End of Summer Update

If you ordered a school supply kit from the ABC Parent Group, the kits can be picked up on Tuesday, August 15th during the hours of the Meet & Greet (12:00pm-3:00pm). A table will be set up in the cafeteria where you can pick up your child's pre-ordered supply kit.

If you are unable to come to the Meet & Greet, your child's supply kit will be delivered to their classroom for the 1st day of school on August 15th.

Please join us on Tuesday, August 14th for a Meet & Greet from 12:00pm - 3:00pm.

Your child will have the opportunity to meet their teacher and familiarize themselves with their classroom. We strongly encourage you to drop off your child’s school supplies on this day. It will make the first day transition much smoother if the children do not need to manage large amounts of supplies on the first day of school.

Our first day of school for Kindergarten through 3rd grade students is Wednesday, August 15th. It will be a regular day of school. Please remember students dismiss early every Wednesday; therefore, K-3 students dismiss at 1:50pm.

Our first day of school for Pre School students will be Monday, August 20th.

Ms. Winberg (Art) is now Mrs. Polakowski

Mr. Tucker (PE) married Ms. Malik (Psychologist) who is now Mrs. Tucker

Please join me in welcoming our new staff members to Kennedy School. Please read below to learn more about staff members who may work with your child.

Alena Christopherson graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in December 2017 with a degree in Elementary Education. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs with a large family and two crazy dogs. She did a maternity leave at Kennedy this past spring in kindergarten and fell in love with the students and community! She is thrilled to join the Kennedy family permanently in 2nd Grade this year! When she’s not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and family, hiking in the mountains, photography, and baking!

Kirby Luczak graduated in 2013 from Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music in

Cleveland Ohio. She received her Bachelors in Music Education and is certified to teach grades K-12. As an instrumentalist, she is proficient on the oboe and saxophone. She hopes to continue her education by gaining her Master’s degree in a few years. Kirby is new to Kennedy School, but is starting her 5th year of teaching. She has taught in New Mexico, Florida, and the Northwest Suburbs. Kirby is originally from Pittsburgh but now lives in Palatine with her boyfriend and 2 dogs, Zahra and Mila. In her free time she enjoys reading, biking, and playing her dogs.

Samantha Alfirevic graduated in 2016 from Olivet Nazarene University with a degree in early childhood education. Samantha’s professional goals include completing her ESL endorsement and eventually obtaining her master’s. Samantha is new to the Kennedy family, but has taught in district 60 for the past two years. She grew up in Mt. Prospect and loves spending time with her family and friends. When she is not teaching, Samantha enjoys reading, running, and watching movies.

Jaime Rutkowski graduated from DePaul University in 2010 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and recently got her ESL Endorsement at National Louis University. Jaime's professional goal is to obtain her master's degree at National Louis University. Even though Jaime is new to the Kennedy family, she has been teaching for the past 8 years with infants- preschool. Jaime grew up in Mount Prospect, IL and currently lives in the City with her fiancé Dan. When she is not teaching, Jaime enjoys trying new restaurants, listening to live music, traveling, being with her family and friends and cheering on our Chicago sports teams! She is excited to be a part of the Kennedy family and is looking forward to getting to know the preschool students and families!

This will be Melissa's third year working at Kennedy Elementary. She has worked as a paraprofessional for the Special Education program and last year she taught in both the Reading Room and 1st grade as a maternity leave replacement. This year, Mrs. Peterson will be here as a full time 1st grade teacher! Melissa graduated from Elmhurst College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She recently completed a Master’s Degree in ESL and Bilingual Education from American College of Education. Prior to teaching at Kennedy, Mrs. Peterson has worked as a first, second, and fifth grade teacher in Elmwood Park and Franklin Park. Aside from teaching, Melissa’s other passion is fitness. She enjoys living a healthy lifestyle and helping others to do so. She loves spending time with her husband and their two Dobermans. They spend most weekends with family, dining out, and working on projects around the house. Mrs. Peterson is looking forward to another successful year at Kennedy!

Elizabeth Rizki graduated in 2013 with her doctorate in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Elizabeth worked in outpatient therapy for one and a half years and then in a district in the Chicago suburbs for the past three years. Her professional philosophy is to empower students through collaboration, education and teamwork! Elizabeth lives in Chicago with her fiancé and four cats. When not in school, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends!

Giselle Alvarez graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2016 with a Master of Occupational Therapy. Soon after graduation, she moved from Florida to Chicago to pursue her dreams of working with children with disabilities. Although Giselle is new to the Kennedy family, she has experience working in clinical and school settings with children of all ages. During her spare time, Giselle enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Milenkovic and Ms. Tellez on the birth of our newest kennedy kubbies!

Email: mkartsimas@sd81.org
Website: www.sd81.org/kennedy
Location: 3945 Wehrman Place, Schiller Park, IL, United States
Phone: 847-671-0250
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Schiller-Park-School-District-81/809579622473689?fref=ts
Twitter: @SPKennedy81