school board and administrators to analyze and initiate strategic planning within monthly meetings. He also ... and the
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2017 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB
Illinois Chapter National School Public Relations Association
Agenda
Welcome Ryan McPherrin - INSPRA President Community Consolidated District 93 Luncheon
• Garden Salad • Seared Chicken Breast with Asiago Cheese Cream Sauce • Mixed Vegetable Medley • Roasted Red Potatoes • Vegetarian Option: Lasagna with a Marinara Sauce • Tiramisu
Presentation of Awards
Ryan McPherrin - INSPRA President Community Consolidated District 93
Honorees
Administrator Board of Education Community Member Faculty/Certified Staff Student Support Staff Team Distinguished Communicator
Closing Remarks
Ryan McPherrin - INSPRA President Community Consolidated District 93
Thank you
T
he Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association is pleased to welcome you to the 2017 Distinguished Service Awards.
We hope you enjoy this celebration as we recognize these distinguished honorees and their efforts to support public education throughout Illinois. INSPRA wishes to express its gratitude to the following outgoing INSPRA Board Members, as well as the 2017 Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) Committee Members.
OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS
DSA COMMITTEE
Terry Ryan Northbrook District 28
Ryan McPherrin DSA Committee Chair Community Consolidated District 93
Nick Alajakis Waukegan Public School District 60
Denise Barr Crystal Lake Elementary District 47
Mary Todoric Community High School District 128
Tom Hernandez Plainfield School District 202
Gina Steinbrecher West Chicago Elementary School District 33
Dani Brink DuPage High School District 88
Rob Daniel Formerly of Proviso Township High School District 209
Gina Steinbrecher West Chicago Elementary School District 33
Melanie Krakauer Formerly of Glenbrook High School District 225 Jennifer Bialobok Lyons Township High School District 204
Program and cover design Tom Hernandez and Ryan Boyce, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 Program printing Blooming Color, Naperville Luncheon Bolingbrook Golf Club DSA judges Colleagues from nine NSPRA chapters nationwide
Thank you We also are grateful to the following:
2017-18 INSPRA Board PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT-ELECT
SECRETARY/ TREASURER
PAST PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
Ryan McPherrin
Margaret Van Duch (Communications) Dani Brink (Membership) Amy Melinder
(Programs) Kara Beach
BOARD MEMBERS Sue Gillerlain Jennifer Beshansky Peg Mannion Jean Hockensmith Brett Clark
Becky Koltz
Cathy Kedjidjian
(Communications) Adam Harris (Membership) Patrick Mogge
(Programs) Tony Martinez, Jr.
REGIONAL DIRECTORS Central Dayna Brown Nielsen Chicagoland Vickie Walter Greater Chicago Brian Graves North Denise Barr South Kim Brehm
Administrator ADMINISTRATOR Honoree - Award of Excellence Scott Ross Schaumburg School District 54 Frost Junior High School Principal Scott Ross has two areas of focus for his communication: High Achievement and Positive Culture. He looks for ways to recognize those traits in his students and staff and regularly fills his newsletters with information about how High Achievement and Positive Culture are reflected in the daily life at Frost. However, Scott’s newsletters are only one tool for communication. During his tenure Frost launched a Spanish website, Facebook and Twitter. While a teacher posts routine information, Scott also regularly posts photos, responds to comments and uses Facebook live to give parents a glimpse inside the classroom. Scott’s interpersonal communication is what really distinguishes him as a leader. He hangs out in the hallways greeting students by name, being visible so they can approach him and demonstrating a genuine interest them as individuals. Scott takes time to connect with his students and thanks them for making Frost an amazing place to work and learn. Scott knows that people do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care. With staff, he keeps an open door and spends most of his time in their classrooms and during their collaborative professional development meetings to observe and support. This year he embedded Shawn Achor’s research on positive psychology into Frost’s daily routine. At the start of each school meeting, Scott has staff send a gratitude message to a colleague. Teachers took that example and implemented in their classes, spreading the positive impact to students.
ADMINISTRATOR Honoree - Award of Excellence Dr. Steve Webb Goreville Community Unit School District #1 Dr. Steve Webb is Superintendent and School Resource Officer for Goreville Community Unit School District #1 in Goreville, IL. As a school administrator for the past 23 years, Dr. Webb has ascended to many leadership positions in Illinois including President of both the Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools where he continues to serve as a member of the board. He also currently serves on the American Association of School Administrators Governing Board. Dr. Webb is founder of Safe School Systems, LLC - a consultant group that helps schools conduct threat assessments and training, a certified A.L.I.C.E. Instructor, and he is an Associate Professor in Educational Administration at Southern Illinois University and McKendree University. To foster relationships within his district, Dr. Webb developed a Learning Partnership Team that includes teacher representatives from each level of the district, special education, teacher’s union, non-certified staff, the City Council, the Parent-Teacher Association, the Student Council, and the school board and administrators to analyze and initiate strategic planning within monthly meetings. He also developed and updates the school websites, the district Facebook and Twitter accounts, and the district app for Apple and Android devices. Most recently, he developed and instituted the Blackcat Radio Network with streaming audio and video that students and community announcers can use to provide real time coverage of games and events. Lastly, Dr. Webb travels the state and nation talking to schools and communities about effective common-sense school safety practices.
Administrator ADMINISTRATOR Honoree - Award of Merit Kevin Brown Orland School District 135 Mr. Brown has been a junior high principal in our district for two years, and has made an incredible effort to connect the community to our students during that time. He is in constant communication with the district administrative team, parents, staff and students to ensure they are always in the know. He is extremely passionate about his job, and that is apparent every day as he walks down the halls. He knows students by name, and takes time to talk with them each morning as they arrive at school. He is a transparent and compassionate leader. Mr. Brown has committed himself to genuine connections within the community, and he boldly encourages our entire staff to do the same. He is extremely deserving of this award due to his passion for sharing his students’ story with the community.
ADMINISTRATOR Honoree - Award of Merit Dr. Kathy Hinz Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 Dr. Kathy Hinz has served District 47 for the past 21 years. She began her career as a school psychologist, then transitioned to administration serving as director of special education and assistant superintendent of professional development and student services. She was appointed as interim superintendent in 2013 and has served as the district’s superintendent since. Dr. Hinz is a deeply committed, engaged leader with a unique perspective (having served in different roles) and a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities that educators and school districts face. She is adept at “getting the right people on the bus” and empowers others to lead with their gifts and talents. When encountering problems and challenges, she moves swiftly and with integrity and is a keen problem-solver. She understands the critical importance of clear, timely communications and is an approachable, honest and open leader. We are lucky to have her!
Administrator ADMINISTRATOR Honoree - Award of Merit Kandi C. King Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Kandi King is one of the most outgoing, welcoming, and hardest working people at Community Unit School District 308. As the district’s Communications Coordinator, she is responsible for a wide range of communications related task and duties ranging from administrative task and photography, to event planning and document production management. Kandi works tirelessly for the district, and her efforts pay off in more ways than one. In 2016 she raised more than $50,000 in donations, partnerships and sponsorships from the business community for students, staff, events and programs. Her work alone in this area is invaluable in the budget crunched environment school districts face today. Kandi is a very familiar face throughout the district, and her smile and warm presence brightens everyone’s day. This is particularly true during the annual all-staff convocation event where she is omnipresent. From her hard work at Convocation, to her work on the monthly winners - Kandi takes joy in seeing other people honored. It is our turn to honor her.
ADMINISTRATOR Honoree - Award of Merit Dr. Jeff Zoul Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Dr. Jeff Zoul was a driving force in putting Deerfield Public Schools District 109 on the social media map through the Twitter hashtag #engage109. Jeff, the author of What Connected Educators Do Differently and a prolific Tweeter himself, modeled the way for District 109 educators to embrace social media and expand their knowledge and connections to further their teaching and create the best learning environment for students. When he joined District 109 in 2013 as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, his first order of business was to encourage all teachers and staff to use Twitter for their own professional development, sharing and networking. He coined #engage109, based on the District 109 motto of Engage. Inspire. Empower. He hosted Twitter training sessions; Twitter training continues to be a focused session at new teacher orientation. #Engage109 grew into a way to learn from and connect with other educators worldwide. You’ll find #engage109 in many leading education-focused Twitter chats, and teachers regularly use #engage109 to connect their classrooms with others around the globe. Finally, thanks to Jeff’s constant encouragement and support of staff professional use of Twitter, #engage109 became a resource to share the great things happening in classrooms with parents and the community. Individual schools adopted their own hashtags to use alongside #engage109 to further their reach and unique brand. Dr. Jeff Zoul’s leadership in communication a foundation that has allowed District 109 to foster and grow a culture of communication, collaboration, and connection.
Board of Education
BOARD OF EDUCATION Honoree - Award of Excellence Julia K. Beckman Community High School District 99 Community High School District 99, including Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School, is known for excellent academics, quality faculty and high-performing extracurricular and athletic programs. The quiet engine behind this success is our Board of Education One long-time board member, who will be ending her service to us in May, is a shining example of the positive impact that our leaders make. Julia K. Beckman has served as a board member for 24 years. She served as vice president for four years and president from 2001 to 2011. During her tenure, she was part of a successful $100 million bond referendum, numerous collective bargaining agreements and the hiring of two new superintendents. The broad network she has created and nurtured throughout the years during these initiatives and many others, has helped to ensure our schools are part of the fabric of our community. Julia’s influence expands outside of our district. She was a Representative to IASB Governing Board, a Representative to National Affiliate of NSBA, a Representative to the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED) Governing Board and a Representative to Illinois Humanities Council. Our schools have reaped the benefits of Julia’s service. She has modeled respectful, civil discourse and leadership, which has been appreciated by staff and our community alike. This has allowed for understanding and support to happen without distraction, and has fostered cooperative partnerships between our schools and community. Her leadership leaves a positive legacy of support for education.
BOARD OF EDUCATION Honoree - Award of Excellence Jeff Mason Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 Jeff Mason has served as a Board member twice for District 47. His first term was in the 1990s and he is currently ending his second four-year term on the Board during which he has also served as the Board President. While he is a masterful communicator on his own merits and strives to build relationships, Jeff was instrumental in supporting our superintendent’s request for a community relations position to help connect the District with the community and share our story to a broader group of stakeholders. He has served on many negotiation teams dedicating countless hours to supporting, celebrating, communicating, and building relationships with staff to ensure a stronger teaching and learning environment for our staff and students. He is a well-known member of the District community and is highly respected for his candor and dedication to educators.
Board of Education
BOARD OF EDUCATION Honoree - Award of Excellence Tom Vickers Libertyville School District 70 It is not often that awards are made available for leadership that stems from complete volunteerism coupled with a compassion and commitment toward communication. Always offered with a focus on addressing what is best for children and overall opportunities for student success. Mr. Tom Vickers, president of the Libertyville School District 70 Board of Education, exemplifies a sense of character and commitment to communication with a host of stakeholders; students, staff, parents and community which bridges an informed public and establishes himself as a dedicated and conscientious leader. From welcoming acknowledgements at the Opening Day Teacher Institutes, to warm greetings with local business officials at a district-based luncheon, Mr. Vickers builds relationships and offers insight into building respected and effective relationships with many. Board meetings have become open forums of transparency providing stakeholders with well-detailed, comprehensive summaries of district finances, facilities, goals and achievements. Never afraid to address parent concerns or remove himself from challenges, Mr. Vickers makes himself available to constituents, meeting at the district’s main office or even a local coffee house, he answers questions, sharing insight gleaned from his comprehensive sessions with school leadership and all-inclusive visibility throughout the schools. Willing to always learn, continue to grow and lead a district committed to continuous improvement, he challenges himself to the same standards, attending workshops and legislative sessions returning with a commitment to share critical information for all. An enlightener, a disseminator of knowledge, a positive networker and genuine colleague, Mr. Vickers is the consummate communicator.
BOARD OF EDUCATION Honoree - Award of Merit Kim Skaja Huntley Community School District 158 Kim Skaja was first elected to the Board of Education for Huntley Community School District 158 in fall 1995 and will be retiring from office in spring 2017. Over her more than 20 years of service on the Board, she has seen the population of Huntley grow from just over 3,000 to more than 25,000. For a portion of her tenure, Huntley 158 was the fastest growing school district in Illinois, and with her fellow board members she helped guide the construction of six schools and several renovations and additions to keep up with that rapid need. From the referendum campaign for the construction of new schools to the most recent project, a state grant-funded $35 million renovation and addition at Huntley High School completed in 2016, Kim has been a leading voice in the community on these issues. As longtime secretary of the Board, Kim has overseen the official communications of the Board, ensuring agendas, minutes, and other records are compiled and made available to the public in a timely and clear manner consistent with state laws. In addition, Kim has served for many years as chair of the Board’s communication and outreach committee, overseeing the administration’s efforts to keep the community informed of the District’s activities. She helped pave the way for the District to modernize its communications strategy.
Community Member
COMMUNITY MEMBER Honoree - Award of Excellence Kara Caforio Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Kara Caforio has served District 205 in a variety of roles over a number of years, most recently as co-chair of our Focus205 Community Engagement program, where she has spent the last two years working closely with our volunteer Facilitating Team of 20, as well as the District’s Core Team of consultants and administrators. This undertaking will literally change education in Elmhurst over the foreseeable future, as we discover and document this community’s priorities, map those priorities with our existing and projected facility needs, and create a long-term, sustainable master plan for developing successful, future-ready learners. (For more information, please visit www.focus205.org.) Ms. Caforio has assisted with creating presentations and designed work activities for participants; moderated large-scale, town hall-style meetings with grace; advised us on the tenor of the community; and suggested approaches that led to meaningful conversation with all stakeholders. Nearly 2,000 people have in some way, shape, or form, participated in this community process. A former teacher, PTA volunteer and the parent of both gifted and special needs students, Kara’s voice strikes a chord with a variety of constituents and has provided balance during difficult discussions - sometimes within the Focus 205 Facilitating Team itself. Her commitment to this process is unmatched. This process would not have proceeded to Phase 2 without her guidance and hard work. She is now running unopposed for a seat on the D205 Board of Education and will serve the next four years in yet another demanding volunteer position, that of school board member.
COMMUNITY MEMBER Honoree - Award of Excellence James Lyons Community Consolidated School District 62 A dedicated volunteer, James Lyons gives his time to children, asking nothing in return. Mr. Lyons can often be found at the individualized math classroom at North Elementary School in Community Consolidated School District 62. This volunteer helps students understand math while also mentoring them and helping them with life lessons. Mr. Lyons would often teach students by adding a flair of humor for a unique twist to his lesson. On many occasions Mr. Lyons would use helpful visual aids as teaching tools and include brain teasers and extra problems for those students who wanted extra work. Mr. Lyons has been a volunteer for over 15 years. A longtime Des Plaines resident, he started promoting the act of volunteering in the schools to his neighbors. His persuasion of others to volunteer their time caused a ripple effect throughout the community resulting in many community members volunteering their time. Now a Grayslake resident, Mr. Lyons continues giving his time to District 62. Mr. Lyons constantly uses rigor while teaching students how to persevere through problems. He shows them a variety of methods to solve problems, continuously asking questions that challenge students to think differently. The district has seen the rewards from so many that have gone into one of the many Math/Science/ STEM fields, while receiving scholarships and high honors for their successes. So much of this can be traced back to a wonderful, genuine and distinguished volunteer that District 62 is proud to call one of its own.
Community Member
COMMUNITY MEMBER Honoree - Award of Excellence Helen and J.D. Ross Joliet Township High School District 204 Helen and J.D. Ross are key communicators who foster cooperative partnerships between JTHS and the community, strengthening the support of education among all stakeholders. In 2015, Helen included JTHS students in achieving the Joliet Zonta Club’s mission of improving the status of women worldwide by establishing a Charter Club for Joliet Central High School female students. Helen worked with Superintendent Dr. Cheryl McCarthy to secure approval from the Zonta membership comprised of over 100 women leaders. Helen’s leadership resulted in the formation of the Fearless Females Z Club, which provides opportunities such as visits to ExxonMobil refinery where students meet with the Plant Manager and female employees from various departments. The Z Club also participates in highly visible projects and events where they meet elected officials and prominent community members. Just as Helen is quick to support District 204, so is her husband, former Joliet Junior College President, J.D. Ross. In August of 2016, the District’s Strategic Planning team wrote a new strategy to address concerns regarding hiring practices and staff diversity. This sensitive topic called for the establishment of an Action Team comprised of diverse stakeholders. JTHS called upon J.D. to co-facilitate this team on a volunteer basis. Graciously accepting the task, J.D. co-facilitated the largest Action Planning Team in the District’s history with over 40 members who met once a week for three months. The work was difficult and candid, but J.D.’s leadership resulted in quality action plans that the Board, Strategic Planning Team, and the community endorsed.
Faculty/Certified Staff
FACULTY/CERTIFIED STAFF Honoree - Award of Excellence Sheri D’Ambrose DuPage High School District 88 Once a year, the field house at Addison Trail High School is transformed into the ultimate track and field event with a long jump and a sprinting area; the studio theatre is turned into a karaoke concert; and the gym is filled with moon jumps and games. That transformation takes place for the West Suburban Conference (WSC) Sports Spectacular. Founded in 1994 by a group of WSC athletic directors, the day is meant to give students with special needs an opportunity to participate in various athletic activities. About 10 years ago, Addison Trail physical education teacher Sheri D’Ambrose took on hosting that event with a vision of adding more activities to include even more students and to make the day a fun-filled celebration. From organizing volunteers and donations to making sure all rooms and events are ready to go, D’Ambrose coordinates all aspects of this event to make sure her vision becomes a reality each year. All 14 high schools in the West Suburban Conference participate in the event, which involves more than 700 students making new friends, participating in athletics and having fun. “I just love seeing the smiles on the students’ faces,” D’Ambrose said. “To give these students a day that’s happy and upbeat, where they can just have fun and participate in activities they might otherwise never get to try, is so important and such an amazing feeling,” she said. “There’s nothing like it.”
FACULTY/CERTIFIED STAFF Honoree - Award of Excellence Lori Durchslag Schaumburg School District 54 Lori Durchslag is officially a District 54 teacher. Unofficially, she is the chief communicator, booster and supporter of Campanelli Elementary School in Schaumburg. Lori was hired at Campanelli School in August 2012 and became the school’s webmaster in 2014. She regularly updates the site and supports teachers with developing classroom sites. She also runs a Press Club, allowing students to contribute stories and photos to the school’s website which also provides them with authentic writing opportunities. Lori’s work was highlighted this summer when the district redesigned its websites. The district adopted a module design, giving school webmasters more flexibility and allowing them to prioritize the important content for their school. School webmasters were invited to an August workshop to support them in redesigning their site. Lori had already finished Campanelli’s website and added unique ideas that administrators highlighted at the workshop and encouraged other schools to consider including. To further enhance communication, Lori started a Facebook site. To launch Facebook, students were given a “Flat Cody” (the school mascot is Cody the Cougar) and asked to post photos of Cody joining them on vacations and outings. This generated interest in the new Facebook page and kept the children connected to school this summer. For her efforts as the school webmaster, social media guru and number one promoter of Campanelli, Lori is most deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.
Faculty/Certified Staff
FACULTY/CERTIFIED STAFF Honoree - Award of Merit Terry Stephens Bremen High School District 228 Bremen High School Teacher, Coach and Sponsor Terry Stephens meets the requirements of his job. However, he does much more than that. Terry Stephens is a 1969 graduate of Bremen High School. He has worked for Bremen High School District 228 for 43 years. Stephens raised his children in the Bremen community that he loves and served as Mayor of Midlothian from 2009-2013. Terry Stephens gets it - he loves kids and kids love him! That makes them want to learn what he is teaching. Terry will be retiring at the end of the school year and when asked what he enjoyed most about the job, his response was, “Being part of the lives of the friendliest, most thoughtful and generous kids in the world.” Recently, Stephens’ NHS students wanted to attend the 2017 LEAD Conference. Terry picked up the balance of the students’ expenses so they did not miss the opportunity. This year, Terry received a Teacher Tribute Initiative Award from Stanford University. He was nominated because he “played a significant role in the intellectual, academic, and personal development” of one of his students. This news became a Facebook post that received 18,837 views and 77 congratulatory comments. Terry Stephens loves his students, parents and community. He understands that communicating with and supporting these precious stakeholders makes all the difference in making our communities successful places to live, raise a family and educate children. Mr. Terry Stephens exemplifies the type of individual that would receive an INSPRA Distinguished Service Award.
Student STUDENT Honoree - Award of Merit Mia Buttita, Juliana Klups and Katya Cangiano Schaumburg School District 54 Churchill School in Schaumburg will soon be home to two Buddy Benches thanks to the hard work, initiative and communication skills of three fourth-grade students: Mia Buttita, Juliana Klups and Katya Cangiano. After Mia told Juliana and Katya about the Buddy Bench at her previous school, the three lobbied for one on their playground. Buddy Benches encourage inclusiveness by providing a place where students can sit if they are looking for someone to play with. They can also be used as a place to problem-solve with a classmate. The girls said that they see kids playing outside by themselves who seem lonely, and they want everyone to have a chance to make new friends. After successfully pitching their idea to Churchill Principal Lisa Hopkins, the students created a presentation for District 54’s assistant director of facilities. Due to the girls’ enthusiasm, along with their research, the district approved the idea and committed to matching the amount Churchill raised so two benches could be installed. Mia, Juliana and Katya worked with the school’s Make a Difference Club to raise awareness and financial support for the Buddy Bench through a four-week Penny Wars challenge. For their project that will positively impact communication and climate in their school for years to come, these Churchill students are more than deserving of a Distinguished Service Award. For her efforts as the school webmaster, social media guru and number one promoter of Campanelli, Lori is most deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.
STUDENT Honoree - Award of Merit Vanessa Gallegos and Noelle Lowther Leyden High School District 212 In August 2016, Vanessa Gallegos and Noelle Lowther were sworn in as the first-ever student members of the Board of Education at Leyden High School District 212. They receive the same communications as the rest of the Board and they participate in the monthly Board meetings. The district not only created a standing agenda item for them to report out on building and district happenings, but the elected Board members include them in every important discussion during meetings. Through their participation at school events, their attendance at Board meetings, the state School Board conference, and many other events, Noelle and Vanessa are bringing student voice to the highest level of decision-making in our district. Now, when our Board looks to make a decision about “What’s Best for the Kids,” they turn to the student representatives and get their opinions before a vote is taken. As their superintendent, I have enjoyed watching these amazing young leaders develop confidence in themselves, empathy for their classmates and community, and the ability to speak publicly and represent the interests of others. They are a living lesson on civics and community engagement. Vanessa and Noelle will always hold the designation of being the first-ever student members. They are trailblazers and example-setters for their classmates. I can confidently say they are better people for the experience and that Leyden is a better place because of them.
Support Staff SUPPORT STAFF Honoree - Award of Excellence Humberto Benitez West Chicago Elementary School District 33 Mr. Benitez has worked for Elementary School District 33 for 17 years, with 16 of those years being the custodian at Indian Knoll Elementary School and has always treated the school like his second home. Mr. Benitez is a role model for our students of how to treat others with respect, caring, kindness, and dignity. He is humble, kind and generous. While there are many custodian who keep their building spotless and safe for students and staff, Mr. Benitez goes far beyond this to be a role model for our students, passionate for the well-being of all staff and students, friendly face to greet staff and students every day, and forms relationships with community members and parents.
SUPPORT STAFF Honoree - Award of Excellence Glorianne Brown Fenton Community High School District 100 A student who was not able to graduate with his class walks into the main office at Fenton High School to pick up the diploma he earned during the summer. He stops at Glorianne Brown’s desk and tells her why he is there. Immediately, Glorianne springs into action - she scoops up his diploma, gives him the cap and gown she keeps in the closet for just such an occasion, plays “Pomp and Circumstance,” leads the applause with any and all personnel who are lucky enough to be in the vicinity, and takes the student’s picture shaking an administrator’s hand, all the while whooping and hollering. That is how Glorianne rolls. After 22 years at Fenton High School, Glorianne is always fully accessible to all stakeholders. She gets the job done, will drop everything to help a colleague or provide historical information to assist a new staff member with a task. She never rushes anxious parents when they call with questions, and is adept at diffusing volatile situations before they escalate. As we think about finding a replacement for Glorianne when she retires in June, it’s hard to know what to ask for. You can teach someone to use the copy machine, find information on Power School and call for assistance on the radio. But you can’t teach someone to be as compassionate, caring and dedicated as Glorianne Brown has been to the students, families and staff members of Fenton High School for 22 years. It’s just who she is.
Support Staff SUPPORT STAFF Honoree - Award of Excellence Kathy Ryan Community Consolidated School District 62 Kathy Ryan is truly the glue that holds the community relations department together. A former parent who watched her child go through the District 62 school system, Kathy Ryan now serves as the assistant to the Director of Community Relations. Though she works for a department that is at the forefront of communication and accolades, Mrs. Ryan is not one who wishes to be recognized. She is often the last one to leave the office at the end of the day and does so without question. Mrs. Ryan is patient, often helping to support families who need additional assistance. She has been pivotal in helping to create an awareness for the good that is happening in District 62. Above all else, Mrs. Ryan is kind. She understands the work that must be done and how at times, conveying certain matters requires careful delivery and sensitivity. This is not just a job for Mrs. Ryan. It’s obvious when you meet her that she feels privileged to be part of the district and excited to be part of the community relations department. Connecting with families, helping to tell the District 62 story through photographs, social media and storytelling is something she has been a part of for the last six years. The time, devotion and passion she gives to the position go far beyond the 40-hour work week expectation. She is an asset to the district and will continue to be for years to come.
SUPPORT STAFF Honoree - Award of Merit Teresa Barajas Berwyn North School District 98 When we think of great inventors and pioneers in education we think of their characteristics and their footprints. How driven, dedicated, selfless, determined and trust worthy to the cause they are. Our District is blessed and fortunate to have a Home School Community Liaison that has established programs and a bond with parents that our District has been yearning for some time now. Having an open dialogue and understanding our parents is essential for the growth in both our District and in our students. Teresa Barajas came into this position after years of failed attempts from others to start branding our District to our parents. She has molded this position and has created a great bond with our parents that will surpass our elementary and middle school boundaries. Our parents appreciate her honesty and know they can count on her to facilitate any situation. From answering a question to learning statistics of how being bilingual can help their child she is the one they lean on. Teresa Barajas is truly an asset to any District but thankfully she is part of our District 98 family.
Support Staff SUPPORT STAFF Honoree - Award of Merit Phyllis Becker Bremen High School District 228 Mrs. Phyllis Becker has worked in various positions in Bremen District 228 during her 17 years of employment, most recently as Assistant to the Principal at Hillcrest High School. With each change in position, she was chosen not only because of her qualifications but also for the qualities she brought to the table. Phyllis is an important and trusted person, one of the most important persons on Principal Renee Simms’ team. She has an outstanding ability to troubleshoot, resolve issues and be a calming force for all. She goes out of her way to welcome guests and staff, and she has helped re-brand the school by building relationships with the community. Mrs. Becker’s efforts include organizing events and getting community and business support to serve as sponsors and partners in our endeavors. Currently, she is assisting with the school’s 50th Anniversary Gala. During the holiday season, Phyllis is always mindful of the school’s families by organizing special events to honor employees who have been ill and by trimming holiday trees with tributes to families and loved ones. She also assists with honoring families that have members in the military. Mrs. Becker has great relationships with the community, from caterers to elected officials and students to residents without children in our schools. Her efforts are invaluable. Mrs. Becker has provided a deep understanding of the importance of positive relationships in her years of service to District 228; it is fitting that she be a recipient of an INSPRA Distinguished Service Award.
SUPPORT STAFF Honoree - Award of Merit Karen Niewinski Schiller Park School District 81 Mrs. Karen Niewinski has dedicated her talents to serving the School District 81 Learning Community. Mrs. Niewinski works closely with the Superintendent of Schools on projects big and small, and completes every task with unparalleled professionalism and grace. Her genuine commitment to excellence and serving others are examples of true distinguished service in the field of education.
Support Staff
SUPPORT STAFF Honoree - Award of Merit Teri Shoemaker and Barb Boeing Schaumburg School District 54 The secretaries at the Hoover Math & Science Academy in School District 54 have established strong relationships with staff, students and our community in order to best support student learning and socialemotional well-being. All four of Barb’s children and both of Teri’s children attended Hoover. Because of these connections, Hoover is not just a job to them. It is their community. Barb and Teri are quick to assist families and answer questions. Often they are the first to welcome families to Hoover and provide information to ensure a smooth transition. Barb and Teri are also excellent listeners. They process feedback from parents and share that information with district office staff, looking for ways to enhance processes across the district while ensuring that changes align with school code and board policy. When they notice a communication gap, they close it. This year they developed a flyer to remind parents to call the school when their student is out sick. This secretarial team supports staff by solving dilemmas, offering to lend a hand, and coordinating special staff events - such as the “Souper Bowl” luncheon - to create a positive school culture. Teri and Barb are supportive as they assist students who are sick, or meet with students who need a little more attention or a break in order to refocus and be successful in the classroom. Regardless of what they are doing or how stressful a situation may be, they are always smiling. Teri and Barb are true public relations ambassadors for education.
Team TEAM Honoree - Award of Excellence Board of Education Fenton Community High School District 100 Fenton High School is fortunate to have a Board of Education that truly makes decisions that are best for students. Over the last several years, the Board has worked to support educational initiatives that benefit all stakeholders, and provide a window into our school for the community. In 2016, we completed a $13 million construction project, funded by the district that turned old dark spaces into a new main entrance, Academic Resource Center, student commons and cafeteria, classrooms, community room and courtyard. This Board has been instrumental in bringing the technology at Fenton High School into the 21st century. The one-to-one technology initiative approved by this Board provides our students with Chromebooks used for research, collaboration on projects and homework. The Board recognized that purchasing Chromebooks in isolation was not educationally sound so they have provided funding used for technology staff members, staff training and a Chromezone where students and staff members can go for repairs to their devices. Members of the Board of Education have been instrumental in bringing business partnerships to Fenton High School that have resulted in a Journeymen trades fair, a student job and career fair, internships, summer employment and scholarships. In addition, local businesses have donated funds and supported a mobile food pantry held at school six times per year. Several of the current board members will not be continuing their tenure on the board after April election. We are grateful for their service and dedication to the students, staff and community of Fenton High School.
Team TEAM Honoree - Award of Excellence Friday Night Connect Team DuPage High School District 88 Alarmed by the epidemic of opioid use by preteens and teens in DuPage County, Willowbrook High School, the Villa Park/Lombard Clergy Association, the Villa Park Police Department and local governmental officials came together to develop a program that would provide students in sixth through eighth grades with a safe place where they could relax with their peers and take part in exciting activities to help them make positive decisions. That initiative, called Friday Night Connect, launched in October 2016 and takes place one Friday a month during the school year. Along with games and food, each session also consists of a seasonal “secret topic,” where the students come together and complete an activity based on a given theme. Topics have included appreciation, gratitude and setting goals. When you walk into a Friday Night Connect session, the first thing you notice is an atmosphere of inclusion – high school students sharing a pizza with middle school students, clergy leaders chatting with students and police officers playing games with participants. The impact of Friday Night Connect is immediately clear - participants truly connect and build a support system to guide them toward a successful future. Participants are mentored by a group of about 15 Willowbrook students, who help guide each meeting (along with adult supervision). One of those mentors is Willowbrook junior Tylor Settles. “We communicate electronically so much these days, and Friday Night Connect helps students learn the importance and value of human interaction,” Settles said. “It’s very humbling to live in a village where I know my community really cares about me by implementing programs like this.”
Team TEAM Honoree - Award of Excellence Susan Crotty and Jackie Romberg Naperville CUSD 203 Board of Education members Susan Crotty and Jackie Romberg have served Naperville Community Unit School District 203, side-by-side for a combined 22 years. And, both have served the District through extensive volunteer work prior to their Board service. Susan and Jackie’s tireless advocacy for Naperville 203 students, while ensuring fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers, has resulted in high quality, measured growth in the school district, especially in the areas of capital improvements, curricular advances and major educational initiatives. Both leaders serve a number of advisory councils and volunteer roles throughout the community providing visibility and access to understand community issues and concerns. Because of their years of community involvement, they are able to serve the Naperville 203 community with broad understanding and thoughtful sensibility. Community engagement is always a large part of Naperville 203’s efforts. Susan and Jackie were instrumental in having communications and community relations as one of the four focus areas in the Focus 2020 Blueprint commitment. Commitment #4 is focused on “Enhancing Communication and Community Relations.” This involves multi-layered media and two-way communications as well as robust School-Business Partnerships that leverage professional community expertise to provide real-world applications for authentic learning. Both Board members views on the crucial role of community buy in and having a voice in the decision making process has created a culture of inclusiveness and not an “us versus them” mentality in the school district community.
TEAM Honoree - Award of Excellence Dayna Prochaska, Jennifer Weisler and Erin Wolaver Schaumburg School District 54 Parents are their children’s first teachers, and School District 54 is fortunate to have a dedicated team of Parent Educators who work diligently to ensure that the parents of our youngest learners are the best teachers that they can be. Dayna Prochaska, Jennifer Weisler and Erin Wolaver serve as a resource to meet the needs of families in District 54 with children from birth through age 5, as well as expectant parents. Some families may be in need of one-to-one support. During these visits the Parent Educators focus on facilitating positive interactions and enabling parents to support their children. Other families are invited to events at District 54’s four Community Resource Centers, where the Parent Educators facilitate a variety of weekly parent-child interaction opportunities. Dayna, Jennifer and Erin work tirelessly to determine the needs of the families they serve and connect them with resources in the district and through outside agencies. They do whatever is needed to support the families, even accompanying them to medical visits and assisting with job searches. The Parent Educators also model collaboration through their communication with other agencies serving the same families. As the families’ first contact with District 54, the Parent Educators foster a positive impression of the district and facilitate a comfortable connection right from the start. For their commitment to setting our youngest, most vulnerable learners on the path to success, the District 54 Parent Educators are most deserving of a Distinguished Service Award.
Team
TEAM Honoree - Award of Excellence Carla Wood, Susanna Melón, Michael White, Sharon Ruff Glenbard District 87 Through partnerships, leadership and significant investment of time, our Minority Student Achievement Coordinators are making a meaningful difference in the lives of students who are minorities. They are engaging students and families in workshops, college visits, young adult professional days and much more. These coordinators, who are also high school deans, play a key role in student outreach as we work to have more underrepresented students enroll in Advanced Placement classes. Through a partnership with the nonprofit group Equal Opportunity Schools, we have closed the AP enrollment gap at Glenbard South High School, and our other three high schools are on track to do the same. Our Minority Student Achievement Coordinators are key members of each school’s team working to close the AP enrollment gap. Our Minority Student Achievement Coordinators significantly challenge, inspire and empower students who are black and Hispanic. They continually partner with business professionals, representatives from community colleges and 4-year colleges and parents to provide students with opportunities that change the trajectory of their lives. Among the efforts this team leads throughout the year: - College visits for 1st generation students - College nights for families - Mentor programs for our students & our high school students as mentors to middle school children - African-American Male & Female Summits - college interviews and information, college resumes and scholarship opportunities - African-American Male & Female Professional Days - Latino Professional Day - Training student Spanish interpreters for parent-teacher conferences
Team TEAM Honoree - Award of Merit Geraldine Simon and the ELL Team, and Kary Henry and the Deerfield Public Library Youth Services Team Deerfield Public Schools District 109 and Deerfield Public Library In 2015, District 109 English Language Learner teacher Geraldine Simon was looking for ways to educate families of ELL students about resources and activities within the community. The ELL program had grown three-fold in less than a decade -- almost 80 students speaking at least 14 different languages -- and Geri saw a need to ensure that families have opportunities to learn about and be an active part of their community, not just their child’s school. Of course, participating in those opportunities also would help improve language skills of students and their parents. She reached out to the Deerfield Public Library (DPL) and, working with the youth services staff, they launched the first ELL Family Night at the Library in April 2015. The focus of that inaugural event was to share the resources available to them at the library and signing up families for library cards. Eighteen families signed up for library cards that night. In April 2016, Geri and the ELL team, along with Kary Henry, the Deerfield Public Library school outreach coordinator, planned a second annual event, this time focusing on the many free programs the library offers throughout the year. It included a sampling of storytelling, craft projects, a hands-on Science project, and conversation games. The teams from District 109 ELL and DPL youth services, led by Geri Simon and Kary Henry, ensured that any language barriers were not blockades from having fun and connecting with each other.
TEAM Honoree - Award of Merit Dave Snyder and Brian Fogerty Orland School District 135 Dave Snyder and Brian Fogarty are part of our curriculum and instruction team, and as such, they are involved in a lot of positive and important changes in Orland School District 135. They do their research, involve stakeholders and communicate often with every initiative. Whether it is a change in grading, professional development or another endeavor, they truly understand the importance of inclusion when it comes to decisions that impact our students, and they set the standard for other departments across the district. Dave and Brian are always working to improve our relationship with the community while putting students at the forefront of all decisions. They deserve an INSPRA Distinguished Service Award, as they embody collaboration and communication in everything they do.
Team TEAM Honoree - Award of Merit Fremont School District 79 Personalized Learning Leadership Team Fremont School District 79 The Fremont School District 79 Personalized Learning Leadership Team consists of 3 principals and 3 district leaders. The team provided inspiration, support, resources, and commitment for our collective success. This team embodies all aspects of the INSPRA Distinguished Service Award. They have come together over the past 24 months to transform learning at Fremont School District 79 in Mundelein, IL. Together, this team has communicated about a learning transformation that is taking place at Fremont. This team has articulated a clear message about learner profiles, pathways, proficiencies and partnerships. Communication efforts included parent information nights, board presentations, newsletter articles and presentations at regional and national conferences. This team has created communications that highlight the transformation from an industrial model of schools and classrooms to a networked, personalized model of learning. The team has been praised by the national Superintendents group, AASA, for a collaborative visit where thought leaders in curriculum and learning provided key reflections and insights into our progress. This visit was showcased in a district-produced video. The group has shared blog posts with national groups. Perhaps most importantly, teachers and students were co-designers of our new learning model. Through partnerships with CESA #1 of Wisconsin and LEAP Innovations Chicago, the Fremont School District 79 Personalized Learning Leadership Team continues to develop a new model of learning in Lake County. Team: Stefan Ladenburger: K-5 Principal Jennifer Haack: K-5 Associate Principal Pam Motsenbocker: 6-8 Principal Margaret Van Duch: Communications Director Dr. Elizabeth Freeman: Director of Innovative Learning, Teaching and Technologies Dr. Jill Gildea: Superintendent
Team TEAM Honoree - Award of Merit Old Post Elementary School – Mrs. Alesia’s Class Oswego Community Unit School District 308 Students at Community Unit School District’s Old Post Elementary School recently completed and unveiled an impressive Growth Mindset project. Mrs. Alesia’s fifth grade students worked on the project using Studenttreasures, a student-centered publishing center for teachers, aimed at introducing a love of writing and the collaborative process of publishing in students. Together, Ms. Alesia and her students chose the topic of their book, Growth Mindsets, because so many activities this year have consistently instilled the concept. Additionally, the ties to AVID made it a natural fit. Using real world examples and situations, each student was given two pages in the book to write and illustrate their own story about how a growth mindset can change the world. The result is a beautiful and powerful representation of each of the 23 students in the class.
INSPRA Distinguished Communicator INSPRA DISTINGUISHED COMMUNICATOR Brian Graves Oswego Unit School District 308 Brian Graves has served Community Unit School District 308-the state’s seventh largest public school district-as director of Communications and Public Relations since 2013. He has led the district through a rebranding process that includes an award-winning website and new logo. He also spearheaded a district-wide diversity campaign and the launch of new district-wide e-newsletter. Graves has worked tirelessly to improve District 308’s community relations’ process, while producing award-winning annual reports, budget documentation, and human resources recruitment materials. He has continued to create award-winning PR material through district-wide budget cuts, the redrawing of elementary school boundaries, and the hiring of a new superintendent of schools. Graves also strives to consistently publish press releases that inform the community of the latest news occurring within the school district, including student successes. Graves prides himself on high-quality, professional communications that keep all stakeholders informed.
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