D92 Newsletter June 2023

District 92 Families,

I'd like to begin our last newsletter of the 2022-23 school year with CONGRATULATIONS to our 8th graders who will be walking across the stage this week! As they turn the page from District 92 to their learning adventure in high school, we remember their time here with a warm smile. We are so fortunate to have students who are not only focused on learning in class, but who are also involved in so many different clubs, activities, and athletics! I'm excited to see how our talented students will continue to impact our community as they move forward!

In addition to our 8th graders, we are also celebrating the learning each of our students has accomplished in pre school through 8th grade! This time of year is always touching to see students, young and old, become a little emotional as they wrestle with the excitement to move onto the next grade, but also feel the sadness as they realize the deep bond they have formed with their current teacher and friends.

Last but not least, thank you to the teachers, support staff, paraprofessionals, nurses, administrative assistants, custodians, food service staff, administrators, and parents who have been there day in and day out to tirelessly support our students/children! It truly takes a village to do what we do for students and they are the ones who benefit from our teamwork!

Education is exciting, empowering, and yes, sometimes exhausting! I encourage all of us to slow down this summer, let our students feel what it's like to "be bored" and recharge our batteries so we are ready to show up 100% for our students in August!

Have a fun & safe summer!

Tim Arnold, Ph.D.

Superintendent

(815) 838-8031

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Sydney Cline, who is the IESA State Champion in the 7th Grade Girls 100m Hurdles! What an accomplishment!

In addition to Sydney's performance, Katie Peetz finished 4th in the mile for 8th Grade Girls and set a new school record!

We want to also recognize Isabella Ryan, Rowan McCarter, Eliza Pajak, and Mackenzie Egelhof for their strong performance in the 4x200 relay, along with Rowan in the individual 200m dash.

Oak Prairie is fortunate to have so many student-athletes to represent our community so well!

On behalf of the D92 learning community, I would like to publicly thank our faculty and staff members who are retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year. While some of our retirees came to the District after teaching in other schools, several of our current retirees dedicated their entire career to the students of D92. Regardless of the number of years they served, we are a better school district thanks to the combined efforts of the following retirees!

• Jolene Manietta, 1st Grade Teacher, 33 years of service to District 92
• Patricia O’Donnell, 2nd Grade Teacher, 31 years of service to District 92
• Lynne Sadowski, Kindergarten Teacher, 29 years of service to District 92
• Pina Romeo, Math Interventionist, 24 years of service to District 92
• Stacy Sinram, 3rd Grade Teacher, 10 years of service to District 92

• Cathy Slee, Reed School Principal, 6 years of service to District 92
• Mary Pesavento, Food Service Staff, 5 years of service to District 92

Contribution to D92: Adrianna Washington was elected to the Will County District 92 School Board in April 2021.

"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight

Why did you join D92?

I joined district 92 because I am really invested in our district continuing to grow in every area. I truly believe you learn the most when serving. Becoming a board member has given me insights and tools to continue to contribute to a great district, and I am continuously grateful for the opportunity.

Who inspires you?

My grandparents inspire me in every area of their life. I spent my childhood watching them serve other people and grow in their community. They have spent most of their lives pastoring churches, and just being the change they want to see. Both of them have spent most of their life helping others, and that will always inspire me to continue to do the same.

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?

I have a lot of places on my travel bucket list, but currently I have my eye on the Maldives. The pictures are absolutely beautiful, and I would love to go and experience the culture and beauty in person.

Contribution to D92: Wendy Pappageorge is currently a Paraprofessional at Walsh School and has been with the district for 11 years.

Nomination by a colleague: Mrs. Pappageorge was nominated to be Spotlighted because, "Wendy has gone above and beyond to help out an innumerable amount of times. She has volunteered to assist with family fun events after school and even helping to move/organize during our transition into our new office space. Her warm and bubbly personality helps to brighten your day when things are tough, and it is shown in both staff and students. She is one among the many great staff members we have here at Walsh school and deserves to be recognized for her can do attitude and constant support and willingness to help out when needed."

"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight

What’s your favorite part of being a member of D92?

I have two! First, it’s the friendships that I have made. I work with some amazing people and am lucky to say that we will be friends for a lifetime. Second, my most favorite part of the day is the Car Rider Line with my Sunshine Crew!! I love these ladies and what we have created in the morning. To see the kids’ smiling faces hanging out the window with their hands out to high five us as they drive through the line is priceless. The parents love and appreciation for making their morning one they look forward to is beyond rewarding. I can’t think of any better way to start the day!

What was the first concert you attended?

My first concert was sadly Elvis’s last concert in Chicago. May 1977, I was 7 years old and I remember it like it was yesterday.

Something about me people might not know?

Well, I’m an open book but one thing people may not know is that I have 16 animals at my house! 6 dogs, 2 birds, 3 tree frogs, 1 turtle, 1 bearded dragon, 1 skink, and 2 snakes!

Contribution to D92: Bridget Deckinga is currently an Art Teacher at both Reed and Walsh Schools and has been with the district for 20 years.

Nomination by a colleague: Ms. Deckinga was nominated to be Spotlighted because, "Mrs. Deckinga is an amazing Art Teacher. Every one of the many projects that her students create is inspired by a famous artist. The halls of Reed and Walsh look beautiful because of her."

"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight

What do you enjoy most about working in D92?

I really love teaching art - I have the most fun job in the district!

What is your favorite hobby?

I enjoy reading and gardening.

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?

I'm currently getting caught up on HBO's Succession.

Contribution to D92: Lori Sterka is currently an Administrative Assistant at Ludwig School and has been with the district for 20 years.

Nomination by a colleague: Mrs. Sterka was nominated to be Spotlighted because, "She put so much time and extra spirit in making Christmastime at Ludwig fun and festive. She goes out of her way to bring joy to others."

"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight

Why did you join D92?

A friend of mine told me that they were hiring kitchen help when OP opened up. I applied and was hired & it was one of the best decisions I have made. I have met some incredible people along the way and have never looked back!

What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I make rosaries. When my husband was sick & we had down time between being in the hospital & home, we started to make them and pass them out to his hospital nurses/technicians who helped him when he was there as a "thank-you" for all they did. After he passed I continued making them and still do. I pass them out to those who maybe are going through a hard time with something letting them know I am thinking about them and they have my support.

What's the next place on your travel bucket list?

This summer I will be traveling with seven members of my family to England, Paris, Wales & Scotland. England has been the #1 place to go on my bucket list. I am excited and can't wait!!

Contribution to D92: Amy Wiecek is currently a Reading Specialist at Reed School and has been with the district for one year.

Nomination by a colleague: Mrs. Wiecek was nominated to be Spotlighted because, "Amy is new to the district, however, she is a veteran teacher. She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about reading. She always goes above and beyond to help others, students and staff alike. She is very tech savy and willing to help less tech savy teachers learn! She has built meaningful relationships with her students and the staff at Reed. We are so lucky to have her!"

"Getting to know you" Questions for the Staff Spotlight

What do you enjoy most about working in D92?

The support that District 92 has provided has been the best part of joining the D92 family. The whole staff has been wonderful and has helped me to feel successful from the beginning. I have enjoyed the mentoring program which has helped me feel comfortable accessing the many resources available. District 92 families have been very welcoming and collaborative. I really feel like we all work as a team to support the students.

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?

OK, so I am not currently watching this show but I would like to use this as a PSA to tell people about Moone Boy on Hulu. It is such a wonderful, sweet, and funny show. And when I tell people about it, they usually have not heard of it. It’s set in Ireland and is the fictionalized story of the actor Chris O’Dowd’s childhood in his charming Irish town. As a child, he has an imaginary friend who is a grown man and is played by Chris O’Dowd himself. It is so charming and it's a lovely feel-good show.

What’s one thing — either education-related or not — you learned in the last month?

I have been learning about bread making so I’m constantly trying new recipes and figuring out how to stop bread from sticking to the pan or not rising enough. I learned that you can put a little bowl of water in the oven to create some humidity during the dry winter months. My oven even has a little well that is intended for creating steam to clean the oven but I just use it for adding humidity to my bake!

Contribution to D92: Joy Sponaugle is currently an Administrative Assistant in the District Office and is in her first year at D92.

"Getting to know you" Questions for the Staff Spotlight

Why did you join D92?

I always had so much pride in our district as a parent. Two of my kids went through D92, and one is currently here in the 6th grade. I was very excited to work at the schools, as a substitute, where my kids had once been students. I loved seeing all of their teachers, and would have the biggest smile on my face when I would see them. I started subbing in 2018 and I'm still here, now as an Administrative Assistant to the district office.

What do you love the most about our students?

We have the best students at D92. I was recently at OP to help check in parents for the 2nd Grade Musical. The second graders filed into the building ahead of their parents. I knew so many of them from my time at Walsh (as a full-time sub) last year. I was so excited to see all of their adorable faces, and loved getting the chance to say hi to them. I think they enjoyed seeing me as well, and that just melted my heart. They have such open minds and big hearts!

What's the next place on your travel bucket list?

I really really want to go to France!!! Au revoir.

Contribution to D92: Diana Goldstein is currently an Administrative Assistant in the District Office and is in her first year at D92.

"Getting to know you" Questions for the Staff Spotlight

Who inspires you?

My mother. We lost my dad last September and she has been a pillar of strength. At 86 she has taken over all her finances, lives on her own in her home, and keeps busy and moving every minute of the day without complaint. Mom completes the paper’s daily crossword puzzle, reads constantly, and is involved in 2-3 women’s groups. She is who I aspire to be!

What is the first concert you ever attended?

At the age of 5 in May of 1968, I attended a Doors concert with my parents. My mother’s first cousin, with whom she grew up, was Ray Manczarek, the keyboardist for the group. To this day, I can still remember the riot that broke out that ended the evening!

What was the last book you read?

I just finished a great book - Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight. I loved it! Phil would not let his dream of creating and selling great shoes die despite a number of setbacks - definitely a lesson for all.

We would like to thank the parents who submitted questions or attended the meeting on April 5th that focused on Standards-Based Learning & Grading. We appreciate both the support and input you have as our district makes this transition over the next few years.

We have a number of parents in our district who are also teachers themselves and work with a standards-based reporting system. We are looking to schedule a meeting with any interested District 92 parent who currently utilizes standards-based learning and grading in their district to seek input on how District 92 can roll this initiative out as effectively and smoothly as possible. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please complete this Google form. Once we have an interested group, we will send out a Doodle to determine a date that works best for the majority.

Thank you!

Lisa Lyke, Director of Curriculum

We have moved to streaming our monthly Board of Education meetings via our D92 YouTube Channel. To view the meetings in real time or the recordings of previous meetings, simply go to the D92 website, click on "Board of Education". Then select on "View Live Stream BOE Meeting".

You may also attend Board of Education meetings in person. The meetings are typically held at Ludwig School in the LMC.

Website: www.d92.org
Location: 708 North State Street, Lockport, IL, USA
Phone: 815.838.8031