North Cook ISC
October 2021 News Chat
A Message from Dr. Kevin Jauch
I was honored to be invited to the National Blue Ribbon Ceremony at Walter R. Sundling Junior High in Palatine District 15 a few weeks ago, which was also attended by Governor Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and State Superintendent Carmen Ayala. Sundling is one of three North Cook schools recognized with a Blue Ribbon; the other two are Maple School in Northbrook-Glenview District 30 and Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge-Niles District 64.
Upon arrival, I jokingly introduced myself to the office staff as one of the “lesser dignitaries” and toured the school at the rear of the entourage. From that vantage point, I observed that the adults who seemed to have the greatest impact on students were the band teacher Mr. Zilke, the STEM teacher Mr. Klimas, Assistant Principal Mr. Rice, Principal Dietz and a score of others who were connected with the kids on a personal level.
While it is essential to have folks in the upper echelons of education set policy and lead at the macro level, the most direct and lasting impact on children comes from people they interact with daily. And those folks are best able to connect with students when they have strong leadership at the local level. Kudos to all of our educators and support staff in the North Cook Region for changing lives everyday!
kjauch@ncisc.org / 847.824.8300
IN THIS ISSUE
Licensure News
Annual Spelling Bee Coming
Special Feature: Dr. Tom Bookler, Advocate for the Homeless
Truancy Prevention Tips & Legislation
McKinney-Vento Resources for Schools
Heated Tent Guidelines
NCYAA Undergoes Curriculum Review
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety (English) or https://www.nhtsa.gov/es/seguridad-vial/seguridad-con-el-autobus-escolar (Spanish)
FALL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Administrator Academies
- October 22 - The Evolution of Education: Shifting From Traditional Classrooms to Personalized Learning (AA-1805) revised summer 2021 • IN-PERSON
- October 26 - Principal Evaluator Competency Skill Building (AA-1865) • IN-PERSON
- October 28 - Problem Solving and Collective Bargaining Using an Interest-Based Approach (AA-3782) • ZOOM SESSION
- November 4 - Teacher and Administrator Evaluator Retraining: Student Growth (AA-3000) • ZOOM SESSION
- November 9 -Teacher Evaluator Competency Skill Building for Pre-Qualified Teacher Evaluators (AA-1451) • ZOOM SESSION
- November 10 - Creating a Trauma Informed School Culture (AA-3704) • ZOOM SESSION
There's more! See our complete list of Administrator Academies.
Educator Workshops • via ZOOM
October 25
Cultivating Genius and Joy - An Equity Model for Culturally & Historically Responsive Education (CHRE) with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
4:00-5:00 pm
October 28+
Using Literature Circles to Strengthen Student Engagement and Deep Comprehension (four-part series; 3:30-5:00 pm)
February 9
Metacognition: The Key to Driving Deeper Learning with Dr. Catlin Tucker 3:30-5:00 pm
Other Learning Opportunities
McKinney-Vento Roundtable - October 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm • ZOOM SESSION
We will address many of the needs surrounding our families recently. The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic will join us to discuss a number of timely topics. This event is free, but registration is required.
Short-Term Substitute Training - November 15, 12:00 - 3:30 pm • IN-PERSON
This training is required for anyone who wants to pursue a Short-Term Substitute license. Curriculum, classroom management techniques, school safety, and general district/building operations will be covered.
Collaborative Series (aka Networking)
December 1 • HYFLEX • 8:30-10:30 am - Curriculum & Instruction
Email Assistant Regional Superintendent, Dr. April D. Jordan, to be added to our email groups or receive agendas and meeting Zoom links: ajordan@ncisc.org.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ends October 15!
Licensure Department News
The English Language Proficiency test is no longer required for PEL applicants based
on out-of-country reciprocity. If you know an educator who applied under the old rules and is deficient in the English Language Proficiency test, advise them to contact North Cook ISC Licensure Specialist Izabela Kuczek at ikuczek@ncisc.org who can request that ISBE re-evaluate their application under the new rules.
Annual Scripps Spelling Bee is Coming!
Dr. Tom Bookler, Advocate for the Homeless
Dr. Tom Bookler has served as a McKinney-Vento Regional Educational Liaison for over 15 years. In this role, he works with North Cook schools on training and monitors requirements of school districts to support McKinney-Vento homeless students and their families, as well as unaccompanied minors.
Dr. Bookler has been an advocate for implementation of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act for school districts and families and is instrumental in advocacy and legislation to help homeless families return to stable housing.
He connects school districts with resources, such as Continuum of Care, an organization that plans a coordinated, comprehensive approach to providing housing and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Tom also assists with registration, enrollment and re-engagement of homeless students who have fallen through the cracks due to family issues. In addition, he offers training and support to various agencies in north suburban Cook County. He works directly with the Alliance to End Homelessness on grants and supporting unaccompanied or homeless youth, and with the YWCA to secure grants to help support an early childhood program in several school districts.
Dr. Bookler coordinates services with the North Cook Academic Navigator to ensure that McKinney-Vento eligible students are able to attend school throughout their period of homelessness. In addition, he conducts Administrator Academies and roundtable meetings on topics surrounding the needs for McKinney-Vento students.
Every year, Dr. Bookler provides backpacks and school supplies to thousands of McKinney-Vento students in suburban Cook County and the collar counties. Tom also works with the North Suburban Cook County Bar Association to provide Christmas gifts for early childhood and at-risk students.
He initiated the Education Fund for Homeless and At-Risk Students through North Cook ISC. Donated funds are used for things such as mattresses and miscellaneous household items for families that are rehoused, emergency motel stays for families that have no place to stay other than their car or outside, and dorm supplies to help homeless youth start college. Donations are accepted here.
Dr. Bookler’s compassion and commitment to serving others is limitless. North Cook ISC is very fortunate to have him working with its schools.
Truancy Prevention Tips
Although truancy prevention is not funded by the State, North Cook ISC/ROE #5 is responsible for providing these services. Last year, 52 cases of truancy were logged.
The Illinois Compulsory Attendance Law requires that all children aged 6-17 must attend school and that it is the responsibility of the parent to see that they attend. If students aren't engaged or participating in school, they’re not learning. But many factors can impact student attendance, from fear of bullying to homelessness.
Missing about 2 days per month over the course of the year
can make it harder for younger students to learn to read
and can drastically affect students’ academic success at all grades.
Did You Know?
By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs a student may drop out of high school.
By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
Interventions
Once parent meetings, home visits and phone calls, social worker involvement, etc. are exhausted at the school/district level, a referral form may be submitted to North Cook ISC. Dr. Paula Miller, North Cook ISC’s Truancy Officer, sends a series of (up to) three letters to parents explaining the law and reminding them of their responsibility to get their child to school on time every day. A flyer for elementary and middle/high school parents about the importance of attendance, how to make school a priority and keep their child engaged is included with the first letter.
What You Can Do
As educators, there are some simple things you can do to help children remain engaged.
If children must stay home because of illness, provide resources and materials to make up for their missed learning time.
Monitor students to ensure they feel engaged in their classes and feel safe from bullies or other threats.
If you observe bullying, notify your principal, social worker, or other support staff.
Support students if they show signs of anxiety, such as headaches or stomach aches, that may lead to absenteeism or truancy. Listen to their concerns and ask your school support staff for help.
If a student’s academic progress suddenly slips, try to identify potential causes. Stay in contact with the parents/guardians to offer assistance.
Encourage students to join after school activities, including sports and clubs so they remain engaged.
* Data used with permission from Attendance Works
New Truancy Legislation
Underlined text is newly added information within the Public Act.
- Public Act 102-0157 (AMENDED), Absenteeism & Truancy Policy (effective 7/1/22)
Public Act 102-0456 (AMENDED) Chronic Truancy, Social-Emotional Intervention (effective 1/1/22)
McKinney-Vento Resources for Schools
NCISC received a number of grants to help support our families and schools.
Emergency Hotel Stays - If a family is in an emergency situation for housing, we are able to reimburse for up to one week motel stay while we work with you to help find a more stable solution.
Clothing & School Supplies - Through our mini-grant program, we can help students with clothing for school (including coats), school supplies and personal hygiene products.
Locating McKinney-Vento Students That Have Not Returned to School - If students have not returned this school year and records have not been requested from another school district, we will follow through and verify that they are attending school.
Referring McKinney-Vento Students With 5% Or More Absences - We will work closely with families, including home visits, to identify family needs and strategies to help students succeed in school.
To refer students, please complete the McKinney-Vento Truancy Referral Form. Contact NCISC’s Regional McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, Dr. Tom Bookler, with any questions at tbookler@ncisc.org or (630) 386-0883.
Safety First: Heated Tent Guidelines
NCYAA Curriculum Review
North Cook Young Adult Academy (NCYAA) will undergo a curriculum review this year. The team is meeting monthly with a curriculum consultant who is facilitating the process. It began with a review of understanding the Illinois Standards, focusing on identifying connections that are already in place, and will then move on to formative and summative assessments. Staff are examining the priority standards, creating cross-curricular units of study and increasing academic rigor for all students’ learning levels. The team is embedding Social Emotional Learning Standards across the curriculum. Math, science, CTE, social studies and language arts content areas are being reviewed.
In addition to the curriculum project, staff members will observe colleagues in surrounding districts with a focus on the Danielson model of professional learning. The review is already seen as a rich and valuable experience and staff look forward to the curriculum improvements and emphasis on student growth and engagement in the learning process.
We're Open to Serve You
In accordance with State mandates, when visiting our office, masks must be worn at all times except while eating or drinking. You can also contact us by phone or email. For information about specific departments see our Contact Info.
North Cook Intermediate Service Center
Special Holiday Hours:
CLOSED November 11 - Veterans' Day
CLOSED November 24-26 - Thanksgiving
Email: newsletter@ncisc.org
Website: www.ncisc.org
Location: 1001 E. Touhy Av. Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL, USA
Phone: 847-824-8300