November 25- NWIESC Newsletter
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Executive Director Notes
Exciting Renovations Underway at NIESC to
Benefit All NWIESC Members!
We’re thrilled to share that NIESC is undergoing a major renovation to create a more welcoming, modern, and functional space for our members at the NWIESC. The project includes a new roof, new carpet, new ceiling tiles, improved lighting, and fresh paint throughout the building. These updates will enhance both comfort and functionality, and ensure our space reflects the high-quality service and collaboration we strive to provide.
During construction, professional development sessions scheduled for November and December will not be held at the NIESC building. Instead, sessions will take place at various partner school corporations and other nearby facilities. Specific locations will be noted in each session’s registration details.
We anticipate the renovation project will be completed by April, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our refreshed and revitalized space as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience and support as we work to make the NIESC building an even better place to learn, collaborate, and grow together for our members!
Cooperative Purchasing
Food Service
Resources for families during the government shutdown:
Find Your Food Bank - Feeding Indiana's Hungry
Feeding Indiana's Hungry was formed in 2005 to address the vital concern of feeding Indiana's residents. By drawing on varied resources within public agencies and the private sector, we hope to provide hunger relief for those in need throughout Indiana.
Indiana 211
CommunityOS is an I&R, Disaster, and Public Health client database and case management system.
Curriculum
Join us!
This year, the Education Service Centers of Indiana (ESCI) are collaborating to organize and host Textbook Caravans across the state. These events will provide educators with a focused opportunity to explore the depth, rigor, and instructional value of a variety of curriculum and supplemental material options. Designed to move beyond surface-level presentations, the Caravans will emphasize meaningful discussions about how each publisher’s resources can truly support literacy growth and improve outcomes for adolescent readers. Even for schools not currently adopting new curriculum, attending offers valuable insight into emerging resources and instructional approaches that can inform future planning and continuous improvement efforts. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with publishers, ask critical questions, and evaluate materials through the lens of instructional impact and student success. ESCI is committed to fostering events that encourage thoughtful, evidence-based curriculum study and selection, empowering educators to make informed decisions for their school communities.
Technology Integration
AI Summit Series
Join Educators, Leaders, and Students form across Indiana to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms. Experience national keynote speakers, hands-on breakout sessions, and inspiring student innovation panels.
Free Registration for all Indiana K-12 educators.
AI Summit 1: Taylor University- December 8, 2025 (Upland, IN)
AI Summit 2: The Garment Factory-December 10, 2025 (Franklin, IN)
STEM Integration
Registration is open for the Indiana STEM Education Conference
Early Bird Registration ENDS December 11!!
Click here to register today
Spend the day exploring the future of STEM education!
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Purdue University
Highlights include:
- Keynote by Dr. Kristen Poindexter
- 60+ breakout sessions on curriculum, instruction, careers, and research
- Networking with STEM sponsors
- Resource page with slides and handouts
- Professional Growth Points for educators
School Counseling
Career Development Month
Career-connected learning helps students see the “why” behind what they’re learning and how it applies to real-world careers. Whether through classroom projects, guest speakers, job shadows, or internships, these experiences ignite curiosity and prepare students for success beyond high school.
5 Ways to Celebrate National Career Development Month from the DeBruce Foundation
World Kindness Day is November 13
As educators, you model the power of kindness every day — in your classrooms, hallways, and conversations. World Kindness Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that impact and inspire your students to do the same. A simple note of encouragement, a moment of patience, or a kind word can create ripples that reach far beyond the school walls.
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
2025 Random Acts of Kindness Calendar
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
- November 18th- Virtual Chips, Dip and Praxis Tips Click Here
- November 20th- Virtual: Explicit Phonics Instruction for All Click Here
- December 11th- The Writing Rope: Integrating Reading and Writing Instruction with Joan Sedita Click Here
Click Here to Join Our Mailing List
NWIESC Staff Spotlight
Kaylyn MacKillop
Dietitian
This school year marks Kaylyn’s 14th year with NIESC. She joined the team shortly after becoming a registered dietitian in 2012, beginning her journey by contracting with just five school corporations. Today, she supports 34 school corporations across Northern Indiana, working alongside School Nutrition Specialist Jennifer Herrold.
Together, Kaylyn and Jennifer dedicate their time to helping schools plan menus that meet USDA requirements, manage production record documentation, develop menus for students with special dietary needs, and prepare for administrative reviews. They also provide valuable training sessions for food service staff throughout the year.
Kaylyn is a Certified ServSafe Instructor and Proctor and takes great pride in helping schools serve nutritious and delicious meals to students. A Caston High School graduate, she especially enjoys working with smaller districts and giving back to the communities she knows well.
Kaylyn lives in Rochester, Indiana, with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Mary (7) and Daniel (3). When she’s not supporting schools, you’ll likely find her in the garden, cooking, or baking something wonderful for her family.