Waters Families,

We hope you have been having a wonderful summer! We would like to share a few updates for the coming school year.

We would also like to introduce some of the new staff members who are joining the Waters team next year. Please see their introductions below, along with a recommendation for one of their favorite restaurants. More introductions to come later this summer!

Enjoy the Independence Day Holiday!

With Kindness,

Mr. R.

Hello, Waters community! My name is Mrs. Alcozer and I am so happy to be back in the classroom this year after an eight year break. Well, it wasn’t quite a break because I spent five years working at a non-profit coaching school and district leaders around the country and have most recently been a stay-at-home mom which has been an adventure!

I grew up in Albany Park and attended Walt Disney Magnet and Northside College Prep before heading to California where I attended Stanford University. I have a masters in the art of teaching and have known it was my calling since I was a third grader myself (it’s truly the best grade ever!). I live in North Park with my incredible husband and our sweet four year old daughter. In my free time I am quite a crafter and I love listening to an audiobook while creating. I can’t wait to meet you!

Restaurant:

Barnaby’s of Niles

7950 N. Caldwell

My husband introduced me to Barnaby’s because he used to frequent it with his family when he was a kid and it’s one of the greatest gifts he has given me! Their thin crust pizza is made with equal parts love and fresh ingredients and I can confirm this is true. The crust is so delicious and worth the short trek out of Chicago. If you choose to dine in, you’re transported back in time and are surrounded by a diverse group of people enjoying a variety of classic American fare. I love seeing families, friends, and teammates enjoying Pizza Friday at Barnaby’s! Our go-to order is a pepperoni pizza, caesar salad, and breaded mushrooms. Delicious!

Hello, Waters Elementary! After teaching choir for 8 years in West Town, I am excited to join your community. My cat, Hernley, is getting accustomed to a new home in Buena Park and I am enjoying the close access to the lakefront it affords and as much beach volleyball and gardening as the summer can hold. As both an instrumentalist and vocalist, I’ve been fortunate to create a wide range of music and seek to share this diversity of musical experience with students through the lens of wonder and curiosity. I love sharing how music expresses and connects with our authentic selves and enjoy curating spaces and opportunities for students to discover too. Outside of teaching and music, I enjoy traveling with friends, cooking and practicing yoga. I look forward to meeting you!

Michael’s Original Pizzeria and Tavern

4091 N Broadway

From the outside, Michaels appeared unassuming, but it delivered on its reputation for great pizza and I’ve found myself returning to this neighborhood staple again and again. During my visits I've enjoyed their sidewalk patio in the summer and find the interior hometown family sports tavern environment comforting in the winter. With a sweeter red sauce, I believe their deep dish is some of the best in the city - I love to pair it with the Greek Salad, full of fresh veggies and copious amounts of feta and olives. It’s hard for me to order outside of what I already love, but friends also rave about their burgers and wings. Whether you're there to have a classic drink with a friend or a full dinner with your family, you can trust that it will be delicious!

Hello! My name is Ms. Gulley (she/her) and I am elated to join Water’s Diverse Learner’s team. I have always had a passion for working with students, as every one of them has shared a unique perspective that I can learn from!

One of my favorite things to do is travel! In fact, I have taught English and provided care in both the Czech Republic and Spain. These opportunities have allowed me to try foods, gain different insights at museums, and hike throughout breathtaking views in more countries than states!

Throughout all my travel, my love for Chicago has never wavered. I am from Beverly on the Southside but have moved around many different Northside neighborhoods after attending DePaul University. My partner and I have settled in and created a home in Andersonville with our dog Kerry. She is named after the sweetest, most incredible, Irish butter around!

Speaking of food, my favorite restaurant is Hot Woks Cool Sushi. I like that they have a variety of options that allows me to switch it up and try new things.

I’m excited to be joining the Waters community this fall! My name is Natalie Hernandez, and I have spent the last 4 years as an ELA teacher in Skokie. During this time, I gained valuable experience working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and languages, particularly supporting ESL students in a general education setting. This experience helped me appreciate the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy, highlighting the unique perspectives and experiences of each student. As an educator, my philosophy centers on a student-first approach. I am committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where trust, respect, and a sense of belonging are fostered among students. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my dog, exploring Chicago, and reading. I can’t wait to meet you!

Eathai

2901 N Kedzie Ave

Eathai, my go-to spot for authentic Thai cuisine. Located in Logan Square, Eathai isn't just about the food; it's about the exceptional treatment from the staff that keeps me coming back. As a regular, I can attest to their amazing customer service—they're accommodating, kind, and always eager to make your dining experience unforgettable. Each dish bursts with traditional Thai flavors, but my absolute favorite has to be their Pad See Ew—it's a perfect blend of savory and sweet. Whether you're a Thai food aficionado or looking to explore new flavors, Eathai promises a meal that satisfies your palate.

Thank you for welcoming me to Waters! My name is Molly, and this will be my 20th year in special education. I love working with young people and helping them see their potential and meet their goals. I live with my daughters - Maggie is 10 and Margaux is 8, and our new dog, Bella in Jefferson Park. We love reading books, taking walks in the forest preserve and around our neighborhood, watching tv (our current family show is Quantum Leap), and eating pizza together.

One of my favorite restaurants is Las Palmas in Harwood Heights. I love Mexican food, and they have bottomless chips and salsa (a very important feature) and delicious enchiladas (which are my favorite). They are super family friendly and have a cute area outside where we like to eat.

I am thrilled to get to join the Waters Community as a School Counselor! I have lived in Chicago almost 20 years but hail from Lawrence, Kansas, home of the Jayhawks! I am a die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fan so you might hear about it or see me wear the “occasional” Jayhawks gear. I have been a school counselor for the past 16 years. I began my school counseling career at Lindblom Math & Science Academy for eleven years and then made the move for the past five years to an Elementary School in Bridgeport. I have found that school counseling in elementary school is my passion and I look forward to continuing that within the Waters community. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, I aim to guide students in exploring their passions, recognizing their strengths, and setting meaningful goals. I have two sons, ages 13 and 11, who attend Chicago Public Schools and are obsessed with soccer. I, however, have a love for all sports, dance, gardening and my dog, Mr. Miyagi, who I adopted a couple months ago, keeps me exceptionally busy.

Favorite Restaurant:

Irazu Costa Rican Dining

865 N Milwaukee Ave

Check out, Irazu, for amazing Costa Rican food. As someone who avoids meat, this is a great restaurant as you can add plantains to anything. I highly recommend the veggie burrito (add all the veggies & plantains) for a delicious experience. The restaurant is kid friendly, casual and offers a range of menu items for anyone. It’s BYOB but you can bring your own and pay for a mixer. Check the days it’s open or grubhub it to your place. Irazu Costa Rican Dining

Waters will be implementing a new reading curriculum for grades K-5th in the fall, CKLA Amplify, and the publisher has a regularly produced podcast. The podcast is not specifically centered on the curriculum itself. However, it does cover many facets of how we learn to read and interesting topics like "Cognitive Load Theory". Please take a moment to check it out if you are looking for something to listen to.