Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization to mark its 50th anniversary

Teachers with the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization work every day on student achievement and continuous improvement, but this weekend they will celebrate.

Members of the NSSEO Foundation board are throwing a 50th anniversary bash for the Mount Prospect-based organization, starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Arlington Ale House, 111 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights. The cost is $25 per ticket.

NSSEO is a special education cooperative that offers a range of services to schools in its member communities, which include Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg and Wheeling.

Its teachers and therapists work with a broad range of students from early childhood through 21 years old, who have special learning needs. They range from those on the autism spectrum or are deaf or hard of hearing, to students with physical and emotional needs.

This special education cooperative was founded in 1968 by a group of pioneers committed to providing extensive programs for students with disabilities in their home communities. It began partnering with its member school districts nearly a decade before the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law in the late 1970s.

"This is a very special anniversary celebration, as we are focused on fundraising for the important goals we've established for our special education cooperative," NSSEO Superintendent Judith Hackett said.

The celebration will include the chance for families and supporters to mingle with teachers and administrators, as well as check out the unique amenities and Chicago Bears memorabilia at the Ale House.

Guests also will be able to bid on auction items, including: Blackhawks, Bears and Bulls' tickets, a trip to Walt Disney World, a Gibson guitar and jewelry from Tiffany & Co., to name just a few.

A short program starting at 5 p.m. will recognize a range of partners who have contributed to the success of NSSEO over the years, and who remain committed to helping its educators' work toward a promising future for each of these students.

As far as fundraising, administrators have identified four main areas which they hope to fund through Sunday's bash.

For starters, they hope to boost the Parent Education Resource Center, which opened last year with private funding. The center offers ways for parents to access training and networking events, and partner with other parents.

Additionally, NSSEO hopes to purchase another community lift van. Since many of its students have physical needs, administrators hope to have a van available to transport them throughout the day.

Another goal is to fund advanced sensory room services. Hackett says because the organization serves a high percentage of students on the Autism spectrum, focusing on enhancing sensory support is crucial.

"There is extensive research and expertise in our programs regarding the important aspects of sensory support in a customized, individualized program," she said. "Additional funds would enhance and expand these sensory tools."

Finally, Hackett and her staff hope to build an NSSEO greenhouse at Miner School in Arlington Heights. They view gardening as an important experiential learning tool, especially with students having a goal of growing vegetables for the food pantry, flowers for senior centers and the ability to sell their produce and flowers at school functions.

"There are so many wonderful lessons and work experiences that could be generated through a specialized NSSEO greenhouse that give back to the community while giving great opportunities to our students," Hackett said.

That mission pretty much sums up their goal for their 50th anniversary bash: to celebrate with community partners who have supported their work in creating opportunities for special students.

If you go

What: 50th anniversary fundraising bash for Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization

Cost: $25

When: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4

Where: Arlington Ale House, 111 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights

More information: http://NSSEO.givesmart.com