition, participants will receive all materials necessary to conduct four 75-minute parent workshops, in Spanish. For more information and a link to registration, click here.

SHORT-TERM SUB TRAINING
Short-term substitute teacher training will take place on February 4 via Zoom. Click here for more information.


COUNTY-WIDE INSTITUTE DAY
Our County-Wide Institute Day (CWID) will be held on February 26, and the Workshop Catalog is now available here. There is much to choose from, so please peruse the offerings and register for the ones you are interested in.


GET GOOGLE CERTIFIED
Due to the quick fill-up of the county-wide institute day session, the DuPage ROE is offering another virtual session of "Get Google Certified! Google Level 1 Certification Workshop" on Wednesday, March 17 from 9:30 am to 2 pm. The Level 1 Certification workshop will prepare participants to take the Google Educator Level 1 certification exam (exam not included). Level 1 certification indicates a fundamental understanding of using Google Tools in the classroom and confirms standard technology implementation skills. This workshop is designed for teachers that have a solid base of implementing the Google tools in their classroom and is not designed as an introduction to the Google tools. For registration and more information, please click here.

EARLY CHILDHOOD (EC) COUNTY-WIDE INSTITUTE DAY
The second annual EC County-Wide Institute Day will be held on February 26 for leaders, teachers, and support staff working with students in PreK through 3rd grade. This will be a virtual conference with four sessions throughout the day. The opening session will focus on bringing us back to why we became educators. The remaining time will offer a variety of 30-70 minute sessions on topics such as diversity, self regulation through play, scaffolded writing, KIDS assessment, the SeeSaw program, using Google docs and slides in class and in teletherapy, supporting our ESL students, extending children’s thinking through questioning, working with selective mutism, authentic assessment (virtual and face to face), the Pyramid behavior model, autism, collaborating on adult and student needs, equity in EC, yoga, and more. Registrants need only register for the day and not each individual session. Once registered, applicants will receive the session schedule and links for each session. We hope your early childhood teams join us. For more information, see pages 18-22 of the CWID Workshop Catalog.
CIVICS IN THE MIDDLE: ADDRESSING THE RECENT EVENTS IN D.C.
Wondering how to talk to your students about events in our nation's Capital? Civics in the Middle suggests the following resources to facilitate conversation and understanding:

For more resources including how to prepare students for Inauguration day, understanding a peaceful transfer of power, what a lame duck is, the importance of a president's first 100 days in office, what pardons are, and how to address questions about voter fraud, click here for valuable information from our friends at Civics in the Middle.

GLENBARD PARENT SERIES
  • Tonight, January 12 at 7 pm: "Middle School Matters: 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive." Middle school years can be a low-stakes training ground to teach kids the key skills they’ll need to thrive now and in the future, including making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, regulating their own emotions, and acting as their own advocates. Phyllis Fagell, a licensed clinical professional counselor, certified professional school counselor, author and journalist, combines her professional and personal expertise with stories and advice from prominent psychologists, doctors, parents, educators, school professionals, and middle schoolers themselves.

  • Tomorrow, January 13, at 12 noon: "How to Bring Out The Best in Students ages 9-15 in a Pandemic." The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the challenges of guiding students through new academic hurdles, preparing them for an uncertain future while facilitating good mental health. School support staff and other professionals are key allies, mentors, and confidantes who help students navigate thoughts, feelings, and dilemmas that they may not understand. How can we approach the new virtual reality of this work to create a positive difference and motivate students to excellence? Join Phyllis Fagell as she addresses the most common questions and struggles facing kids ages 9-15.

  • Thursday, January 21 at 7 pm: "Railroad Safety Panel." Every three hours in the U.S. a person or vehicle is hit by a train according to the National Traffic Safety Board. It can take more than a mile to stop a train — the equivalent of about 18 football fields making it difficult if not impossible for a train to stop. Lanny Wilson, M.D. has made it his mission to keep families safe around trains after his daughter, Lauren, died in a train accident. The goal of this special GPS event is to raise awareness and empower the public to stay safe near highway-rail grade crossings and understand the rules of railroad rights-of-way. 
GIFTED SUMMIT
The Illinois Association for Gifted Children is offering a two-day summit titled, "Equity & Inclusion in Action" on February 5-6. State and national experts will share presentations focused on practical strategies to identify and meet the needs of advanced learners from diverse racial, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. For more information, click here.


DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The DCM is now offering exciting, virtual, hands-on, STEM labs as well as Arts and Maker programs. Click on either of the links for more information, or view a video at this link.


LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS IN DUPAGE COUNTY
Below is a series of links highlighting leadership developments occurring through the two federal grants DuPage School Districts are involved in. They include policy recommendations and considerations for the State to address regarding the leadership crisis we are facing in our schools.


National Board Candidacy DuPage ROE Cohort 
ISBE will open the registration window for the next Candidacy Cycle on March 1. An informational session for those interested will be available on February 16 via Zoom. Click here for more information.

ISBE CAREER GUIDE
The Career Guide is a comprehensive resource for students, parents, counselors, and teachers and includes new CTE and career pathway information, in-demand occupations in Illinois, and highlighted employers throughout the state. Preview a copy. The DuPage ROE has a limited supply of free, print copies. Email Mary Biniewicz at mbiniewicz@dupageroe.org for more information. 


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR LICENSE RENEWAL
North Central College is offering a character education certificate course online. Includes character training and SEL. For more information, click here.


Register today for these upcoming networking opportunities. For a complete listing, click here.

Gifted Instruction: January 22

SEL: February 2

PreK-3rd Grade: February 10

Early Childhood: February 17

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421 North County Farm Road Wheaton, IL 60187 P: 630.407.5800