
Happy Presidents' Day! Today, we honor and celebrate the leaders who have shaped our nation's history and inspired us to strive for a better future. #PresidentsDay #USA


Session 2 this week! Even if you didn't make session 1, come learn about creating a mindful classroom culture.


We had an incredible first full day of Letrs training! Our dedicated educators came together to delve into enriching discussions on reading instruction – a truly powerful day of growth and learning! Now, these passionate educators are geared up to extend their learning journey through an online Letrs module. They'll be applying their newfound insights in their schools, making a positive impact. Excitingly, there's more to come! They'll be back for another day of collaborative learning in May. Let the journey towards empowering educators continue!




Congratulations to Decatur Rotary’s Educator of the Month, Beth Rhodes, who was nominated by Lori Guebert, Meridian Elementary Principal. Beth is a Student Services Coordinator for Meridian.


We've just hit a major milestone - our FIRST cohort of Letrs training is officially launched, and we couldn't be more thrilled!
A big shoutout and heartfelt thanks to the amazing 38 educators from our local districts who've jumped on board for this incredible journey! Your dedication to education is truly inspiring, and we can't wait to embark on this learning adventure together!
A massive round of applause to The Community Foundation of Macon County and Natalie Beck for their unwavering support! Your commitment to advancing education in our community is making a real impact, and we're so grateful for your partnership!




Thanks to the Illinois School & Campus Safety Program, districts' threat assessment teams, educators and law enforcement officers, had the opportunity to train with David Okada, President of the National Board of Directors of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals.


You can still join!


Save the Date! ISBE Career Connections Conference - June 18th - Tinley Park Convention Center - https://bit.ly/3SbYL0Q

Interested in earning your Masters or Specialist degree in Educational Leadership (MSED/EDS)? EIU is hosting an in-person info meeting Monday, Feb. 19th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm at Richland Community College (Room W126)
RSVP NOW to: edadmin@eiu.edu


GROW, STRENGTHEN & INSPIRE YOUR TEACHER PIPELINE
2024 Educators Rising - 4th Annual Conference - March 4th - 8AM-4PM - ISU Bone Student Center - Normal, IL
Register by February 9th
Questions? Email educatorsrising@ieanea.org


Are you currently being audited by ISBE for PD hours? Educator Audit Frequently Asked Questions - 2024: https://bit.ly/3SDa0Re

Tickets are on sale now! Dueling Pianos - March 1st @ 5:30pm at The Decatur Club. A fun fueled evening of music, drinks and silent auctions to benefit BabyTALK Inc.


ISBE ADOPTS ILLINOIS COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY PLAN, DEVELOPED THROUGH EXTENSIVE STATEWIDE ENGAGEMENT
For more information click here: https://bit.ly/4bbhZfP

Online professional development courses to fit your educational needs. Take courses when and where you want this winter season!
View course list here: https://bit.ly/3teLETF


Illinois State University is providing free, virtual information sessions about their graduate programs.
Upcoming sessions are on:
January 31st
February 7th
February 28th
March 6th
Sign up here:
https://connect.illinoisstate.edu/portal/graduate-eaf


This 6-part series kicks off 1/30/24. Join mindfulness expert and author Lindsey Frank to learn more about mindfulness in your classroom. Click the link to register. https://bit.ly/4bhEDTS.


We would like to thank the schools that participated in the 1st semester Decatur Lakeside 9/11 Memorial Flagpole & Flowers Fundraiser: Argenta-Oreana Elementary School, MacArthur High School, Maroa-Forsyth Middle School, Meridian Middle School, Meridian High School, Muffley Elementary School, Parsons Elementary School, and South Shores Elementary School.
The Decatur Lakeside 9/11 Memorial Flagpole & Flowers Fundraiser is now under way for 2nd semester. Any school can do a fundraiser for this project anytime that works best. Additional information is on the flyer.


It’s time to order Macon County Farm Bureau freezer meals!!!
Visit https://www.maconcfb.org/news/freezer-meals-7 to check out the spring menu. Call 217.877.2436 to place your order today!!


Tech Tip- Improving Communication by Sharing Your Google Classroom Calendar!
https://youtu.be/fIVCiIGB62I?si=l4kADbbFzJcH7tkV

Without question, television, films, radio and music, the internet, social media, news programs, books and magazines are part of our daily lives. And while some claim that all of this media consumption is detrimental to society, the truth is it doesn't have to be. Technology connects us in new and exciting ways. The point isn't to get kids to unplug; it's to help them make informed choices, understand the different between truth and lies, and discern perception from reality. Critical thinking leads to smarter decisions - and it's why media literacy can save the world. Join this book study to learn more!
