Regional Office of Education 47

CONGRATULATIONS to Melissa Sylvester from Merrill Elementary School. Melissa was nominated by Jenna Dempsey for the Marigold Award. "Melissa Sylvester is a dynamic teacher who exhibits an expertise in her subject knowledge, showcases adaptability in her classroom, is understanding of student needs, and has a passion for teaching. Melissa has a solid foundation for teaching and has specialized in her areas of language arts and social studies. She provides her students with engaging activities while ensuring that the standards are met and that students are learning the content. Melissa constantly has engaging lessons and is always searching for something new to help her students learn and grow. Having worked with Melissa for many years, I have always admired her ability to be flexible and adapt to the needs of her students and whatever is happening within the school. She makes disruptions seamless for students and is there to help students should something come up that is out of the daily routine. Her adaptability for students who have schedules that involve other classrooms is unmatched and appreciated by other staff members who share students with her. Melissa is incredibly understanding of the needs of her students and makes whatever changes are needed to ensure the students can all find success in daily activities and assignments. She is patient and consistent with students which helps to foster such a genuinely caring environment where students begin to pick up her caring nature and help others around them. I can always count on her students to be helpful and caring towards others, which is often not even asked of them. The passion Melissa has for teaching is obvious in her classroom and when having conversations with her. She adds extra fun to her classroom throughout the year with activities and special moments for students like “Flashlight Friday” or reading under the fireplace on the TV screen. She covers the tables with wrapping paper for students to decorate during the winter months which helps to brighten the room during the gloomy days. Melissa has engaging lessons which foster collaboration between students and the effectiveness of those lessons help create a safe and encouraging environment where students are comfortable taking risks and learning from mistakes. Overall, I am a better person and teacher because of Melissa. She is truly a marigold at Merrill and we are all better because of her impact in our building. She has created a positive environment for her students to grow and in return all of us around her are able to flourish and thrive. Thank you, Melissa, for not only being an amazing teacher, but someone whom I am lucky enough to call a friend."

CONGRATULATIONS to Shaylee Sisson from Challand Middle School . Shaylee was nominated for the Marigold award by Liz Engstrom ! Shaylee is literally a ray of sunshine. As a secretary at CMS, she is kind, considerate, and goes above and beyond to make very student, staff member, and family member feel heard and welcome. While a middle school can get crazy -- especially in the office, Shaylee takes it with stride, finding joy and humor in the most chaotic moments. Shaylee has a circle of students who gravitate toward her; she provides these student time and caring, extra snacks and treats, and attention. For staff, she always takes their problems in stride and can always work out a solution. Any parents who call get a listening ear and Shaylee shows compassion for their problems. Like a marigold, she makes everyone around her more calm and helps them reach their full potential.

CONGRATULATIONS to Joe Ryan from Challand Middle School. Joe was nominated by Kevin Dunne for the Marigold Award! I am honored to nominate Joe Ryan for this award in recognition of his unwavering dedication to his students. Like a true guiding light, Mr. Ryan embodies the nurturing, supportive, and encouraging qualities that define an extraordinary educator. From the moment students enter his classroom, they are met with warmth, humor, and a genuine belief in their potential. Whether lifting up those who need extra support or celebrating their successes, Mr. Ryan ensures every child knows they are valued. His ability to bring joy—akin to a well-timed Baby Billy wisdom drop—makes learning an experience students cherish. Joe’s passion for education is contagious. He not only ignites curiosity in his students but continuously seeks to grow himself, proving that learning is a lifelong journey. For his kindness, dedication, and ability to inspire, Joe Ryan is truly deserving of this honor.

CONGRATULATIONS to Linda Brown from Challand Middle School. Linda was nominated by Logan Shearer for the Marigold Award! Linda has a unique gift for making every person who walks into her library feel valued and seen. She knows each student, taking the time to remember their preferences, and genuinely cares about what they enjoy. She’s always excited to recommend books, and she’ll keep working with a student until they find exactly what they’re looking for. Linda is never too busy to lend a hand, always ready to help the next person who needs her. Whether it's finding the perfect book or walking a student through technology, she is patient, enthusiastic, and dedicated to ensuring they have what they need. When students need help she walks them through things step by step, making sure they don’t feel overwhelmed. When I think of Linda, the first words that come to mind are selfless and warmhearted. She goes out of her way to create a space where students and staff feel safe, supported, and valued. Linda is not just a librarian—she is a trusted listener, offering thoughtful advice, praise, and enriching conversations. This school is a truly special place because of her.

CONGRATULATIONS to Brooke Stangeland from Challand Middle School. Brooke was nominated by Linda Brown for the Marigold Award! For many Brook Stangeland will be that teacher a student recalls with admiration and praise many years after having exited the hallways of Challand Middle School. Her energy and spontaneity is contagious. Listening to her read out loud the exposition from a curriculum book she has read a minimum of probably 10 times with animation and excitement, leaving one to believe this is her first time reading it. Students (as well as the librarian)easily become mesmerized. Brooke commands the respect of her students with honesty and straightforward interactions not to mention a bit of controlled mayhem, a laser wit, break dancing and a costume or two thrown in there as well. If a fellow teacher asks Brooke for an idea or help they need to be prepared for a full on effort by her to find an answer or lead them to it. Between classes you will always find her on 2nd floor at Stangeland corner teasing, reminding, encouraging and connecting with 6th graders as they make their way to class. Students strive to be better, do better and participate because Mrs. Stangeland rewards their efforts with passion and hands out discipline with a mix of compassion and strength. Students clearly know what to expect from her and what she expects in return from them. Stangeland is such an asset to CMS as she knows her students, who they are, where they come from and what they need from her to grow to their full potential and with her guidance and encouragement they have every opportunity to do so.

We are excited to invite your school community to these upcoming events for parents and families. We encourage you to share these events with your families Stronger Bonds, Happier Kids: Understanding Attachment & Connection Want to build a stronger, more secure bond with your child? Join us for a free virtual Parent University event on May 6 from 7:00–8:30 PM! Learn how your child’s attachment style shapes their emotions, relationships, and confidence. We’ll share simple, effective ways to create a safe and loving connection that helps your child thrive. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable parenting insights and strengthen your relationship in ways that last a lifetime! Everyone is welcome to attend, though the workshop is especially geared toward parents and caregivers of middle and high school students. Link to Register: https://forms.fillout.com/t/5sMCD8nDv9us

CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda Mohr, secretary at Franklin School. Amanda was nominated by Rich Lund for the Marigold Award! My friend and co-worker, Amanda Mohr deserves the Marigold Award because she’s the heartbeat of this school and Franklin would be lost if she wasn’t our secretary. I appreciate her so much because if I have a problem with anything whether it’s inside or outside of school, she’s always there for me. She has a lot to handle everyday, like handling phone calls, doing the daily notes that she sends out every morning, and being pulled in each and every direction. She’s handles everything like a champion and she’s just totally awesome.

CONGRATULATIONS to Alyssa Morgan at Franklin School ! Alyssa was nominated for the Marigold Award by Nicole Lamb. Alyssa is the person you think of when you think of a dedicated teacher. She has had to go to Tennessee every weekend to either drop off or pick up her three children. To many people, this would affect their work life. However, this is not Alyssa. Ms. Morgan spends countless hours each day ensuring that she is best meeting the needs of her students in each of her classes. She comes to work each day ready to do the best for each of the kids in her classroom. Alyssa loves doing interactive, engaging lessons with her students, no matter how messy they may get! Just mention shaving cream or paper mache to her! Ms Morgan has formed deep, meaningful relationships with her students, especially those students that others would consider challenging. She has a willingness to learn that you do not always see from teachers that have spent a decade in the field. Ms. Morgan is not afraid to go ask others questions when she is unsure of what she is doing. She is a team player and engages in planning with her team teachers.

Spring is a season of growth—and what better time to honor the educators who help others grow every day? We’re excited to kick off Marigold Award Week by celebrating the 38 amazing nominees for the 2025 Marigold Award! Throughout the next 10 days we’ll be sharing their photos and stories—spotlighting the educators who bring encouragement, positivity, and support to their classrooms and colleagues. This award is inspired by the idea of the marigold effect—the belief that, just like marigolds in a garden help other plants thrive, certain people in our schools make everyone around them better. The award also honors the life and legacy of Jen Banks, a beloved teacher and school improvement coach who passed away in 2015. Jen was a true marigold—nurturing, uplifting, and committed to helping others grow. Her spirit lives on in each nominee we recognize. Stay tuned to our ROE 47 Facebook page as we celebrate these incredible educators—and don’t miss the big announcement of our 2025 Marigold Award winner!

LETRS Volume 1 ✅ for this incredible group of educators in Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties! So excited for Volume 2 next year. Ready to begin your LETRS journey? Join our new Year 1 cohort starting in August 2025! Register HERE! @RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47

Early Childhood education is an important part of a child's future. Early Childhood programs help lay a foundation for success. These programs impact the child's cognitive, social, and emotional development. Join us as each week we talk about the different programs our area offers! #EarlyChildhood #Success #Growth #Support #Community

The Area 2 SEL Hub is thrilled to offer scholarships for our third annual SEL Summer Symposium, themed "A Celebration of Resilience," on June 12, 2025! 🎉 This event will bring together educators to explore powerful strategies that support the heart and mind of every learner. Join us at the Embassy Suites in Rockford, IL, for a day filled with inspiration, dynamic breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with others. We are thrilled to welcome renowned keynote speaker Michael Bonner, a trailblazer in leadership and organizational culture. Scholarship recipients will receive free event registration. Don't miss this chance to learn, grow, and be inspired! Apply today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvHw80R-DXrxNV3x2tfSF8IZTvVh-tFYBdrvYr53xSbp0MKg/viewform

“Home visitors are making a significant difference in their communities and we’re proud to honor them,” said Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals executive director Janet Horras. “Thousands of home visitors meet with local families every day to build parenting skills and share early child development best practices. National Home Visiting Week is an important opportunity to recognize their many contributions and the impact they make.” More than 17.1 million pregnant women and families (including over 22 million children) could benefit from home visiting. Of those, approximately 280,000 received services in 2023— only 1.6 percent of all potential beneficiaries. Do you know of any expectant parents or families with children under the age of three who live in Lee, Ogle or Whiteside County? Please connect them with a home visitor today! Call the Regional Office of Education at 815/625-1495 ext. 118 or fill out the interest form: https://forms.gle/rKvnVA4gos8CGkRC6

Scan the code to register & check out the Teacher Talk for more details ! @RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47

Help us celebrate a home visitor during #NationalHomeVisitingWeek! Home visitors play an important role in the lives of families across the country. ROE #47 is proud to support our Parents as Teachers First Years home visitors this week and every week.

Thanks to # NHVW, we’re kicking off the inaugural #NationalHomeVisitingWeek. This week, we celebrate the important work of home visitors everywhere and at the ROE's Parents as Teachers First Years serving the Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside county area. Stay tuned for more spotlights throughout the week!

The ROE 47 Office will be closed today, Friday, April 18th, Good Friday. @RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47

Big news! 🎉 We're thrilled to announce the launch of the ROE Early Learning Academy! 🤩 This week, we opened our first two classrooms, with two more on the horizon. If you're looking for a full day, high-quality preschool, come learn more at our Birth-5 Community Screening on Friday, April 25th. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register!

NGSS Capacity Builders Series Session 3: Integrating Math & Literacy in the Science Classroom Presenter: Gail Housman, Lead for OpenSciEd Elementary April 28, 2025 (9:00 - 10:00 a.m.), Virtual Think you have no time for science? This session explores practical strategies for seamlessly integrating math and literacy skills—including oracy—into science instruction. Participants will examine real-world examples of how to maximize instructional time by making meaningful connections between science, literacy, and math within the curriculum. Using examples from OpenSciEd’s new free Elementary units (two per grade level, K-5), we will illustrate how: Lessons are structured into flexible components that accommodate diverse elementary schedules and facilitate "double dipping" across subject areas, such as literacy blocks, circle time, or math class. Literacy (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and math are intentionally woven into science sensemaking, with specific examples from different grade levels demonstrating these interdisciplinary connections in action. Join us to discover how to create a more cohesive and efficient approach to teaching science while reinforcing essential math and literacy skills! 1 PDH K-12 Administrators Curriculum Directors Instructional Coaches Science Leaders ROE Personnel https://forms.fillout.com/t/vUvAVnsZmnus?id=rec3JMTv7VdEhVI8X

Spring is coming and that means flowers will be in bloom. Now is the time to nominate educators for the 2025 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. ***Please nominate AND forward to your teachers so that they may do the same!*** 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 9, 2025. CLICK HERE for Google Nomination Form