NSSEO Governing Board Brief
2024 February
Upcoming Events & Dates
- February 21st: DHH Program Early Childhood Music Performance - 6:30pm
@ Terrace School Gym - February 21st: PERC Event: "Purposeful Parenting & Creating Healthy Boundaries" with Jackie Rhew - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
@ NSSEO Central Office - February 22nd: PERC Event: "Transition To Adulthood" - 10:00am to 1:00pm
@ Parent Education Resource Center (PERC) - February 23rd: Amy Rudolph Basketball Tournament - 7:00pm
@ Hoffman Estates High School - March 1st: End of Third Quarter
- March 6th: NSSEO Governing Board Meeting - 7:00pm
@ NSSEO Central Office - March 13th: NSSEO Foundation Bingo Night - 7:00pm
@ Arlington Ale House
John Meets ABC 7's Tracy Butler
Tracy Butler from ABC7 Chicago featured a story on John's journey. Not only did ABC7 shed light on his remarkable story, but also highlighted the extraordinary efforts of his dedicated teachers at Kirk School. For John, meeting Tracy was nothing short of a dream fulfilled. Dive into the inspiring tale by watching the story here!
Shining Star - Dominic M. & Mildred P.
Dominic (AHSD25) has been immersed in a comprehensive literacy program that provides explicit instruction and opportunities to learn and practice each component of emergent literacy. During alphabet instruction, the class cycles through a letter each day practicing the name, sound, formation, and identifying the letter in authentic text. Shared writing allows students to contribute to a chart with predictable, repeated lines and then work with that text in a variety of ways each day of the week. Shared reading focuses on engagement and interaction with a variety of texts, providing opportunities to learn concepts of print and increasing communication opportunities. Independent reading provides Dominic an opportunity to choose what to read and then read or explore independently while building positive associations with text. Independent writing gives students access to all 26 letters of the alphabet to create a meaningful message while learning how all these components of literacy work together.
Millie (CCSD15) participates in the same curriculum as Dominic. She uses a variety of adapted tools to participate in instruction. Millie uses her eye gaze device or visuals to comment or write words. She also uses a keyboard on her device to write during independent writing. Recently, she has been using her keyboard to write during a variety of classroom activities! With adapted switches, Millie can turn the pages of a book she is reading or cut a sentence strip into words.
Congratulations to our Shining Stars and their remarkable accomplishments!
Mildred and her family
Dominic and his family
Special Recognition - Mark Dziwulski & Eddie Kryger
NSSEO would like to commend and publicly thank Mark Dziwulski, Coordinator of Building and Grounds, and Eddie Kryger, Lead Maintenance. They promptly responded to a call at the district office, demonstrating exceptional commitment during the coldest day of the year. Their swift action mitigated potential issues caused by the cold weather and saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars by efficiently addressing burst water pipes and flooding. Their timely intervention exemplified a commendable level of professionalism and dedication to NSSEO.
Mark Dziwulski Coordinator of Buildings and Grounds
Edward Kryger Lead Maintenance
Congratulations Molly Dunne
Appointment of Molly Dunne as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
The Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) is proud to announce the appointment of Molly Dunne as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning effective immediately.
Molly Dunne has been an essential part of the NSSEO community for over a decade, serving in various capacities that demonstrate her dedication to educational excellence and student success. Most recently, Molly Dunne's role as Director of Professional Learning and Coaching at NSSEO has been distinguished by her leadership in executing district-wide new staff orientation and mentoring programs, as well as securing and managing three significant grants. Additionally, she designed and implemented a comprehensive professional learning calendar, coordinated vision services for member districts, and facilitated district-wide parent events. Her oversight of multiple district committees reflects her commitment to promoting excellence and inclusivity within the NSSEO community.
Prior to her role as Director, Molly served as the Innovative Learning Coordinator, Related Services Coordinator, and Coordinator of Satellite Programs and Services, where she demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Her efforts in coordinating district services and overseeing specialized programs have played a vital role in meeting the diverse needs of our students.
Molly Dunne's contributions to NSSEO extend beyond her professional roles. She has been recognized by various organizations for her outstanding achievements, including receiving the IAASE Region 1 Trailblazer Award (2023), IAER Distinguished Educator (2022), IAASE Special Education Board Member (2020 to present), and being appointed as a member of the Illinois Vision Leadership Council (IVLC) Co-Chair.
Molly holds a Master's Degree in Education Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, a Master's Degree in Multi-categorical Special Education from Governors State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialization in Low Vision/Blindness from Illinois State University.
As Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Molly Dunne will persist in guiding NSSEO with integrity, innovative strategies, and a dedicated focus on supporting teachers and staff to empower each student to achieve their utmost potential. We invite you to join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to Molly on her new position and in expressing our best wishes for her ongoing success in supporting the NSSEO community.
Continuous Improvement Plan Update - Miner School
This year, Miner School has been engaging in a building-wide focus on improving literacy instruction for all students. Under the leadership and guidance of Miner’s Instructional Coaches, Miner's teams have been taking a deep dive into the components of a comprehensive literacy framework guided by the text “Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write,” by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver.
Dr. Tiffanie Jeffrey, Principal, and Ms. Dominique Guza, Assistant Principal, provided a comprehensive update regarding the development and implementation of a building-wide focus on improving literacy instruction through a comprehensive literacy framework. Dr. Jeffrey and Ms. Guza emphasized these aspects at work, along with their staff development plan, aiming to further enhance Miner's ability to address the literacy essentials for all students.
Winter Wellness Event
Our Winter Wellness event hosted this year at Timber Ridge School included a variety of vendors, including local fitness vendors, 403(b) vendors; credit unions; NSSEO’s Employee Assistance provider, Workplace Solutions; Arlington Dermatology; and NSSEO’s Health Insurance provider, EBC. The highlight of this event was the Pickleball tournament, which was open to everyone interested in the sport. Everyone played and had a wonderful time, now learning the rules was a bit of a battle, but we all got to a competitive spot and enjoyed some long volleys and deep laughs.
Along with the vendors and Pickleball, we host a large raffle that is comprised of a few smaller raffles and one large prize at the end. A lot of phenomenal gift cards and even our vendors give away valuable prizes. This year, our grand finale prize was a whole Pickleball game set that included a net, Pickleball, two paddles, and accessories to set up your court anywhere, anytime.
We are proud of the continued benefits and impact this wellness program has provided to our staff and to incentives that promote healthy living and work-life balance, addressing stress and providing support in identified areas of need. Collaborative partnerships, engagement, and idea sharing will continue to expand the positive influence of effective wellness programs on our NSSEO community.
Staff visiting a few of our venders
Arlington Heights Dermatologists
Kristin and Barb dominating doubles
Mike lining up a wicked serve
SLOEC's Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland 2024
Families and friends from across the NSSEO district gathered at Sunrise Lake Outdoor Education Center (SLOEC) on February 10th for another successful Winter Wonderland event. The day was filled with laughter and excitement as attendees participated in a wide range of winter activities, both indoors and outdoors.
As the event came to a close, participants departed with fond memories and anticipation for future gatherings. Plans for future events were hinted at, promising more opportunities for the community to come together and experience the magic of Winter Wonderland at SLOEC, Harvest Fest, and other adventures.
Indoor curling
Brave little Hadley meeting a cockroach
Ice fishing
Learning to start a campfire
Dr. Schnoor helping Finn decorate his picture frame
Father and son take a walk around the camp grounds
NSSEO Heartbeats of the Week
McKinley Scheppler
Richard Edwards
Richard is an absolute bright spot at Kirk. His positive attitude shines through in everything he does. He is willing to help out whenever and wherever needed and always goes above and beyond. He builds wonderful relationships with his students and staff members. Richard always shares positive words to offer to both staff and students alike. He is a shining example of what makes Kirk such a great place to work.
Recruitment and Hiring
There are still a few available positions for the current school year as well as anticipated openings for the 2024-25 school year. Click the link below.
Making a Difference
Important Dates
- February 21st: DHH Program Early Childhood Music Performance - 6:30pm
@ Terrace School Gym - February 21st: PERC Event: "Purposeful Parenting & Creating Healthy Boundaries" with Jackie Rhew - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
@ NSSEO Central Office - February 22nd: PERC Event: "Transition To Adulthood" - 10:00am to 1:00pm
@ Parent Education Resource Center (PERC) - February 23rd: Amy Rudolph Basketball Tournament - 7:00pm
@ Hoffman Estates High School - March 1st: End of Third Quarter
- March 6th: NSSEO Governing Board Meeting - 7:00pm
@ NSSEO Central Office - March 13th: NSSEO Foundation Bingo Night - 7:00pm
@ Arlington Ale House
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Facebook @NSSEO