Educational Benchmark for Effective Educators

Volume 7, Issue 2 www.roe41.org Regional Office of Education #41 Madison County Main Office 157 North Main Street, Ste. 438 Dr. Robert A. Daiber, Regional Superintendent of Schools Edwardsville, IL 62025 Andrew Reinking, Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools Ph: 618.296.4530 Fax: 618.692.7018 A Message from Regional Superintendent Administration Robert A. Daiber, Ed.D. In the midst of education policy issues, great things Dr. Robert A. Daiber continue to happen in Madison County classrooms Regional Superintendent because of the efforts from teachers and students. The end of the school year always hallmarks such Andrew Reinking achievements. Three of my favorite events include Assistant Regional the Young Authors Conference, the Green Schools Superintendent program, and the Workforce Investment Board Career Fair. During the past two weeks, I was fortunate Micki Watkins to participate in all three and had many rewarding Director, Transition conversations with students and teachers. Three Specialist Program hundred and thirty students received certificates at this year’s Young Authors celebration. Authors, Jennifer Ward and Jeff Weigel addressed the students regarding Marvin Warner their literary careers. I would like to thank Edwardsville Director, School District 7 for hosting this event again this year. Teacher Improvement Services representatives throughout the county attended the Bob Roseman, President Ehrhardt Tool & Machine Co.; Dr. Green Schools program to discuss the future direction Daiber; Dawn Mushill, Executive Director Troy Area Chamber Madison County Clay Street of environmental education in our schools. This of Commerce, and Highland High School students Facility 200 Clay Street program continues to have much success in and out of Edwardsville, IL 62025 the classroom. The new Green Schools Coordinator, will meet at their home districts and the institute will be Ph: 618.296.6444 Kim Petzing, is looking for suggestions from teachers outlined by the respective district administration. The Fax: 618.656.9782 as to how this program can further enhance education. institute focus will be on the shifts to teach English/ Over one hundred presenters shared their professional language arts, math, and the Next Generation Science career stories with Highland High School and Highland Standards. The non-core teachers and special support Middle School students at the career fairs sponsored by staff will meet at separate locations yet to be determined. the Workforce Investment Board. I would especially like The ROE is seeking presenters of non-core teachers who to thank the staff at Highland for their excellent planning have knowledge of implementing common core lesson What’s Inside… and the presenters who volunteered to make this event plans. Page 2 a huge success. This curriculum shift, coupled with changes in education Senate Bill 16 As the school year nears its end, much planning for licensure rules, gives educators plenty to think about. All Heroin Task Force the implementation of the Common Core Standards educators need to be aware of a very important licensure Page 3 continues to take place. The Regional Office of rule change regarding professional development. For Awards Education is planning its fall teacher’s institute based this year, all earned credits need to be entered into on this curriculum shift and the beginning of the ELIS by July 1! After July 1, individuals must enter their Page 4 professional development within sixty days of earning the Retiring Administrators PARCC assessment. For schools who participated in the PARCC field test, much was learned from this hours of credit. Professional development will no longer Page 5 & 6 assessment experience. The fall institute will follow a be measured by CPDUs. Hours of engagement will be District Retirees format of meetings for core subject teachers, non-core the new scale of recording professional activities. Young Authors Presenters teachers, and special support staff. Core teachers See Daiber, page 9 Page 7 Workshops IDNR A Tribute to Carol Sue Hamm and Carolyn Pam Wilson Page 8 Dedication to a school district can be Olympiads defined by the service of two school ROE Testing Center board presidents who passed away Page 9 this past semester. Carol Sue Hamm, Green Schools President of Madison District 12 and Carolyn Pam Wilson, President of Page 10 Venice District 3 were both tremendous Temple Grandin leaders of education for their respective Page 11 communities. These two individuals Licensure gave countless hours of dedicated Page 12 service to the families they served. Both Young Authors had one goal in common, they wanted Highland Career Day a quality education for the children in their communities. As Regional Superintendent, I came to know both of them on a personal note because of the struggles in their districts to make May Carol Sue Hamm education happen. With utmost respect Carolyn Pam Wilson 2014 President to their families and the districts they President Madison District 12 School Board served, the education community will Venice District 3 School Board 1997-2014 miss their leadership. 2001-2014 Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 2

Senate Bill 16 Distribution of Education Funds Over the last two decades, public school taxes; meanwhile, less affluent areas have predictability and stability for local districts, districts in have seen a growing seen property values remain flat or even since they would know in advance what disparity per pupil between the funding decline. In the past the State made up much of funding levels to expect. enjoyed by affluent districts and that of the shortfall between districts’ actual funding During the process of crafting his bill, less fortunate ones. State Senator Andy needs and the revenues yielded by those Manar closely examined best practices and Manar, Democrat from the 48th District, has property taxes. Currently a large percentage successful outcomes in other states that have introduced legislation that for the first time in of this shortfall does not get covered. adopted similar rules, such as Massachusetts. 17 years will attempt to overhaul the method Manar’s legislation, SB16, seeks to remedy In the month since its introduction, he has by which education funds are distributed, by this situation. Although the bill does not raise made several changes and additions based simplifying the process and making it more any new revenue, it seeks to redistribute on input from other legislators and educators fair. existing funds more equitably by making the around the state. Revenue from property taxes is the largest funding calculation process itself simpler and Recently the Illinois State Board of source of education funds in the state weighted towards areas with higher need. Education has released projections on how, budget. The principal cause of inequitable Currently Illinois uses 10 different formulas for if passed, SB16 wad effect districts around distribution of those funds in recent years calculating the distribution of education funds; the state. We have included the impact on has been the fact that skyrocketing property the new bill seeks to clarify the process by local districts below. For the full report go to, values in affluent areas have yielded reducing the calculation to just one formula. http://www.isbe.net/EFAC/default.htm. increasingly robust revenues from property This simplification would result in increased

Heroin Task Force Formed In response to a string of multiple heroin coroners and prosecutors who pooled their office’s experience dealing with the devastating deaths in early 2014, State's Attorney Tom efforts and resources to prosecute individuals results of heroin and opiate addiction and DEA Gibbons and Sheriff Bob Hertz created a task responsible for distributing heroin. Further, Agent Michael Shah who provided up-to-date force to study the effectiveness of past efforts the group began reaching out to the public by information on elements of the heroin problem to fight the problem, assess the current status speaking to community groups and schools. in the Metro-East. Service providers Chestnut of the problem and develop a future Plan of Health Systems discussed trends in recovery Other initiatives included Gibbons and while WellSpring Resources presented Action to help reduce addiction and save other officials working closely with the lives. The task force also includes Regional information on the benefits and challenges Edwardsville School District in creating a associated with methadone treatment for heroin Superintendent of Schools Robert Daiber, drug abuse prevention campaign known Coroner Steve Nonn, members of local, state addicts. Future presentations are expected to as Project DrugSMART. Its goals are to feature medical personnel, family members and federal law enforcement, and addiction create a safe and drug-free environment in treatment providers. The first public meeting of addicts, additional treatment providers and schools through student support, deterrence, recovering addicts. was held on March 7, 2014. education and awareness. Gibbons will also continue taking a hard line Gibbons stated that the plan of the task Further, Gibbons and Nonn also joined force is to bring together individuals from a on those individuals distributing heroin within the national campaign known as Lock Your Madison County communities. “Heroin dealers variety of backgrounds. “We need to have Meds that encourages adults to closely a diverse group of people involved in order are dealing in death. It hurts our families and monitor prescription and over-the-counter our neighborhoods. We will not let up on those to develop the best available intelligence medications to keep them out of the hands about the heroin problem. This will allow us who are responsible for this suffering.” But, of teens and young adults. This public as Gibbons and Hertz both acknowledge, the to develop a realistic Plan of Action that we awareness campaign was held in conjunction hope will have an impact on the epidemic heroin epidemic presents unique challenges with Drug Free Coalitions of Madison and it’s one they can’t arrest their way out of it. that is poisoning our community and ruining County and includes bi-annual participation so many lives.” Therefore, they are hopeful that the Task Force in the DEA’s National Take Back Day will find information on new, innovative, and In 2010, heroin use in the county began where residents drop off unused or expired more effective ways to combat the scourge of to rise along with deadly overdoses related medications. Gibbons noted that there is a heroin in Madison County. to the drug. There were only seven heroin strong link between heroin and prescription overdoses in 2009, but by the end of 2010, medications. In 2013, the National Institute If you are interested in attending a public that number more than doubled to eighteen. on Drug Abuse reported that according to meeting, volunteering to be a speaker, or There were 22 deaths in 2013. In 2011, three recent studies, nearly half of the young would like State's Attorney Gibbons to speak at Gibbons and U.S. Attorney Steve Wigginton people who inject heroin reported abusing your school, please email the Madison County announced a new initiative designed to prescription opioid pills before heroin. Heroin Task Force at madcotaskforce@ combat the growing heroin epidemic in the co.madison.il.us. More information on the The Task Force has featured presentations State's Attorney's Office is available at www. Metro-East. This initiative created a team of from Nonn who discussed the Coroner’s federal and local law enforcement agencies, madco-sa.org. Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 3 Madison County Educators Achieve Honors

Rebecca Sedabres Chris Schomber Madison Triad Emerson Excellence Emerson Excellence in Teaching in Teaching

Amy VanHoose Tammy Frey Corby Gates Jeni Timmins Shirley Bellm Triad Triad Roxana EAWR Highland IEA IEA Emerson Excellence Emerson Excellence Emerson Excellence in Teaching in Teaching in Teaching

Rich Friedel Sherri Verdun Katie Moore Tracy Schmidt Bethalto Bethalto Triad Collinsville ISBE Those Who ISBE Those Who ISBE Those Who ISBE Those Who Excel - Award of Merit Excel - Award of Recognition Excel - Award of Merit Excel - Award of Excellence

Janet Craig Bethalto Peabody Energy Leaders in Education

Kimberly Wilks Amber Newell Tanjanika Foster Ann Hoefert Bethalto Bethalto Collinsville Bethalto ISBE Those Who ISBE Those Who ISBE Those Who ISBE Those Who Excel - Award of Excellence Excel - Award of Recognition Excel - Award of Excellence Excel - Award of Merit

The Madison County ROE congratulates you on these awards recognizing a job well done!

Karen Robertson Carolyn Pirtle Sara Knobloch Granite City Granite City Triad National Board National Board National Board Certification Certification Certification Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 4

Congratulations to Our Retiring Madison County School Administrators

Director of Programming for education for 35 years. He has English Language Learners. served as a substitute teacher, Most recently, Vicki has been taught in a private school an elementary school principal, for one year, spent a year at the Director of Curriculum and Southwestern Jr. High School, Assessment, and Assistant and has served with the East Superintendent. Alton School District #13 for the "My years in Unit 10 have last 32 years. At East Alton Mr. been filled with opportunity, both McGill has served as a teacher, professionally and personally. I coach, and administrator. As Mr. have been given the opportunity McGill reflects on his career, to learn from educators who are he says “I have been blessed skilled in our field, to advance in to serve the families of East my profession with the help and Alton for the last 32 years and support of others, and to forge all the families that I have come in contact with in my career. I Vicki Reulecke friendships that will follow me the rest of my life." have many wonderful memories Assistant Superintendent and believe there is no greater Collinsville CUSD #10 During her retirement, Vicki Clyde McGill profession.” Mr. McGill plans Principal Vicki Reulecke began her plans "to continue to serve the to keep busy in his retirement. East Alton Middle School career with Collinsville CUSD Unit 10 School District as a (very) “At this time I work part-time at #10 in August of 1978. Since part time substitute at Kreitner Mr. Clyde “Butch” McGill was Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood then she has served as a Title School, travel, read, spend born in Wood River to Clyde River and I plan to continue to 1 teacher, Special Education time with family and pursue my and Macel McGill. He attended serve in that capacity. I have teacher and supervisor, and interests in genealogy." Roxana Community High also been a volunteer fire fighter School and Southern Illinois in Rosewood Heights for the last University in Edwardsville. Mr. 40 years and I will continue to McGill received his Bachelor of serve my community in that way has served as Principal of Science in Education and his as well. I have 3 living children Kreitner, Jefferson, Summit Masters Degree from S.I.U.E. and 3 grandchildren that I plan to and Caseyville Schools. He Butch has been in the field of spend more time with.” previously served as Principal of St. John Neumann and St. Clare Schools (outside of the Collinsville district). David has enjoyed a fulfilling career. Cathie Buller is retiring "I have been blessed with as Principal of Triad Middle excellent teachers and staffs. School. During her tenure with Many teachers, students and Triad CUSD #2, which began families have touched my life. in 2002, Cathie has held both I have many fond memories. assistant principal and principal My schools have accomplished positions. In reference to her many things due to the team years with the district, Cathie effort. I have been fortunate to says "I'm grateful Triad gave me David Stroot be involved for 42 years as a a chance to be an administrator Principal teacher and principal. No other in such a supportive community Jefferson Elementary & Summit of students and their parents." Elementary Schools profession gives you as many rewards as teaching." David's As of now, Cathie says her only David Stroot joined the staff of plans for retirement include plans for retirement are to "spoil Collinsville Unit 10 school district "traveling, volunteering , working my grandchildren even more in August of 2001 after having with children and those with than I already do." started his teaching career in disabilities along with spending 1972. During his tenure with time with grandchildren. Cathie Buller Collinsville CUSD #10, David Principal Triad Middle School

Education teacher. She worked with students at the middle and high school levels. She went on to be a guidance counselor, dean of students and assistant principal. Deb is finishing her career after 8 years as Principal of Civic Memorial High School in Thank you to all of our school districts for the Bethalto school district. submitting information for the During her 39 years in ROE newsletter. education, Deb has also coached track, , , pom poms, . She has For consideration in future issues, also served as AEA Membership please submit articles, pictures, etc. to Chair and on the IEA Board of Andrew Reinking, Assistant Regional Directors. She describes her Superintendent at [email protected]. years in education as "enjoyable Deb Pitts and rewarding." When it comes Principal to retirement plans Deb says, "I Civic Memorial High School am not sure at this time. I don't want to think!!!!" Deb Pitts began her career in education with the Alton School District in 1975 as a Special Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 5 Congratulations to the 2014 Retirees Thank you for your years of dedicated service to the students of Madison County! Alton Sue Weber – 29 Years Collinsville Colette Cowan – 27 Years Maintenance Secretary Darlene Arnold-Jakle – 19 Years District Pamela Cline – 21 Years Columbus Elementary Speech Pathologist Teacher Karen White – 28 Years Barbara Edmonds – 24 Years Alton Middle School Webster Elementary Registrar Program Assistant Marchia Bailey – 35 Years Alton High School Vicki Cocker – 14 Years Columbus Elementary Clerk Secretary Cory Williams – 18 Years Cynthia Fries – 20 Years Alton High School Collinsville High School Security Guard Teacher Kevin Baker – 12 Years Alton High School Jan Evans – 16 Years Lincoln Middle School Alternative Relief Aide Sandra Henderson – 19 Years Alton Middle School Virginia Woodman – 24 Years Caseyville Elementary Teacher Teacher Linda Barton – 21 Years Marilyn Huber – 16 Years West Elementary Leclaire Elementary Teacher Psychologist Sharon Janda – 9 Years Alton Middle School District Bethalto Secretary Diane Clark – 12 Years Deborah Lexow – 20 Years Hadley House Teacher Teacher Mildred (Renee) Choat – 34 Years June Johnston – 27 Years East Elementary Collinsville Middle School Supt./School Board Secretary Administrative Assistant/ Personnel Nancy Coalson – 20 Years Administration Nina Maddox – 20 Years Hadley House Teacher Special Ed Teacher Cathy Clendenny – 22 Years Rebecca Kolda – 13 Years Alton Middle School Summit Elementary School Secretary Director of Special Ed. Albert Coleman – 21 Years Meadowbrook Intermediate Diane Masloski – 29 Years Hadley House Teacher Health Aide Brenda Cox – 24 Years Mary Linafelter - 24 Years Alton High School Collinsville High School Custodian Nurse Judy Cook – 11 Years District LaVern Oatman – 20 Years Woodland Elementary Teacher Aide Teacher Ted Gowin – 31 Years Kim Niemietz – 23 Years Alton High School Dorris Intermediate School Maintenance Teacher/Grant Writer Sandy Crawford – 28 Years Transportation/Maintenance Betty Pearman – 15 Years High School / Hadley House Social Worker Educational Assistant Connie Heston – 15 Years Cindy Ostrander – 19 Years Motivational Achievement Kreitner Elementary Teacher Teacher Pat Dehner – 20 Years Trimpe Middle School Carla Petrillo – 16 Years Liberty Middle School Teacher Business Teacher Diane Lewis – 30 Years Doug Peterson – 9 Years Alton High School Collinsville High School Bus Driver Teacher Carolyn Denton – 23 Years Transportation/Maintenance Kathryn Pitzer – 19 Years Teacher Aide Teacher Steve Lowrance – 34 Years Susan Ramsey – 23 Years Alton High School Summit Elementary Director of Maint./Transportation Assistant Marguerite Dubbelde – 27 Years Transportation/Maintenance Vicki Reulecke – 36 Years Cassens Elementary Teacher Barbara Lutz-Jones – 24 Years Assistant Superintendent Laura Schmidt – 22 Years Eunice Smith Librarian District Teacher – 16 Years Ruth Dwiggins Civic Memorial High School Dave Stroot – 13 Years Leclaire Elementary Teacher Kim Muin - 24 Years Principal Millie Seiler – 28 Years Alton Middle School Personnel Secretary Caseyville/Jefferson Elementary Teacher Mary K Hawley – 15 Years Administration Liberty Middle School Teacher Steve Outten – 6 Years East Alton Elementary Early Childhood Center Tech Support Specialist Granite City Betty Hughes – 26 Years Technology Kathy Abert – 27 Years Teacher Teacher Thelma Bigham – 9 Years Theresa Outten – 32 Years Alton High School Eastwood Elementary Cafeteria Worker Technology Assistant Mitchell Elementary Nancy Ikard – 22 Years Technology Sue Keasler – 25 Years Speech Pathologist Teacher Barbara Bilbrey – 35 Years Debra Pitts – 8 Years Gilson Brown Elementary Washington Elementary Executive Secretary Principal Board Office Mary Jason – 16 Years Civic Memorial High School Clyde McGill – 32 Years Teacher Aide Principal Damian Caffrey – 6 Years Steve Prosser – 33 Years Motivational Achievement East Alton Middle School Teamster Maintenance Board Office Karen Roberts – 27 Years Betty Jemerson - 24 Years Transportation/Maintenance Teacher Raymond Cloninger – 16 Years Social Worker William Roberds – 11 Years Eastwood Elementary Custodian Alton Middle School Bus Driver – 16 Years Transportation/Maintenance Mary Kaizer EAWR Joanne Conaway – 20 Years Clerk Dawn Schallenberg – 24 Years Teacher District Guidance Secretary Donna DeConcini – 22 Years Mitchell Elementary Cinda Loesch – 18 Years Civic Memorial High School Nurse EAWR High School Mary Daigle – 21 Years Teacher Leisa Soer – 25 Years OTPT West Elementary Social Worker Sheila DeConcini – 15 Years Prather Elementary – 15 Years Meadowbrook Inter./Parkside Teacher Aide Terrance Mitchell Rebecca Davis - 20 Years Primary EAWR High School Teacher Teacher Alton Middle School Dennis Sutton – 26 Years Maryville School Judith Northway – 8 Years Teacher Edwardsville Margaret Feltmeyer – 13 Years Teacher Civic Memorial High school Scot Ambuel – 34 Years Cafeteria Worker East Elementary Betty Thompson – 22 Years Speech Therapist Maryville Elementary Sherry Rexford - 35 Years Registrar Leclaire Elementary Jane Franko-York – 25 Years Secretary Administration Diane Arisman – 19 Years Teacher District Terry Vetter – 26 Years Social Worker Wilson Elementary Bookkeeper Lincoln Middle School Gloria Shewmaker – 28 Years Administration Diane Frazier – 16 Years Teacher Aide Sallie Clark – 35 Years Teacher Barbara Wiegand – 18 Years Alton High School Teacher Mitchell Elementary Teacher Liberty Middle School Cathy Spears – 14 Years Civic Memorial High School Cecelia Herman – 24 Years Teacher Assistant Karen Cline – 26 Years Paraprofessional Nelda Woolard – 15 Years Eunice Smith School Teacher Wilson Elementary Teacher Aid Columbus Elementary Civic Memorial High School see Retirees page 6 Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 6

Retirees, from page 5 Local Authors Keynote Debra Kibort – 11 Years Administrator Eric Wilson – 30 Years 2014 Young Authors Conference Custodian Early Childhood Center Madison CUSD Nancy LeVault – 27 Years Students and their families were treated to dynamic presentations Administrator Roxana by local authors at this year’s Young Authors Conference. Jennifer Board Office Ward addressed the K-3rd grade students and Jeff Weigel spoke to Marc Mason – 21 Years Steve Brazier – 11 Years the students in 4-8th grade. Teacher Bus Driver Early Childhood Center District Jennifer Ward Linda Fisher – 18 Years Pat Murphy – 19 Years Illinois author Jennifer Ward is the author Cafeteria Worker Teacher of numerous acclaimed books for children Granite City High School South Roxana Elementary and adults with 20 published books and Marcia Hoagland – 10 Years Sandra Neal – 20 Years more than 800,000 books in print. Teacher Guidance Counselor Coolidge Jr. High Her most recent children’s book, Mama Built a Little Nest was published by Michael Nemeth – 18 Years Denise Klokkenga – 19 Years Custodian Secretary Simon and Schuster this spring (2014) Granite City High School Roxana High School and features the wide variety of nests birds create. Already in its second Donald O’Brian – 20 Years Donna Suessen – 10 Years printing, Mama Built a Little Nest has Custodian Parent Coordinator Grigsby Intermediate South Roxana Elementary received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist and School Library Donna Sendejas – 20 Years John White – 19 Years Custodian Journal calls it “practically the perfect science picture book.” Teacher Maryville School District Forthcoming books by Jennifer include, There Was an Old Martian Who Swallowed the Moon, There Was an Janine Sherman – 28 Years Triad Teacher Old Mummy Who Swallowed a Fly and, Frohardt Elementary Feathers and Hair, What Animals Wear. Noranne Bellenbaum – 12 Years Nicki Stagman – 24 Years Aide Jennifer grew up in Edwardsville, IL and Paraprofessional Triad Middle School graduated from Edwardsville High School. Prather Elementary Lloyd Bliss - 35 Years She holds a B.A. in Education from the Patricia D Stevens – 19 Years Custodian University of Arizona and presently writes Teacher Triad High School full-time from her home in Edwardsville. Mitchell Elementary Cathleen Buller – 12 Years David Trower – 18 Years Principal Jeff Weigel Teacher Triad Middle School Granite City High School Jeff Weigel is an illustrator and author Robert Gary Byrne – 15 Years Roxann Tuetken – 23 Years Custodian who resides in Belleville, Illinois. He has Nurse Triad Middle School written and illustrated multiple children’s Coolidge Jr. High books and graphic novels, including – 21 Years Katherine Cange Thunder From The Sea, published by Janet R. Vaughn – 20 Years Teacher Teacher Silver Creek Elementary G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and Atomic Ace Coolidge Jr. High (He’s Just My Dad) and Atomic Ace and Deborah Fisk – 16 Years the Robot Rampage, published by Albert Clarence Wallace – 16 Years Aide Whitman & Company. He illustrated The Custodian Henning Elementary Granite City High School Monster Alphabet by Michael P. Spradlin, William Jackson – 8 Years from Price Stern Sloan. He also authored, Custodian illustrated and designed STOP MATH, an Highland Triad High School interactive storybook app for iPad. Susan Abbott – 14 Years Mary Kolo – 34 Years Comics have always been Jeff’s first General Music Teacher Bus Driver District Triad CUSD love, and he has been a regular contributor to Image Comics’ anthology title, Big Bang Comics, for more than fifteen Cindy Mitchell – 27 Years Mary Bergman -34 Years years. His work as a writer and illustrator Media Specialist Custodian on the character he created, The Sphinx, District Henning Elementary earned him a past nomination for the Rosina Rohrs – 19 Years Gail Braundmeier – 24 Years Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Secretary Teacher Newcomer in the comics industry. This year Highland High School Triad High School The Sphinx’s adventures were collected Jill Duft – 26 Years Linda Walgamott – 15 Years into a trade paperback available from Pulp Teacher Assistant Accounting 2.0. Jeff’s most recent work is a graphic Administrative Center Triad Middle School novel, Dragon Girl, to be released June 3, Betty Eilers – 22 Years Sharon Zenik – 32 Years 2014 by Andrews McMeel. Secretary Secretary Highland Elementary Triad CUSD Jeff is a frequent speaker at schools and libraries across Illinois and the St. Louis Audrey Koch - 35 Years area. He also teaches drawing and comics Teacher Venice Highland Primary at St. Louis’s Center of Contemporary Arts Tecunshea S. Holmes, Sr. – 7 Yrs (COCA) and the St. Louis Art Museum. Karen Palmer – 20 Years Teacher Teacher Venice Elementary Alhambra Primary

Madison Looking for a great way to keep current with ROE events, Lynda Becker – 10 Years workshops and the latest news from the ROE office? Family Support Center Coordinator Long Elementary Check out the ROE 41 blog. Denise Rhodes – 10 Years Food Service Director www.roe41blog.com Administration Office To suscribe click on “Follow” on the Lou Ann Trebing – 18 Years right side of the screen. Teacher Long Elementary Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 7

ELA Shift Kit Trainings

These workshops are a repeat of the shift kit trainings that Workshops were offered during the 2013-14 school year. Teacher Practice and Student Growth June 17 , 2014 Sandoval’s Evaluation Model 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM July 22 - K-5 Info Text July 24 - Academic Vocabulary Approved and Implemented Evaluation Model: The Complete July 28 - 6-12 Info Text Process PERA 2010 mandates that all districts must implement teacher July 29 - Writing to Sources evaluation systems that are compliant with state rules. Sandoval District July 30 - Text Dependent Questions #501 will be presenting and sharing their complete teacher evaluation July 31 - Text Complexity system developed in cooperation wtih the Consortiumof Educational Changes (CEC) and Sandoval steakholders through federal School Please see our website www.roe41.org for details. Improvement Grant funds. Teams attending should include district administrators, principals, teacher leaders, union representation, and school board members. Teacher Practice Evaluation Model Workshop: Part 1 For more information or to register for workshops and academies Student Growth Evaluation Model Workshop: Part 2 please visit our website at www.roe41.org and select the tab “Workshops/Events” Presenter: Area V Trail

Administrator Academies Learning from Lincoln: Leadership June 18 , 2014 What Every Administrator Should June 24, 2014 Practices for School Success 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Know About Common Core Shifts 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Participants in this course will explore how Lincoln’s leadership practices This course will provide increased understanding of the Common Core and behaviors provide compelling guidance for today’s challenges of State Standards and the instructional strategies for implementation. accountability, diversity, political conflict, team building, climate and Participants will learn the 9 key shifts in English Language Arts and 3 key economic hardship. Ten leadership qualities linking to leading others shifts in Mathematics. Participants will learn how to use kits developed and school success will be highlighted. Participants will leave the by ISBE for professional development in their buildings. Participants session with a repertoire of strategies and insights that they can apply will learn how to use the Equip Rubric for evaluating the quality of immediately in their own workplace contexts instructional products aligned to CCSS. Participants will learn and plan specific strategies to strengthen continuous school improvement efforts Presenter: Marvin Warner Presenter: Marvin Warner and Joan Barrett

Free Resources from the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources

1. Illinois’ Natural Resources Trading Cards Set #6 5. Register Now for Upcoming ENTICE Professional Development

Workshops The latest set in the Illinois' Natural Resources Trading Cards series has arrived! Illinois' Natural Resources Trading Cards Set #6 from The following ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now available! for Conservation Education) educator workshops from the IDNR Due to limited supplies, these cards will be offered to teachers in are scheduled for March through August. Go to https://www. Illinois schools first. Send your request on school letterhead to IDNR enticeworkshops.com for more details and to register. Continuing Education, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702. Professional Development Units are available at all ENTICE workshops. Experience ENTICE! 2. Project Squirrel Mobile Phone App With the new Project Squirrel mobile phone app, your students Forest Ecology and Wildlife, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs, June 21, 2014 can easily become involved in citizen science activities that can be incorporated into lessons to support the Next Generation Science Pollinators and the Prairie, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, June 28, 2014

Standards (NGSS). The app is free and both Apple and Android Illinois Prairies, Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur, July 11, 2014 versions are available. Go to iTunes or the Google Play Store and download the app today. All citizens can take part in the data collection. Alien Invaders: They are Here!, U.S. Forest Service Shawnee National Lessons to support squirrel observations will be posted soon at http:// Forest Office, Harrisburg, July 18, 2014 dnr.state.il.us/education/standards.htm. You can learn more about Illinois Beetles, Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, August 1, 2014 Project Squirrel at http://www.projectsquirrel.org/. The Project Squirrel 6. Spring and Summer Programs from Dickson Mounds Museum mobile phone app is sponsored by the Chicago Academy of Science’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the IDNR, the University of Illinois Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown has added many spring and at Chicago and Motorola. summer programs. For more information, contact the Museum at 309- 547-3721 or visit http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismsites/dickson/ 3. Images to Use with Mammals Lessons events.html. The new IDNR Division of Education mammal lessons developed with the Next Generation Science Standards as their foundation are designed to be used with the Illinois Wild Mammals Resources Trunk. However, if you can’t borrow a trunk, now you can teach the lessons For more info on these resources contact: by using images of the pelts, scats, skulls and tracks. Access them Valerie Keener through the links at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/standards.htm. Head, Division of Education 4. New Video Podcasts IL Department of Natural Resources One Natural Resources Way Several new video podcasts have been added to the IDNR Division Springfield, IL 62702 of Education’s podcast Web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/ 217-785-0973 podcasts.htm and to the YouTube (IDNREducation) site and iTunes Cell 217-725-9620 Store. New video podcasts with tips for completing the Schoolyard FAX 217-782-9552 Habitat Action Grant application form and Illinois Biodiversity Field http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/education Trip Grant application form are available. Visit the page often. New [email protected] video podcasts are added regularly. Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 8 Students Compete at 2014 Junior and Senior Olympiads

This spring the Madison County ROE hosted the Senior and Junior Olympiads, on March 6 & March 26 respectively. Teams of four students competed in a variety of projects and activities designed to test their problem solving skills using minimal resources. Teams consisted of students who excel across the disciplines. Congratulations to Lincoln Middle School and Highland High School for winning first place in this year’s Olympiads. If you are interested in sponsoring a team from your school or have any questions related to the Olympiads, please contact Anna Dyson, School Improvement Services at 296-6444 or [email protected].

Junior Olympiad 1st - Lincoln Middle - Team #1 2nd - Liberty Middle - Team #1 3rd - Alton Middle - Team #1 4th - Trimpe Middle - Team #3 5th - Lincoln Middle - Team #3

Senior Olympiad 1st - Highland H.S. - Team #1 2nd - Collinsville H.S. - Team #2 3rd - Collinsville H.S. - Team #1

1st Place Junior Olympiad - Lincoln Middle School Team #1 1st Place Senior Olympiad - Highland H.S. Team #1

Junior Olympians race to catch the most balls in one minute using a Students attempt to protect clay pigeons and pretzel rods in a bag launched device they created. from a trebuchet at the Senior Olympiad event. Your ROE Opens Pearson Vue Testing Center Madison County Track Meet Results by Jim Nickerson center, on-site testing for submitted and graded by Pearson CBT Administrator institutions, companies, and Testing, a nationally certified On April 30, Madison County organizations is provided covering testing agency. Most results are high schools competed in the As we continue to add services 2014 Madison County Track Meet that benefit our region, the a wide range of professional returned to the tester immediately. licensure exams, a host of sponsored by the ROE. Teams Madison County Regional Office The Regional Office of competed in Large and Small certifications, and the GED Testing of Education 41 is pleased to Education 41 would like to assist School divisions. Congratulations Service. announce the opening of one of the with your testing needs in the to our winners! most advanced computer-based Examples of tests include: most professional distraction-free Large Schools - Boys Pearson Vue testing centers in Illinois Licensure Testing System environment available in the area. Southern Illinois. The center is (ILTS), CompTIA, Novell, Cisco, You can count on a smooth and 1. Edwardsville located in our newly remodeled Symantec, VMware, Inc., Juniper reliable streamlined process from 2. Collinsville building at 1314 Niedringhaus in Networks, SAP, SAS, EMC, check-in through the processing 3. Triad downtown Granite City. amongst hundreds of others. of results. 4. Highland 5. Alton Exams make a difference in As a dedicated Pearson Visit pearsonvue.com to view 6. Granite City today’s educational environment. Vue testing center, there are the list of available exams. Be sure Computer-based exams continue no distractions. The center is to choose the Madison County Large Schools - Girls to confirm education, support dedicated to one thing: the success ROE 41 Testing Center as your 1. Edwardsville professional certifications, of those taking the tests. Testing is preferred testing site when you 2. Highland and ascertain job and career completed in a controlled, noise- are scheduling yoru next exam. 3. Triad 4. Granite City readiness. free environment on computers. For more information, visit www. 5. Alton At Madison County’s testing The tests are electronically roe41.org or call 618.296.4530. 6. Collinsville Small Schools - Boys 1. Wood River 2. Roxana 3. Madison 4. Civic Memorial 5. Metro East Lutheran 6. Marquette 7. Collinsville Christian Small Schools - Girls 1. Civic Memorial 2. Roxana 3. Metro East Lutheran 4. Madison 5. Wood River 6. Marquette 7. Collinsville Christian Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 9 Madison County Green Schools Program - Planning for the Future On Tuesday, May 6, nearly 40 Madison Madison County is truly lucky to have them If your school is not already involved with County Green Schools Coordinators and within the schools and working with the the Green Schools program, or you wish to school administrators gathered at the students to promote sustainability!” learn more about what your school is currently Lewis and Clark N.O. Nelson Campus in As a result of the feedback from the doing, contact Kim Petzing, Madison County Edwardsville for the Earth Flag Celebration coordinators along with meetings with Dr. Green Schools Coordinator at kspetzing@ to acknowledge the Green Schools activities Daiber and other county administrators, Ms. co.madison.il.us. that Madison County schools have completed Petzing unveiled the look of the future Green over the past year. With the retirement of the Schools program which includes, previous Madison County Green Schools Coordinator, Ann Linenfelser, in August of 1) Schools developing a team consisting 2013, the Madison County Green Schools of the Green School Coordinator, school program took a brief hiatus until the new administrator, facilities staff person, Coordinator, Kim Petzing, began this past church rep (if parochial), other teachers, January of 2014. Due to the break in the PTO member and/or parent, student(s), program, this year’s Earth Flag Celebration and whoever else they think can help! took on a different look, focusing on the The team approach is based on the coordinators and the work they’ve done and idea that in order to be successful, unveiling the future direction of the Madison sustainability requires a whole-system County Green Schools program. approach, requiring individuals from across the organization to work together.

2) Given that a person or organization is 42% more likely to achieve goals if you write them down, schools will now begin to work with Ms. Petzing to benchmark their current sustainability actions at the Lead...Focus...Connect beginning of the school year. They will Every Student College & Career Ready then create a plan for that year, and the 2 Day Summer Conference following 3 years of “green” actions they June 17 & 18, 2014 hope to accomplish. Prairie Capital Convention Center Springfield, IL 3) Finally, the updated Green Schools program will offer a more comprehensive This two-day learning experience is designed to: list of optional activities for schools • update and expand educators knowledge Kim Petzing, Madison County Green Schools to select. This will allow schools to of current Illinois initiatives Coordinator customize their Green Schools program • provide classroom teachers with practical based on their staff, funding, needs and application focusing on key topics During the meeting, Dr. Robert Daiber interests. Schools can continue what • promote sharing of expertise among welcomed the participants and commended they are already doing, but also add new educators their hard work and dedication with the options as they get practices engrained ISBE speakers will present key topics regarding Green Schools program to date, but also or completed. The options will include agency policy, regulation, and mandates encouraged them to embrace the changes the already existing solid waste focused Breakout sessions include: and new directions the program will be taking activities, but will now also include • ELA Writing as a more comprehensive sustainability activities relating to energy, water, air, • Math Strategies education program. education, community, wellness etc., so • NGSS that students can get the bigger picture • Balanced Assessment Leah Dettmers, Sustainability Coordinator of the impact of their actions. • EQUIP rubric for Madison County, reviewed some of the • PARCC activities that Madison County has recently The updated Green Schools program ....and many more! undertaken such as pilot programs for slated to roll out in the 2014-15 school year unused medication take-back programs, will continue to include many of the already invasive species control (with goats!), established collections, competitions and For more information and to register visit http://educationregistration.org/index.php/trail wetland restoration, and solid surface events such as Trashformations and a return playground programs. She also discussed the to the more traditional Earth Flag Celebration Complete Streets initiative which encourages with a focus on the students and the work municipalities to make all streets within that they accomplish. municipality safe and convenient for travel by Daiber, from page 1 The Madison County Planning and foot, bicycle, mass transit, and automobile. Development department will support A most talked about topic this spring is Ms. Dettmers also informed participants this program as the go-to resource for Senate Bill 16 the new funding formula for of the development of a sustainability plan schools. They will provide one-on-one schools. Madison County school districts for the county, slated for completion in the meetings, workshops, financial assistance, have some winners and losers, and some summer of 2014. resource lending, professional development districts are barely impacted. Whether or not Ms. Petzing commented that she has spent opportunities, annual events, competitions, SB 16 passes, the critical issue that remains the first months in her position meeting with programs and more. is the proration of General State Aid. School each of the coordinators to get their feedback districts continue to lose eleven percent of and to discuss the future possibilities. In their funding to the prorated calculation. This general, the feedback from the coordinators loss has compounded in districts the past is that they have limited time, space for three years and has crippled many district’s storing large collection items, and funding. fund balances. They appreciate having a variety of activities In closing, I would like to congratulate to choose from and want to include more this year’s nineteen awardees who were student involvement. They enjoy doing recognized for their teaching excellence and the activities within the current program – the one hundred, forty-three educators who as can be attested to the fact that many of will bid farewell to their colleagues as they the coordinators have been in their roles enter retirement. My very best to all retirees for several years! Ms. Petzing commented, on a healthy and prosperous retirement. To “After meeting with the Madison County all of us returning next fall, end the school Green School Coordinators, I am in awe year on a positive note and have some fun of the amount of dedication and work that this summer. these educators have given to the program. Leah Dettmers, Sustainability Coordinator for Madison County Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 10

Regional Office of Education Hosts Temple Grandin

on her life, and she was featured in the best- selling book, Anthropologist from Mars. Dr. Grandin didn’t talk until she was three- and-a-half years old, instead communicating her frustration by screaming, peeping, and humming. In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of “groping her way from the far side of darkness” in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life. Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism because as she has stated; “I have read enough to know Dr. Temple Grandin presents “Different Kinds of that there are still many parents, and yes, Minds” at SIUE. Dr. Grandin’s presentation included images professionals too, who believe that ‘once comparing parts her brain to a non-autisic brain. On February 17th the Madison County autistic, always autistic.’ This dictum has Regional Office of Education sponsored Dr. meant sad and sorry lives for many children firms such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Swift, Temple Grandin’s presentation “Different diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. and others. Dr. Grandin presently works as Kinds of Minds,” as part of the 2013-2014 To these people, it is incomprehensible that a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado Arts and Issues series at Southern Illinois the characteristics of autism can be modified State University. She also speaks around the University. and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I world on both autism and cattle handling. Dr. Grandin has gained worldwide am living proof that they can”. Dr. Grandin’s current bestselling book recognition for her advocacy, research and Even though she was considered “weird” on autism is The Way I See It: A Personal publications about autism. Having been in her young school years, she eventually Look at Autism and Asperger’s. She diagnosed as autistic at age three, Grandin found a mentor, who recognized her interests also authored Unwritten Rules of Social has overcome great challenges and is known and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed Relationships, Animals Make us Human, as “the most accomplished and well-known her talents into a successful career as a Animals in Translation, Thinking in Pictures, adult with autism in the world.” In “Different livestock-handling equipment designer, one Emergence: Labeled Autistic and produced Kinds of Minds,” she discussed the unique of few in the world. She has now designed several DVDs. ways the autistic mind work and how this the facilities in which half the cattle in the distinct type of thinking is essential and United States are handled, consulting for beneficial to society. Dr. Grandin’s fascinating life was recently brought to the screen in the HBO Original Film, “Temple Grandin”, which claimed seven Emmy Awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Made for TV Movie. She has been featured on NPR (National Public Radio), major television programs, such as the BBC special “The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow”, ABC’s Primetime Live, The Today Show, Larry King Live, 48 Hours and 20/20. She also has been written about in many national publications, such as Time magazine, People magazine, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, and The New York Times. Among numerous other recognitions by media, Bravo Cable did a half-hour show Prior to the presentation the ROE hosted a reception for Dr. Grandin.

Attention Southern Illinois Teachers

The Illinois Retired Teachers Association is offering teachers $15,000 in grant money. This year the grants will be awarded to teachers in Area 5 & 6.

This special grant will provide additional funds to public school educators (Pre-K - 12) so that their students will have the means to participate in special projects.

For more information visit http://www.irtaonline.org/Excellence. aspx Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 11 Licensure FAQ 1. What is ELIS? in your account and to view the updates in ELIS. If you are denied, ELIS replaced ECS and the link can be found at the top of the ISBE. review the denial and edit your professional development to re- net homepage. You must create a new account on ELIS in order submit for review. If you are approved, you will have the option to access your credentials. Your ECS username and password to renew on your ELIS homepage.Most SOA are reviewed within cannot be used, you must create a new account on ELIS. 2 weeks at the ROE level. Please watch the ROE 41 website 2. How do I create an account in ELIS? for Professional Development requirements for renewals after a. Go to the Illinois State Board of Education website 6/30/2014. www.isbe.net 5. Should I enter my Professional Development if I am not up for b. Click on ELIS/Educator Credentials at the top of the page in the renewal in 2014? blue ribbon bar Yes. All educators must enter Professional Development they have c. On the next screen, click on Educator Access done thus far before June 30, 2014. As of July 1, 2014, it will be in d. On the next screen, click on the “Sign Up Now” box on left hand the law that all professional development has to be entered within side of this page 60 days of the activity. If you want your past year’s Professional e. Complete the fields to create a new account-remember your Development activities to count towards your next renewal, it must login and password be entered in your ELIS account prior to June 30, 2014. 3. What if I forget my password for ELIS? 6. How do I get a paper copy of my license? a. Go to the Illinois State Board of Education website A paper certificate is no longer issued. You may use a print screen www.isbe.net of the credentials page in ELIS as proof of license. b. Click on ELIS/Educator Credentials at the top of the page in the 7. Why is it so important to update my e-mail address? blue ribbon bar 3. On the next screen click on Educator Access The ONLY method of contact with ISBE is now your e-mail address. 4. On the Sign-In screen- click on Find Login/Password We do not call or mail you registration letters to remind you to register. We advise all educators to change their e-mail address to 4. I am due for renewal in 2014, do I have to enter Professional their personal e-mail address. When you are no longer employed Development? with a school district or retired, you are still responsible for keeping Yes. If you have been teaching in an Illinois public school any your registration current to keep a valid Illinois License. The time from FY 2010 through FY 2014, you must enter professional Illinois State Board of Education attempts to contact everyone via development and submit for approval. If you have not worked e-mail and remind them to register, however if you have an invalid during these school years, or work in a non-public school and e-mail address they have no way to do this. The Illinois State are due for renewal 6-30-2014, please enter one professional Board of Education and the Regional Office of Education have no development activity saying you have not been working in an responsibility for the status of your account. If your license lapses Illinois Public School, and submit. Once submitted, your activities but you have not received any e-mails, calls, or letters about your will be reviewed by the ROE and either approved or denied. You account from the Regional Office of Education or ISBE, you are will receive an email from ISBE stating there has been an update still at fault. Please keep yourself up to date about your licensure. Important Licensure Updates

As many of you may know the Illinois State Board of Education is • You are now on your ELIS Homepage working on developing new rules governing educator professional • If the following “badge” shows up on your ELIS homepage, then development. At this time, ISBE is still in the process of drafting these you may click it and register! rules and they will not be available for public comment until mid-June. After the comment period has ended the rules will be reviewed and sent to the State Board for approval and enactment. It is hoped that this will occur by late summer. In an effort to keep educators up to date on some of the proposed • Another way to check if you should register is by clicking “View changes we are including the information below. Your Credentials” 1. Beginning June 30th, 2014 – when an educator partakes in any • Look under “Licenses”, it will look something like this: professional development activity, they are required to enter the professional development in their ELIS account within 60 days of completing the activity. Previously, educators would wait until their registration year to enter all of their Professional Development at one time. That will no longer be allowed. You will be required to enter your professional development no later than 60 days after it is earned. This is in the law and will go into effect July 1, • This is an example of someone who needs to register. The 2014. “Expires” Column and the “Registered Thru” column should match. 2. It is recommended that educators enter all of the professional development they have done thus far before June 30th, 2014. If This is basically to protect our Educators from reading the date you want your past year’s professional development activities in the expiration column and thinking it is the date they need to count towards your next renewal, it must be entered in your to register and forgetting to register when they are due. If ELIS account prior to the introduction of the 60 day window (see you have the ability to click on the “Register Your Credentials” number 1). badge on your homepage then you might as well pay the fees. Although this is not a requirement, ISBE recommends you take 3. Prior rules said you had a 6 month grace period after the care of this to make sure you do not confuse the expiration and registration date of June 30th to register before you would lapse. registered thru dates. The proposed rule will change the grace period to end on September 1st. For example: If you are due to register in 2015, 6. Licensed Paraprofessionals must register their license before you must do so before September 1st , 2015 or you will lapse. July 1, 2014. Many of our paraprofessionals took care of this last year, this is just another reminder to log in to ELIS and 4. Now if your license lapses, in addition to prior reinstatement make sure it is registered. They can check to see if they are requirements, you must complete the professional development registered by: you owed during your cycle. Previously, you simply paid $500 and back registration fees or completed 9 semester hours in the • Go to www.isbe.net/ELIS field of your endorsement and back registration fees. • Log into your ELIS account • Click on “Continue” 5. Those who held Initial Certificates in 2013 and Substitute License • You are now on your ELIS Homepage holders need to go into their ELIS account and pay any registration • If the following “badge” shows up on your ELIS fees owed through 2018. If you are unsure if this applies to you, homepage, then you may click it and register! here are some simple instructions: • Go to www.isbe.net/ELIS • Log into your ELIS account • Click on “Continue” Educational Benchmark • Volume 7, Issue 2 • Page 12

24th Annual Young Authors Conference Honors Madison County Students Sharing Books with Peers

Meet the Authors Congratulations to the 330 students who were honored at this year’s Madison County Young Authors Conference. Students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade competed in their local schools. School winners were then invited to attend the conference on Saturday, May 10, 2014. Each student was presented a certificate by Regional Superintendent Dr. Robert A. Daiber. Local authors Jennifer Ward and Jeff Weigel gave entertaining and inspirational presentations to the students and their families. During a parent session, parents were able to talk directly with the authors about how they could encourage their children in their writing endeavors. Students met in grade level groups to share their books with their peers and do fun activities related to writing and reading.

What are my college and career plans after high school? What knowledge and skills will I need to get a good job that I enjoy doing and pays enough to take care of a family? Questions like these are often asked by high school students as they prepare for their future. On Thursday, May 1, Highland High School and the Madison-Bond County Youth Council hosted a Career Fair at Highland High School for all high-school students. Students were able to hear first-hand from workforce experts about the knowledge, skills, and education needed for specific career fields. The Career Fair had more than 60 speakers who presented in 25 minute segments throughout their morning. The Career Fair kicked off with a keynote from Madison county Regional Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Daiber and business owner/entrepreneur Dawn Mushill. The district supplied surveys to allow students to select their top speaker choices from Career Clusters in 16 different areas. “It will be good for everyone to narrow down what they really want to do and to get a better outlook on their future,” said Highland High School senior Adam Harris.