Kaneland Connects Monthly Update

 

Dr. Rohlwing Reception

 

Lucky Duck Weekly Winner

 The spring raffle is almost here, keep duck hunting for a chance to enter.  If you are lucky duck number 64, email Sarah Mumm for your weekly prize!  Good luck

K-5 Joint Barnes and Noble Bookfair May 16th (K-5)

Please come join our K-5 schools and celebrate reading! Share this blurb with your families as well.

Save the date for the annual Kaneland Elementary School book fair at Barnes and Noble May 16th!!  Our schools could earn up to 15% on anything purchased in store!!!  Great time to get Graduation gifts,  summer workbooks, summer vacation reading, or a coffee and snack!!!  Kaneland staff will be onsite reading throughout the night!  Join us May 16th at Barnes and Noble Geneva!  We will also have a station to thank a teacher for students to write a thank you note to a favorite staff member.  Fundraising benefits all four schools libraries with books, games and Lego sets! 

From the Office of the Director of Communications - FYI re: Upcoming PD Opportunities (9-12 and K-12 Info)

 

THE 302 Podcast! Episode #3

 Hello Kaneland!

We are happy to release Episode 3 of THE 302 Podcast: The One Where We Don’t Take the Shortcut.

Linked below is Episode 3 about ending the year well with 3 very special guests. In this episode, we have a conversation about ideas and strategies for keeping everyone engaged as we finish strong.

• Click here to listen to the podcast  on Spotify and pay attention for the No Shortcuts Listener Challenge

• This episode's Show Notes

As always, if you're interested in being a part of the podcast, visiting our Knight Wave Studio, or wanting us to explore a topic, please reach out (THE302Podcast@kaneland.org). 

Happy listening!

#noshortcutchallenge

Curriculum Review Cycle Projected Years (K-12)

 During the roadshows that have already taken place there has been some clarification needed in the content areas being reviewed yearly.  We have added further detail to the review cycle to help clarify for all.  Please see the chart below.  This coming year we are looking for volunteers to review the following:

K-5 Math

K-5 Exploratory

6-8 CTE and Exploratory

9-12 World Language and Electives 

NIU RITE Lab Partnership and PD Opportunities (K-12)

We are excited to share that we hosted the NIU Rite Lab this past Thursday. The RITE Lab (Research in Teacher Education) is a partnership that we have with researchers from NIU that we partner with to assess the needs and wants of the district that can be better supported or grown through research and professional development. 

After our meeting on Thursday, we came away with some topics for future planning and interested. These topics include:

-Getting to the root of non-compliant students and intentional non-learners

-How to better support freshman on track goals

-How the use of feedback impacts learning

-Assessments and quality tier 1 instruction

-Best-practice vocabulary instruction

Ed Services will be following up with different departments and teams and we will be sure to share out any progress or plans to come

EAC K-5 (K-5)

 The EAC met for the last formal meeting of the school year.  The following are topics discussed:

-The initial Spring writing audit data was shared and celebrations and possible feedback or PD ideas were shared.  The final Spring writing audit will be sent out the first week of May for EAC members to review and share responses to the posed three questions from today one final time.  Please share writing audit data in May with those you represent as well to capture feedback.

-Word study implementation was discussed and shared.  We will have sight word and word study common assessments.  The team looked at who wanted the printed versions of the assessments as well as those linked into the assessment hubs and roadshow.  PD can also be requested around the screeners from the Instructional Coaches.  

-The PBP printed binder with color coded content areas was shared.  If you are interested in a  printed version of your department or grade level PBP tables, please email Sarah Mumm.

-The team took time to reflect on our district progress of Kaneland Connects and brainstormed goals for next school year for our committee.  

-The team reviewed the open seats moving forward into next school year for EAC.  We are currently looking for the following open seats:

*Teacher Leader (double stipend pay) to help co-facilitate the meeting and plan agendas

*K-1 reps at KST, KME, KBK, KSS

*Exploratory KSS or KME 

*Exploratory KBK or KST

*Teacher Flex Seat

-The team discussed the updates of the information submitted in March and the next steps.  Please be sure to remember that clock hours for ELIS can only be given if the session meets criteria set by the State and ROE.  A formal meeting with goals and time frame along with IEIN number sign in and sign out are required for any clock hour sessions.  All clock hours sessions are only allowed by pre-approved providers.  Please note when entering ELIS clocks hours for recertification, you must have a clock hour form.

-EAC also wanted to pollinate our schools with positivity this month and share flower compliments.  Join in the fun and grab a compliment form in your lounge!  

A HUGE thank you to all EAC members for all the hard work this year!  KUDOS for a great year!

MTSS Coordinator Meeting (K-5)

 Today the EC-5 MTSS Coordinators met for a meeting.  The following were topics discussed:

-The team assisted in the data collection to support KPASS writing norming

-The team met with the Behavior Facilitators to review communication and structures for next year and discuss structures from this Spring

-The team met with the Director of Special Services, OT, and PT staff to plan a bridge among MTSS Service and OT/PT

We will meet for our last meeting in May! 

Math Suggested Edits Submission (K-5)

 As we begin to take our post assessment for math, please remember it is a pilot year for the next assessments.  Remember after you score and log your post data, turn in math assessments to the Coach office for future PD planning.  We are looking for feedback on possible revisions.  As a team or individual please print a blank grade level test and write edits you would like to see on the test and submit this to Sarah Mumm.  If you have other notes for revisions feel free to send that over to Sarah as well.  

New PD for Summer! (K-12)

 We have added three new sessions based on writing per staff request for summer PD.  Please check out and sign up for any summer PD using this link!  Seats are limited in May and June so sign up early! 

Mirror, Mirror in the Classroom?!? (K-12)

 We are excited to have a 30-day loaner of Swivl's new Mirror AI tool. Please check it out here: Mirror YouTube Video

This is a cool new way to explore a variety of responses and interactions through the use of AI. While we brainstorm ways to make this accessible to our staff initially (we are working on a Digital Privacy Agreement for student-use), please email Patrick (11509@kaneland.org) if you feel like you have a good idea or suggestion on how this can be beneficial.

If you just want to investigate and see what it can do, feel free to schedule a time to come by KMAC as well. 

Reminder to Send Roadshow Questions (K-12)

 Our Roadshow 2024 tour is off and running! As our staff participates and different levels (LDIP options), we want to make sure that we have answered all questions that may come up. If you have any outstanding questions from your participation in the Roadshow, please be sure to email them to Sarah (10358@kaneland.org) or Patrick (11509@kaneland.org)  and we will be sure to send them out as an FAQ when we have the answers. 

5th Grade Challenge Teacher Nomination Forms (KPASS)

 This Spring we are trying to pilot the use of teacher nomination feedback forms for identifying students that might benefit from learning in a challenge ELA and/or challenge Math classroom at HMS.  All 5th grade Teachers, please complete the google forms below for students that have been progressing at an enhanced rate and have learner characteristics and could benefit from a challenge classroom.  Please complete by April 30th any teacher nomination forms.  Thank you in advance for piloting and trying the new forms.  

Math form

ELA form    

MTSS Coordinator Meeting Summary (EC-5)

 The EC-5 MTSS Coordinators met today.  The following were topics discussed:

-We met with the HMS MTSS Coordinator to discuss the transition of our 5th grade students to middle school.  We are working on a challenge teacher nomination form for math and ELA that will be piloted with 5th grade this Spring.

-We discussed if a MTSS Co-Teacher is being subbed out for an in-district meeting, they may cancel support for the day this Spring beginning April 10th.  This comes in response to MTSS subs being pulled at times and the hard work of sub plans being created for no sub to come.  This will be a trial for this Spring.  This practice will only be for this school year.  

-The team began to consider the draft of the KDAB proficiency table for next school year.  We will be reviewing and sharing this by the end of the school year and making KDAB revisions in the handbook. 

-The team discussed the review of the MTSS survey and possible positive actions for next school year for our already amazing MTSS structure!  Please remember to always be supportive of each other and remind each other the appreciation of the work we all do collectively!  

-We are excited to host three MTSS Co-Teacher cross district meeting days with Educational Service next year. If you are a MTSS Co-Teacher please note the following dates:  October 7 9:30-3:00, January 28th 9:30-12:00, and March 24th 9:30-3:00.  We look forward to the expanded collaboration and discussion time. 

-The team took time to review the possible data wall and hub needs for next year based on other assessments.  

-The team took time to review the options for working with students throughout the school year.  We will look to expand the connections with small groups of students in the coming year. 

-The team discussed that huddles should include behavior discussions along with academics.  Behavior support can be addressed prior to a full team meeting to further into tier 2.  A huge celebration from this year has been the fluid behavior discussions.     

-We worked on the MTSS BOE presentation coming up later this Spring.

-The team identified key links for next year's hub.  We will continue to build this for next Fall.

-We planned out meeting dates for next year.

-The team discussed the reporting of pre and post math scores if a student is absent no adjustment will be made to the final percent this year. 

-The team began planning IAR week for next year.

-The team affirmed the fidelity check dates starting next week. 

-The team also began to review the math norming Fall and Spring dates for next school year.

The team will be meeting again on April 15th with Behavior Facilitators and Special Services Department. 

Kaneland Staff As Guests at Barnes and Noble (EC-8)

We are so excited to host for the second year an All district book fair at Barnes and Noble on May 16th!  Save the date and come out and enjoy some fun at the fair.  Proceeds of your purchase will go to the LRC and books for students in Kaneland.  One thing that really brought out families is getting to see their favorite teacher and do any activity with them.  If you would be interested in coming out for a 30 minute session with students and doing an activity (examples:  book chat, reading a book, doing a poem, singing or playing a song, doing sidewalk art, or any talent you want to highlight), please email Sarah Mumm what time you could come out and what activity you may want to do.  They LOVE coming to see you!     

Student Work Sample Requests (EC-12)

This Spring we would like to collect student work examples to use in professional development next year.  If you could please select a few work samples (some proficent some approaching) from your content and courses and send them to Sarah Mumm by the end of May it would be VERY appreciated!  We are looking for any grade and any content for the samples.

We are asking specifically for the following to be collected this Spring and dropped off in the designated place:

-5th grade writing samples from narrative final scored assessment from all schools:  Please send copies to Sarah Mumm once you have scored them at norming or after the unit of study

-K-5th grades please take all post math assessments after they are scored:  Please take them to your Coach office 

K-5 Math Revision Committee (K-5)

 After one full year of piloting the current math assessments, it is time to revise to the final version.  If you are interested in getting paid summer hours to review the staff feedback and make final revisions, please email Sarah Mumm.  Volunteers from every grade level are needed.  Thank you! 

Connections Among Kaneland

 We would love to take time to celebrate all the connections made among our staff, students and community over the next month.  Please take a moment to complete the Connections Survey to share your stories.  Feel free to also share with families and students to also complete the same survey to share the connections to our great district!  Thank you in advance for helping to distribute this survey. 

Episode 2 of THE 302 Podcast

Episode 2 of THE 302 Podcast: The One Where We Work as a Group


Linked below is episode 2 of THE 302 Podcast about group work with two very special guests. In this episode, we have a conversation about collaboration and cooperation and some strategies for keeping students engaged during group work.

Click this link to listen on Spotify and listen for another contest opportunity
This episode's Show Notes
For fun, we generated a Word Cloud of this episode (here is a link to the Word Cloud Tool Generator)
As always, if you're interested in being a part of the podcast, visiting our Knight Wave Studio, or wanting us to explore a topic, please reach out (THE302Podcast@kaneland.org). Happy listening!


~Faye Licari, Elsa Glover, and Rachael Walker~

Lucky Duck Instant Flag Winners!

 Congrats to all who are starting to find the lucky mini ducks. Remember to send your mini ducks back home to Sarah Mumm at the district office with your name on a post it to enter into the raffle!  We had a few instant winners who find the special green pennant lucky duck flag! Congrats to Jessica B. at KHS and Terri H. at KST!  Keep looking for those flags and ducks! 

Lucky Duck Weekly Winner

 If you are the holders of lucky duck number 3, you are the weekly winner.  Please email Sarah Mumm for your sweet treat! 

Writing Norming Is Coming! (K-5)

 Please remember writing norming meetings are coming in the month of April.  In the Spring, each staff member will score up to three of their own students' writing, share their class’s work with another grade level peer by random shifting, work collaboratively with a teacher from another school, and continue to have valuable discussions of what narrative writing should look like at their grade level.  The rationale for this assessment practice is to provide experiences for inter-rater reliability, district accountability and for professional growth and discussion among peers.  The assessment practice will provide staff a vision of writing across the district.  This will also link to the expectation of looking at cross school and cross district data during the Spring Data Dives. Coaches will be sending reminder emails for your specific date. MTSS Co-Teaching staff is invited to the specific grade levels they teach with.

Summer Professional Development is Now Open (EC-12)

 We are excited to open our summer professional development offerings.  Spaces are limited in June, so sign up early.  Please use the google form linked to the session you would like to attend to sign up.  You can access the full listing of sessions here. 

Lucky Ducks have Invaded! (EC-12)

 While we were all out we had an invasion of mini lucky ducks!  To culminate all of the great connections we have made this school year finding our lucky ducks since the first kick off day, we will host one last mini-competition.  This spring if you find anywhere in your school a mini duck, return it to the Department of Educational Service to Sarah Mumm with your name on a post-it with the mini duck.  For every mini duck you return you will gain an entry into the Summer Fun Lucky Duck give away raffle!  The raffle will be mid-May so get hunting, there are over 25 mini ducks hidden in every school campus!  

If you were lucky enough to be one of the FOUR green lucky duck mini flags please email a picture proof with the flag to Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org for a special prize!  

Good luck and happy mini duck hunting!  

Remember you have 6 weeks left to find your school lucky duck match to be entered in the HUGE raffle from the beginning of the year!  We have over 128 matches already!   

Spring 2024 Roadshow (EC-12)

 Welcome Back!  We hope you had a very relaxing break.  We are excited to share the annual Roadshow sharing expectations for next school year.  We will be hosting in person roadshows at all schools this coming month.  Please see the dates below.  

KHS 4-17 3:00pm

HMS 4-24 2:50pm

KIPLA 4-23 2:40pm

KST 4-9 8:05am

KBK 4-12 8:05am

KME 4-23 8:05am

KSS 4-22 8:05am

Remember you can select how you access the information on the roadshow:

L-Legacy video with Ed Service delivery explanation of all slides with no question time

D- Differentiated - Go to designated room at your school to hear information from Ed Services on slides most relevant to your grade span - only general questions will be taken

I- Flipped experience- Go to designated room at your school for a Q and A based on your pre-reading of the slides and specific responses to your grade span 

P-If you have reviewed, and you are all good on the content, please sign off using this google form and enjoy the gift of time   

Please access the roadshow below.  

Spring 2024 Roadshow link

Have a great Spring month! 

Feedback Conference Reflection (EC-12)

 In order to write the best possible common SIP goal we are asking all staff to take a moment and reflect on your current feedback practices in your classroom.  This is baseline data and by no means should all areas be high ranking.  We will be focusing our PD attention on feedback next year, so this is just initial data.  Please complete by April 30th this survey.  

6-12 Social Studies Update

 At this time, our social studies teams have vetted a variety of resources and are in the final stages of selection a tool for next year. Our plan over the course of the next month will be to finalize maps and documents to present to the Board in April. We are excited at the breadth and depth of all the tools we saw. Thank you to the teachers and coaches that have played an important role in the process. 

Lucky Duck Winner

 If you have lucky duck 123 please email Sarah Mumm for the weekly prize! 

Interested in an Author Visit to your Classroom?

 We still have a week to go for submissions of how your students are extraordinary.  If you are interested in winning an author visit, make submissions today!  Students or teachers can submit!

Kaneland’s Extraordinary Community and Imagination Contest

This past month we had the pleasure of learning with Jennifer Hayes, a local author.  Our district has TWO author virtual visits to give away for April.  We will be running a contest to identify students and families that are extraordinary or creative. Here is how to enter!

Submit a picture or brief description of a friend, student, family member, or community member that has done something extraordinary to support someone else or that has shown off their imagination by doing something creative.  Be sure to share your student’s name, classroom teacher’s name and school in your email.  Send your submissions to Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org by March 30th. 

The two classrooms with the most submissions will win a virtual author visit time.  

Kaneland Connects Feedback Goal Data Collection

As we begin to shift towards our common goal for next school, we would like to collect some initial pre-data based on student feedback reflection.  Please take time between April 3rd and April 12th administer and the following survey in order for the district to create the common SIP goal for next year.  This pre-data is essential for determining our baseline.  

2nd to 12th grade google form survey

K-1 paper survey

K-1 small group google doc to use if you assess by reading it to small groups and want to direct enter data (this is optional, please choose paper survey or use the small group direct entry option)

We also would like to collect feedback from our staff.   Please share feedback reflections on this google form  by April 12th in order for us to have more information to build our common SIP goal and PD for next year.  

Last Chance to Share Feedback Practice Reflections

 Please share feedback reflections on this google form  by April 12th in order for us to have more information to build our common SIP goal and PD for next year.  

Class Companion AI for 6-12

 We are excited to have an option for AI that is supported by a digital privacy agreement which means our students will be able to use it at your discretion. The site is called Class Companion. It allows a student to upload a piece of writing and provides feedback to the student. We have had some positive results so far and we are excited to use it more in order to gauge its full effectiveness! 

Professional Resource Library available at KMAC (EC-12)

When engaging in curriculum review cycles, teams extensively evaluate instructional tools, resources, and materials for accuracy, alignment to content standards, relevancy, affordability, adaptation to a variety of learner needs, and other factors. Despite this intensive process, the reality is that no one instructional tool, material or resource will ever meet all of the varied student needs found in classrooms today.  

If you find yourself seeking supplemental resources to support instruction, consider checking out the professional resource library at KMAC. Maintained by Educational Services, the resource library is accessible to any staff member. Below is a sampling of available items. If you don't see anything of need or interest here, feel free to come out and browse the shelves yourself, and/or contact any member of Ed Services if you are looking for something specific. We'd by happy to check inventory for you. 

 

          

Summer PD Requests EC-12

 As we begin to finalize our Summer Professional Development offerings, we would like to ask for any final topics the staff are looking to attend this summer.  Please email Sarah Mumm with any suggested areas you would like to see as an option for summer exploration.  

Teachers Pay Teachers Use- Be Careful (EC-12)

 Please be very careful on the use of Teachers Pay Teachers.  If any product you use from the site that does not agreed upon copyright approval, can put you at risk for breaching the copyright agreement you agreed to when being hired.  If you are buying for distribution an item from this website, you must ensure that the person selling has gained copyright approval and that the item is not a mirror image or large percent created from a copyrighted item.  Recently we have had a few handouts shared with families questioned by our community members to see if we have gained approval through copyright.  When contacting staff to further gather information on the questioned items, it has been shared they were on Teachers Pay Teachers.  This site does not give copyright approval as a site, you must ask the seller for that. 

On a side note, please remember any sharing of videos or shorts from Pixar and Disney are also prohibited unless you have written consent from the company.  

Lucky Duck Weekly Winner EC-12

 Keep up the duck hunt!  The Spring raffle is right around the corner.  If you are lucky duck 317,  email Sarah Mumm for your winning treat! 

Last Chance to Share Feedback Reflection EC-12

  In order for Educational Service to best plan professional development for next year on the feedback process, we really need input from all staff.  Please take a moment this week to complete this feedback survey to help us out.  Thank you in advance. The survey will close on Monday March 25th. 

Please also see the drafted feedback delivery PBP table that will be used EC-12 next year.  

Student Reflection Questions: Appropriate for EC-12

Student self-reflection is a cornerstone of several tenets of personalized learning in Kaneland. Embracing a growth mindset (tenet B), developing a learner profile (tenet C), using voice and choice to drive learning (tenet D), gauging progress toward proficiency (tenet F), co-constructing feedback (tenet G), identifying SEL strengths and needs (tenet I), and co-designing learning pathways (tenet J) all require students to engage in self-reflection around their academic performance, as well as their thinking, reasoning, and interpersonal skills and abilities. 

The Colorado Department of Education published this STUDENT REFLECTION QUESTIONS document for educators looking to grow opportunities for students to self-reflect on their own learning. The document contains several suggested reflection questions related to general academic performance, as well as specific reflection questions for literacy, science and social studies.  

K-5 Math Inventory

  As a K-5 we are looking to inventory our math manipulatives by classroom.  If each Teacher could take note and share on this google doc what you currently have and what you might need in the future it would be appreciated.  Please do not place any at manipulatives on a school free table, please instead pack it up and send it over to KMAC room 254 with Mumm on the box.  Other schools and teams across the district might be looking for them through this inventory.    

Please take the next week to share your information on this document.  Please submit prior to March 18th. 

Building Showcase

  It is that time of year that we want to recognize all the amazing learning and dedication of our staff.   As Educators we do not take enough time each year to celebrate each other and our schools.  If you have a celebration please submit it to be shared in a future posts!  Kaneland is a very special place to learn and work!  Let's shout our stories of success to our community!  

KHS- We had over 30 new submissions for Personalized Learning 3.0! 

HMS- Our Student Services staff finalized our Student Appreciation Week that will take place from March 18-22.  It's a great week where we celebrate our awesome students through activities, having a spirit week, and capping it off with an all-school assembly!

KIPLA- The KIPLA staff jointly presented on the IgKnight Academy structure at the Kane County Institute Day. The session reached max. capacity, with educators from at least 5 other districts/organizations in attendance. The greatest interest from attendees was in regard to the use of proficiency tables and learning continuums to build customized pathways of learning.  The team even received a business card from an educator interested in working in Kaneland, due to the district focus on PL.

KST- Students all completed a data dive review of the writing SIP data.  Students were part of the discussion of what makes a distinguished writer.  Excellent structure for relfection. 

KBK- Staff spent time on the Institute day collaborating with each other and some teams worked on  creating personalized pathways for classes.   One staff member worked on pathways for technology and already shared with others across the district. 

KME- KME hosted their first Book and Jammies night and welcomed author Dusti Bowling.  The virtual author visit was attended by over 100 students!  What a great first virtual event!  KUDOS to Dr. Mance for her hard work on this event.  Also, 4th grade STEM team came together to put together an SEL-based KDAB goal to help with the increase in behaviors observed in their grade span over the last two months!

KSS-KSS kindergarten teachers for heading to another school with a focus on inquiry in reading instruction!  Great job sharing and learning from each other. 

District- We were very excited to have 15 staff members share thier Personalized Learning 3.0 evidence with us on Friday!  Lots of great sharing and learning structures for our students.  KUDOS! 

Learning Walk Recap

 We wanted to take a moment to thank all of the teachers who hosted Ed Services for learning walks. We are seeing some really incredible things happening in our schools. From 1st graders who are goal setting and referencing proficiency criteria, to juniors in high school who are using what they know about themselves to direct their own path in learning, and everywhere in between, our Kaneland students are receiving an awesome education! We spent a lot of time focusing on feedback structures and engaging with students. We can't wait to get back out in the next week or so to see even more! 

Keep up the great work!

Sharing Our Connections

 We are excited to begin to think about our kick off and welcome event for next school year, as well as celebrating our connections across our district.  We would love to begin to collect all the ways we make connections across our schools and community from staff, community and students.  Please share this link with all families and students to complete as well and take a moment as a staff member to complete these three brief questions to share your connections.       

Survey Link

Leading Well Book Study Wrap Up

 Our Administrative Team, MTSS Coordinators and Instructional Coaches at the EC-5 level met for our last Leading Well book study this week.  Although there were so many great reflective thoughts shared, there was one powerful statement that summarized it all.  Please take a moment to reflect on what this statement within your practices.  As always, feel free to follow up on these conversations with any Coach or Coordinator.   

Teach the writer not writing! 

Send Us News

 Do you have something exciting to share about your school? Perhaps a recent achievement, an upcoming event, or a new program? If so, the Communication Department wants to hear from you! Your news may be featured in press releases, social media, the district's website, the KCN Newsletter, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your good news with the Kaneland community! Visit www.kaneland.org/departments/communications to submit news. 

Author Classroom Visit Give Away Contest

 We are excited to have TWO Virtual or In-Person Author Visits to give away to our classrooms.  Here is how to enter!  Good luck and be extraordinary! 

K-5 Writing Post Audits

 We are excited for the learning writing audits to begin very soon.  Anne Olsen will begin visiting classrooms to review writer's workshop and conferring beginning this week.  The audits will take place for the month of March (with the start in the last few days of February).  Please remember these are non-evaluative and the data and observations are used to plan professional growth for the district.  If you would like to request personnel audit feedback please email Sarah Mumm to be entered on a list for Anne to share your audit template.  Below you will find the template Anne uses and our writing delivery table.  

Audit template

Writing Delivery Table 

Final 2.5 Months of Personalized Learning 3.0 Submissions

Can you believe the end of the year is coming in clearer sight!  This year has flown.  It has almost been two years since we adopted as a district the 10 tenets of personalized learning.  For those in the first round of two years (all but new hires this year) your evidence of the 10 tenets is due by May 28, 2024.  Please contact any member of the Department of Educational Service to come and review your evidence, or submit a google doc or submit through Canvas courses.  Let us, or any Admin, know how we can support you.  

Lucky Duck Weekly Winner

 Hello all!  We had a few more duck matches after our Institute Day on Friday!  KUDOS to all the duck hunters out there.  Time is ticking to find your match.  If you are luck duck #39 email Sarah Mumm for a weekly treat to be sent your way!  Good luck. 

Extraordinary Teachers Contest

 Thank you for all the submissions for the autographed Jenny figment book by our local author.  The submissions we amazing to hear the great celebrations of our amazing teachers in Kaneland.  The books will be sent to those nominated this week!  A special shout out to the following staff nominated by their peers:

Samantha Maurer

Jenelle Mance

Stacie Salzman

Lauren Banbury 

Lacey Trunkhill

Stephanie Unger

Thank you for all the work you do to support each other and our students!  

Paraprofessional Program

 Calling all Paraprofessionals!  

Have you thought about getting a Special Education teaching license?  If so, please check out this link from Illinois State University.  ISU is offering a special program called "Paraprofessionals Unlocking Licensure in Special Education (Pulse)" for Paraprofessionals that will result in becoming certified as a Special Education Teacher (LBS 1 Certification).  ISU is billing this program as economical, convenient, and fast.  It is worth taking a look!  Pulse Program at ISU  

Suggested Report Card Edits

It is that time of year again to share feedback on any possible edits your teams would like to the report card for school year 2024-25.  Please take a moment to add any suggestions at all to this google doc that you would like considered for revisions.  

Become a Better Writing Teacher Book Study

 We are excited to offer a book study for interested staff on the text How to Become a Better Writing Teacher.  There are two options for the book study:

Option One: Staff can take the book study with a mix of virtual and in person sessions this summer and earn 1.0 in-district credit

OR 

Option Two:  Part of a virtual book study in the fall right after school for a few dates for pay or credit

We are trying to gauge how many staff would like to take part in this book study so we may purchase the books now for summer reading.  If you have an interested and would like a book provided, please email Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org

Virtual Author Visit Contest

 We are excited to have TWO Virtual Author Visits to give away to our classrooms.  Here is how to enter!  Good luck and be extraordinary! 

Building Showcase- Each month

 It is that time of year that we want to recognize all the amazing learning and dedication of our staff.   As Educators we do not take enough time each year to celebrate each other and our schools.  If you have a celebration please submit it to be shared in a future posts!  Kaneland is a very special place to learn and work!  Let's shout our stories of success to our community!  

KHS- Kaneland's Angelina Gochis wins state title in wrestling!  Kudos to brining home a state championship!

HMS- Designated as a School to Watch!  Kudos to the collective effort of the entire school.

KIPLA- Winter I-Ready scores show an increase of students from Fall along with the students' advocacy goals showing all students know what they are learning and what they need to focus on next. 

KST- The amount of writing growth range for the development SIP goal was 38% to 72%!  It was projected at 25%.  

KBK- Has had many author visits truly inspiring all to become writers!

KSS- Exceeded their reading SIP goal and made great gains in grade level reading rates!  Also a 4th grade KSS student got 4th in the regional spelling bee and is moving on to the regional finals!  

KME-Rigby data is progressing along with solid increases.  We are looking forward to the end of the year assessment. 

District- Our district SIP plan was distinguished this year!  With every Kaneland Connect Commitment being over the 85% rate in level 3 and 4!

 

Lucky Duck Raffle

 Keep making those matches!  If you are Lucky Duck 301 this week you can win a treat if you reach out so Sarah Mumm!  Enjoy and the Spring raffle is coming!

K-5 Math Manipulative Inventory

 As a K-5 we are looking to inventory our math manipulatives by classroom.  If each Teacher could take note and share on this google doc what you currently have and what you might need in the future it would be appreciated.  Please take the next week to share your information on this document.  Please submit prior to March 15th. 

Teacher Book Give Away Contest

  This month at the K-5 Schools and KIPLA we have local author Jennifer Hayes coming.  She recently published the Extraordinary Imagination of Jenny Figment.   She will be coming to visit and talk about her writing journey with our 2nd to 5th grade students during February.  In order to share a bit of fun and promote finding the extraordinary things our staff does, we have 10 of her autographed books to give away to our staff.  February tends to be the month that our educators may need a little boost and reminder of just how extraordinary you all are.  If you would like to be part of our raffle for the book give away, please email Sarah Mumm to nominate a peer for any extraordinary thing they do for others or students.  Let's celebrate each other along with a chance to win a brand new autographed book!  We will conduct the drawing on March 1st!  

6-12 Homeroom Materials

 If you need any materials for the end of the year for your homerooms or lessons, please let Patrick know by March 1st. We will get these ordered as soon as we hear from you. This would NOT include curriculum materials at this time, this would be for supporting any fun events/activities planned for the remainder of the year. 

6-12 Science Consumables

Hello Science Teachers! As we begin to wrap up our first year of Discovery Science, we need to make sure that everyone has the consumable materials for each lab and lesson for next year. Over the next couple of weeks, please make notes of what and how much you would need to replenish and send that list to Patrick Raleigh at 11509@kaneland.org. Please list by KLC or teams, 

School

Grade Level/KLC  (submit as a grade level team in your school for 6-8)

Consumable needed

Amount of that consumable needed based on use this year

Please include what you have used this year and plan to use again. Please send this list to Patrick by March 4th. 

K-5 Student Panel- Reading Proficiency

 This week we had the pleasure of meeting with some KST students and hearing them reflect on reading learning and proficiency.  Here were just a few statements that they students shared:

I am able to demonstrate my proficiency by reading books at my house and understand my reading level

I talk with my Teacher about my reading levels and what I learning

I can demonstrate reading through a reflection of 1-3 (we do this in my room to know what we are still working on)

I help my mom and Dad read and by Grandpa

I show my reading proficiency by reading in front of the class and have book clubs in my class where we talk about reading to peers

I can self-edit my stories and show my reading proficiency

My mom and dad told me about a reading continuum that my Teacher sent to my parents

The reading continuum is a list of reading levels

I am working on chapter books

I am working on closed syllabus and fluency

I am working narratives and dialogue 

I am working on reader responses and I write about what I read 

I am working with a social group to review and read articles and explain different things

I am proficient at tapping and spelling my words so that helps me read

We can show proficiency by peer conference, video or build a recording and show choice for our Teacher or peer

I have feedback from my Teacher

I advocate for my learning and also read in order to create documents 

I advocate for my learning through asking others, raise my hand or set up a conference with my Teacher

I know I am proficiency when I finish a book

I love Dogman books but I have read them all!  I am sad there are no new ones

The author of Dogman has other books too to check out for kids

Even when I am proficient I keep reading!

It is good to keep reading over and over to practice our skills.  I read every day!

Your Feedback Is Needed

 In order for Educational Service to best plan professional development for next year on the feedback process, we really need input from all staff.  Please take a moment this week to complete this feedback survey to help us out.  Thank you in advance. 

Lucky Duck Winner

 WOW!  We have had 4 matches again in just a week.  Keep up the great work! If your lucky duck number is 37 you are this week's winner!  Email Sarah Mumm to receive your treat!  

Tenet G- Feedback

 Tenet G focuses on the feedback cycle.  If you recall from Personalized Learning 2.75, there are 9 types of feedback.  A feedback conference is meant to be a cycle that is co-constructed with the learner and the educator (see the cycle vision below).  If you are reflecting and collecting evidence for tenet G consider the type of feedback you are co-constructing with the student and how they are participating in the discussion. 

Crucial Conversation Book Study Follow Up

 This past month the Instructional Coach and MTSS Coordinator teams at K-5 met to continue the Crucial Conversation book study.  This month we discussed the concept of how we respond to difficult situations.  We took time to share and reflection on when staff or ourselves have a silence or violence reaction to tough discussions.  The book shared an under stress assessment survey that anyone can take to reveal possible reactions you have to situations.  The discussion shared revolved around how to identify when a staff member is being silent under stress or how we can support a "violent" as the book calls it response.  We all discussed how we can support staff through the process of breaking down the root cause of an emotional response under stress rather than taking it personally. Another key statement from the book study was the concept of safety not being synonymous with comfort in conversation.  As a team we are looking at the option of offering a Crucial Conversations book study this summer or next fall.  If you would have an interest in participating in this type of book study in the future, please contact Sarah Mumm to share your interest as well.          

K-5 MTSS Coordinator Meeting Update

 This month the MTSS Coordinators met twice to work on current review of practices as well as future planning for next year.  The following are topics discussed.  We encourage all staff to check in with Sarah or the MTSS Coordinators in your school for further information.  

1. Review of possible Rigby testing structures for Fall and Spring next school year.  We took time to review the feedback from EAC and share ideas and think about logistics.  EAC will make a final decision on guidelines for the assessment during the February meeting. 

2. The team took time to review the possible edits to the RFAF and how to best support the request needs of related services.  We also met with Fran Eggleston to discuss OT work in progress on how to create MTSS structures for OT. 

3. We began to collect possible edits for hte handbook.  If you have any edits please send them into your Coordinator. 

4.  We engaged virtually with the Instructional Coaches to review another chapter in the Crucial Conversations book.

5. The team further planned the IAR testing time and logistics and also how to support each other's schools with accommodations. 

6. We discussed ideas around data wall use for IAR.  Or the purpose and use of the data.

7.  We took time to plan Inspire data wall entry and how to best support the huddle structure for Inspire. 

8.  The team took time discussing the MTSS letters and when and who sends them, especially for Kindergarten. 

9. We had updates on the eligibility flowchart and documents, as well has the behavior support flowchart that is being created.

10.  We discussed a new form for MTSS co-teaching fidelity checks that happen in the Spring. 

11.  The team took time to dive into the planning of Spring KDAB meetings.  More information on this process will be coming out very soon.

Discovery Science Professional Development Kane County Day

 We will be hosting a virtual session on March 1st at 9:00 for anyone interested in learning more about Mystery Science and DEX platform.  If interested please reach out to Patrick Raleigh or Sarah Mumm to get on the list for the session.  The session will be one hour.   

How to Become a Better Writing Teacher Book Study

 This month K-5 Coaches and Educational Service staff have began to explore the text How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover.  The purpose of this book study is to expand ideas and ways to support our staff in writing instruction as well as plan future professional development.  Today we discussed Chapter 1 and 2.  Here were a few takeaways from our discussion for all to reflect and grow from:

If you are interested in seeing writing conferring in action check out this Conferring Video Link.

A few possible record keeping documents that were shared in the chapters are below.  Record keeping is essential during writing conferring.  Check out the various ways to keep records during conferences. 

How should I take notes on conferences?  There are MANY tools for note-taking, but you will need to find one that works for you.  Check out some examples below (taken from A Teacher's Guide to Writing Conferences):

Interested in watching some Carl Anderson conferring videos?  Login to your Heineman account and use the code, CECONWRIT.”  If you’d like a copy of the book, A Teacher’s Guide to Writing Conferences by Carl Anderson, swing by the coaches’ office.

We are also looking to update our Kaneland reels.  If you have student samples of any writing genre that you would like to submit for the update, please PDF or send hard copies of the student work to Sarah Mumm.

Please feel free to work with any Instructional Coach for follow up to these topics or any writing support or sounding board ideas.  

K-5 Science Consumables

 Through our new adoption money we have the ability to replace consumables that have been used this year in Science.  Please email Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org your grade level list.  Please include the following information:

School

Grade Level (submit as a grade level team in your school)

Consumable needed

Amount of that consumable needed based on use this year

Please include what you have used this year and plan to use again. Please send this list to Sarah Mumm by March 4th. 

Lions for Literacy Spring Book Bag Program

 The Lions for Literacy is a local program to promote and provide books for students and families in the Kaneland area that may not have a home library or access to reading materials.  This spring they are once again running their Spring Book Bags around Easter.  We are currently in the process of collecting the age and grade level of students who may benefit from a book bag filled with books and treats for Easter from the Lions club.  Each Spring they create mini-book bag with Easter goodies and age appropriate reading books in them for students that might not have books to read at home.  If you have any students that you know could benefit from receiving one this year, please send Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org the age, gender and grade level of the students.  Once we have the bags ready Sarah will send you the bags to give to students right before Spring Break.  Thanks

THEEE 302 Podcast Coming Tomorrow!

The 302 Podcast: Sharing Voices, Growing Mindsets, Shaping Learning

Getting bored with your usual podcasts? Want to connect with your Kaneland community in a new way? Have we got the podcast for you! This week we are celebrating the release of THE 302 Podcast. Our premiere episode includes conversations about being stuck, finally talking in class, writing books, and playing pickleball along with a few "educationy" things. Be on the lookout for the first episode in your inbox this week. It will come from THE302Podcast@kaneland.org


Please reach out to Elsa Glover, Rachael Walker, or Faye Licari if you would like to share your voice on the podcast.

Personalized Learning Academy 3.0 Update

We would like to offer a reminder that we are approaching our 2-year mark for all teachers who were hired before this year. For those of you who were hired as new staff this year, don't panic, you still have through the end of next year to complete. If you have any questions regarding the tenets, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ed Services! Thank you for your work in all of these, we have seen so many pieces of evidence of these tenets in action! Our students truly are benefitting!

KEA and Administration Spring Initiatives Meetings

 We are excited to collaborate with among KEA and Administration for a shift in the structure for the Spring Initiatives Meeting.  In order to have opportunity to build actions with shared decision making, we are moving our meeting to March 7th from 1:00-3:00 at HMS and having our staff review possible edits and changes for next year using this communication grid and bring questions or solutions to the meeting.  Please take time to review the video snippets and review the posed questions and share your feedback, ideas, and solutions prior to the March meeting date.      

Lucky Duck Weekly Winner!

 We were excited to see the connections across the schools continuing to happen this week!  We had 5 more lucky duck matches!  Keep up your hunt and be sure to let us know when you find your match so you can be entered into the HUGE spring raffle!  This week if you would like a treat sent to you and you are luck duck number 411, please email Sarah Mumm!  

K-5 Collaborative Inquiry Follow Up

 This month the Collaborative Inquiry team at K-5 met to further the action plans from goals identified from a data dive in the Fall.  One of the main goals was to further develop clarity on our instructional practices in writing and writer's workshop.  As part of this goal we want to take time this Spring to focus on developing the top non-negotiables for writer's workshop and continue that work into the Fall.  In order to begin our work we are asking all teachers (all content) to consider what writing should look like based on a relfection of the writing delivery table.  Please take just 2 mins to complete this survey and assist our small group in beginning to bring the clarity in writing we all are looking for. 

Writing Non-Negotiable Feedback Survey

Teacher Book Give Away

 This month at the K-5 Schools and KIPLA we have local author Jennifer Hayes coming.  She recently published the Extraordinary Imagination of Jenny Figment.   She will be coming to visit and talk about her writing journey with our 2nd to 5th grade students during February.  In order to share a bit of fun and promote finding the extraordinary things our staff does, we have 10 of her autographed books to give away to our staff.  February tends to be the month that our educators may need a little boost and reminder of just how extraordinary you all are.  If you would like to be part of our raffle for the book give away, please email Sarah Mumm to nominate a peer for any extraordinary thing they do for others or students.  Let's celebrate each other along with a chance to win a brand new autographed book!  We will conduct the drawing on March 1st!  

K-5 Writing Post Audits Starting Soon

 In order to have time outside of end of the year test dates, we will begin our post writing audits with Anne Olsen in the coming weeks.  Please know that these are non-evaluative audits to look for the implementation of writer's workshop and our delivery table.  We are looking specifically for feedback conferences and co-constructed feedback cycles, status of the class, and mini-lesson use.  While no names are collected during the audits, there has been a request for individual feedback.  If you would like Anne to leave you feedback please email Sarah Mumm and your name will be submitted to Anne as someone who would like their personal audit results shared with them. We look forward to the ability to compare our fall audits to the progress observed in the spring. 

Expanded Five Schools One Book Escape Room Dates

 We are so excited about all the learning and fun our students are engaging through the Five Schools, One Book program.  We have added a few more dates to explore the escape room.  If interested please email Sarah Mumm to confirm the date for your team or classroom.  The following are added dates:

March 19

April 11

April 12

May 2

May 10

1:1 Commitment

 Food for Thought with technology-

At our recent Kaneland Connects Commitment meeting, we had some community members share the need for the district to provide more info on the apps that teachers are choosing to use in their classrooms - which prompted the discussion about how we are teaching our parents about the apps we use. Sometimes we assume that because the students are savvy enough to navigate _________ platform, parents must be as well. Please consider some type of quick video/reference information when starting to use a new app or program. These might include: Canvas pairing, SeeSaw, Khan Academy videos, Class DoJo, etc. We have a lot of wonderful resources, let's just be aware that parents might need some assistance in accessing these things!

RFAF for MTSS and Other Services

 As we move into the long winter months and continue to monitor our students' behavior, please remember to write current data and observable student action statements.  Make all attempts to not add to the request for teacher actions you are looking for.  The best request form is formulated around the data collected through student observations.  Please reach out to the any Behavior Facilitator to assist with observations as well.  

MTSS Co-Teaching Chats

 Thank you to our KME and KBK co-teaching pairs for taking time to share your experiences this year and sharing your progress.  We hope you all can listen and take some ideas from just a few of our pairs! 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zxm0ZvsUkRCz3QcffZy3nVo1WeCsdGaQ/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RyPof9vTMJqG-ctdR1elMJdVigkc7qUc/view?usp=sharing

Example of Tech Use

 To bring life to the 1:1 implementation section of the Kaneland Connects plan we are looking for staff to submit examples of how you are using technology as a learning tool in your classroom.  Please send any example to Sarah Mumm at 10358@kaneland.org.  We will be sharing these in an upcoming post so we can all learn from each other.  

Lucky Duck Number!

 Keep up those matches.  This week alone we had 8 matches!  WOW, keep connecting as a community.  This week if you would like a sweet treat and are number 389 email Sarah!

Feedback Delivery Table

 At a recent EAC, what should feedback look like was discussed.  While Personalized Learning 2.75 gave us the overview of the types of feedback and the topology of feedback.  The academy also discussed the vision of the feedback cycle and how to co-construct feedback through student empowerment.  Based on the need to further our expectations for feedback cycles and discussions in our learning environments, a feedback delivery table has been created.  Please take time to review this draft and share any and all feedback or questions you have with the Department of Educational Services.  We will dive deeper into the feedback table expectations next school year.     

LITapalooza Message from Mrs. Reilley

 My name is Katie Reilley, and I teach 4/5 ELA at Blackberry Creek.  In case I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, allow me to tell you something about me.  I'm a huge #kidlit booknerd.  One of the things that brings me joy is a summer event called LITapalooza.  For the second year in a row, I'm excited to be coleading (with Anderson's Bookshop alongside my nerdy friends) this incredible book festival designed specifically for educators and librarians in grades EC-8. This summer's dates have been released and registration is open and beginning to fill!

Before you continue...the most important details:

Dates:  Thursday and Friday, July 25/26 - mark your calendars!

Where:  Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville

Website for the details:  LITapalooza website

Registration Link: LITapalooza registration

Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/litapalooza/

Background:

LITapalooza is a 1.5 day event where authors, illustrators, educators, and librarians celebrate the joy of story, connection, and collaboration.  Last year, our first day was full of amazing sessions!  Here are just a sampling: Humor and Joy in Picture Books; Upstanders: Bravery and Activism in KidLit; The Science and Art of Early Chapter Readers; Body Image in Children's Literature; Creating Curiosity in the Classroom Through Nonfiction; Research Tips for Young Writers; STEM, STEAM, Sci-Fi!; Picture books for Social Emotional Learning; How to Help Young Writers Get Started. These sessions are designed to lift you up and celebrate the wonders of literacy education in your school!  There are food trucks for lunch & snacks as well as casual author signings throughout the building and a dedicated book signing at the end!

Day 2 of LITapalooza follows an EdCamp format.  It's a half-day unconference where we'll work as a community to create sessions run by authors, educators, or authors AND educators!  There is NO pressure to present, but if you have an idea for a session, bring it and share!  

NEW this year will be a KidLITapalooza in the afternoon of Day 2 (more information to come!)

Both dates offer a pop-up bookshop where books for your classroom or library can be purchased for 20% off!  

Announcements for author and illustrator attendees will start on March 1st, and I PROMISE you will not be disappointed!  We've got some amazing kidlit creators lined up to spend these summer days with us, and we couldn't be more excited!

 So....if you've made it to the end,  you're my people.  My nerdy nerds who can't wait to hang out and discuss #kidlit for two amazing days.  Please reach out anytime with any questions, and I hope to see some Kaneland colleagues this summer at this incredible event!