Wildcat Country News!
SPECIAL EDITION, July 2020
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We are pleased to share some very exciting news. Some Jefferson staff have made some changes.
- Mrs. Adams has been an ELA teacher and most recently a part-time ELL teachers at Jefferson and part-time at Jackson. For the 2020-2021 school year, Mrs. Adams will be full-time at Jackson.
- Dr. Domeqc has taught 8th Grade Spanish at Jefferson and has taken an ELL position at Westmore for 2020-2021.
- Mrs. Gigous has been a part-time ELL teacher at Jefferson and part-time at North School. Mrs. Gigous will be a full-time teacher at North for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Mrs. Lamb has taught 7th grade math and pre-algebra at Jefferson and has moved to a new position in the state of Iowa to be closer to family.
- Ms. Mendoza has served as an Teacher Assistant in the ELL program at Jackson and Jefferson. For 2020-2021, Ms. Mendoza will be at Jackson full-time as the Jefferson ELL program is evaluated for adequate supports.
We want to thank all of these wonderful educators for all their service to our students and community. They are all amazing professionals and will thrive in their new positions. We wish them the best of luck and we are confident that their new students will be thrilled to learn from them.
With all these changes, come new opportunities. First, we made a few changes to best support our students and provide our staff the opportunity to use their talents to their fullest potential.
- Ms. Cocco has taught ELL and Dual Language at Jefferson for many years and will take over as the 8th grade Spanish 1 and Heritage Spanish teacher for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Mrs. Ulczak has taught 6th grade math for many years and will move to 7th grade to teach math and pre-algebra for the 2020-2021 school year.
Secondly, we filled positions open with an amazing interview and selection process. We are thrilled to welcome this new staff to Jefferson and District 45. Below are three staff members we wish to welcome to the Wildcat family. These outstanding educators will join us this fall. They have each provided us with a short self-bio so we get to know a bit about them. See below to learn a bit about these great educators as we collectively welcome them to Jefferson!!!
WELCOME MS. FUGMAN
Mrs. Fugman - 6th Grade Math & Social Sciences
Hi!
My name is Kim Fugman and I am so excited to join the Jefferson community as the new sixth grade math and social studies teacher! I have spent the previous three years teaching fifth through eighth grade math. I studied at the University of Iowa before graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago with my bachelor’s degree in Urban Education. I also have my middle school math and social studies endorsements.
I love to travel, listen to audio books, and watch (and re-watch) the Marvel superhero movies. I also love to collect the Pop Funko dolls. Back when I was in middle school, I competed in the sport of rhythmic gymnastics in the Junior Olympic program for about 10 years.
I cannot wait to spend this upcoming school year getting to know all of you!
WELCOME MS. GOMEZ
Mrs. Gomez - ELL Teacher
My name is Brenda del Carmen Gomez. It is a pleasure to join Jefferson Middle School as the 6th , 7th , and 8th grades Spanish Language Arts/ELL teacher. I speak Spanish and English. I have a strong passion for teaching and for different cultures. I am a motivating, dynamic, and an enthusiastic teacher that adapts the best strategies and techniques according to student’s needs and diversity combined with good communication, and rapport between administrators, teachers, students and parents from our beautiful school.
My roots are Salvadoran. I was born in Whittier California. When I was around 8 years old, with my parents, I moved to El Salvador, a small, but wonderful country from Central America. Since I was little, my father, who is a teacher in El Salvador, has been my inspiration. I have learned a lot from him. I followed his example, and I earned my bachelor degree of Education with an endorsement in English as a New Language from UNICAES (Catholic University of El Salvador). In addition, I am currently certified as a teacher in Illinois, and in El Salvador. I got married last year in El Salvador. My favorite food are Salvadorean pupusas. My hobbies include reading, spending time with my family, traveling to El Salvador, researching new teaching strategies and dancing. I love to dance Latino music. I have participated in a program from college that follows the Dual Immersion model in which the subjects are taught in Spanish, and English. Also, I have taught ESL classes, and I have had the opportunity to work in a Special Education environment.
I am looking forward to get to know you all. I am ready and happy to be teaching at Jefferson Middle School from district 45. See you soon everyone.
Jefferson Middle School
- Mr. Wes Riley, 6th Grade Team Leader (Semester 1)
- Mr. John Bratko, 6th Grade Team Leader (Semester 2)
- Mrs. Carolyn Pakeltis, 7th Grade Team Leader
- Mrs. Kathleen Kocimski, 8th Grade Team Leader
- Mrs. Christine Zaccaro, PE Team Leader
- Mrs. Jackie Vrchota, Fine & Practical Arts Team Leader
- Mr. Ryan McDaniel, Special Education Team Leader
- Mrs. Kathy Gerber, Counselor
- Mr. Paul Schweikert, Social Worker
- Mrs. Christine Osterman, Psychologist
- Ms. Gabby Clow, Assistant Principal
- Mr. Raul Gaston, Principal
Website: https://www.d45.org/jefferson
Location: 255 W Vermont St, Villa Park, IL, USA
Phone: 630.516.7800
Twitter: @D45Jefferson