Washington Weekly
Also, on Institute Day II, we will spend some time getting to know each other. Please submit one fact about yourself that you think no staff member would know. Make sure to keep it confidential. The more creative, the better!
I am excited to see everyone and for what is yet to come for Washington!
Kate
Institute Days
Friday, August 17, we will meet in the LMC at 8:30 for Institute Day II. You will be able to work in your classrooms in the afternoon. A more detailed schedule will be in your next newsletter.
Duties and Committee Sign Up
- Lunch/Recess Duty Sign Up
- Afterschool Crossing Guard Sign Up
- Girls on the Run Coordinator: Talk to Kate if interested.
Looking to become more involved in school decisions? Sign up for one of these committees.
Open House
Open House
August 21
6:00pm-7:30pm
6:00-6:15 Meet in the gym for introductions
6:20-6:40 Round one of Meet the Teacher
6:45-7:05 Round two of Meet the Teacher
7:05-7:30 Parents go meet PFAs, Support Staff, Math teachers, or chat with other parents
Meet the Teacher Expectations:
- Collaborate as a team
- Include Parent Introductions
- Consistent Message
- Consistent Expectations
Building Hours
- August 6-10: Regular Hours 7:15 am-11:00 pm
- Saturday, August 11 Hours: 6:00 am- 2:30 pm
- Saturday, August 18 Hours 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Calendar
Calendars:
Washington Calendar:Houses all events
Makerspace Room 208: Schedule a time to use with with our Tech Coach.
Blue 202-Overflow Conference/PD Room
Conference Room-Self Explanatory :)
Elvira Kimmel-Part Time Pschyhologist
I live in Evanston with my husband, Ben, and our four children; Nikki (16), Alyssa (15), Kylie (13), and Kellen (9). My husband is a firefighter in Arlington Heights. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, reading, and taking walks with our two dogs. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Washington and Mark Twain!
Antonella Parisi-Literacy Specialist
I will have the honor of serving as the Literacy Specialist at Washington. I am so excited to be joining such a wonderful school community and am greatly looking forward to collaborating with the principal, staff, and parents to promote success and growth in literacy. This past year I have served with pride as the Literacy Specialist at Gemini Junior High School. Prior to joining District 63, I was a reading specialist at Cossitt School in LaGrange for seven years. I also have experience in this role in three other districts. For many years my passion has been improving the reading and writing skills of students and nurturing a love of learning. Before becoming a reading specialist, I taught 7th and 8th grade science as well as 6th grade, 5th grade, 4th grade, and kindergarten. I even was lucky enough to teach at the Shedd Aquarium! I live in Park Ridge, Illinois with my husband and our two children Vince and Augustina. We also have a loyal rescue dog named Bandit. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Concordia University and a Masters in Reading from the University of Illinois, Chicago. I am an avid reader, writer, singer and gardener and just can’t wait to work with my new Washington family.
New Teacher Assistants
- Gabi Carsello (Welcome Back!)
- Lesley Grove
- Debbie Larsen
- Yolanda Buczkowski
- More to come in next week's newsletter
Becky McNealy-Art
Rebecca McNealy has been passionate about art for as long as she can remember, and translated that passion into an Art History and Studio Art degree from Mount Holyoke College. She then combined that knowledge and experience with her enthusiasm for helping others into a Master’s Degree in Education and a teaching certificate in art from Northwestern University. Rebecca is also the founder and co-owner of RAM Art Studio in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago.
Rebecca’s own artwork currently focuses mainly on ceramics, glass, and photography. It has been on display in art fairs and exhibits throughout the Chicagoland area. When not working on art, Rebecca also likes to participate in running races in Chicago, watch movies, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
Nineveh David-Part Time ESL Teacher
Donna Plusker-ESL Teacher
I attended Washington School for 4th - 6th grade and I am very excited to return as a teacher. Before I started working at Mark Twain school many years ago, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador where I learned many important things including Spanish. For the last 9 years, I have been an ESL Resource teacher at Melzer School. I am very passionate about helping all students learn the power of language and enjoy school and learning.
Outside of school, I spend a lot of time with my family, especially in nature. I have 2 sons who are very busy in high school with sports and activities. We spend time together hiking and camping and going to the beach. We bring our dog with us as much as possible. I also endeavor to practice yoga everyday.
Morgan Harris-STIL PreK
Lauren Comia-STIL PreK
Jennifer Mather-STIL K
I live in Rolling Meadows with my husband and two cats.
While I attended undergraduate and graduate schools in the Chicago area, I am originally from the east coast--North Carolina and Pennsylvania. I moved to the Chicago suburbs shortly before graduating from high school and have been in the area ever since. I attended Loyola University in Chicago where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. I then attended Dominican University in River Forest where I received a Master of Sciences degree in Special Education.
Although this will only be my 5th year of teaching, I have worked with children and adults with disabilities for the past 10 years. I spent the last four years teaching Special Education at Daniel Wright Junior High School and Half Day School, both in Lincolnshire. I primarily taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
My husband and I love to travel. We recently visited Portland, Oregon and have plans to visit Los Angeles in September. Some of my favorite places are: Boston, New Orleans, Paris, and Yellowstone National Park.
Outside of school, I like to run (more like jog), watch movies (I have a love of 80’s action movies), read (mysteries and thrillers), and play board games (any kind!).
Jack Mullowney-STIL 1/2
I recently graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Special Education Learning and Behavior. During my free time I enjoy playing guitar, riding my bike, and spending time with friends and family.
I’m passionate about special education and I’m very excited to begin my first year of teaching.
Ashley Dolce- STIL1/2
Elizabeth Holbrook-STIL 4/6
Katie Aretos-3/4 Special Education Co-Teacher
Important Dates
8/16 - Institute Day
8/17 - Institute Day, Meet and Greet on Playground 4:00-5:00 p.m.
8/20 - First Full Day of Attendance for Students
8/21 - Open House from 6:00-7:30 p.m.