staff newsletter - Kildeer Countryside School District 96

staff newsletter
Staff (staf) n., 1. a group of people working together for a common goal
Kildeer Countryside School District 96 • May 2016
homework assignments at
home and access digital
curricular resources.
as competitors playing,
performing, and presenting
in athletics, music, math,
history, geography, and
• Distinguished Those Who
Science Olympiad. We sent
Excel recognition from the
It’s no surprise, really. We got
Illinois State Board of Education more students to State-level
competitions than ever before
off to a running start–
and are honing
literally–when our
This was a year in which our theme
our reputation
amazing middle school
as dedicated
question “What’s good about KCSD96?”
tracks opened early in
and formidable
was answered again and again in so
the year. It seems that
competitors.
many different ways.
neither our students
From Supt. Julie Schmidt:
What’s good about KCSD 96?
Does it seem to you, as it does
to me, that this school year flew
by?
nor our faculty ever
slowed their pace.
This was a year in which our
theme question “What’s good
about KCSD96?” was answered
again and again in so many
different ways:
• Apple education team
representatives who visit
schools nationwide to observe
technology implementation
were greatly impressed by what
they saw in our classrooms.
They described our use of
technology as “a lighthouse
for others in the State of
Illinois” and named KCSD96 a
2015–2017 Apple Distinguished
Schools Program, meeting
rigorous criteria in an engaging
learning environment.
• Following focused and
deliberate preparation, we
are ready to expand 1:1 iPad
implementation in 2016-2017
to include 4th and 5th graders.
The 4th and 5th graders will
be equipped to continue or
complete writing or other
for KCSD96 faculty and staff
was awarded to Lynette
Fowler-Katsoulis, Willow
Grove Special Education Aide;
Melissa Kumin, Twin Groves
Middle School Spanish teacher;
Elizabeth Zorn, Country
Meadows Elementary school
psychologist; our District 96
Technology Team; Amanda
Rickel, Kildeer Countryside
Elementary School Grade 3
teacher; and Greg Grana,
Woodlawn Middle School
principal. Retired Board of
Education member Bob
Gauthier (2003–2015) also was
honored.
• Our students’
accomplishments were
unprecedented. This
year our Board proudly
welcomed children and their
parents to several meetings
to recognize effort and
diligence. Our students made
remarkable accomplishments
• We will be ready
to open full-day kindergarten
for the 2016-17 school year.
We’re confident that offering
full-day kindergarten is
right for District 96 and are
thrilled by the opportunities
the curriculum allows for our
kindergartners’ growth.
• Learning is ongoing this
summer for our students
and faculty. The work will
continue in June, July, and
August for a record number
of our teachers and academic
coaches, engaging in gradelevel curriculum writing and
taking advantage of varied
professional development
opportunities. Likewise, in
our academic summer school
classes (maximum enrollment
has been reached for each),
students will receive focused
support for learning targets.
Also–new this summer–the
“Read Harder” Challenge for
our middle school students
invites them to choose multiple
Continued: Supt. Julie Schmidt
“What’s good about KCSD96?”
books that will foster their
development as readers and
lifelong learners and help them
appreciate reading for pleasure.
Across the District, the 2015–
2016 school year has included
many more highlights than can
be named here–each a valid
and compelling addition to the
ever growing list of answers
to the question “What’s good
about District 96?”
Finally, I want to thank you for
your kind expressions following
my recognition by the Lake
County Superintendents earlier
this month. Nominators–fellow
superintendents–made it clear
they considered our District’s
commitment and willingness to
support, share, and collaborate
with other schools and districts
seeking to implement initiatives
we’ve begun or refined to be
a great contribution to all of
Lake County. Thus, I regard
this honor as recognition not
for me, but for our entire
KCSD96 learning community. It
is another reason we can take
pride in KCSD96.
I appreciate all your hard work
to make this another great
year and hope that–as busy
as summer can be–it includes
relaxation, cookouts and
conversations with friends and
family, and renewal time for
you.
--Julie Schmidt, Superintendent
APPLAUSE
Best wishes to
Marcy Ortegon, working
toward earning a masters
degree in reading from National
Louis by summer’s end.
Best wishes to Jacklyn
Gelman and her fiance Ricky
Brandt–engaged on March 31,
2016, in Cancun, Mexico, and
planning their summer 2017
wedding.
Best wishes to Katie,
daughter of Elisa Ruff. Katie
will be married on June 18 in
Nashville.
Congratulations to Debbie
Blair, celebrating the birth of
two new grandbabies.
Congratulations to Lori
Aubrey Nicole Blair arrived
on Mar. 29. At birth, Aubrey
weighed 7 lbs., 9 ounces,
and measured 20 inches.
Aubrey’s happy family includes
Debbie’s son Jay, big brother
Maddox (age 2), and her mom–
Woodlawn PE teacher Mary
Blair.
Best wishes to Cara Ying,
Grandson Carson Whitman
Wright was born April 22,
joining big brothers Holden
and Bennett. At birth Carson
weighed 8 lbs, 13 ounces, and
was 20.5 inches long.
Kiefer, proud grandmother of
two new grandsons. Camden
joined his big sister and family
on July 7, 2015, and Graham
joined his family on March 2,
2016.
and Garth Anderson, engaged
to be married in Naperville on
June 17, 2017.
Congrats & Best wishes to
Kristin Magee and her fiance,
engaged during spring break
and planning a July 2017
wedding. Also, Kristin earned
her masters degree in English
Language and Teaching (Loyola
Univ. of Chicago).
Congratulations to Ginger
Hepler, who was awarded her
masters of education degree in
April in early childhood special
education and ELL.
Congratulations to Jaime
Appell, proud mom of Austin
Blake Appell, born Jan. 26,
2016.
Congratulations to Dan
Lancaster, proud dad of
Lennon, who joins big sister
Lucy.
Congratulations to Jessica
Draffkorn on her perfect
trifecta: married last summer;
recently awarded a masters
degree; and expecting a baby
in June.
Best wishes to Deanna
Battaglia, who was engaged
in September. Deanna and
Danny are planning a May 2017
wedding.
Congratulations to
Maureen Kelly, whose son Bob
was recently engaged and will
be married in 2017. She also is
celebrating her son Michael’s
graduation this month from
Illinois State University.
Best wishes to Ryan Zak,
who is engaged and will be
married in July 2017.
APPLAUSE
Congratulations to Debbie
Congratulations to Vickie
Congratulations to Kristina
Congratulations to Pam
Echales and her daughter–
KCSD96 alumna Annie–a
new graduate of Illinois
State University with a BS in
Communications.
Harvat, whose eldest son is
graduating from Northern
Illinois University. Brian earned
a BS in rehabilitation services
and minors in psychology and
deafness rehabilitation.
Kotel, whose daughter Taylor
recently completed her dietetic
internship rotations and her
MBA program from Dominican
University.
Kupsco, whose daughter
Lindsay graduated from
George Washington University
with a masters degree in
professional studies in the field
of strategic public relations.
Best wishes to Elizabeth
Congratulations to
Congratulations to Sheryl
Congratulations to Vail
Gunther, who was engaged on
Mar. 26 to Steve Zambo. They
will be married this summer, on
August 13.
Schechter, whose son Ian–a
District 96 alumnus–is engaged
to Angela Wickman. Their
wedding will be in July 2017.
Congratulations to Jackie
Griffin, proud mom of Jack,
born Oct. 13. At birth he
weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces,
and measured 21-1/2 inches.
Congratulations to Hayley
Knuth, who in February
earned her masters degree as
a reading specialist from Olivet
Nazarene University. She is the
proud mom of Avery Hope
Knuth, born last July 26.
Congratulations to
Michelle Schumer, who
welcomed her second grandson
on April 27. His name is Ethan
Myles.
Julianna McCormack, awarded
her masters degree in math
education in December 2015
from National Louis University.
Kieser and Brent, proud
parents of Nolyn Judith
Kieser, born last June 15.
Congratulations to Cindy
Borzych, who has so much to
celebrate: her oldest daughter
was married last October and,
in July, is expecting Cindy’s
first grandchild; her youngest
daughter will be married Aug.
5; and her son will be married
Oct. 22.
Congratulations to Scott
Eichaker and Kim, proud
parents of Colton John
Eichaker, born Aug. 30. At
birth Colton weighed 8 pounds,
11 ounces, and measured 201/2 inches.
Best wishes to Kristyn
Keehnast, who was engaged
on Dec. 18 to Justin Everett.
They will be married in
Schaumburg, IL, on Sept. 24.
Congratulations to Beth
Busch, on the marriage of
her daughter Kim to Greg
Humiston. The wedding was
Apr. 16 at St. Mary Church,
Buffalo Grove, and the
reception at European Crystal,
Arlington Heights.
Congratulations to Dr.
Alyssa Shlensky, who was
recently awarded her Ed.D. in
educational leadership from
Concordia University, Chicago.
Congratulations to
Kimberly Jackson, proud
mom, and Randy Warren,
proud grandfather of Addisyn
Vanessa Jackson, born May
6. At birth Addisyn weighed
6 pounds, 9 ounces, and
measured 20-1/2 inches.
Congratulations to George
Panos, new dad to Parker Paul
Panos, born Apr. 29. At birth,
Parker weighed 7 pounds, 13
ounces, and measured 21.5
inches.
Congratulations to Katie
Sheridan, whose son Liam was
born July 6, weighing 7 pounds,
6 ounces, and measuring 19.5
inches.
Congratulations to Ben
Tatar whose son Cameron
Jacob was born June 27,
weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces,
at birth.
Congratulations to Jimmy
Cichowski, proud grandfather
of Kyle Thomas–his second
grandson–born in August. Kyle
weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, at
birth.
Retirees’ Reflections & New
Directions
Dr. Barb Cirigliano
17
years in
District
Pam Evans
8
years in
District
Michelle Schumer
26
years in
District
Dr. Barb Cirigliano
Retiring Willow Grove Kindergarten Center Principal Dr. Barb Cirigliano sums up her
workdays in one sentence: “Every day is a crazy day, but every day is a different crazy.”
Kids really do say the darndest things as they grow from fabulous 3–year–olds to “mature
5-year-olds....”
“The staff at Willow Grove is like my family,” she explains. “We’ve shared many
memories–laughing and crying. I’ve had so many great experiences with my colleagues,
but most of all I’m so grateful they’ve been there for me through thick and thin. And
there has been a lot of thick!”
Leaving Willow Grove will mean not having to wake up to an alarm clock. But it also
means missing the excitement of a new day every day and those kids with happy faces.
“You never really know what will happen when you enter those doors, but no matter how
the day is going, I can walk into a classroom and see happy children.” Barb knows she’ll
miss that.
Pam Evans
It has never been never dull.... There was that day the first-grader came out of the school
bathroom naked, with the change of clothes he’d been given in his hand. (He didn’t like
the outfit.)
And the time the teacher participating in the CPR class began doing real chest
compressions on her working partner.
And who knew that Prairie Administrative Assistant Linda Johnson could hurdle her desk
with such impressive agility to provide help when her school nurse tripped and fell over
the office wastecan?
Pam says life is too short to be conflicted or unhappy and advises colleagues to be true
to self. She suggests that KCSD96 staff adopt mindfulness and a positive and grateful
perspective because time with family and friends is a treasure.
What’s next? A continuation of her work (but part-time) as a psych nurse for adolescent,
eating disorder, and self-injury patients at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health.
Michelle Schumer
Kildeer Countryside has been her second home for 26 years. Michelle Schumer knows
she will miss the people she has worked with over these years very much: “I will miss
my friends I have made along the way–the people I get to work with each and every
day who have supported me through the good and the hard times.”
She also appreciates the parents from Kildeer who also supported her by working in
the library and their positive comments throughout the years. Likewise, the Kildeer PTO
has always been a huge part of Michelle’s life at Kildeer, especially with their attention
to the Kildeer library.
“Mostly, I will miss all the kids at Kildeer who I get the privilege to work with each
week,” says Michelle. “I still run into parents and kids who I have taught over these past
26 years, and it is so nice to hear that I inspired them to read or that they loved to read
because I took the time to help them find a book that they loved.”
I will remember my Ivy Hall days with Medieval Times, Thanksgiving lunch, my
6th-grade Earhart team, poetry calendars, and being serenaded at a cultural arts
performance.
I won’t forget my 4th-grade teams, Immigration Day, Donley’s Wild West, and memory
books I gave to my students. I’ve worked with many LC and ILC folks, each bringing
something new to the team. My ELST team–who worked together as a collaborative
unit, learning the ins and outs of coaching–were amazing ladies. Bernie’s Book Bank,
author visits, Family Reading Night, and loving children’s books would not have
happened without my partner Beth.
I look forward to no more early wake ups, no more waiting to go to the bathroom until
3:00 p.m., expanding my lunch choices beyond the 5 restaurants that deliver to Kildeer,
and long weekends that last 7 days.
What’s ahead? Michelle notes, “I hope to continue to do something with my
knowledge and love for children and literature.”
She also will be packing and unpacking suitcases. “I love to travel,” she says. “I can
now do that whenever I want to. I have many trips planned that are not at the peak
busy and expensive times of the year. I will spend more time with my husband, who will
have more time available, too.”
Reflections & New Directions
(continued, Retiree Pam Evans) She’ll miss the students, the building nurses, the staff,
and the “good lunches at Woodlawn,” but retirement for Pam Evans also will mean
more time with family and friends for fun, travel when she wants to, and late-night
reading followed by lazy mornings.
2016 Crystal Apple
Recipients
The Friends & Alumni of KCSD 96 selected the following highly deserving
individuals for this distinguished recognition that is a tradition in KCSD96.
Red Schoolhouse:
Erin Sauer
Frank Rosas
Red Schoolhouse:
Beth Busch
Educating children is a labor
of love and is never a 9-to5 job. It takes an incredible
amount of sacrifice, concern,
and commitment to develop
the whole child. Some special
individuals exhibit that
kind of devotion. The Red
Schoolhouse Award is given to
an employee who consistently
goes beyond the call of duty.
Silver Thread:
Joe Star
Members of our community
make a significant contribution
to our school district that
enhances the quality of
education for our students.
These individuals recognize the
importance of being lifelong
learners and make the effort
to share themselves with our
children.
Champions for Children:
Bill Hellyer
Volunteer’s Volunteer:
PTO
Coordinating Council
Some amazing individuals
have committed their lives to
the betterment of children.
This award recognizes those
who have devoted themselves
to the causes, activities or
initiatives that help children
in public school achieve their
potential.
The school district benefits
from the efforts of hundreds
of volunteers. While working
in the Learning Center, serving
on the PTO, participating on
citizen's study committees,
or helping with fundraising
projects, these people are
never too busy to lend a hand
to do "one more thing" and
model the "can do"
volunteer spirit.
Distinguished Alumnus:
Howard Frishman
Rising Star:
Sam Fishman
The Distinguished Alumni
Hall of Fame award is
given to nominees who
graduated from School
District 96 and have
demonstrated a high level
of achievement in their
field of endeavor and
in contributions to their
community.
Some junior high and high
school students go beyond
what would normally be
expected of them. They
are the unsung heroes and
exceptional workers who
deserve to be honored for
what they do for others.
These young people are
leaders for the future.
BUILDING ACCESS THIS SUMMER
Congratulations to
District 96 faculty
who earned
Advanced Degrees
in the 2015–16
School Year:
Roberta de Souza Pereira
Jessica Draffkorn
Ginger Hepler
Meghan Kennedy
Hayley Knuth
Jill Leone
Kristin Magee
Julianna McCormack
Christopher Morris
Dr. Alyssa Shlensky
Sarah Wesbecher
Staff access cards will not be collected, but all access levels
will be deactivated for the summer.
There will be no access to ALL buildings after June 1st.
Summer school is at Ivy Hall. Staff working summer school will
have the appropriate access level
MOST staff development will be held at Country Meadows.
Access cards will not be needed for access to Country
Meadows. The doors will be opened by the custodial staff.
It’s possible there might be some staff development held
at Ivy Hall, however, so please check My Learning Plan to
confirm location.
With regard to building access in August, every building will
be different. Please check with your Building Principal for this
information after August 1st.
Summer Hours
Mon.–Thurs.:
The District Office/Business 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri.:
Office will be open to the
7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
public on the following
summer schedule
July 4: Closed in observance
May 31 through Aug. 5, 2016: of Independence Day
KEA Scholarship Recipient Named
The Kildeer Education
Association selected Alli
Holmes, daughter of Kildeer
4th-grade teacher Lauren
Holmes, to receive the 2016
Kildeer Education Association
McCartney-Carrell Educator
Scholarship.
During her years as a student,
Alli has had opportunities to
observe extraordinary teachers.
She notes they may differ in
their personalities, teaching
styles, and grouping strategies,
but those she admires share a
common quality: “Each teacher
is passionate about his or her
job and genuinely cares about
the children in the classroom.”
She notes that teachers who
sucessfully connect children to
their lessons are more likely to
have students who learn. For
example, teachers’ “silly readaloud voices” pull students
into the story and a positive
classroom environment and
continuous teacher/student
interaction are as important as
the academic lesson.
“I want to be like my teachers
who did not go eat lunch in
the teachers’ lounge because
helping me with my reading
was more important to them,”
Alli declares.
KEA members are proud
to award the 2016 KEA
McCartney-Carrell Educator
$500 Scholarship to Alli
Holmes.
SUMMER READING
Jeanne Spiller’s blog
CURRICULUM
CONNECTION
will be updated
occasionally this summer.
Certified staff who
have access:
Please check for updates!
A memorial honoring Mrs. Gordon
The passing of our devoted
Board of Education member
Lauren Gordon in February is
a deep loss to our District. In
the years her sons attended
our schools, Mrs. Gordon
contributed significantly as
a volunteer and PTO copresident before she sought
the opportunity to serve this
community as a member of our
Board of Education.
After much reflection, Board
members and administrators
have chosen to honor Mrs.
Gordon by dedicating to her
memory an interior courtyard
at the Willow Grove Early
Learning Center. The courtyard
will be created as a result of
the extensive remodeling and
reconfiguring to be done there
to accommodate the full-day
kindergarten program that we
are thrilled to open on Mon.,
Aug. 22, 2016.
The interior courtyard will be
a space our youngest students
are sure to enjoy. In this safe,
specially equipped area,
students will benefit from fresh
air and favorite supervised
activities that will help them
increase a variety of essential
developmental skills.
If you would like to honor
Mrs. Gordon’s memory with
a donation to this courtyard
memorial, please CLICK HERE
to contribute online. Your
contribution will go to the
Willow Grove Parent/Teacher
Organization (PTO) and will
be specifically earmarked
for the memorial courtyard.
District specialists will use
the funds donated to help
equip the courtyard in ways
that meet very specific safety
requirements and reflect best
practice for engaging early
childhood students. If you
prefer to write a check, please
make it payable to the Willow
Grove School PTO and write
“Mrs. Gordon’s courtyard
memorial” on the memo line.
Please mail or deliver your
check to School District 96
(Attn: Ann Kozub), 1050 Ivy Hall
Lane, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Remember:
Plan Ahead...
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Complete by Thurs.,
June 2
FIRST DAY, 2016–17
Mon., Aug. 15, 2016, is
a full day of work for ALL
staff.
LAST DAY, 2016–17
Tues., June 6, 2017,
is a full day of work
for support staff and a
regular day for certified
staff.
Middle School Superintendent Award Recipients
are 8th-graders selected by teachers as class ambassadors for
their leadership, academic effort, extracurricular involvement, and
kindness to others. Each Superintendent Award recipient gives a
speech at his or her graduation ceremony.
Woodlawn
recipients:
Matt
Kaznikov
and
Lily
Cozzi
Twin Groves
recipients:
Kailoni
Christian
and
Adam
Dziaba
Marking milestones...
10 YRS:
Staff celebrated for
10 years
of service include
Jamie Appell
Jeffrey Boldt
Elizabeth Doherty
Leesa Drazner
Luke Emde
Heather Friziellie
Nicole Guarino
Jacqueline Jessogne
Kristyn Keehnast
Tim Mivelaz
Griselda Perales
Sheryl Schechter
Randy Warren
Laura Weingarten
Wendy Winter-Perchonek
Jessica Woods
15 YRS:
Staff celebrated for
15 years
of service include
Cindy Borzych
Patricia Buban
Debbie Echales
Mary Fey
Wendy Frankel
Kristina Harvat
Rachael Kalisz
Susan Kazuk
Sara Khan
Mladen Lijev
Linda Litvan
Ronald Lynn
Beth McCullough
Anastasia Melas
Sheila O’Gara
Ariana Ray
Rebecca Rudd
Rita Spitz
Peter Vanaarden
20 YRS:
Staff celebrated for
20 years
of service include
Jane Coleman
Brandon Dahlstrom
Deborah Feldman
Christine Welsh
25 YRS:
Staff celebrated for
25 years
of service include
Mara Barry
Deborah Blair
Felicia Sladek
Photos of these groups taken at the
Staff Recognition Celebration on
May 27, 2016, will be posted on the
District 96 website on May 31 in the
District Photo Gallery.
+ 25 YRS
Staff celebrated for
over 25 years
of service include
Candace Fenske
Kenneth Goodlow
Julie Holzhauer
Michelle Schumer
Todd Spangler
Nancy Wielondek
Jeff Cummings
Ruth Fineman
Ellen Gartenberg
Mary Ellen Kraemer
Susan Winston
Kathryn Naples-Angel
James Donofrio
Pamela Kupsco
Carrie Dyer
Maureen Kelly
James Cichowski
Rachel Peters
Jose Castro
Linda Johnson
Christopher Kuhlman
Patricia Hannon
KCSD96 Welcomes Sam Miranda
On July 1, we’ll welcome Sam
Miranda to KCSD96 as our
future director of facilities and
transportation. He’ll assume
that role when Randy Warren–
our current director–retires in
June 2017.
During the upcoming school
year Randy and Sam will
work together closely so the
transition in responsibility
is a smooth one for all the
work related to the safe
transportation of our students
and capital improvements–
including the ongoing
maintenance and updating of
each of our school buildings
and their surrounding grounds.