Before the Bell
A morning for ALL school professionals to connect, share ideas, and begin the school year inspired.
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 8:30–10:30 AM
Location: The Penny, Macomb, IL
Host: Water & Stone Professional Learning
FREE EVENT.
Registration is required to reserve your seat & to receive professional development credit.
The Teachers Behind Before the Bell
Hi! We're Noelle, Jessica, and Chelsea, the Water & Stone Professional Learning team behind Before the Bell. We created this event to bring educators and our community together in a way that reminds teachers they're valued before the first bell ever rings. We'd love to welcome you and share why this mission is so important to us.
Before the Bell is one way we're living out a mission that's bigger than a single event.
Community Partners
Before the Bell is made possible through partnerships with organizations that believe in supporting educators and strengthening our community.
We're grateful for every partner who joined Water & Stone in helping teachers begin the school year feeling connected, encouraged, and inspired…and to the many individuals who gave their dedicated time and support, thank you.
ROE #26's Preschool for All program provides high-quality early learning experiences that help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Through partnerships with families, schools, and community organizations, they help ensure every child has the opportunity to begin school ready to learn and thrive.
Preschool for All
Birth to Five Illinois brings families, educators, and community partners together to strengthen early childhood opportunities across our region. By listening to local voices and building meaningful connections, they help ensure every child and family has the support they need to thrive.
Birth to Five Illinois
Giving Gardens
Giving Gardens creates opportunities for people to grow, learn, and connect through gardening, nature, and community. Their work reflects the same belief that meaningful relationships help people flourish.
The Good Food Pantry strengthens our community by ensuring individuals and families have access to healthy, nutritious food in a welcoming environment. Their work reflects the belief that caring for one another helps every member of our community thrive.
Good Food Pantry-WIRC
Free Range creates a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can move, breathe, and reconnect with themselves. Their belief that wellness should be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community reflects the spirit of Before the Bell.
Free Range Yoga & Wellness Center
Western Illinois University's Seymour Center for Rural Education supports rural schools while helping prepare the next generation of educators through collaboration, innovation, and community partnerships. Attendees can also learn about WIU's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, an alternative licensure pathway that allows aspiring teachers to earn a master's degree while serving as paid teachers in Illinois schools.
WIU-Seymour Center for Rural Education
The Western Illinois Museum connects people through the stories, history, and culture of West Central Illinois. Their work inspires curiosity, conversation, and a deeper appreciation for the community we share; while offering educators valuable community resources.
Western IL Museum
The ARTHOUSE Folk School brings people together through hands-on learning, creativity, and shared experiences that inspire curiosity and connection. Their welcoming approach reminds us that learning flourishes when everyone has a place to belong.
The ARTHOUSE Folk School
With Gratitude
Before the Bell is possible because of the generosity of community organizations, local businesses, and individuals who believe educators deserve to begin the school year feeling encouraged, connected, and supported.
We are deeply grateful for everyone whose time, talents, donations, and generosity have helped bring this morning to life…long before the first bell rings.
The Organization Behind Before the Bell
Water & Stone exists to strengthen the people and places where teaching and learning happen every day.
We're in the business of strengthening the environment and the people who teach our kids, and professional development is just one way we do that.
Through meaningful partnerships, practical experiences, and sustainable support, we help schools and communities create places where educators can teach, students can learn, and everyone can thrive.
The school year hasn't started yet, and for just a little while, there's nowhere else you need to be.
You'll find familiar faces, meet new ones, enjoy breakfast, visit community partners, and spend the morning with people who understand the work you do.
We'll share a relaxed Water & Stone experience together, then leave plenty of time to continue conversations, discover new resources, and simply enjoy being part of a community that believes educators matter.
What To Expect at Before the Bell
Conversation
Begin the school year surrounded by ideas, encouragement, and people who believe in the work educators do every day.
Connection
Build relationships with fellow educators, local organizations, businesses, and community partners committed to supporting schools.
Curriculum
Leave with new resources, wellness opportunities, classroom supports, and practical ideas you can use throughout the year.