Kaneland Connects Trivia

 The big winner of last week's trivia question is Stephanie Unger! A prize is on its way. We will be back in the new year with even more Kaneland Connects trivia!

The Power of Student Voice

 Thank you to Personalized Steering Committee members Kevin Hagan and Elsa Glover for capturing some powerful thoughts on the importance of hearing students' voices, from our own Kaneland students. Take a listen to what our students think here: Student Voice

Congratulations to the December Star Search Winner!

Congratulations to John Markovich, as the December Star Search winner!! John was nominated by Fran Eggleston for...

"John goes above and beyond for students, parents, and staff. He carries a very positive attitude which is highly appreciated by all who are lucky to work him. I am grateful that John is a Kaneland Knight!"

John was chosen at random, from among all December nominees, to receive a Box 'o Fun. Other amazing nominees included Kelly Gavin and Meghan Nesci. The names of ALL nominees will be displayed on the Wall of Fame at Meredith. 

Kaneland Star Search will be back in the new year with awesome new Boxes O' Fun opportunities!

MTSS K-5 Steering Committee Update

On Monday the MTSS Steering Committee met with a K-5 work time to further the rollout plan for MTSS which is projected for next school year.  The following are key information slides to review for further MTSS discussions coming up in January and February.  Please note at the end of the roles and responsibilities slides is a Q and A google form to complete and submit your questions.  

MTSS Foundational Knowledge Slides

Roles and Responsibilities Google Slides   

Please note our current K-5 Steering Committee Members in case you have any questions:

Sarah Mumm

Jake Countryman 

Sam Averesa

Fran Eggleston

Tressa Matuszewski

Rachael Wilson

Kathy Ronzio

Britt Mattern

Patty Griffith

Terra Pyfer

Rachael Walker

Anne Olsen

Stephanie Unger

Stacey Gacek

Mary Doranski

Suzanne Billman

Kristi Purnell

Nancy Meisenger

Nichole Kenyon

Jimmy Boyle

Chris Sears

Erin Eickman

Kara Christensen

Kelly Johnson

Kelli Scardamaglia

All About Our Knights

  Let's take some time to share fun facts about our Knight Family.  Did you figure out the answers from last week's submissions?  Here they are for you.

1.  Who has been to 48 of the 50 states?  (Just missing Hawaii and Alaska) Magie Zurok

2. Who loves crafts, reading, camping, spending time with family? Julia Galvan

3. Who loves to swim and play water polo?  Cassie Chambers

4. Who's second major is Spanish?  Arlene Goodrich

We look forward to learning even more about each other in the new year!

MTSS Non-Negotiable Update

This week the MTSS K-12 Steering Committee met.  The following are the updated non-negotiables as we implement MTSS structures next year.  Please see the final revised non-negotiables.   

MTSS will be flexible in nature, not only a  scheduled course, nor only a scheduled cycle

MTSS includes integrated intervention of academics and behavior, not siloed independent intervention per content

MTSS identification of a need is initiated from a staff member who has instructed or supported the student or directly from a student themselves

MTSS procedures must include a data analysis and review process

MTSS structures include teachers, instructional coaches, student services, and behavior facilitators to support trend needs through tier one

MTSS includes at minimum an annual data review meeting to identify long term trends and professional development needs

MTSS is rooted in staff members, including classroom teachers, owning and analyzing data sources for student needs

MTSS supports and complements the progression of learning   

MTSS intervention should be based on progress on proficiency-tables once established, or behavioral data established by a collaborative team

K-5 Behavior Facilitators

We are excited about all the work and support that our new Behavior Facilitators have provided this Fall.  We are excited for a bit more coaching to take place in the coming months. Please consider connecting with a Behavior Facilitator to set up a coaching cycle or conversation with a Facilitator.  In order to continue to be responsive to student needs and overall classroom trends, support from EC-5 Behavior Facilitators will be shifting a bit now that the majority of prioritized lessons from Satchel have been delivered.  The Behavior Facilitators will be using data from staff surveys and student surveys to identify overall trends and areas needing support for individual classrooms as well as grade levels.