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What we’ve been up to... 

As partners across Illinois and beyond begin the Winter Break period, we hope that all of you have a relaxing break and that each of you is able to take time for yourself to recharge. We thank you for all that you are doing for learners across Illinois and beyond and the impact that you are having on our communities. You give so much of your time and energy to students and staff, and we hope that you are able to refuel with activities that make you whole and happy in the coming weeks! Thank you for all that you do! (Our next Newsletter will arrive in your inboxes on Friday, January 10, 2025.) 

Since the last Newsletter, we’ve been able to celebrate graduation at Northern Illinois University, and we’ve also been out and about... 

• ECN Coaching and Wellness Workshop – Last week, ECN launched a new Coaching and Wellness workshop that allowed coaches from across the region to consider how the work of coaching can promote mental health, social and emotional wellness, and, ultimately, student achievement. With strategies to support coaches themselves along with other educators, and which can be taught to students, this workshop proved to be a great success! 

• Prairie-Hills School District 144 – As we continue to work to partner with school districts, postsecondary institutions, and other organizations across Illinois and beyond, we were lucky enough to visit Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144 in Markham and to see their Family Engagement Center. With a comprehensive plan to support the whole person, for both students and families, and to do so in dignified ways, their long-range plan emphasizes a strong foundation on which district and school improvement can be built, and it is extremely impressive. 

• Data Analysis at the NIU Center for Governmental Studies Downtown Chicago Office – As previously shared, the NIU P-20 Research and Data Collaborative, through both the Illinois P-20 Network and the Workforce Policy Lab at the NIU Center for Governmental Studies, has been working through the SkillsUSA Illinois Apprenticeship Landscape Analysis. During the past two weeks, a significant amount of time has been spent analyzing data and developing our final report to share with SkillsUSA Illinois in early January.

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This amendment applies to all schools that meet the above criteria, including those schools not currently participating in any federal Child Nutrition Program. There is an opt-out clause in the legislation, but it must be completed by Jan. 15, 2025. 

For more information, check out the FAQ or visit ISBE’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option webpages. 

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ECN Conference 2025: Student-Centered Coaching with Diane Sweeney 

Student-Centered Coaching introduces a new way of delivering instructional coaching that puts the needs of students front-and-center. By focusing coaching on goals for student learning, rather than on fixing teachers, an instructional coach can directly impact instructional practice and student achievement.  

By popular demand, we are thrilled to welcome back Diane Sweeney to ECN for our annual conference. Diane believes that Student-Centered Coaching can transform teaching and learning in K-12 schools. 

This full day of in-person learning will be of value to prospective coaches, new coaches, and experienced coaches, as well as any school leader interested in creating a culture of coaching in their school or district. We encourage you to bring your entire team to the conference!

Registration is $375 and includes parking, breakfast, lunch, materials, and 6 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Groups of 3 or more receive a $50 discount per person. Register by March 1, 2025, to receive an additional $25 discount per person.

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Illinois Education and Career Success Network Conference 2025

The Illinois Education and Career Success Network conference will be held on February 25, 2025, at the I-Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign. You can find registration information and a preliminary agenda on the Illinois Success Network 2025 Conference website.

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School Profile Initiative Launched

In an effort to close gaps in the college admissions process, ISBE, along with the Governor’s Office, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois Board of Higher Education, has launched its School Profile Initiative. The purpose of the School Profile Initiative is to ensure that Illinois high schools have a complete school profile. Currently, over half of the high schools in the United States have a complete school profile.

Complete school profiles provide admissions officers data on students’ high schools, and this can aid students in the admissions process and reduce inequities in the outcomes of this process. 

The state agencies have developed a comprehensive toolkit to ensure that school districts can complete their school profiles in a high-quality manner. To view the resources available and learn more, visit the ISBE School Counselors website and scroll down to the Illinois School Profiles section. Then, complete your school profile!

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