Walking in Someone Else's Shoes: Poverty Simulation at Amboy Schools
Last Wednesday, teachers from Amboy Junior High School and Amboy High School participated in a powerful Poverty Simulation facilitated by ROE 47.
This interactive experience challenges participants to navigate the everyday realities faced by individuals and families living in poverty. Participants assume the roles of family members and work through simulated weeks of managing limited resources, paying bills, securing transportation, accessing community services, and responding to unexpected challenges—all while trying to meet their families' basic needs.
The simulation is designed to build awareness, empathy, and understanding of the complex barriers families may face. For educators, it provides an opportunity to reflect on how poverty can affect students' attendance, learning, behavior, and family engagement—and how schools can respond with greater understanding and support.
A heartfelt thank you to the ROE 47 staff and community members who volunteered their time to help bring this experience to life! Your participation made the simulation possible.
We also extend our appreciation to the Amboy Junior High and High School teachers for their thoughtful engagement, meaningful conversations, and willingness to reflect on how this experience connects to the students and families they serve.
Experiences like these remind us that understanding students' lives beyond the classroom is an important part of creating schools where every student feels supported, valued, and able to succeed.
Last Wednesday, teachers from Amboy Junior High School and Amboy High School participated in a powerful Poverty Simulation facilitated by ROE 47.
This interactive experience challenges participants to navigate the everyday realities faced by individuals and families living in poverty. Participants assume the roles of family members and work through simulated weeks of managing limited resources, paying bills, securing transportation, accessing community services, and responding to unexpected challenges—all while trying to meet their families' basic needs.
The simulation is designed to build awareness, empathy, and understanding of the complex barriers families may face. For educators, it provides an opportunity to reflect on how poverty can affect students' attendance, learning, behavior, and family engagement—and how schools can respond with greater understanding and support.
A heartfelt thank you to the ROE 47 staff and community members who volunteered their time to help bring this experience to life! Your participation made the simulation possible.
We also extend our appreciation to the Amboy Junior High and High School teachers for their thoughtful engagement, meaningful conversations, and willingness to reflect on how this experience connects to the students and families they serve.
Experiences like these remind us that understanding students' lives beyond the classroom is an important part of creating schools where every student feels supported, valued, and able to succeed.
It's a great day to be a Forreston Cardinal!
Stillman Bank will release checks today to 30 students receiving the Wenzel Scholarship.
EACH student will receive $11,161.41!!!!
What an amazing gift for the class of 2026 - and hundreds of future students!
Keep the Momentum Going
The school year is well underway, and every day continues to offer new opportunities.
Students are building friendships, developing skills, exploring interests, and discovering what they can accomplish.
Some days are easier than others. What matters is continuing to build routines, celebrate progress, and stay connected.
As we begin a new quarter, take a moment to ask your student: "What is something you're looking forward to at school this week?"
A little encouragement can go a long way.
The school year is well underway, and every day continues to offer new opportunities.
Students are building friendships, developing skills, exploring interests, and discovering what they can accomplish.
Some days are easier than others. What matters is continuing to build routines, celebrate progress, and stay connected.
As we begin a new quarter, take a moment to ask your student: "What is something you're looking forward to at school this week?"
A little encouragement can go a long way.
On November 8, 2026, communities across the country will come together to recognize Parents as Teachers Day – a day that is a celebration of partnership. It honors the parents, caregivers, home visitors, doulas, and early childhood professionals who walk side by side with families—from pregnancy through the early years—ensuring every child has the strongest possible start.
Parents as Teachers (PAT), a nationally recognized evidence-based home visiting model, works to ensure every family is seen, supported, and strengthened from the very beginning. With over 1,300 affiliates nationwide and a growing global presence, this widely replicated, evidence-based home-visiting model is shifting outcomes and strengthening systems by centering relationships and early childhood development.
Our local Parents as Teachers First Years program has been a PAT affiliate since 1989 and has touched thousands of children and families' lives over the last 37 years. Currently, the program’s enrollment is between 75-100 children (65-75 families) each year. Families are able to enroll in the program prenatally and stay enrolled through their child’s third birthday. Many families stay enrolled through subsequent children’s earliest years as well. The long-term relationships that develop between children, parents/guardians, and home visitors play a vital role in supporting family strength and early childhood development, leading to powerful results through trust, partnership, and empowerment.
Parents as Teachers (PAT), a nationally recognized evidence-based home visiting model, works to ensure every family is seen, supported, and strengthened from the very beginning. With over 1,300 affiliates nationwide and a growing global presence, this widely replicated, evidence-based home-visiting model is shifting outcomes and strengthening systems by centering relationships and early childhood development.
Our local Parents as Teachers First Years program has been a PAT affiliate since 1989 and has touched thousands of children and families' lives over the last 37 years. Currently, the program’s enrollment is between 75-100 children (65-75 families) each year. Families are able to enroll in the program prenatally and stay enrolled through their child’s third birthday. Many families stay enrolled through subsequent children’s earliest years as well. The long-term relationships that develop between children, parents/guardians, and home visitors play a vital role in supporting family strength and early childhood development, leading to powerful results through trust, partnership, and empowerment.
Join Transitional Math educators, leaders, and partners from across Illinois for the Statewide Transitional Math Summit (Virtual) on Friday, November 13, 2026!
This no-cost morning event brings together high school math teachers, college faculty, administrators, and regional leaders for interactive learning and vital conversations on student agency and math identity.
Featured Keynote Speaker:
Math educator and author Jody Guarino will lead a session on placing problem-solving at the center of learning, leveraging student thinking, and reframing productive struggle.
Key Summit Activities:
âś… Aligning classroom practice with the Illinois Numeracy Plan
âś… Practical strategies to foster mathematical reasoning and discourse
✅ Strengthening PK–20 partnerships and portability systems
âś… Listening sessions to share your field experience and shape future state/regional support
đź“… Date: Friday, Nov 13, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Zoom)
🎟️ Cost: FREE
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=recSCWc5GWbQGFWdG
This no-cost morning event brings together high school math teachers, college faculty, administrators, and regional leaders for interactive learning and vital conversations on student agency and math identity.
Featured Keynote Speaker:
Math educator and author Jody Guarino will lead a session on placing problem-solving at the center of learning, leveraging student thinking, and reframing productive struggle.
Key Summit Activities:
âś… Aligning classroom practice with the Illinois Numeracy Plan
âś… Practical strategies to foster mathematical reasoning and discourse
✅ Strengthening PK–20 partnerships and portability systems
âś… Listening sessions to share your field experience and shape future state/regional support
đź“… Date: Friday, Nov 13, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Zoom)
🎟️ Cost: FREE
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=recSCWc5GWbQGFWdG
📖 Family Literacy Night — November 12, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Join us for simple, fun ways to grow a love of reading and learning at home. Families will have opportunities to participate together and discover activities you can easily continue at home.
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/5sMCD8nDv9us
Join us for simple, fun ways to grow a love of reading and learning at home. Families will have opportunities to participate together and discover activities you can easily continue at home.
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/5sMCD8nDv9us
SIGN-UP now for the Tech Summit 2026 !
Join educators, technology coordinators, and school leaders from across the region on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Sauk Valley Community College for an interactive, in-person day exploring computer science, computational thinking, and the future of AI in education. PLUS: DOOR PRIZES!!!!!!
Featured Keynotes by ILTC Experts - Matt Sherrill and Dr. Sarah Phelps from the Learning Technology Center (ILTC)!
What You’ll Experience:
âś… Interactive Breakout Sessions: Deep dives into practical computer science and classroom-ready AI strategies.
✅ Regional Networking: Connect, collaborate, and share insights with K–12 and postsecondary peers.
âś… Actionable Application Time: Dedicated space to translate big ideas into concrete plans for your classroom, school, or district community.
đź“… Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
đź“Ť Location: Sauk Valley Community College
REGISTER @https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=recpEPiO6Va7KcBJZ
Join educators, technology coordinators, and school leaders from across the region on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Sauk Valley Community College for an interactive, in-person day exploring computer science, computational thinking, and the future of AI in education. PLUS: DOOR PRIZES!!!!!!
Featured Keynotes by ILTC Experts - Matt Sherrill and Dr. Sarah Phelps from the Learning Technology Center (ILTC)!
What You’ll Experience:
âś… Interactive Breakout Sessions: Deep dives into practical computer science and classroom-ready AI strategies.
✅ Regional Networking: Connect, collaborate, and share insights with K–12 and postsecondary peers.
âś… Actionable Application Time: Dedicated space to translate big ideas into concrete plans for your classroom, school, or district community.
đź“… Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
đź“Ť Location: Sauk Valley Community College
REGISTER @https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=recpEPiO6Va7KcBJZ
NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK – October 19-23, 2026
Each school day, millions of children ride school buses. Did you know that the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road? Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. However, children are more at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. It’s important for all drivers, as well as parents and students, to understand school bus safety.
Each school day, millions of children ride school buses. Did you know that the school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road? Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. However, children are more at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. It’s important for all drivers, as well as parents and students, to understand school bus safety.
SIGN UP NOW - The Regulated Classroom
10/22/2026 - 8:30am @ ROE 47
Click here to register - https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=recxd0oxKfnuhHJID
This professional development opportunity equips educators with the knowledge and experience necessary to implement the Regulated Classroom framework.
10/22/2026 - 8:30am @ ROE 47
Click here to register - https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=recxd0oxKfnuhHJID
This professional development opportunity equips educators with the knowledge and experience necessary to implement the Regulated Classroom framework.
IARSS AlignED Continuous Improvement
AlignED is a systems-based continuous improvement framework developed by IARSS in partnership with Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) and Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs), to help schools and districts achieve sustainable improvement. Through collaborative leadership, data-informed decision making, continuous learning, and job-embedded support from Illinois’ ROEs and ISCs, AlignED builds the capacity of educators and organizations to improve outcomes for all students.
Find out more information @ https://aligned.iarss.org
AlignED is a systems-based continuous improvement framework developed by IARSS in partnership with Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) and Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs), to help schools and districts achieve sustainable improvement. Through collaborative leadership, data-informed decision making, continuous learning, and job-embedded support from Illinois’ ROEs and ISCs, AlignED builds the capacity of educators and organizations to improve outcomes for all students.
Find out more information @ https://aligned.iarss.org
Attendance Is a Community Effort
Regular attendance grows through partnership.
Families establish routines and communicate concerns. Schools create welcoming, engaging environments. Community organizations help address transportation, health, housing, childcare, and other barriers. Students contribute their goals, voices, and strengths.
No family should feel alone when attendance becomes difficult. If your child is beginning to miss school regularly, contact your school administrator, counselor, or ROE 47 NEXUS/Attendance Support.
Because their learning matters. Their relationships matter. Their future matters.
Regular attendance grows through partnership.
Families establish routines and communicate concerns. Schools create welcoming, engaging environments. Community organizations help address transportation, health, housing, childcare, and other barriers. Students contribute their goals, voices, and strengths.
No family should feel alone when attendance becomes difficult. If your child is beginning to miss school regularly, contact your school administrator, counselor, or ROE 47 NEXUS/Attendance Support.
Because their learning matters. Their relationships matter. Their future matters.
👶 Virtual Baby Shower — October 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Expecting a baby or welcoming a new little one? Join us virtually for a fun and informative Baby Shower! Connect with other families and learn about resources and support available to you and your baby.
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/qy3sBN1BDYus
Expecting a baby or welcoming a new little one? Join us virtually for a fun and informative Baby Shower! Connect with other families and learn about resources and support available to you and your baby.
Register @https://forms.fillout.com/t/qy3sBN1BDYus
ROE 47's Offices will be closed today, Monday, October 12. 2026.
🤝 Building Strong Communities for Families — October 15, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.
Discover practical ways to build meaningful connections, strengthen your support network, and help your family thrive. Learn about resources and opportunities available to families in our community.
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/5sMCD8nDv9us
Discover practical ways to build meaningful connections, strengthen your support network, and help your family thrive. Learn about resources and opportunities available to families in our community.
Register @ https://forms.fillout.com/t/5sMCD8nDv9us
Week 7: Every Voice Strengthens Our Schools
Every student brings something valuable to school: a question, an idea, a talent, a perspective, or a way of helping others see something differently.
When a student is absent, their school community misses more than a name on the attendance list. It misses their voice and their contributions.
Parents and community members can reinforce this message by reminding young people:
“You are an important part of your class.”
“People notice when you are not there.”
“What you contribute matters.”
Showing up strengthens both the student and the community around them.
https://ies.ed.gov/sites/default/files/rel-midwest/document/2026/03/RELMW-ChronAbsenteeViewingGuide-508_0.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Every student brings something valuable to school: a question, an idea, a talent, a perspective, or a way of helping others see something differently.
When a student is absent, their school community misses more than a name on the attendance list. It misses their voice and their contributions.
Parents and community members can reinforce this message by reminding young people:
“You are an important part of your class.”
“People notice when you are not there.”
“What you contribute matters.”
Showing up strengthens both the student and the community around them.
https://ies.ed.gov/sites/default/files/rel-midwest/document/2026/03/RELMW-ChronAbsenteeViewingGuide-508_0.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
An opportunity @ Rock Falls Township High School...CHECK IT OUT!
Rock Falls Township High School is hiring its next Principal
Rock Falls Township High School District 301 is seeking an experienced, student-centered, and collaborative leader to serve as Principal of RFHS beginning July 1, 2027.
We are looking for a highly visible, relationship-driven leader who is passionate about student success and expanding college and career pathways, internships, work-based learning, and community partnerships.
For more information and to apply, click https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/rockfalls301
Rock Falls Township High School is hiring its next Principal
Rock Falls Township High School District 301 is seeking an experienced, student-centered, and collaborative leader to serve as Principal of RFHS beginning July 1, 2027.
We are looking for a highly visible, relationship-driven leader who is passionate about student success and expanding college and career pathways, internships, work-based learning, and community partnerships.
For more information and to apply, click https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/rockfalls301
SCHOOL ADMIN: JOIN US for 'Understanding Your Summative Designation Data'
Thursday, October 1st - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. @ SVCC.
This full-day training will help you understand your school or district data within Illinois’ new accountability model and turn it into meaningful questions, informed decisions, and actionable next steps.
Participants will learn where to find key data reports, how to interpret summative results, and how to use those results throughout the continuous improvement process. We encourage you to attend with your school or district team and bring relevant data reports to review together.
Click here to register - https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=rec7unqgJ7788v5LQ
Thursday, October 1st - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. @ SVCC.
This full-day training will help you understand your school or district data within Illinois’ new accountability model and turn it into meaningful questions, informed decisions, and actionable next steps.
Participants will learn where to find key data reports, how to interpret summative results, and how to use those results throughout the continuous improvement process. We encourage you to attend with your school or district team and bring relevant data reports to review together.
Click here to register - https://forms.fillout.com/t/eGfXMqJE19us?workshopid=rec7unqgJ7788v5LQ
ROE 47 is HIRING ! JOIN OUR TEAM!
Accountant / Bookkeeper, Full-time
ROE #47 supports schools, educators, students, and families across Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside
counties.
We are looking for an accountant or experienced bookkeeper who enjoys keeping the details
right, solving problems, and helping a team serve its community. This is an opportunity to take
ownership of meaningful accounting work in an organization where your contributions will be
noticed.
For more information, contact Christopher Tennyson (ctennyson@roe47.org)
How to apply
Send a résumé and brief letter describing your accounting or bookkeeping experience to
Christopher Tennyson (ctennyson@roe47.org) by October 9th. Please use “Accountant /
Bookkeeper” in the subject line.
ROE #47 is an equal opportunity employer.
Accountant / Bookkeeper, Full-time
ROE #47 supports schools, educators, students, and families across Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside
counties.
We are looking for an accountant or experienced bookkeeper who enjoys keeping the details
right, solving problems, and helping a team serve its community. This is an opportunity to take
ownership of meaningful accounting work in an organization where your contributions will be
noticed.
For more information, contact Christopher Tennyson (ctennyson@roe47.org)
How to apply
Send a résumé and brief letter describing your accounting or bookkeeping experience to
Christopher Tennyson (ctennyson@roe47.org) by October 9th. Please use “Accountant /
Bookkeeper” in the subject line.
ROE #47 is an equal opportunity employer.
Week 6: Some Learning Can’t Be Recreated
Students can collect missed assignments, but some school experiences cannot be fully recreated at home.
A science experiment. A class discussion. A music rehearsal. A group project. Career exploration. Feedback from a teacher. Time spent creating, practicing, questioning, and solving problems with others.
Each day offers something different—and each experience helps students learn, connect, and grow.
When students are healthy, being at school keeps them connected to the full learning experience.
https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/
Students can collect missed assignments, but some school experiences cannot be fully recreated at home.
A science experiment. A class discussion. A music rehearsal. A group project. Career exploration. Feedback from a teacher. Time spent creating, practicing, questioning, and solving problems with others.
Each day offers something different—and each experience helps students learn, connect, and grow.
When students are healthy, being at school keeps them connected to the full learning experience.
https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/
Librarians Networking
October 6th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Gather on Zoom to connect with librarians and library staff to network, exchange information and resources, and collaborate on problem-solving by exploring how other librarians have tackled similar challenges. By sharing and learning from fellow librarians and paraprofessionals, you can discover fresh ideas to enhance your library.
Twice this year, we will meet in person at a district library to view their library and share all the things they are doing.
October 6th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Gather on Zoom to connect with librarians and library staff to network, exchange information and resources, and collaborate on problem-solving by exploring how other librarians have tackled similar challenges. By sharing and learning from fellow librarians and paraprofessionals, you can discover fresh ideas to enhance your library.
Twice this year, we will meet in person at a district library to view their library and share all the things they are doing.
