September 2026

Social Emotional Learning Resources

from Christy & the Area 2 SEL Hub

Hey Friend, are you ready for another school year? 🎢

Who else is running out the door on your way to work like you are trying to catch the school bus? 🙋😅

As ISBE's SEL Hubs gear up for another exciting school year across IL, the Area 2 SEL Hub is ready to support you! 

Daily SEL isn't extra work or 'one more thing' - it's the foundation that leads to statistically significant increases in academic achievement and improves student behavior and the wellbeing of children and adults. 

Need SEL support in your school? Reach out to your ROE SEL professional today! 

With care from the Director of the Area 2 SEL Hub

Christine Schweitzer cschweitzer@roe4.org

View my LinkTree

Monthly Grab-n-Go Resource

Connector Activity with the Regulated Classroom

Help build a positive and cohesive classroom and school climate using this "Me Too!" connector activity, which can be used with grades PreK-12 as well as staff! 

Strategy poster created with approval from The Regulated Classroom® & in partnership with ROE4. 

Monthly Adult Wellness Strategies

Work Well, Live Well

Work Well: Batch your Communications

• Do you find yourself responding to emails all day long? Set aside time to respond to emails in batches instead of trying to reply throughout the day!

   

Live Well: Micro-Mindful Moments

• Feel like you're always running? Take 20 seconds at the top of the hour to lower your heart rate. (Did I time this? Sure did! ;) Breathe in through your nose slowly, hold the breath, and exhale through your mouth slowly - all to the count of 4. Repeat at least 2 times. 

Area 2 SEL Spotlight

SEL-ebrate a colleague in September!

Nominate a colleague who designed their office or classroom to be an SEL-inspired space: one lucky nominee will win a Starbucks gift card! Enter your nominations before the end of the month! 

Congratulations to our last issue's nominees! 

• Lindsey Ceja, Social Worker at ROE 35 Academy

• Jamie Taylor, Social Worker & PreK Parent Coordinator at Northview Elementary Dist 124

• Kate Hertz, AP at Sycamore HS, Sycamore D 427
• Kristal Templin, Counselor at Sycamore HS D 427
• Mary Ellen Spicer, Social Worker at SHS D 427
• Mallory Wassman, Social Worker at Hinkley Big Rock
• Makayla Medina, MTSS SEL Facilitator at RPS 205

And the WINNER of the Starbucks gift card is:
Mary Ellen Spicer! ☕🎉

Pulse on Illinois SEL 

Statewide SEL news & updates 

Get Ready to use RSSI for improved staff & student wellbeing 

• Data-informed, web-based SIP & SEL Planning

• Complete the 15-question "RSSI Screener Survey" in IWAS (~5 min) 

• Your RSSI snapshot will include data from the IL School Report Card and 5Essentials Survey. Access the full guide below!

Universal Mental Health (UMH) Screening

• Per SB 1560, schools will offer at least 1 UMH by the end of the 27-28 school year

• ISBE is procuring a free UMH screener for schools
• ISBE just released the UMH Screening Non-Regulatory Guidance for School Districts

Stay tuned for upcoming on-demand RSSI & UMH Video Series for Area 2!

SEL Standards

• Have you seen the newly-released and updated IL Social and Emotional Standards and SEL Toolkit? Register to attend ISBE office hours in September for implementation support!

Monthly Focus

September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide remains the 2nd leading cause of death for children and adults ages 10 to 34. Access the 2026 NAMI Suicide Prevention Month materials to become a part of the solution.

To all of the spud lovers out there...

Happy National Potato Month, my fellow carb enthusiasts!

Upcoming Events

Discover SEL PD Opportunities

New Teacher Network

ROE4 Office | Sept 21

Have you been teaching for 5 or fewer years? If so, join us for our exciting network for new teachers: Thrive in the First Five! We have a full year planned of support, learning, giveaways, networking, and resource sharing! 

Beyond the Barriers from the

Community Network Anchor 

Join us at the Beyond the Barriers community events as part of the Community Network Anchor initiative across 9 counties to celebrate lived experience and improve mental/behavioral health and education systems in our area. 

The Regulated Classroom®  Workshops 

ROE4 is proud to be the exclusive licensed partner for The Regulated Classroom®  workshops in Illinois. Join one of our upcoming workshops and walk away with many new ideas and strategies that will help you restore joy and satisfaction in your work!

A Mental Health Screening Listening Session

Join experts from the Center for Childhood Resilience (CCR) at Lurie Children's Hospital for a conversation designed to elevate your voice. 

SEL Trainings from ISBE

Search "SEL" or your grade level to find the right professional development for you!

For the Love of SEL

This newsletter is produced to support social emotional learning across the

16-county Area 2 SEL Hub. Every edition contains:

• Printable SEL resources

• Strategies for students & staff

• Educator wellness strategies 

• Professional learning opportunities

• Exciting giveaways! 

• & much-needed inspiration ❤️

Spread your love for SEL by sharing this with others who would benefit from subscribing, including school and early childcare center staff, providers of community, mental, and behavioral health services, & more!

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