Kudos to Yvette Stauner for the extra care she put in to help one particularly picky student stay
happy and healthy at school!
happy and healthy at school!
and
Kudos to Rich Bressett and Michelle Serini for your extra efforts to help our students!
and
Kudos to Keli Swierczek for your flexibility with scheduling meetings, and availability in answering my
questions all- the- time! :)
questions all- the- time! :)
-From Greer Lally
Thank you Fred Miller for stopping by to watch the 6th graders Olympic Dance competition... appreciate
you supporting your students in PE!
you supporting your students in PE!
and
Thank you Jill Becmer for coming to take some pictures during the Olympic Dance competition!
-From Melissa Jakstas
I'd like to thank Deb Marineau and Joan Kantenwein for their kindness and assistance on some icy days.
They helped me getting into and out of my car. Thank you ladies!
They helped me getting into and out of my car. Thank you ladies!
And
I'd like to thank Don U. for creating a handy parking spot for me during my recovery. It has been so
helpful.
helpful.
-From Ellen Stirrat
Kudos to the great Food Service Staff!
Both kitchens have been creative and used all the produce from the Snow Days, changing and adapting
the menus to provide great quality meals for kids and staff.
the menus to provide great quality meals for kids and staff.
Way to go!!
-From Georgette
To all the CICO COACHES, THANK YOU for always being there for your students and giving them
support and positive reinforcement everyday. We couldn't do this program without you!
support and positive reinforcement everyday. We couldn't do this program without you!
-From Kim VanHoorelbeke
To Becky Vedder for taking a moment to bring a kiddo to talk with me on Friday following a hallway issue
with him. I’m glad I got to follow up with him, and maybe...just maybe...he “got” what I was saying!
with him. I’m glad I got to follow up with him, and maybe...just maybe...he “got” what I was saying!
And
To the 7th grade team at Stanton for welcoming me in FLEX! It was soooo cool to see the differentiation
happening!
happening!
-From Heather
Thank you to Amanda Lorenz and Erica Barraza for coming to Stanton to teach our math teachers
about iReady progress monitoring and setting pathways for students.Thanks for all of your help!
about iReady progress monitoring and setting pathways for students.Thanks for all of your help!
-From Rachelle Peters
When you have a kudo to share for someone, please just email me and I'll include it here! The goal is
to create system celebrations--so your input is truly welcome!
to create system celebrations--so your input is truly welcome!
Business Office Updates
Schedules:
I will be out on Friday this week. I HATE to miss Institute Day, but Katie (our oldest)...along with 300+
other Stevenson band/Color Guard students...will be marching in a parade at Disney, so we are heading
to Florida to watch her. We are so excited!!!
other Stevenson band/Color Guard students...will be marching in a parade at Disney, so we are heading
to Florida to watch her. We are so excited!!!
Also, Maddie will be out on vacation Feb 25-March 1, so please contact Maureen and she’ll forward
questions to make sure they are answered. Maddie and Mary are partnering on payroll, so there will be
no issues.
questions to make sure they are answered. Maddie and Mary are partnering on payroll, so there will be
no issues.
Curriculum Updates
The schedule for the February 15 Institute Day is linked here...it’s still a work in progress, and I’ll send a
final version when all the details are finalized. But, this gives you a glimpse at what will be going on
so you can start thinking ahead. Also, Maddie will be meeting with a small pilot group at 10:45 on 2/15
so that we can test out Time and Attendance (clocking in and out) before launching it system-wide.
final version when all the details are finalized. But, this gives you a glimpse at what will be going on
so you can start thinking ahead. Also, Maddie will be meeting with a small pilot group at 10:45 on 2/15
so that we can test out Time and Attendance (clocking in and out) before launching it system-wide.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019
Click here to view our newsletter on our ELC Assistive Technology Website. Cheat sheets and training
videos are available for Boardmaker Online and other apps/software.
videos are available for Boardmaker Online and other apps/software.
Boardmaker Online Update: Pre-made resources and lessons for Social Studies, Reading, Writing, and
Core Vocab/Language/Communication available on Boardmaker Online via Boardmaker Expedition
Education, Boardmaker Book Bridge, and Core First Learning lessons available.
Click on the "Curriculum" tab to access these resources. You will have to sign in with a valid
Boardmaker Online account to access these resources.
Core Vocab/Language/Communication available on Boardmaker Online via Boardmaker Expedition
Education, Boardmaker Book Bridge, and Core First Learning lessons available.
Click on the "Curriculum" tab to access these resources. You will have to sign in with a valid
Boardmaker Online account to access these resources.
Infinitec is an Special Education and Assistive Technology Initiative that provides webinars, workshops,
resources and other services to member districts. Their website not only includes a calendar of events
of one day webinars and workshops, but also free archived webinars of a variety of topics for staff with
any level of knowledge. Please contact Brandt Rosen (brosen@elced.org) for more information of what
Infinitec has to offer. Click here to register for a free account. For ELC member district staff and
parents ONLY. When signing up, under "District/coop," be sure to type in the "Exceptional Learners'
Collaborative." With an account, you can access educational resources, live webinars, and archived
training videos for a variety of tools and topics. Please visit the MyInfinitec Online Classroom for
archived webinars and earn CEUs.
resources and other services to member districts. Their website not only includes a calendar of events
of one day webinars and workshops, but also free archived webinars of a variety of topics for staff with
any level of knowledge. Please contact Brandt Rosen (brosen@elced.org) for more information of what
Infinitec has to offer. Click here to register for a free account. For ELC member district staff and
parents ONLY. When signing up, under "District/coop," be sure to type in the "Exceptional Learners'
Collaborative." With an account, you can access educational resources, live webinars, and archived
training videos for a variety of tools and topics. Please visit the MyInfinitec Online Classroom for
archived webinars and earn CEUs.
Free February Webinars:
Resources for All Learners: A Guided Tour of myinfinitec.org
By Jenn Skalitzky, Assistive Technology Facilitator, Infinitec
-February 4th - 11:30-12:30 - Click here to register
Communication in the Context of Literacy Instruction for Students with Autism (Recorded)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Christi Carnahan & Pamela Williamson, Autism Consultants & Educators
-February 6th - 3:30-4:30 Click here to register
Seating & Positioning Part 2 - Implementation Strategies & Their Underlying Concepts (Recorded)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Karen Kangas, Occupational Therapist, Seating Specialist & National Speaker
-February 7th - 3:30-4:30 - Click here to register
Teaching Switch Progression-Extending Influence & Control (Recorded)(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Ian Bean, Assistive Technology Specialist & Consultant, SENICT
-February 11th - 3:30-4:30 - Click here to register
Teaching Switch Progression-Moving On & Making Choices (Recorded)(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Ian Bean, Assistive Technology Specialist & Consultant, SENICT
-February 12th - 3:30-4:30 - Click here to register
Hot Off the Press! Updates & Changes to the Illinois Assistive Technology Guidance Manual (Recorded)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Presented by Brian W. Wojcik, Ed.D., ATP, Assistant Professor, Director of Special Education
Graduate Programs, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Graduate Programs, University of Nebraska at Kearney
-February 13th - 3:30-4:30 - Click here to register
Teaching Switch Progression- The Curriculum & Beyond (Recorded)(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Ian Bean, Assistive Technology Specialist & Consultant, SENICT
-February 14th - 3:30-4:30 - Click here to register
Apps for Emergent Math (Recorded)(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Mark Coppin, Assistive Technology Specialist & National Speaker
-February 20th - 3:30-4:30 - Click here to register
Seating & Positioning Part 3 - Let's Get to Work! The Journey Required (Recorded)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
(Beginner/Intermediate)
By Karen Kangas, Occupational Therapist, Seating Specialist & National Speaker
-February 21st - 3:30-4:30 -Click here to register
Overview of the Illinois Assistive Technology Guidance Manual (Recorded) (Beginner/Intermediate)
By Presented by Brian W. Wojcik, Ed.D., ATP, Assistant Professor, Director of Special Education
Graduate Programs, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Graduate Programs, University of Nebraska at Kearney
-February 27th - 3:30-4:30 - Click here to register
PAY FOR INFINITEC SPONSORED WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES:
2/12/19 Evidence-Based Practices for Students with Autism w/Emily Rubin (click here to register)
2/26/19 IL- BEYOND 90/90/90: Develop & Support Seating & Positioning w/Karen Kangas
(click here to register)
(click here to register)
FREE ISBE SPONSORED WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES:
FUN APPS, SOFTWARE OR RESOURCES:
Infinitec Resource Section of Website- access printable and online resources for a variety of subjects
and areas of special education/assistive technology
attend a variety of trainings related to special education for professionals and families. Take a look!
App Wheels- A resource of skills and skill categories and the possible apps that could be utilized.
More Assistive Tech Tidbits:
Tutorials for iOS accessibility features available on our ELC Assistive Technology Website! There is a
cheat sheet available as well.
cheat sheet available as well.
Tutorials for Features include:
- Scan paper documents into the iPad
- Speech features (Text to speech) for reading activities and writing activities on iPad
- Multitasking, split screen and picture in picture, features on iPad
- Speech Dictation (speech to text) for writing on the iPad
PLEASE CONTACT BRANDT ROSEN brosen@elced.org or (224)513-6455 FOR ANY QUESTIONS
OR ISSUES
OR ISSUES
Math
PIZZA PARTY CHALLENGE---pizza for all staff when we reach 80% of students meeting the 45
minute goal!
minute goal!
SEL
Region 49 NEA RA Delegate nominations are going on now!
The National Education Association Representative Assembly (NEA RA) convenes July 3-7, 2019 in
Houston, TX. Delegates will propose, debate, and take action on new business items for the
Association and other association policies, and vote by secret ballot on proposed amendments to the
Constitution and Bylaws, and participate in elections. Elections for this position will be held on
March 15, 2019. A member may either nominate him/herself or a colleague. If you are recommending
someone, please make sure that person wants to/and can attend. The region does provide funding for
elected delegates. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience and insight into the NEA structure
and be a collective voice in the decision making process. If you have questions about the NEA RA or
the election process, please contact your region representative or Melissa DeBoor.
Houston, TX. Delegates will propose, debate, and take action on new business items for the
Association and other association policies, and vote by secret ballot on proposed amendments to the
Constitution and Bylaws, and participate in elections. Elections for this position will be held on
March 15, 2019. A member may either nominate him/herself or a colleague. If you are recommending
someone, please make sure that person wants to/and can attend. The region does provide funding for
elected delegates. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience and insight into the NEA structure
and be a collective voice in the decision making process. If you have questions about the NEA RA or
the election process, please contact your region representative or Melissa DeBoor.
3:45 video addressing important legislative topics in education
Melissa Jakstas, President
Maureen DeVoss, Vice President for Certified Staff
Chris Brown, Vice President for Non-Certified Staff
Katy Gardner, Treasurer
Betty Cwiak, Secretary
Cathy Jawnyj, Region Representative
Kendra Smeigh, Stanton School Representative
Tiffany Tardio, Lotus School Representative
*check here for documents most frequently used/requested
Please let Heather know of suggestions for any documents to add to this folder!
Blue Cross Blue Shield:
SEL Pacing Guides
Stanton:
Questions to Consider
Take a peek at the infographic below.
How can you do more of the DO’S?
Save the Dates!
The Mobile Dentist is coming to Lotus on Monday February 11th, 2019 and Tuesday February 12th,
2019 and Stanton on Thursday February 14th, 2019. These clinics may be free of charge and will help
fulfill the necessary Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 6th grade dental requirement. Forms were sent home
with every student earlier this week. If you are in need of additional forms, please visit our website
www.d114.org or contact Mrs. Lanners, our district nurse. In order for your child to participate, the
forms must be returned to the health office no later than Friday January 18th, 2019.
2019 and Stanton on Thursday February 14th, 2019. These clinics may be free of charge and will help
fulfill the necessary Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 6th grade dental requirement. Forms were sent home
with every student earlier this week. If you are in need of additional forms, please visit our website
www.d114.org or contact Mrs. Lanners, our district nurse. In order for your child to participate, the
forms must be returned to the health office no later than Friday January 18th, 2019.
Ronald McDonald physical and immunization mobile clinic will also be coming to Lotus on Thursday,
February 21st, 2019 and to Stanton on Friday February 22nd, 2019. More information to follow!
February 21st, 2019 and to Stanton on Friday February 22nd, 2019. More information to follow!
February 19, 2019--Board of Education meeting
May 14, 2019--Board of Education meeting--NEW DATE
CALENDAR UPDATE
At the February Board meeting, we’ll be discussing both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 calendars. For this
year’s calendar, we DO have to make up the days off, as a formal proclamation of emergency was
never completed by the governor. For the 2019-20 calendar, pending legislation (SB28) may put the 5
clock hour school day back in place as a requirement...no decision yet, but we will need to discuss.
In addition, we’ll officially be changing spring break to a week earlier to match Grant (and the rest of
Lake County). If you have any questions, please let me know. THANKS!
year’s calendar, we DO have to make up the days off, as a formal proclamation of emergency was
never completed by the governor. For the 2019-20 calendar, pending legislation (SB28) may put the 5
clock hour school day back in place as a requirement...no decision yet, but we will need to discuss.
In addition, we’ll officially be changing spring break to a week earlier to match Grant (and the rest of
Lake County). If you have any questions, please let me know. THANKS!
Thank you for all you do!
Heather
Heather
