From the Desk of the Superintendent 

Here's to Making a Difference!

One of the superintendents I worked for as an administrator would tell us regularly that who you are makes a difference. Those words have stuck with me for nearly two decades. Who we are makes a difference.

Each month we highlight programs, services, events, and so much going on through ROE4 (several of our incredible teams pictured above). Behind every one of those numbers, faces, and words are people who are making an impact. 

→ When we help someone obtain their GED - we make a difference. 

→ When we help a local contractor get fingerprinted so they can do work in a school - we make a difference.

→ When we help a retired educator navigate their license so they can be a substitute teacher - we make a difference.

→ When we do a home visit and provide gas cards, food, and clothing so a student can go to school with their head held high - we make a difference.

→ When we sit next to a student in their school and listen to their heart, hear their frustrations, help them navigate friendships, and develop a plan to see them succeed - we make a difference.

→ When we greet students the moment they get off the bus to make them feel valued and welcome - we make a difference.

→ When we meet with parents to share how our school will support their son or daughter - we make a difference.

→ When we partner with a school and help their teachers learn new skills to help students - we make a difference.

→ When we live out our core values of Respect, Own, and Empower and strive to provide the highest level of support to everyone - we make a difference.

One of the data points I use to measure our success is this: ask any member of our team how they've made a difference in the life of a student, school, or community member, and they'll have no shortage of stories to share.

As an organization, I believe who WE are makes a difference.

To those of you reading this, we believe who YOU are makes a difference.

We welcome the start of a new school year with high expectations and cannot wait to make a difference. Here is to a great year!

Take Care!

Scott Bloomquist
Regional Superintendent

Regional Office of Education

ROE4 Inaugural Partner in Education Award Presented to United Way Rock River Valley

School Support Services

Speaking of the importance of literacy...

Don't miss the next LETRS cohort!

 "I can’t say enough good things about the LETRS program! It has completely changed the way I think about reading and spelling instruction, and I’ve already seen such a positive impact on my students. One of my favorite parts has been being able to bring what I’m learning back to my teammates so we can continue growing together and better support our students."

Sarah S., Educator at Belvidere CUSD 100  

Our very first cohort wrapped up this past spring (pictured above!), and we are excited to open enrollment for the next cohort! If you'd like more information or are interested in joining, send Director of School Support Services, Carrie Brockway, an email today!

Student Support Services

400+ Students Lives Impacted by SSIs

It's not every day you get to share that hundreds of at-risk Winnebago County students’ lives have been forever changed.

Senior Director of Student Support Services, Alex Zimmerman, had the opportunity to do just that at a recent meeting with the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB).

She thanked WCCMHB for the funding, which has allowed ROE4 to place 11 Student Support Interventionists directly into Winnebago County schools. In their first year alone, these interventionists had a direct impact on nearly 400 at-risk students, easing teachers' workloads and making massive strides in improving student attendance, behavior, and grades across the county.

The heart of this work is found in individual student stories, like the student who struggled with debilitating panic outbursts and learned to reframe negative thoughts by symbolically folding them into origami butterflies. Or the student who slashed his behavior referrals by nearly 65% and brought a failing math grade up to a B. Thank you, Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board for investing in the health, well-being, and success of our youth!

Education Services

Summit Academy is Back!

Community Network Anchor

Teaming up with Illinois Department of Public Health, Chapin Hall, & Partners Statewide

Last month, ROE4’s Christy Schweitzer and Linsey McDanel represented the Community Network Anchor Rockford Region initiative at a statewide gathering in Urbana, Illinois. 

Linsey and Christy presented their findings and collaborated with representatives from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Chapin Hall, and fellow Community Network Anchors from across Illinois in an effort to strengthen youth access to mental and public healthcare systems. 

As this statewide collaboration continues, our team is excited to build on the momentum with the launch of the Beyond the Barrier series! They will be joined by Heidy LaFleur for the first session, hosted at Highland Community College on September 9! 

Interim Regional Board of School Trustees Member Sworn In

Join us in extending a warm welcome to the newest member of our Regional Board of School Trustees, Allison Reid-Niemiec!

Allison was appointed by the board to serve as an interim board member following Todd France's resignation. She is planning to run for office this spring and serve us long-term.

Want More Professional Learning?

Check out our upcoming events!

September 9: "The Power of Lived Experience" with Heidy LaFleur Community Network Anchor Event

September 10: Cyclical Monitoring: Overview of the IEP File Review Form

September 18: Instructional Strategies for Today's Elementary Classroom September 18: Instructional Strategies for Today's Secondary Classroom

September 21: Thrive in the First 5: A Network for New Teachers   

October 22: Retired Teachers Association Info Session

December 7 & 8: 2026 Raising Student Achievement Conference (RSAC)   

Regional Office of Education #4