Speed SEJA District #802

Congratulations to the Early Learning Center Staff of the Month for May 2026!

Mary Joy Sanchez
Tamika Frelix
Lynn Ritter

🎉 SPEED Special Education Joint Agreement Celebrates Dr. Tina Halliman as 2026 Superintendent of Distinction 🎉
We are proud to announce that Dr. Tina Halliman, Superintendent of SPEED Special Education Joint Agreement, has been named the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction for the IASA – South Cook Region. She was recognized at the Illinois Association of School Administrators Awards Luncheon in Springfield, Illinois.
This prestigious, peer-selected honor recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student success—qualities Dr. Halliman demonstrates each and every day.
Under Dr. Halliman’s leadership, SPEED proudly embraces this year’s theme: “Empowered by Ability. Driven by Data.” Guided by the belief that we focus on what’s possible for every student and use data to make it measurable, actionable, and real, she continues to lead with vision, compassion, and purpose.
Her dedication has strengthened SPEED’s mission as a collaborative cooperative of 15 member districts, providing specialized instruction, related services, and individualized supports to nearly 700 students ages 3–21 with disabilities. Through inclusive practices, strategic planning, and meaningful partnerships with families and districts, Dr. Halliman has helped ensure students receive impactful, high-quality, and cost-efficient services that empower growth and success.
Dr. Halliman’s leadership continues to inspire staff, families, and the communities we proudly serve, while creating opportunities for every student to reach their fullest potential.
💙 Please join us in congratulating Dr. Tina Halliman on this exceptional and well-deserved recognition! 👏
#CongratulationsDrHalliman #SuperintendentOfDistinction #SPEEDSEJA #EmpoweredByAbilityDrivenByData #LeadershipExcellence

Congratulations to the Academy for Lifelong Learning Staff of the Month for April 2026, Jennifer Henderson!

Congratulations to the Program for Adaptive Learning staff of the month for March 2026!

Annalie Madsen
Ronald McDowell
Tim Ehrenfeld

Congratulations to the Early Learning Center staff of the month for March 2026!

Danielle Frias
Jefferson Clamor
Kristin Paul

🏀 From the Big Ten to Eagles Court! 🦅

A huge thank you to the NCAA and Big Ten Senior Vice President Brad Taylor for supporting our IES students with the donation of basketballs! As March Madness approaches, our students are even more excited to hit the court.

Your thoughtful contribution gives our students greater opportunities to engage in one of their favorite sports while building important life skills like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

We appreciate your support of our students and our school community. The Eagles are ready to play!

Each year, schools across Illinois celebrate Respect Week. We take pride in participating here at SPEED! This celebration is derived from the Spread the Word Campaign that originally worked to promote the end of using derogatory terms to describe people with disabilities. This campaign now focuses on inclusion for people with disabilities. In Illinois, we celebrate “Respect for All” each year to promote respect for all students with disabilities.

Check out who was hanging out with Principal Kafele discussing leadership; SPEED's own Director of Programs and Services, Bridgette McNeal! You can watch the session with the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/live/B9lKnDd0rbc?si=zwF_kaFpDYvZ3P9L

The SPEED building is all decked out in celebration of Black History Month. Beautiful work, Early Learning Center, Program for Adaptive Learning, and Independence Elementary!

Congratulations to the Early Learning Center's Staff of the Month for February 2026!

Alexis Castillo
Gay Carreon
Mae Shelton

Congratulations to the Program for Adaptive Learning staff of the month for February!

Nicole Jackson
Iron Gantan
Alease Prude

Congratulations to the Academy for Lifelong Learning staff of the month for February 2026 - Linda Love-Robinson!

Selected students of IES that are on the higher academic & behavioral levels, were taken on a special trip to CLIMB ON in Flossmoor on Tuesday. Rock climbing connects to SEL by teaching students' perseverance, self-regulation, and problem-solving as they navigate challenges one hold at a time. It also builds trust, communication, and confidence as students support one another and reflect on their strengths and growth. We had a wonderful time creating this experience for our students. Thanks Ms. Hillis and the owners of Climb On- https://www.climbonrockgym.com/.

Congratulations to Independence Elementary Staff of the Month for January 2026!

Hannah Kelly
Rick Garren
Sherri Flowers

Congratulations to the Early Learning Center Staff of the Month for January 2026!

Edgar Austero
Keith Denton
Tremia Davis

Congratulations to the Program for Adaptive Learning (PAL) Staff of the month of January!

Cleofe Gutana
Laura Zomparelli
Aryss Gayden

This month, we proudly celebrate Mr. Timothy Perry! Although this is Mr. Perry’s first year at the Academy, he has quickly become an integral part of our school family. His calm and patient demeanor has brought a sense of peace and stability to our students and staff alike. Mr. Perry demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs of our Transition students and works diligently to support them in reaching their personal and vocational goals. His positive attitude and commitment to student success truly reflect the spirit of the Academy.

Independence Elmentary School (IES): Staff & Student of the Month-October

IES celebrates our staff and students of the month that have shown RESPECT: meaning treating others with kindness and consideration. These winners were selected by their peers because they are always respectful to others, and they create a positive environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated. Congratulations to Mr. Holmes, Mrs. White, and Eric Nelson

SPEED is kicking off Spirit Week and the Independence Elementary Staff are looking fresh in their school shirts!