Jen Banks was a beloved teacher and school improvement coach who passed away as the result of a tragic automobile accident in December 2015. Her love for learning and the students that she worked with was an inspiration to many. Jen’s positive, supportive, and energetic attitude nurtured those around her and helped them to grow. In celebration of Jen’s life and dedication to learning, ROE 47 has created an award in her honor. As Jen worked with many elementary and middle schools in the Sauk Valley area, this award is open to PK-8 Whiteside County teachers, para-educators & administrators.
Marigolds exist in our schools - encouraging, supporting and nurturing teachers. They are leaders in their community, classrooms, and families. They have a love of learning and sharing that learning with others. Help us to honor Jen and these exemplary leaders in your school communities. An informational flier and copy of the nomination questions are attached.
Please nominate your “marigold” today using the link below by Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Click on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyfJuf4raj8JPfh0a7HgA3-xhXTI0BgmN3MU4y4YjGwT_DBA/viewformfor Google Nomination Form
Student Mentor; non-certified, 10.5-11 months, 8 hr day M-F
Ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, colleagues, school districts and community
Excellent communication, organization, and case management skills
Advocacy skills, including the ability to negotiate, compromise, and confront conflict, including crisis intervention
Willingness to persist with students, despite their behavior and decision-making.
Experience in creating safe and welcoming social emotional learning environments
Passion for serving at-risk and underserved youth
Experience fostering strength based educational programming
Reports To: Regional Superintendent/Assistant Regional Superintendent
Education Requirements:
Bachelor Degree in a human service field preferred. Experience working in education, or with youth preferred.
Job Goal: To provide students with a positive pattern of engagement at school, fuel motivation, and foster development of the life skills needed for graduation and post high school learning and careers.
For more information contact Assistant Regional Superintendent, Josh Knuth @ jknuth@roe47.org.
This week we are going to talk about Preschool Screenings!
Preschool Screenings
The Regional Office of Education #47 is teaming up with other Early Childhood agencies and hosting a county wide screening day and resource fair.
What are preschool screenings? A screening is a perfect way for educators to evaluate the level each individual child is at, that way they can be better prepared for the classroom! We screen areas of motor skills, language skills and cognitive skills!
When: Friday, March 27th | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Dixon Park District Facility
Who should register? Children ages 2.5–5 (who won’t turn 6 before August 31, 2026).
Tiny Tots (Under 2.5): No registration needed! Walk-ins are welcome for our Birth to Three screenings.
Don't miss this opportunity to support your child's growth and get your questions answered.
Register at https://forms.fillout.com/t/xjqqHHe4xJus?EventID=recp7E9zUGUtsYyx3or reach out to Ashley, ateel@roe47.org, with any questions.
See you at The Facility!
🎒 Big Steps for Little Learners! Community Wide Screenings
Is your little one ready to start their educational journey? We’re bringing the community together for your child’s success! Join the Regional Office of Education, area preschools, and local home visiting groups for the Community Birth to 3 and Preschool Screenings.
This is more than just a screening—it’s a chance for families to explore local resources, chat with developmental experts, learn about all the different birth to 3 and preschool opportunities in our area and ensure your child has the best start possible.
📅 When: Friday, March 27th | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
đź“Ť Where: Dixon Park District Facility
Who should register? Children ages 2.5–5 (who won’t turn 6 before August 31, 2026).
Tiny Tots (Under 2.5): No registration needed! Walk-ins are welcome for our Birth to Three screenings.
Don't miss this opportunity to support your child's growth and get your questions answered.
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/xjqqHHe4xJus?EventID=recp7E9zUGUtsYyx3 or reach out to Ashley, ateel@roe47.org, with any questions.
See you at The Facility! 🍎
Jen Banks was a beloved teacher and school improvement coach who passed away as the result of a tragic automobile accident in December 2015. Her love for learning and the students that she worked with was an inspiration to many. Jen’s positive, supportive, and energetic attitude nurtured those around her and helped them to grow. In celebration of Jen’s life and dedication to learning, ROE 47 has created an award in her honor. As Jen worked with many elementary and middle schools in the Sauk Valley area, this award is open to PK-8 Whiteside County teachers, para-educators & administrators.
Marigolds exist in our schools - encouraging, supporting and nurturing teachers. They are leaders in their community, classrooms, and families. They have a love of learning and sharing that learning with others. Help us to honor Jen and these exemplary leaders in your school communities. An informational flier and copy of the nomination questions are attached.
Please nominate your “marigold” today using the link below by Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Click on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyfJuf4raj8JPfh0a7HgA3-xhXTI0BgmN3MU4y4YjGwT_DBA/viewform
for Google Nomination Form
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Come support your local students !
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
They learned about opportunities to grow, collaborate, and contribute to the coalition that supports at-risk youth statewide. @RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
🎒 Big Steps for Little Learners! Community Wide Screenings
Is your little one ready to start their educational journey? We’re bringing the community together for your child’s success! Join the Regional Office of Education, area preschools, and local home visiting groups for the Community Birth to 3 and Preschool Screenings.
This is more than just a screening—it’s a chance for families to explore local resources, chat with developmental experts, learn about all the different birth to 3 and preschool opportunities in our area and ensure your child has the best start possible.
📅 When: Friday, March 27th | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
đź“Ť Where: Dixon Park District Facility
Who should register? Children ages 2.5–5 (who won’t turn 6 before August 31, 2026).
Tiny Tots (Under 2.5): No registration needed! Walk-ins are welcome for our Birth to Three screenings.
Don't miss this opportunity to support your child's growth and get your questions answered.
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/xjqqHHe4xJus?EventID=recp7E9zUGUtsYyx3 or reach out to Ashley, ateel@roe47.org, with any questions.
See you at The Facility! 🍎
Is your little one ready to start their educational journey? We’re bringing the community together for your child’s success! Join the Regional Office of Education, area preschools, and local home visiting groups for the Community Birth to 3 and Preschool Screenings.
This is more than just a screening—it’s a chance for families to explore local resources, chat with developmental experts, learn about all the different birth to 3 and preschool opportunities in our area and ensure your child has the best start possible.
📅 When: Friday, March 27th | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
đź“Ť Where: Dixon Park District Facility
Who should register? Children ages 2.5–5 (who won’t turn 6 before August 31, 2026).
Tiny Tots (Under 2.5): No registration needed! Walk-ins are welcome for our Birth to Three screenings.
Don't miss this opportunity to support your child's growth and get your questions answered.
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/xjqqHHe4xJus?EventID=recp7E9zUGUtsYyx3 or reach out to Ashley, ateel@roe47.org, with any questions.
See you at The Facility! 🍎
Spring is coming and that means flowers will be in bloom. Now is the time to nominate educators for the 2026 Marigold Award. Each nominee will be recognized on social media and will receive a certificate, a marigold, and a special book. Our overall winner will also receive a $100 Amazon gift card to continue to build their classroom library.
Jen Banks was a beloved teacher and school improvement coach who passed away as the result of a tragic automobile accident in December 2015. Her love for learning and the students that she worked with was an inspiration to many. Jen’s positive, supportive, and energetic attitude nurtured those around her and helped them to grow. In celebration of Jen’s life and dedication to learning, ROE 47 has created an award in her honor. As Jen worked with many elementary and middle schools in the Sauk Valley area, this award is open to PK-8 Whiteside County teachers, para-educators & administrators.
Marigolds exist in our schools - encouraging, supporting and nurturing teachers. They are leaders in their community, classrooms, and families. They have a love of learning and sharing that learning with others. Help us to honor Jen and these exemplary leaders in your school communities. An informational flier and copy of the nomination questions are attached.
Please nominate your “marigold” today using the link below by Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Click on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyfJuf4raj8JPfh0a7HgA3-xhXTI0BgmN3MU4y4YjGwT_DBA/viewform. for Google Nomination Form
March 16th - Virtual
NGSS in Practice is an 8-week asynchronous professional learning experience hosted in Google Classroom, designed to deepen educators’ understanding of three-dimensional science teaching and learning.
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=rec5POPYww33fVmLP
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
🎒 Big Steps for Little Learners! Community Wide Screenings
Is your little one ready to start their educational journey? We’re bringing the community together for your child’s success! Join the Regional Office of Education, area preschools, and local home visiting groups for the Community Birth to 3 and Preschool Screenings.
This is more than just a screening—it’s a chance for families to explore local resources, chat with developmental experts, learn about all the different birth to 3 and preschool opportunities in our area and ensure your child has the best start possible.
📅 When: Friday, March 27th | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
đź“Ť Where: Dixon Park District Facility
Who should register? Children ages 2.5–5 (who won’t turn 6 before August 31, 2026).
Tiny Tots (Under 2.5): No registration needed! Walk-ins are welcome for our Birth to Three screenings.
Don't miss this opportunity to support your child's growth and get your questions answered.
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/xjqqHHe4xJus?EventID=recp7E9zUGUtsYyx3 or reach out to Ashley, ateel@roe47.org, with any questions.
See you at The Facility! 🍎
March 13th @ SVCC, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=rec7PVm4ZHva16PGB
March 18th & 19th - Call for an appointment
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Tuesday, March 10th @ the ROE 47 office
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=rec7yNNwHE7GGGrAL
March 4, 2026 | 7:00–8:00 PM | Virtual
A practical, engaging session focused on building children’s social, emotional, and academic skills. Families will walk away with tools they can use right away at home and school.
Register: https://forms.fillout.com/t/5sMCD8nDv9us
March – June 2026 | Start anytime – Self-paced |
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=recyXwYmpo3EdoXxA
Every educator plays a critical role in student safety and well-being. This asynchronous learning opportunity equips K–12 educators with tools to:
Recognize warning signs of suicide
Understand the impact of trauma on learning and behavior
Apply trauma-informed practices that foster safe and supportive learning environments
Participants may begin at any time during the March–June window and complete the course at their own pace. This is free for all participants thanks to the IDPH YAM Grant.
