LM January 2017

IASA News in Brief

New Holland-Middletown educators sponsor free Christmas shopping

New Holland-Middletown fourth grade teacher Darcy O’Connor spearheaded an effort to secure a $1,000 grant from the IEA Schools and Community Outreach by Educators program. The program is designed to give educators in the first 10 years of their career the chance to apply for money for a service project. The service program O’Connor chose to do was a Christmas store that offered free Christmas shopping to families in the community. Nearly 30 children from the community had gifts chosen for them. “I wanted to give parents an opportunity to provide their children with a better Christmas, while still allowing them the freedom to choose their own gifts” O’Connor said. The grant was matched by the NH-M Community Supports Education group. Additional donations were also collected from other supporters of the event. Each family who participated received, per child, one

new outfit, one book, two toys, a blanket, a bag of toiletries, and a stocking with snacks. Parents were able to come to the school, select their items, and even wrap them while they were there. “It was great to see so many families from our community pitch in to help, but the best part was seeing how much help it could offer to families. Everyone was so appreciative, and they were able to leave here proud of their gifts,” O’Connor said of the event. “We’re thrilled another year of this wonderful program resulted in a range of ideas submitted by our members and we are so pleased with such creative effort,” said IEA President Cinda Klickna, who noted that 45 grants were awarded statewide. “We know that our educators are in the schools every day giving 100 percent, but there are unmet needs as well. So many of them wanted to do more. It’s in their nature. We were glad to help them make their ideas come to fruition.” SIU seeking presentations for 2017 Law & Leadership Conference The Southern Illinois Law & Leadership Conference committee is currently seeking presentations on an array of topics for the 2017 conference. This year’s theme is “Eclipsing the Past—Charting the Future of Public Education on All Levels.” Dr. Michelle Mangan, Associate Professor of Research from Concordia University, will be the keynote speaker. Presentations relating to both PreK-12 and Higher Education are encouraged. Please plan for 50 minute presentations. Click here to complete the form for presentations. The deadline for returning the form is February 3 to the following email: EAHELawLeadershipConf@gmail.com Previous presentations have focused on such topics as legal issues, community and institution partnership, consolidation, technology and education, and student success.

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