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Kudos to the Staff at Glenbrook Elementary School, from Glenbrook Principal Cheryl DeRoo
Kudos to the entire team at Glenbrook Elementary School. Thank you for all of the support and dedication to our school and students. I am so proud of each and every one of you for all that you have done to create a school that has become a shining star in U-46. I am proud to have served you, and look forward to hearing about all of the great accomplishments ahead. I'll miss all of you!
Kudos to Rajan Sharma, Assistant Principal at Horizon Elementary School, from Dr. Jennifer Schwardt, Principal at Horizon
Thank you Mr. Sharma for your hard work, dedication, and consistency to the staff, students, and parents of Horizon. You have been a wonderful collaborative leader in our building and will be missed. We are so excited for you to start your new role, and we know you will SHINE!
Kudos to the Staff at Spring Trail Elementary School from Dr. Amy Kendryna, Principal at Spring Trail
Kudos to the amazing team at Spring Trail Elementary! All of the teachers and staff have carried each other through the hard times and made the good times even more joyous. You have made it possible for children to come into school each day smiling. You have helped our students grow physically, emotionally, socially and academically. You deserve a wonderful, relaxing summer!
Kudos to Sycamore Trails Elementary School’s Timberwolves 5th and 6th Grade Track and Field Teams from Mary Slowinski, Physical Education Teacher at Sycamore Trails
Congratulations to the Sycamore Trails track and field team who competed in a District event at Bartlett High School on Monday, May 9. Our boys’ team placed third overall, and our girls’ team finished first! Outstanding effort and achievements were made by all who participated! Many thanks to Brunilda Cotton, Bilingual MLP Paraeducator at Sycamore Trails, and Becky Mulligan, 6th grade teacher at Sycamore Trails, for working so hard to provide the students with such a fantastic experience!
Kudos to Krishna Thakkar, Intervention Teacher at Garfield Elementary School, from Maria T. Perez, U-46 Districtwide Substitute Teacher
Ms. Thakkar was an enormous help with a classroom I was given. Her strong communication skills and her ability to relate to the students was remarkable. With her positive influence in the classroom, she challenged the students and held them to high standards. She provided the students with direct instructional support, and right away, established contact with the student in need. Ms. Thakkar, thank you for making a difference and for being a key member in this school.
Kudos to Gloria Helin and Veronica Kernler, Co-Teacher Leaders for the Teacher Mentor Program, from Melisa Creighton, Kristi Giannotti, Sherry Pedersen, Karen Smith and Crystal Solov, Teacher Mentor Specialists
On behalf of the Teacher Mentor Program, we thank you for the endless support and compassionate leadership throughout this school year. You both are so appreciated!
Kudos to Rajan Sharma, Assistant Principal at Horizon Elementary School; Mark Gonnella, Assistant Principal at Tefft Middle School; and Larry Winters, Stage Technician from Streamwood High School, from Dr. Jennifer Schwardt, Principal at Horizon, and Horizon’s Talent Show Directors, Sara Olsen, 5th and 6th Grade Teacher at Horizon; and Zainab Sheth, Teacher, DHH Pri, Early Learners at Horizon
We would like to send a HUGE thank you to Rajan, Mark, and Larry. Thank you so much for saving the Horizon Talent Show! You all jumped in so quickly to problem-solve and support the technical needs of our program to make sure the “show could go on!” We can't say enough about your quick thinking and willingness to support our students. Thank you!!
Kudos to Tina O’Farrell, Trip Advisor, Transportation, from Christy Boss, 6th Grade Teacher at Wayne Elementary School
Tina goes above and beyond. The 6th graders at Wayne are very grateful to her for rescuing us after our trip to Kenyon Woods. Thank you. And it was a pleasure to meet you. Our District is quite lucky to have you.
Kudos to the Team of Executive Directors: Annette Acevedo, Kyle Bunker, Yvette Gonzalez-Collins, Sarah Rabe, Brian Tennison, Michelle Thompson, and Teresa Winters, from Lela Majstorovic, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
You truly are a DREAM TEAM, and I am so thankful and proud of the work you have accomplished this school year! Our goal of ensuring that the work focused on instruction was realized! Together, we supported our instructional leaders and transformed the way we talk about classroom instruction - and each of you led the way! I look forward to what we will accomplish next year!
Kudos to Sarah Callahan, Teacher-Ed Secondary, Kimball Middle School; and Anastasia Ketz, Paraeducator, Kimball Middle School, from Kristen Johnson, EDIP Inclusion Facilitator at Kimball Middle School
Sarah Callahan and Anastasia Ketz — you two have held the fort down. This year has been crazy and you two have survived. I am proud to work with both of you, and I can’t wait for next year.
Kudos to Sabrina Nichols, Language Arts Teacher, English Language Learners, at Larsen Middle School, from Heather Rocen, Math Teacher, English Language Learners, at Larsen Middle School
It has been an amazing experience to work with you. You have a passion and enthusiasm that is contagious. Thank you for a great year. Good luck!
Kudos to Teachers Participating in the Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) Program, from Jen Williamson, Peer Consultant Teacher, Teacher Effectiveness Initiative
A huge thank you to EVERY one of the participating teachers in the PAR program! Your dedication to improving your practice truly shows on a weekly basis. I loved meeting with you, learning from you, and having hard conversations with you. Together we will grow our practice! I’m proud of you. Enjoy your well-deserved summer.
Kudos to the Staff at Hawk Hollow Elementary School, from Kris Walsh, Secretary to the Principal at Hawk Hollow
With Hawk Hollow Elementary closing after the 2022-23 school year, and many staff members relocating in the District after this year, I want you all to know that we have had some great years together. You will be missed. I watch you from my desk in the office and see how hard you all work every day. And you come back each day and work just as hard as the day before. Hawk Hollow is a well-run machine with Principal Noelle Dupuis in the driver’s seat. Please know that you will all be missed. What a great team we have. Family! Friendships have been formed. We will finish strong and close the elementary version of the school in 2023. “If something makes you sad when it ends, it must have been pretty wonderful while it was happening.” It sure was. Please come back and celebrate 20 years with us next year.
Kudos to the Staff at Tefft Middle School, from Dina Jones, Middle School Reading Support Teacher at Tefft
A huge thank you to Tefft Middle School’s secretaries, dean’s assistants, and hallway monitors. Our school could not run without you! You work so hard every day for our students, and we all appreciate you so much for it!
Kudos to Sylvia Rodriguez, Coordinator of English Language Learners Initiatives, and Dr. Hilda Rivera, Coordinator of English Language Learners,-Dual Language, from Arleen Muniz, ELL Language Arts Teacher at Larkin High School
I would like to thank both of you as great leaders and for your years of commitment to District U-46 and our ESL/bilingual students. It was a great joy to work and grow, as an educator, alongside you. I will miss you both. Happy retirement, ladies!
Kudos to Melissa Pedrigi, Transition Teacher at Center House, from Mary Gutierrez, Transition Teacher at Secondary Work Experience Program (SWEP) and Center House
It's been a crazy first year of teaching, but my mentor, Melissa Pedrigi, a transition teacher at Center House, has been there every step of the way with non-stop support, advice and a shoulder to cry on if I really needed it. Thank you, Melissa! I couldn't have made it without you. A thank- you also goes to the entire team at SWEP and Center House, as well as my administrative team for making my first year one to remember!
Kudos to the SPED and Transition Teams at South Elgin High School, from Kim Shead, Cross-Categorical Secondary Teacher at South Elgin High School
I would just like to give a shout-out to all of the amazing people here at South Elgin High School on the SPED and Transition Teams! I am a first-year teacher here at SEHS (first semester, really), and I can honestly say that I would never have made it through this experience if it wasn't for every last one of you! You have been there for the good times and the bad, and helped guide me in my very first teaching adventure. The care and support you all have shown me over the last few months does not go unnoticed. You are amazing! Thank you for all that you did for me, and for all that you do for our students!
Kudos to Charu Gupta, Early Childhood Blended Teacher, Early Learners, at Liberty Elementary School, from Susan Pila, Paraeducator, Early Childhood at Liberty Elementary School
Kudos to Charu Gupta. I've worked with her for 10 years at Liberty Elementary School, and she is such an asset to the school. Working with second-language learners and being able to speak most of their languages, she has always made the kids feel safe and comfortable during times when they are stressed.
Kudos to Christopher S. Taylor, Special Education Administrator, from Dr. David Dybalski, Psychologist at Elgin High School and Ellis Middle School
This is a Kudos to Chris Taylor. It has been great working with you at Ellis Middle School over the last four years. Thank you. You will be missed.
Kudos to the Transportation Department, from Catherine Welch, Routing/Planning Manager for Transportation
This year has been trying in every way possible. If it wasn't for the teamwork and the mindset that it is all about the students getting to and from school safely, this year would have gone in a different direction. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of you for making this year possible. Thank you for thinking of someone other than yourselves. It has been truly amazing to see how such a huge and diverse group of individuals can come together as one and make miracles happen. You guys are truly amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Kudos to Mark Johnson and Alison Andrews, Social Workers at Bartlett High School, from Amanda Huggins, Social Worker at Bartlett High School
Lots of gratitude to Mark Johnson and Alison Andrews, social workers at Bartlett High School. Mark and Alison have provided substantial support for both students and staff during this challenging school year. I feel lucky to have such wonderful colleagues to collaborate with, who support me, and help me grow my practice. They have a wealth of knowledge between them, and I have learned a lot from them this year. Most importantly, they validated my feelings, provided beneficial feedback and support, and compassion and empathy. Bartlett High School and U-46 are lucky to have them. Thank you for ALL that you do (above and beyond), and enjoy your well-deserved summer!
Kudos to Kelly Skowronski, Kindergarten Teacher at Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary School, from Sarah Hunt, Interventionist at Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary School
Kelly shows up every day with energy, great activities, and with her heart for her kindergarten class at Ronald D. O'Neal Elementary School! It has been wonderful working alongside you, Kelly. Your partnership and friendship have meant the world to me. The kids are very lucky to have you. I know how hard you have worked to help them overcome a variety of challenges. Thank you for all you do!
Kudos to Tomeika Jones, 2nd Grade Teacher at Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary School, from Sarah Hunt, Interventionist at Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary School
Tomeika Jones is an amazing teacher, creating the most positive class culture in her room, while teaching and caring for 27 2nd grade students! Being in her classroom was truly a joy. She gives her all every day to her class.
Kudos to Melinda Ostrowski, 1st Grade Teacher at Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary School, from Sarah Hunt, Interventionist at Ronald D. O’Neal Elementary School
Mindy Ostrowski has been such a great teacher to support all year in 1st grade. Her partnership and friendship mean the world to me. There have been so many challenges with getting kids back into school after the losses of last year. Mindy has worked tirelessly to get her kids what they need to learn and grow.
Kudos to Suzanne Willard, Paraeducator, Cross-Categorical, Special Education at Canton Middle School, from Carrie Forestor, Cross-Categorical Teacher at Canton
Shout out to Suzanne Willard! She has been such a beacon of hope, compassion and support to me for the last two years - but for many many more years to Canton. I wouldn't have made it without you, Suzanne. Good luck in your future endeavors! You have made such a difference in my life as well as the lives of countless students!
Kudos to Heather Lareau, Deanna Rine, Judy West and Kaitlin McCarthy, Cross-Categorical Teachers at Canton Middle School, from Carrie Forestor, Cross-Categorical Teacher at Canton
You ladies are the absolute BEST CC team! It’s been amazing working with you! Our students are better people because they have been able to walk beside you! Keep smiling!
Kudos to Alejandra Ganddini, Early Childhood ELL Self-Contained Teacher at Independence Center for Early Learning; Stephanie Hopkins, Early Childhood Itinerant Teacher at Independence Center; Olga Pecina, Early Childhood ELL Self-Contained Teacher at Independence Center; Stacey Svadlenka, Early Childhood, Self-Contained Teacher at Independence Center; Patricia Cronin, Early Childhood, Self-Contained Teacher at Independence Center; and Natalie Koessl, Early Childhood Blended Teacher at Independence Center, from Lisa Bergbreiter, Principal at Independence Center for Early Learning
Thank you, Alejandra, Stephanie, Olga, Stacey, Patti, and Natalie for your countless hours put into becoming a School for Rigor and Equity. You all are amazing and have spent many late nights building next year from the ground up! Thank you, and it is exciting!
Kudos to Jill Waichunas, SPED Teacher at Elgin High School, from Timothy Kolanko, Math Teacher at Elgin High School
Jill is the greatest co-teacher anyone could ask for. Sharing a classroom with her has made me a better educator. She is fearless and entirely focused on ensuring all students are successful. I am thankful we share a classroom, and hope we can continue being a team for years to come.
Kudos to Brittney Mallen, Science Teacher at Elgin High School, from Timothy Kolanko, Math Teacher at Elgin High School
Brittney is an exceptional teacher with a heart of gold. The love she has for her students and the excitement she has for teaching and learning is a model for others. Brittney's tough love and support has made me a better teacher and person. She is a dedicated ally to the LGBTQ+ community, and strives every day to make our schools safer and more welcoming for all.
Kudos to Joseph Bilyard and Cara Cejna, Math Teachers at Elgin High School, from Timothy Kolanko, Math Teacher at Elgin High School
Joe and Cara continue to support me as a professional, and have helped me improve my practice. Both are wonderful reflective partners and are always ready to have tough conversations about how we can all work together to improve student success and school culture.
Kudos to Kendra Dicker-Krase and Holly McNeill, English Teachers at South Elgin High School, from Timothy Kolanko, Math Teacher at Elgin High School
Kendra and Holly are fearless advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, and they work tirelessly to ensure that all students feel welcome, safe, supported, and affirmed. I have collaborated many times with them on how to better serve our minoritized students, and I always walk away inspired. Thank you, Kendra and Holly, for all of the love you bring to your classrooms every day and for all the knowledge and wisdom you've shared with me.
Kudos to Mark Villaros, Assistant Buyer and Document Control Specialist in Business Service, from Joe Corcoran, Principal at Harriet Gifford Elementary School
I would like to recognize Mark for his outstanding customer service in assisting me in getting my cell phone transferred over. His patience and explanations of how the new phone worked were really appreciated. Thank you, Mark.
Kudos to Carli Benn, 1st Grade Teacher at Harriet Gifford Elementary School, from Joe Corcoran, Principal at Harriet Gifford
I want to recognize Carli Benn for stepping into a difficult situation this year and for giving her best to her students so that they could have a great school year. Carli, you provided care for and love and acceptance of your students for who they were and their various needs. You will always be a part of our Harriet Gifford family.
Kudos to the Staff of Harriet Gifford Elementary School, from Joe Corcoran, Principal of Harriet Gifford
I would like to thank our team for their perseverance in handling every curve that came their way this year. Your passion for our students and families is greatly appreciated. Together WE ARE stronger! It has been an incredibly difficult year, but we made it! It was heartwarming to see our staff rally around each other, as several battled their own personal struggles. I am extremely proud of all of you. Get some well-deserved rest this summer and do whatever makes you smile.
Kudos to Jackie Bello, Krystall Guerrero, Heriberta Miron and Alex Vazquez Hernandez, Title 1 Paraeducators at Harriet Gifford Elementary School, from Joe Corcoran, Principal at Harriet Gifford
I would like to take this opportunity to give a special recognition to the Title 1 Paraeducators at Harriet Gifford. You have consistently gone above and beyond what the job called for. Because of you, interventions were delivered with fidelity; you assisted in testing, and you provided valuable social/emotional support to our students when they needed it most. I want you to know that you will always be a part of the Harriet Gifford family, and we are grateful that you made a difference in all of us.
Kudos to Eileen Schroeder, Kindergarten Teacher at Hawk Hollow Elementary School, from Sandi Lionello, Kindergarten Teacher at Hawk Hollow
Kudos to Eileen Schroeder on her retirement. Eileen, I am sad to see you go, but I am wishing you much happiness as you begin your newest chapter in life. It was such a pleasure to work alongside you, and I am blessed to call you my friend. I will never be able to thank you for all that you have done. Congratulations on your retirement and on your wonderful career!
Kudos to the Staff at Glenbrook Elementary School, from Sandra Vazquez, Assistant Principal of Glenbrook
I am sending a HUGE kudos to the staff of Glenbrook and their dedication to our students and to each other. You have all made me feel like family, and I appreciate all of you for that. Thank you teachers for your resilience and for your growth-mindset of learning more and becoming better at your craft. It will benefit our students as much as it will benefit you. Watching our students build self-autonomy and work together to problem-solve is a great feeling for any teacher! A special shout out to my special education staff. WOW - thank you for your love and extra care for our students. There is no way we can do what we do without your support. Monica Rivera, Social Worker; Kathleen Lewandowski, Cross-Categorical Teacher; Emily Bicking, Speech and Language Pathologist; Kerri Salins, Cross-Categorical Teacher; Alanna Munoz, Bilingual Speech Therapist; Nicholas Rodriguez, Occupational Therapist; Simi Thomas, Physical Therapist, and Francine Romero, Bilingual Teacher, ENI, ELM, PRM; To our wonderful paras, thank you, gracias, for ALL of the support you give every day, no matter what. You are appreciated! The office staff: Lynda Alagna, Secretary to the Principal; Michelle Esmenda, Secretary/Clerical; and Susana Barrientos, Home School Liaison, English Language Learners - amazing work, especially in such a challenging year. Thank you for all you do! The noon-hour supervisors and lunch ladies, Therese Desario, Food Service Lead, and Patricia Cervantes, Food Service Assistant Lead. WOW - supporting all of our students the way you all do is great. Last, but not least, Dr. Cheryl DeRoo; thank you for your solid leadership and your dedication to our school, and for teaching me a lot about being a leader. It has not been easy, especially these last two years - but you made it easier. Thank you for your trust and kindness. GLENBROOK! MUCH LOVE YOUR WAY!
Kudos to Kathleen Tagalos, 2nd Grade Teacher, Garfield Elementary School, and Jorge Garcia, 1st Grade Dual Language Teacher at Garfield, from Jen Heinz, 1st Grade Teacher at Garfield
I want to send a million thanks to Katie Tagalos and Jorge Garcia for all of their help, ideas, and support this school year! I couldn't have done it without both of you!
Kudos to U-46 Occupational Therapy Clinical Fieldwork Educators Jessica Cox, Vittoria Giangrasso, LeeAnn Demakis, Kelly Nugent, Keri Thompson, Sharon Rodriguez, Laura Moehrlin, Deborah Miller, Michelle Tovar, Grace Dibos, Elsa Reyes, Kathy LaFerle, and Casey Lauinger, from Amanda M. Borho, U-46 Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Coordinator
Many thanks to the talented U-46 occupational therapy clinical fieldwork educators for the 2021-22 school year! Your remarkable dedication to our occupational therapy profession is very much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and enthusiasm by fostering the continued education and development of future practitioners! Kudos!
Kudos to Patricia Cronin, Early Childhood, Self-Contained Teacher at the Independence Center for Early Learning, from Lisa Bergbreiter, Principal at Independence Center for Early Learning
Kudos to Patti for putting together a wonderful Field Day! It was awesome!
Kudos to Stephanie Hopkins, Early Childhood Itinerant Teacher at Independence Center for Early Learning, from Lisa Bergbreiter, Principal at Independence Center for Early Learning
Thank you Stephanie for an amazing St. Jude’s Trike A Thon! Independence raised $3,175 for St. Jude’s, and the students loved it!
Kudos to Alejandra Ganddini, Early Childhood, English Language Learners, Self-Contained Teacher at the Independence Center for Early Learning; Olga Pecina, Early Childhood, English Language Learners, Self-Contained Teacher at Independence Center; Jan McDowell, Early Childhood, Self-Contained Teacher at Independence Center; Natalie Koessl, Early Childhood, Blended Teacher at Independence Center; Angela Rojas, Early Childhood MTSS Lead at Independence Center; and Stephanie Hopkins, Early Childhood Itinerant Teacher at Independence Center, from Lisa Bergbreiter, Principal at Independence Center for Early Learning
Thank you for ensuring that our family activities were up and going this year. Our families loved being able to engage with their students and the teachers at Independence!
Kudos to the Staff at the Independence Center for Early Learning, from Lisa Bergbreiter, Principal at Independence Center
Thank you for all your hard work this year! We had unique experiences, coming out of distance learning. You all supported our students and families 100 percent. Thank you!
Kudos to Bonnie Droesch, Secretary at Independence Center for Early Learning, from Lisa Bergbreiter, Principal at Independence Center for Early Learning
Thank you Bonnie for working through all the kinks with Early Childhood items in Infinite Campus. I know there have been a lot of extra hours! Thank you!
Kudos to Eileen Schroeder, Kindergarten Teacher at Hawk Hollow Elementary School, from Noelle Dupuis, Principal at Hawk Hollow
Eileen Schroeder began her career in U-46 in 2013 as a kindergarten teacher. This week, she will be retiring as one of the most loved kindergarten teachers ever to walk our halls. The Hawk Hollow community and I want to wish Eileen all the best in her retirement. I’m certain she will enjoy all her extra free time with her loving husband, children, and her granddaughter! In fact, I’ll bet she won’t be able to resist teaching her adorable granddaughter all there is to know about reading, math, and how to be the best person she can be! Eileen, you will be greatly missed in our halls and classes! We appreciate all the time, love, and effort you have put into our students and staff over all those years. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and colleague.
Kudos to U-46 Staff Involved with the African American Studies Curriculum, from Dr. Teresa Lance, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation
Although the African American Studies course is still pending Board approval, I want to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of the entire curriculum-writing team (Lisa Jackson, Ana Hasan, Christyn Brown, Heather Misner, Georgie Towa, Kendra Dicker-Krase, Nick Vassolo, Megan Johnson, and consultant Dr. Kim Gallon) under the leadership of Jacob Vandemoortel. Additionally, a special thank you to the school counselors and school leadership at Larkin, South Elgin and Streamwood high schools who worked tirelessly to ensure at least one African American Studies course would run during the 2022-2023 school year.
Kudos to Katie Thompson, Business Teacher at Larkin High School, and Diane Kriescher, PLTW Teacher at Larkin, from Dr. Teresa Lance, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation; Nancy Coleman, Executive Director of the Alignment for Collaborative Education; and Mitchell Briesemeister, Director of Educational Pathways
We are so excited to have teachers go above and beyond to get students prepared to apply for the Summer Internship Program. We have many great teachers involved, but just wanted to recognize Katie Thompson and Diane Kriescher from Larkin High School for opening up their classrooms for Alignment for Collaborative Education to visit with students about these internship opportunities. Katie and Diane have, for the last two weeks, provided regular communications to students and worked one-on-one with students to help prepare resumes. We greatly appreciate their assistance with this program and their focus on a positive future for all of our students.
Kudos to the Liberty Elementary School Staff, from Stephanie Sylvester, Principal at Liberty
Special kudos to the Liberty teachers and staff for having a great school year! I know this year was a challenging year - but all of you persevered and made it a positive experience for everyone. Thank you for your hard work this school year. You are truly appreciated! We will miss those staff members who are leaving, and wish them the best of luck with their future adventures: Sue Pila, Karen Weiss, Anna Wheeler, Esperanza De La Cruz, Joann Sutherland, and Nissa Papasthathis, thank you for being a part of the Liberty community! Enjoy your summer, and I am looking forward to an amazing 2022-2023 school year!
Kudos to the U-46 Local Wellness Committee Members, from Christine M. Cliff, District Dietitian
Many thanks to the
U-46 Local Wellness Committee Members for all of their efforts this school year. We made great strides towards the goals in our Local Wellness administrative procedures, including creating a robust wellness resource grid for U-46 staff, offering hands-on food-related activities to elementary students through YAC groups, and even providing in-person nutrition education experiences in several elementary schools. Great job by all involved. Look for more resources and nutrition/wellness education opportunities in the next school year. If you are interested in joining the Local Wellness Committee, reach out to Christine M. Cliff.
Kudos to Renae Young Martin, Technology Specialist for Information Services, from Casey Lauinger, U-46 Occupational Therapist, Special Education
I would like to give kudos to tech specialist Renae Martin at Channing Elementary School. Renee is always so helpful. Recently our OT/PT department held our SIP day meeting at Channing. Renae was ready for our team with a laptop and an interactive board and ensured that everything was ready for us to have a successful collaborative meeting. Even though I am an itinerant staff at Channing, Renee always goes the extra mile to make sure my tech issues are covered at Channing. It’s so appreciated!
Kudos to Claire Ditchman, Technology Specialist for Information Services, from Lisa Bragg, Library Paraeducator at Hanover Countryside Elementary School
Kudos to Claire who went above and beyond, trying to get my scanner working in the middle of inventory. She went to several schools to get one that worked. I appreciate your hard work and dedication!
Kudos to Ann Miller, MTSS Lead at South Elgin High School, from Genevieve Hebeka, Social Worker at South Elgin High School
Kudos to you, Ann Miller, for your tireless dedication to the students and staff of South Elgin High School. Your kindness, tenacity, and infectious laugh will be greatly missed.
Kudos to Community Partner Chase, from Melissa Pekar, Physical Education Teacher at Lowrie Elementary School
Huge shout out to Chase, an amazing community partner for three Larkin Network elementary schools, for providing energetic volunteers for field days! Hillcrest Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, and Lowrie Elementary School are beyond grateful! Thank you for being an amazing community partner!
Kudos to Filomena Bruno, Secretary to the Associate Principal at Bartlett High School, from Karen Sanders, a U-46 Parent and Member of the Bartlett High School Band Boosters
Here is a grateful shout out to Filomena Bruno. The Band Boosters initiated a scholarship this year and, as it was our first time, we had a number of questions about how to distribute it and collect applications. Ms. Bruno was exceptionally helpful and quickly and consistently answered our questions. Thank you so much!
Kudos to Janine Stevens, PLTW Teacher at Bartlett High School; Christy Knapp, PLTW Teacher at Bartlett High School; Joe Morales, STEM Academy Teacher at Bartlett High School; Carmen Arocho Rivera, Advanced Computer Applications, ELL and Dual Language Teacher at Elgin High School; Alexandra Panagakis, Business Teacher at Streamwood High School; Amanda Chrisos, Family/Consumer Science Teacher at Streamwood High School; Marissa Hucek, Business Teacher at Bartlett High School; Kathryn Thompson, Business Teacher at Larkin High School; and Diane Kriescher, PLTW Teacher at Larkin High School, from Dr. Teresa Lance, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation; Nancy Coleman, Executive Director of the Alignment for Collaborative Education; and Mitchell Briesemeister, Director of Educational Pathways
This summer, in partnership with Alignment Collaborative for Education and our regional EFE office, we will be offering paid summer internships for our juniors in alignment with their career interests. Thank you to the staff members listed above for their dedication to launching this program and for supporting our students through the application process.
Kudos to Sylvia Rodriguez, Coordinator of ELL Initiatives, English Language Learners, from Sara Robles, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach, Curriculum and Instruction; Gloria Verastegui, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach; and Maria Chamorro, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach
Kudos to Sylvia for her outstanding contributions to School District U-46 throughout her 25 years of service. Her unwavering dedication to teachers, students, and families will not be forgotten. Sylvia, may you enjoy your retirement to the fullest. You’ve earned it.
Kudos to Dr. Hilda Rivera, Coordinator ELL Dual Language and English Language Learners, from Sara Robles, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach, Curriculum and Instruction; Gloria Verastegui, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach; and Maria Chamorro, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach
Kudos to Dr. Hilda Rivera for her outstanding and passionate leadership in the service of teachers, students, and families in School District U-46. You are an example to follow for all aspiring leaders and have left your mark. Your influence will clearly show in years to come. We thank you and wish you the best in your new phase of life. Happy retirement.
Kudos to all PreK-12th Grade Dual Language and ESL Teachers in School District U-46, from Sara Robles, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach, Curriculum and Instruction; Gloria Verastegui, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach; and Maria Chamorro, Teacher, ELL Instructor Coach
Your perseverance, dedication, and passion for your students, throughout the years, is evident as we celebrate the first official Dual Language graduating classes in all five high schools this year. Thank you for believing in the purpose and goal and for never giving up.
Kudos to U-46 Bus Driver Thomas (“Mr. C”) Cordogan, from Ashley Talip, Social Worker at Lowrie Elementary School
Lowrie has been gifted with the best bus driver ever! Since the beginning of the school year, Mr. C has gone above and beyond to build rapport with our students. Mr. C, it’s amazing how you know all of their names, and who their siblings are - you even know when a student hasn’t boarded the bus yet. Thank you for creating an enjoyable space for our students to start and end their day!
Kudos to Christina Rangel, Secretary/Clerical at McKinley Elementary School, from Ana Romero, 4th Grade Teacher at McKinley
Thank you Christina for always being willing to help me with last-minute requests with the classroom store to reward my students - even as you were going home. And thank you for the times you delivered things to my classroom. I knew my students would be happy because of that! You are awesome!
Kudos to Sara McGregor, Accounts Payable Manager in Financial Operations, from Laura A. Stewart, Secretary in School & Community Relations
I want to send a great big kudos to Sara McGregor. Whenever I need guidance on processing an invoice - or figuring out any sort of puzzle with our department’s accounts - I dial what I like to call “The Sara Hotline.” Sara’s cheerful voice always greets me on the other end of the line - and she never fails to have an answer for my question. When I first began working for U-46 last summer, Sara made several trips to our department to conduct some in-person training for me with the Great Plains accounting system. Sara is a joyful asset to U-46!
Kudos to Jim Cook, Dean's Assistant at Kenyon Woods and Facilitator of Brothers Rise Up Innovative Leadership, from Lisa Jackson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
On behalf of all of the young men you serve, their families, and the community which they represent, I graciously thank you for your dedication of love to them. Mr. Cook, you model every bit of character that you passionately nurture within our children. We thank you for your generous spirit.
Kudos to Dustin Covarrubios, Principal of Willard Elementary School; Gloria Helin, Teacher Leader/Teacher Mentor Specialist for the Teacher Mentor Program; Maheen Hussain, ENI-Secondary Teacher at Streamwood High School; Erin Jackle, Transition Facilitator for Early Learners; Kendyl Kinshaw, Assistant Director of Operations for Specialized Student Services; Geynell Lawrence-Tabb, Assistant Principal at Harriet Gifford Elementary School; Dolly Mandrelle, School Social Worker at Liberty Elementary School; and Darlynn Terry, Assistant Principal at Ronald D. O'Neal Elementary School, from Lisa Jackson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Thank you to each one of you for your selfless commitment to all of your colleagues across this District. We appreciate your tireless work of ensuring a welcoming, affirming, validating, and safe space for us to meet as members of an affinity group. Thank you for the lessons of hope, moments of joy, challenges to convention, and celebrations of humanity.
Kudos to the Co-Leaders of the LEAD (Living Elegantly, Ambitiously, and Dauntlessly) Enrichment Program — Jococelyn Ashford-Yarbrough, Paraeducator for Curriculum and Instruction at Ronald D. O'Neal Elementary; Mary Harrison, LEAD’s External Community Partner, and Janie McCutchen, Parent Engagement Outreach Worker at Larsen Middle School, from Lisa Jackson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
I am proud to work beside you this year, as you have given so much of yourselves to the young ladies of LEAD. Thank you for pouring out all of the best of yourselves into this work and for honoring every individual with loving kindness and words of wisdom.
Kudos to the U-46 Equity Committee, from Dr. Teresa Lance, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation, and Lisa Jackson, Director of Equity and Inclusion
For the entire school year, members of the Equity Committee met multiple times each month. They worked tirelessly to analyze data, participate in focus groups, identify root causes, determine major improvement strategies and suggest explicit action steps, with the sheer purpose of eradicating inequities within U-46. Words cannot thank these dedicated individuals enough. I sure hope they know how incredibly grateful we are for their sacrifice of time!
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Save the date for U-46’s second Equity Symposium from Aug. 8-12, 2022. In addition to numerous breakout sessions, the virtual event will welcome phenomenal keynote speakers each morning including
