Mark your calendars !
Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network Presents : The 4th Annual Special Education Summit
Friday, September 19 @ SVCC, Keynote Speaker : Phil Januszewski
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network Presents : The 4th Annual Special Education Summit
Friday, September 19 @ SVCC, Keynote Speaker : Phil Januszewski
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Counselor & Social Worker Networking Sessions
Starts Sept 4th @ ROE 47 Office, 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Register here : https://forms.fillout.com/t/vUvAVnsZmnus?id=rec0iCURe4yf0g5wN
Join fellow counselors and social workers for a day of connection, collaboration, and professional growth.
Stay up to date on the latest state and policy updates
Participate in interactive workshops
Share best practices
Build your professional network
Explore new ideas to support student well-being and success
Come ready to learn, connect, and leave inspired!
Starts Sept 4th @ ROE 47 Office, 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Register here : https://forms.fillout.com/t/vUvAVnsZmnus?id=rec0iCURe4yf0g5wN
Join fellow counselors and social workers for a day of connection, collaboration, and professional growth.
Stay up to date on the latest state and policy updates
Participate in interactive workshops
Share best practices
Build your professional network
Explore new ideas to support student well-being and success
Come ready to learn, connect, and leave inspired!
JOIN US - Librarians Networking , once a month on Tuesday's from 3:00 - 4:00pm
Register here : https://forms.fillout.com/t/vUvAVnsZmnus?id=rec7yNNwHE7GGGrAL
Gather on Zoom to connect with librarians and library staff to network, exchange information, 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.
Register here : https://forms.fillout.com/t/vUvAVnsZmnus?id=rec7yNNwHE7GGGrAL
Gather on Zoom to connect with librarians and library staff to network, exchange information, 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.
Congratulations to Mrs. Shandy Adams, teacher at ROE 47's Regional Center for Change , for being selected as the 74th District 2025 Educator of the Year !
Mrs. Adams was nominated by Assistant Regional Superintendent Josh Knuth for her remarkable depth, sincerity and testament to her lasting impact as an educator. Congratulations , Mrs. Adams!
New Teacher Cadre : Meets once a month on Tuesday's from 3:30 - 4:40pm
REGISTER HERE : https://forms.fillout.com/t/vUvAVnsZmnus?id=rec3JBr0GJw73sTDu
If you are a new teacher, certified or non-certified in a teaching role, or a teacher in a new teaching area, certified or non-certified in a teaching role, we have several options of support designed to help you grow professionally and network with other teachers to share and ideas, support and build a network both in your district and outside with other schools to share strategies--instructional, classroom management, remote learning, special education and SEL.
In addition, classroom observation and individualized coaching is provided to support your unique classroom needs and help your teaching thrive.
REGISTER HERE : https://forms.fillout.com/t/vUvAVnsZmnus?id=rec3JBr0GJw73sTDu
If you are a new teacher, certified or non-certified in a teaching role, or a teacher in a new teaching area, certified or non-certified in a teaching role, we have several options of support designed to help you grow professionally and network with other teachers to share and ideas, support and build a network both in your district and outside with other schools to share strategies--instructional, classroom management, remote learning, special education and SEL.
In addition, classroom observation and individualized coaching is provided to support your unique classroom needs and help your teaching thrive.
A Huge Thank You to Our Workplace Wednesday Supersize Partners!
We are so grateful to Goodwill Industries – Sterling, University of Illinois Extension – Sterling, and Walmart Distribution Center – Sterling for opening your doors to our Workplace Wednesday Supersize teachers.
Your willingness to share your time, expertise, and workplace experiences gave our educators valuable insights into your business operations and the training opportunities you provide. These connections help our teachers better prepare students for future careers and strengthen partnerships between education and our local workforce.
Thank you for your continued support of our educators and the communities we serve!
We are so grateful to Goodwill Industries – Sterling, University of Illinois Extension – Sterling, and Walmart Distribution Center – Sterling for opening your doors to our Workplace Wednesday Supersize teachers.
Your willingness to share your time, expertise, and workplace experiences gave our educators valuable insights into your business operations and the training opportunities you provide. These connections help our teachers better prepare students for future careers and strengthen partnerships between education and our local workforce.
Thank you for your continued support of our educators and the communities we serve!
ROE 47 Hosts Teen Mental Health First Aid Trainer Training
This week, ROE 47 hosted a three-day Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) Trainer training facilitated by certified trainers from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Seven participants—including team members from ROE 47’s Professional Learning and Education Services Department, University of Illinois Extension, and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)—successfully completed the training and are eager to begin delivering TMHFA to area high school students during the 2025–26 school year and beyond.
What is TMHFA?
Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) is an evidence-based training program designed specifically for high school students. It equips teens with the knowledge and skills to:
Recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges in themselves and their peers.
Respond with effective, supportive strategies.
Connect themselves and others to trusted adults and appropriate resources.
Why it Matters
Adolescence is a critical time for mental health, with 1 in 5 youth experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition each year. By empowering teens with TMHFA, schools and communities can:
Reduce stigma around mental health.
Foster peer-to-peer support networks.
Strengthen connections between students, schools, and community resources.
Promote early identification and intervention, which leads to better outcomes for young people.
Through this investment in training, ROE 47 and its partners are laying the foundation for a sustainable, community-based approach to youth mental health support in our region.
This week, ROE 47 hosted a three-day Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) Trainer training facilitated by certified trainers from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Seven participants—including team members from ROE 47’s Professional Learning and Education Services Department, University of Illinois Extension, and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)—successfully completed the training and are eager to begin delivering TMHFA to area high school students during the 2025–26 school year and beyond.
What is TMHFA?
Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) is an evidence-based training program designed specifically for high school students. It equips teens with the knowledge and skills to:
Recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges in themselves and their peers.
Respond with effective, supportive strategies.
Connect themselves and others to trusted adults and appropriate resources.
Why it Matters
Adolescence is a critical time for mental health, with 1 in 5 youth experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition each year. By empowering teens with TMHFA, schools and communities can:
Reduce stigma around mental health.
Foster peer-to-peer support networks.
Strengthen connections between students, schools, and community resources.
Promote early identification and intervention, which leads to better outcomes for young people.
Through this investment in training, ROE 47 and its partners are laying the foundation for a sustainable, community-based approach to youth mental health support in our region.
We know that anxiety, stress, and suicide rates among students are rising—and these challenges are showing up in our classrooms more than ever.
Join us on August 28 for two powerful workshops designed to support both students and families:
For Educators: Supporting Your Students’ Mental Health
3:30–5:00 p.m. | Zoom | Register Here
This interactive session will provide trauma-informed strategies to recognize mental health concerns, offer meaningful support, and foster emotional resilience—all integrated naturally into your teaching without adding extra workload. Learn practical ways to engage confidently with students facing anxiety, depression, self-harm, or suicide risk, while creating safe, stigma-free classrooms where every student can thrive.
For Parents & Caregivers: Tools to Support Your Child’s Mental Wellness
🕒 7:00–8:15 p.m. | Zoom – Parent University | Register Here
This empowering session offers practical, trauma-informed strategies to help children manage stress, build resilience, and find balance at home. Whether your child faces everyday worries or bigger emotional challenges, participants will walk away with tools to help them feel seen, supported, and strong.
Join us on August 28 for two powerful workshops designed to support both students and families:
For Educators: Supporting Your Students’ Mental Health
3:30–5:00 p.m. | Zoom | Register Here
This interactive session will provide trauma-informed strategies to recognize mental health concerns, offer meaningful support, and foster emotional resilience—all integrated naturally into your teaching without adding extra workload. Learn practical ways to engage confidently with students facing anxiety, depression, self-harm, or suicide risk, while creating safe, stigma-free classrooms where every student can thrive.
For Parents & Caregivers: Tools to Support Your Child’s Mental Wellness
🕒 7:00–8:15 p.m. | Zoom – Parent University | Register Here
This empowering session offers practical, trauma-informed strategies to help children manage stress, build resilience, and find balance at home. Whether your child faces everyday worries or bigger emotional challenges, participants will walk away with tools to help them feel seen, supported, and strong.
Mark your calendars !
Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network Presents : The 4th Annual Special Education Summit
Friday, September 19 @ SVCC, Keynote Speaker : Phil Januszewski
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network Presents : The 4th Annual Special Education Summit
Friday, September 19 @ SVCC, Keynote Speaker : Phil Januszewski
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
MARK YOR CALENDARS :
Illinois Elevating Special Educators Presents : 2025 -2026 Special Education Professional Development Learning Opportunities !
All events are FREE; scan the QR codes below to register !
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Illinois Elevating Special Educators Presents : 2025 -2026 Special Education Professional Development Learning Opportunities !
All events are FREE; scan the QR codes below to register !
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
A HUGE Thank You to the United Way of Whiteside County for generously donating the remaining lunches from their summer lunch program to our Parents as Teachers First Years children and the Education Outreach Program students! This is just a portion of the lunches donated. Overall, they donated approximately 425 lunches that we were able to distribute!
As ROE 47 schools are headed back to school this week, we are working on Season 6 of Teacher Talks!
Stay tuned for Season 6 and a new line-up of community, family and school partnerships , all working together to support our students!
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Stay tuned for Season 6 and a new line-up of community, family and school partnerships , all working together to support our students!
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
ROE 47 was happy to provide resources to our school and family communities at the Tools for School event held at The Elks in Dixon. @RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Thank you to all who contributed to the Stuff the Bus event hosted by River Country 101.7 at the Good Will site in Sterling. All donations went to Grandma Bonnie’s school supply closet! @RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
ROE 47 is excited to share that we have opened four new Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) classrooms in Dixon, offering high-quality early childhood education for up to 80 children. These full-day, free programs are located at:
Open Sesame Early Learning Center & Lovett Child Development Center (YMCA – Dixon).
The PFAE classrooms are designed to serve children ages 3–5 (not kindergarten eligible) and prioritize enrollment based on risk factors and developmental screening results (DIAL). The program is open to any child residing in Lee, Ogle, or Whiteside Counties—no district boundaries apply.
Contact Krista Peterson at kpeterson@roe47.org for more information.
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Open Sesame Early Learning Center & Lovett Child Development Center (YMCA – Dixon).
The PFAE classrooms are designed to serve children ages 3–5 (not kindergarten eligible) and prioritize enrollment based on risk factors and developmental screening results (DIAL). The program is open to any child residing in Lee, Ogle, or Whiteside Counties—no district boundaries apply.
Contact Krista Peterson at kpeterson@roe47.org for more information.
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Congratulations to Tom Wadsworth, pronouncer of the Regional Office of Education #47 spelling bee, named 2025 Regional Volunteer of the Year by the Scripps Spelling Bee. Since 1983, Mr. Wadsworth has helped countless spellers feel confident and at ease on the regional spelling bee stage.
“I had a mission since day one to make sure these kids feel totally at ease,” Wadsworth said. “So that they only worry about their word and that they do the best they can, as relaxed as possible.” Mr. Wadsworth was invited to Washington, D.C., for Bee Week 2025 to receive his award and be recognized for his dedication to the region.
https://youtu.be/LE1X41tmBuA
“I had a mission since day one to make sure these kids feel totally at ease,” Wadsworth said. “So that they only worry about their word and that they do the best they can, as relaxed as possible.” Mr. Wadsworth was invited to Washington, D.C., for Bee Week 2025 to receive his award and be recognized for his dedication to the region.
https://youtu.be/LE1X41tmBuA
Please join us for an afternoon of fun on August 8th from 3-5 at Wooden Wonderland Park in Dixon! We can't wait to see you all!
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Grandma Bonnie's School Supply Giveaway - ELEVATE YOUTH CENTER
Thursday, July 31st from 8-11am & 4-6pm
Stop by and pick up school supplies for students of all ages, grab a snack and connect with local agencies offering resources & services !
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Thursday, July 31st from 8-11am & 4-6pm
Stop by and pick up school supplies for students of all ages, grab a snack and connect with local agencies offering resources & services !
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Grandma Bonnie's School Supply Giveaway is coming to Franklin Grove!
Monday, July 28th @ Winifred Knox Memorial Library from 3:30 pm - 5:30pm
Fully stocked for school supplies for students of all grade levels!
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Monday, July 28th @ Winifred Knox Memorial Library from 3:30 pm - 5:30pm
Fully stocked for school supplies for students of all grade levels!
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
The Back to School Bash, scheduled for this morning, has been postponed due to impending weather!
Please stay tuned for our rescheduled date!
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
Please stay tuned for our rescheduled date!
@RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47
