News from District 153

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Willow School will be under new leadership in the 2024-2025 school year. At its Feb. 12th meeting, the Board of Education voted to hire Ryan Gordon as the school's next principal starting July 1st. Gordon will replace Principal Melissa Lawson who is retiring after 23 years of service to the district, the last seven years as principal.

“We are thrilled to add Ms. Gordon to District 153 as the principal of Willow School. Her passion in providing equitable opportunities for kids was evident in the interview process, and numerous colleagues in her current district spoke about her ability to forge strong relationships with her staff to get things done. I am excited for what the future of Willow School holds under her direction," said Superintendent Scott McAlister.

Gordon will be moving to Flossmoor this summer and says she is looking forward to leading Willow School

"I am so excited to join the Willow School community as the next principal!" said Gordon. "Both my personal and professional experiences have led me to be an educator who is compassionate, caring, and supportive of children, staff, and families. In addition to being an instructional leader, I have worked diligently in my current environment to create an inclusive place with a sense of belonging for all who walk through the door, and I look forward to bringing that same energy and practice to Homewood. I am eager to work with the Willow family and the greater community in service to our students."

Gordon is currently the principal of Lincoln Elementary in Oak Park. Previously, she served as assistant principal at Julian Middle School in Oak Park after teaching for about 10 years in Chicago Public Schools. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a master's degree in principal preparation from Concordia University.

Gordon was offered the position after a process that included input from a community-wide survey and interviews with three different committees of staff members, parents, and administrators/school board members.

The school board also acknowledged some special achievements at its Feb. 12th meeting. Certificates were presented to James Hart and Churchill athletes who represented District 153 in the Region E Special Olympics Basketball Skills tournament.

The board also honored EL teacher Damaris Woodbury for earning National Board Certification. Woodbury splits her time between Willow and Churchill Schools.

There were plenty of Valentine’s Day crafts, games and other fun at Willow and Churchill Schools on Valentine's Day. District 153 is so grateful to the small army of parent volunteers who make special days like this possible for our students.

James Hart's Interact Club put together 55 Valentine's Day bags for the residents at Charter Senior Living in Hazel Crest. The bags included cards, chocolate, candy, and socks that were donated by staff and students.

Time and weather have not been kind to Churchill School's free little library. It was falling apart! Thanks to James Hart School's shop teacher, Tom Jaminski, and some of his 8th-grade students, the book-holding Bulldog is all spruced up and ready to receive books again! We're so proud of our Panthers' efforts to save the Bulldog.

Sixteen student musicians from James Hart will be attending music camp this summer, thanks to scholarships from the Homewood Parent Music Association.

Orchestra recipients: Henry Eisenberg, Sebastian Garrett, Michael Harris, Jordi Pesce

Choir recipients: Amira Cross, Josh Cox, Jennah Cannon, Harrison Schmidt, Te’Reya Williams, Natalie Popelka

Band recipients: Ian Arseneau, Miley Hardy, Rudy Niswander, Roy Smith, Nathan Sobczak, Bennett Suchor

Congratulations to all!

Email: shelley.peck@hsd153.org
Website: hsd153.org
Location: 18205 Aberdeen Street, Homewood, IL, 60430
Phone: 708-799-8721
Facebook: facebook.com/hsd153
Twitter: @Homewood153