LM January 2017

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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 to complete the form for presentations. The deadline for
returning the form is February 3 to the following email:
Previous presentations have focused on such topics as legal issues, community and institution
partnership, consolidation, technology and education, and student success.
IASA News in Brief