As we begin a new school year, NIESC is excited to introduce our new website to our 42 members. The new platform is a reflection of our core beliefs: Collaborate, Innovate, Serve, and Support. Aligned with our initiative in our strategic plan to improve marketing and member education about our services, the new website is built to streamline communications so that school leaders, educators, and staff can easily identify relevant programs, cooperative purchasing contracts, professional development opportunities, and many other services.
A huge thank you goes to our partners at ParentSquare. Their support in launching our new platform has made it incredibly easy for our staff to collaborate, share essential resources, and spotlight the ways we serve and support our schools every day.
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Please join us in welcoming Ilona Roberts as our new Cooperative Purchasing Coordinator! While Ilona is entering a new role, she is a familiar face around the Service Center, having spent the last three years serving our schools solely in the Food Service Department. Now in her fourth year with NIESC/NWIESC, Ilona is eager to bring that same dedication, industry knowledge, and passion to Cooperative Purchasing.
"I'm excited to step into this role and partner with our districts. Drawing on my previous experience in a district business office, I can't wait to connect schools with our incredible vendors, streamline purchasing, and uncover new ways to maximize savings."
Whether you need help connecting with trusted vendors, exploring contracts, or finding cost-saving solutions for your district, Ilona is ready to partner with you!
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Cafeteria Staff Day Out 2026
This year's Cafeteria Staff Day Out had a great turnout! We had over 280 participants attend the event that was held at Concord Jr High School in Elkhart. We had motivational speaker, Jeff Joiner, as well as Sophie Lindley from the Indiana Grown for Schools Network present to the group. The food show had over 65 food and equipment vendors tables and took two gymnasiums to accommodate everyone. Thank you to the staff Concord Junior High School for being very helpful and accommodating during the event and event set up!
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STEM Forward and the 26-27 Integration Grant
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Partner with STEM Forward
Now in its fourth year, STEM-Forward focuses on strengthening current pedagogy with research-based best practices by providing professional development in STEM pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, and standards alignment. Our program empowers classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators to effectively translate Integrated STEM Standards into everyday classroom practices.
- NEW THIS YEAR! - Tiered Programs: We now offer tiered options to fit your district's specific needs!
- Click here to see the STEM Forward Program Description
- Custom Plans: Don't see an option that’s right for you? Contact Laura Unsicker, and we will develop a personalized plan.
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Secure Funding for STEM Forward
The upcoming STEM Integration grant is a great opportunity to fund your participation in the NIESC/NWIESC STEM Forward program. Join us for a no-cost, virtual Grant Writing Workshop where we will provide all the tools you need to write each grant section and successfully apply to participate in STEM Forward!
- Grant Launch Date: July 31, 2026
- Grant Writing Workshop Options(Virtual):
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- August 5, August 6, August 11 OR August 12
- Workshops will be from 9-3 ET with a 30 minute lunch break.
- No need to attend more than one
- It will be necessary to attend the duration
- Grant Submission Deadline: August 21, 2026
*If you cannot attend one of the grant writing workshops, other arrangements can be made to help you complete the grant application.*
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Please complete the following Interest Form to express your interest in STEM Forward and the Grant Writing Workshop. You will receive a follow-up email.
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Join Our STEM Connection Study Council
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This monthly collaborative network will bring together educators
and stakeholders to share best practices, examine research-informed strategies, and engage in meaningful professional dialogue focused on high-quality STEM teaching and learning. Through ongoing collaboration, the group aims to support innovative instruction, promote student-centered inquiry, and build collective capacity to improve STEM outcomes across the region.
Note: Future meeting dates and times will be decided collaboratively during this initial kickoff session.
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National Conference on Science and STEM Education
Science and STEM educators from across the country will gather in Indianapolis this fall for the NSTA National Conference on Science and STEM Education (November 4–7).
Designed for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, school and district leaders, higher education faculty, and preservice educators, the conference provides four days of professional learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
Attendees can choose from hundreds of sessions exploring today's most important topics in science and STEM education, including three-dimensional teaching and learning, STEM integration, artificial intelligence, assessment, leadership, and strategies for engaging all learners.
The conference also features nationally recognized speakers, hands-on workshops, an expansive exhibit hall, and countless opportunities to connect with educators from across the country.
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How often do school counselors have the opportunity to participate in professional learning designed specifically for their unique role?
Whether you're new to the profession, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between, this series offers an opportunity to grow alongside colleagues who understand the unique rewards and challenges of school counseling. If you're looking to expand your toolkit join Shannon Harman, School Counseling Specialist, for six comprehensive in-person professional development sessions. These sessions focus on empowering school counselors with practical strategies to enhance student achievement and foster growth across all grade levels.
Counselors must participate in all six sessions to earn PGP points.
Cost is $500.
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Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
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Nicole Gray
NIESC
Food Service Specialist
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Introducing our newest staff member, Nicole Gray!
Nicole joined our team on May 4th, 2026 as a Food Service Support Specialist. Having worked in School Nutrition as a director for 15 years and then with a K-12 nutrition software company for 6 years, she knows how vital it is for food service workers and directors to have someone in their corner. She enjoys supporting the people who have dedicated their lives to the meaningful work of feed students.
"I have my work cut our for me, getting to know clients, so I can understand how best to support each of their unique needs." Nicole will be working along side food service professionals providing support on administrative paperwork such as the Paid Lunch Equity Tool and Ala Carte Pricing Recommendations and providing assistance with annual USDA Foods Survey, Administrative Reviews, Virtual Meetings with Food Service Directors and Onsite Visits.
In her spare time, Nicole likes to bake, read, exercise(like yoga and spin)..."but mostly I just want to sit on the couch next to my husband and 2 sons to watch a good movie."
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56535 Magnetic Drive Mishawaka, IN 46545 | (574)254-0111
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