For further information or to register, call 847-986-1127 or email Joy Bux    jbux@sedol.us

Ronnie was nominated for the award by her peers, students, and parents who had only the most glowing accolades for her daily activities in the classroom.

Social Worker Deb Hermalyn said, “Ronnie is a master teacher, an outstanding teacher-manager, a wonderful colleague, and a caring educator.”

Laura Wojcik, sector lead for Ronnie’s classroom, said, “Ronnie displays excellence as a professional each and every day she walks into her classroom. Her success as an educator is proven time and time again by looking at the academic and behavioral gains that her students make on a daily basis.”

A student in Ronnie’s class said, “She is like family,” and a parent commented, “She is a wonderful teacher who fully understands special needs children and their individuality, using her wonderful understanding to help each child learn and obtain their best goals and skills.”

Representatives from SEDOL and American Hotel Register gather to recognize 10 Years of Partnership in helping special needs students learn the fundamentals of a work environment. (From left) Jane Wright, SEDOL Vocational Teacher; Julie Benjamin, SEDOL Vocational Teacher; Dana Chism, SEDOL Transition Specialist Lead;  Dr. Tom Moline, SEDOL Superintendent;  Pat Fredsbo, SEDOL Transition Coach;  Larry Morse, AHR President/CEO;  Cassie Diaz-Bello, SEDOL Transition Services Supervisor; Jim Leahy, AHR Chairman; and Tom Leahy, AHR Vice Chairman..

In 2002, American Hotel Register (AHR) in Vernon Hills opened their doors to help students with special needs learn the fundamentals of a work environment. Since then, approximately 100 students have participated in the learning experience. The students, age 16 – 22, from The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) transition program represent 35 school districts across Lake County.  While learning job skills, students have the opportunity to apply for employment at the facility. One student has worked at American Hotel Register for the past five years. Four others have had internships for the summer program.

The program introduces students to common entry-level jobs where they can maximize their vocational potential and acquire social skills. The training program is an extension of the classroom environment where the students receive school credit but no wages.

Since starting the program in the sign shop, students have expanded their learning opportunities to the American Café, mail room, building services, accounts payable, transportation, and the distribution center. They have also helped a variety of departments with sample kit packaging, assembling advertising packets, and assisting vendors during the hotel expo.

A special presentation was conducted at the Keshet International Center in Northbrook on December 11.  Judi Cluff, Coordinator of SEDOL Occupational and Physical Therapy Services, and SEDOL Superintendent Dr. Tom Moline were on hand to receive the specialized bikes that will be used by OTs and PTs in their work with physically challenged students throughout Lake County.  They will also be used by the Adapted Physical Education Program.

Steve Cohen, President of JoRide Bicycles, designed and named the first JoRide bicycle for his son, Joey.  Joey’s inspiration has translated to mass production and distribution of the bicycle to children with special needs throughout Illinois thanks to Konica Minolta.  Corporate Communications Key Coordinator James Norberto and several other Konica Minolta executives were on hand December 11 to give away a total of 60 JoRide bikes to students with special needs.

(Shown left)

(L to R)  James Norberto, Konica Minolta Corporate Communications Key Coordinator;  Velinda Cox, Vice President of Konica Minolta Marketing & Business Development;  Steve Cohen, President, JoRide Bicycle;  Judi Cluff, Coordinator of SEDOL OT & PT;  Tom Moline, Superintendent (SEDOL).  Seated – Joey Cohen

Wednesday Evenings

John Powers Center

201 W. Hawthorn Pkwy
Vernon Hills, IL

6:30p.m. – 8:00p.m.

8 week sessions start

January 25, 2012
April 4, 2012

Class fee:  $50.00 per session
Book Cost:  $51.25 (optional)

Classes offered at beginning and intermediate/advanced levels.  If you are interested in joining a class, please contact the Sign Language Class Coordinator, at 847-680-8320 or just show up early on the first night of class to register.

Registration is from 6:00p.m. – 6:30p.m. on the first night of class.