D92 Newsletter April 2024
Monthly Newsletter from Tim Arnold, Superintendent
A Message from the Superintendent
District 92 Families,
I am excited to share numerous student and staff successes in this month's newsletter! March was a month full of fun that showcased our talented students at the 1st Annual D92 Art Show and then their communication skills at the St. Baldrick's Podcast-a-Thon! Both of these fantastic events are featured in this month's newsletter.
Along with our student events featured this month, we have our final "Staff Spotlights" of the 2023-24 school year. It goes without saying that our students couldn't be as successful as they are without the dedicated staff that we are fortunate to have in D92!
Be well,
Tim Arnold, Ph.D.
Superintendent
(815) 838-8031
2024 IESA Scholar Attitude Award Recipient - Leah Corrigan
The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA), starting in 1999, provides the Scholar Attitude Award to fifteen deserving eighth grade students each year. The IESA is a not-for-profit organization of 950 public and private grade, middle, and junior high schools. The IESA is the nation's only organization of its kind for students in grades five through eight.
To apply, students had to meet and exceed the following requirements: be of eighth grade status, have a minimum 3.5 grade-point-average (on a 4.0 scale), and participation in at least one IESA activity during each of his or her junior high years and demonstration of outstanding citizenship during their tenure. In addition, each student is required to submit a typed essay titled "The Value of Sportsmanship and the Lessons I Have Learned From Participating in Athletics and Activities."
This is the fifteenth year Oak Prairie has sent a nominee and in that time over 145 Oak Prairie students have taken the time, care and energy to go through the application process. There are only 20 schools to have more recipients than the four from Oak Prairie. Christy Carson won in 2011, Ryan O'Callaghan in 2012, Ellie Biolotta in 2015, and now Leah Corrigan in 2024. Leah will receive a monetary gift, a medallion, and recognition at the IESA Celebration of Excellence on Tue., Apr. 23 at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington, IL.
Source: Kenric Bond, Oak Prairie Teacher
2024 NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award - Riley Reposh
Mrs. Anne Novak - Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recognizes excellence in teaching each year and we are proud to announce that Mrs. Anne Novak, 5th grade teacher, has earned the Meritorious Award from ISBE!
Since 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education has sponsored the "Those Who Excel" program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to our state's public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Educators presented with the Award of Meritorious Service have shaped their school community for the better. These educators frequently employ their talents and passions, but also strive to be of service in unfamiliar domains. They have taken on leadership opportunities and their accomplishments are known and valued by multiple populations: colleagues, students, parents, and school leaders.
Mrs. Novak was nominated by Jeff Kulik, Principal of Ludwig School. Here is what Mr. Kulik had to say in his nomination:
Mrs. Novak, "is a dedicated, caring educator who puts everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. Amongst her colleagues, Annie is a leader. She consistently helps her peers, and administrators, navigate the day-to-day operations of Ludwig School. Whenever a question arises, a common response is, 'Let's ask Annie!'."
"In her classroom, Mrs. Novak embraces a growth mindset and strives to ensure that all of her students continue to push themselves towards greatness. She celebrates accomplishments regularly and challenges students to push and achieve things that they never thought possible. By sticking to these high standards, and by providing rigorous whole class and small group instruction, Annie’s students quickly become student scholars and leaders within the school. "
In addition to being a dynamic facilitator of learning in her classroom, Mrs. Novak is a trailblazer with technology infusion into her lessons. She, along with a number of her students, have had the opportunity to present to our state’s legislators at the IETC Conference in Springfield Illinois. She sponsors a Podcasting Club at Ludwig, and she is an integral member of our St. Baldrick’s Podcast-a-thon Committee, which has raised thousands of dollars to help find a cure for childhood cancers.
D92 would like to publicly thank Mrs. Novak for her dedication to the art of teaching, which has had such an positive impact not only on the students in her own classroom, but also students throughout Ludwig School over the years! Congratulations to Mrs. Novak for earning this statewide recognition and Thank You for being YOU!
D92 Art (Fine Arts) Show a Success!
In March the D92 Community was able to be a part of the 1st annual D92 Art Show and it was a huge success! The parking lot at Oak Prairie was overflowing with parents, siblings, grandparents, and neighbors who wanted to enjoy the various talents in the fine arts that were on display! In addition to various 2D and 3D art projects, students displayed their talents in robotics, music composition, and our Jazz Band!
Events like this are only possible when a group of dedicated people work together and go above and beyond for our students. We would like to publicly thank the following D92 staff members for making the D92 Art Show possible:
Bridget Deckinga, Beata Jarosz, and Kim Peck for being fantastic D92 Art Teachers and spearheading this event
- Kerry Paulin and Emily Wedewer for working concessions
- Beth Molaschi, Jeanine Rizzo, and Danielle Merk for selling popcorn
- Bill Rank for setting up music technology student presentations and the jazz band student performance
- Debbie Nuccio and Brandon Boo for helping with furniture setup and overall cleanup
Christine Raley for cutting labels and framing artwork
- Sue Forcash for assisting with the set up of artwork displays
- Therese Styrczula for being the "photographer"
- Callie Matalas for working the photo booth
- Olivia Tomaszewski for running the raffle table
- Joanne Moan for managing the art activities in the cafeteria
- D92 Maintenance Team for picking up and dropping off room dividers
St. Baldrick's
A BIG Thank You to all of those who donated to the 2024 Ludwig School St. Baldrick's Podcast-a-thon and making it a huge success! In total, $6,740 was raised for the St. Baldrick's Foundation! D92 is truly a generous community!
A special "thank you" to the following Ludwig Staff for making the podcast-a-thon possible:
- Kristin Grahovec
- Annie Novak
- Scott Hagedorn
- Nadine Martinez
- Penny Gustafson
- Therese Styrczula
- Ashley Perusich
- Ludwig's Custodial Team
- Officer Andy (Lockport Police)
Walsh School Staff Member Spotlight
Contribution to D92: Joanne Moan is the Music Teacher at Walsh School and is in her 5th year with the district.
Nomination by a colleague: Mrs. Moan was nominated to be Spotlighted because, "Joanne is an AMAZING music teacher. She is just so much more than that though. She goes above and beyond to make our musical performances here spectacular, helps with family fun nights whenever she can, and is an integral part of SEL in many ways including social music lessons. She is humbly funny and her positive attitude is contagious!"
"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter education?
First, I would ask them, "Why do you love children? Are you ready to find your inner child? What gets you excited about learning? Are you a life-long learner? I guess I would just ask them a lot of questions! :)
What’s one thing — either education-related or not — you learned in the last month?
My oldest is graduating from LTHS this spring, and we will be hosting an open house for our family and friends to come and visit. I have been slowly making small improvements to our beautiful (OLD) house and learned how to trim around windows and doors!
What’s the last book you read?
I LOVE to read, and I just read a great one: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. It is about friends who design video games and experience the ups and downs of life together. Another great book by this author: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.
Reed School Staff Member Spotlight
Contribution to D92: Abby Prasch is a Paraprofessional at Reed School and a Custodian at Oak Prairie. She is in her 6th year with the district.
Nomination by a colleague: Ms. Prasch was nominated to be Spotlighted because, "Abby is the definition of a team player! She goes above and beyond for both staff and the students. She is always thinking of different ideas to help support various student needs. She is always willing to help out in different ways throughout the building. She is such a joy to work with. We love Ms. Abby!
"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight
Why did you join D92?
As a d92 alumni, I was really excited to come back to d92 as an employee. I started off as a custodian in 2018 right out of high school and became a paraprofessional in 2022. I always looked up to the teachers I had here and am very excited that I get to have them as mentors as I work on my Master’s degree.
What was the first concert you ever attended?
My first ever concert was the Jonas Brothers. I was around 7 years old when I first went and I have been to every Jonas Brothers tour since (even camp rock live lol). I will never turn down a concert. This summer I am going to see Barry Manilow and Taylor Swift!
Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
I have been binge-watching 911 with my mom. I am an absolute sucker for a medical drama tv show. I remember watching Grey’s Anatomy from a very young age (probably too young lol) and have loved the dramatics of it all ever since.
Ludwig School Staff Member Spotlight
Contribution to D92: Peggy Dietz and Ryan Gold are PE Teachers at Ludwig School and have been with the district for 20 and 21 years respectively.
Nomination by a colleague: Mrs. Dietz and Mr. Gold were nominated to be Spotlighted because, "These two educators create PE lessons that get students moving and active, from the first second they step foot into the gymnasium. They teach students the finer details and rules of a variety of different sports and activities, in ways that students of all ability levels can be successful. They both even offer their time and services as coaches at Oak Prairie. Thank you, Mrs. Dietz and Mr. Gold, for all that you do for the families, students, and staff members at D92!
"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight for Mrs. Dietz
Why did you join D92?
My three children attended D92 and I thought it was an amazing district. I stayed home with my children for 8 years when they were young, prior to that I taught junior high in Mokena and before that Country Club Hills.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Alaska!!!!! Had a family cruise planned summer of 2020 and COVID ruined that! I will get there someday, but may never come back. A long time ago after graduating I did send my resume to Alaska but then met my husband and he had an established company here.
What’s one item you can’t live without?
I drink A LOT of water!! I can never leave home without grabbing at least one bottle of water. Nothing quenches my thirst better than regular plan water.
"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight for Mr. Gold
What’s your favorite part of being a member of D92?
I truly love teaching PE at the fourth and fifth grade level. I get to meet and interact with all of the students at Ludwig. It is really neat seeing all the different personalities.
What is your favorite hobby?
I am an avid pickleball player. I am have been to be able to win a few tournaments and even win some money in pickleball.
What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
I have been fortunate to be able to travel to some really awesome places. This summer I will be traveling to the western part of the Netherlands near the German boarder, Amsterdam, Munich, and Prague.
Oak Prairie Jr. High School Member Spotlight
Contribution to D92: Rachel Yergler is a Math Teacher at Oak Prairie and is in her 1st year with the district.
Nomination by a colleague: Mrs. Yergler was nominated because, "Rachel Yergler's positive energy is contagious! As a first year teacher in District #92, she has created a climate and culture in her classroom that is admirable for all stakeholders. She has implemented an abundance of kindness, inclusivity, and positivity to our school. The students love the welcoming vibe of Mrs. Yergler's classroom and trust that she will guide them in the right direction. Rachel defines what it is to be a team player and she is a fantastic addition to the 6th grade team. We are lucky to have her! "
"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight
What do you enjoy most about working in D92?
I love that there are so many opportunities for students to get involved and practice being leaders. We are constantly celebrating student success and encouraging kindness, especially at Oak Prairie. Whether it's school wide events like the color splash, extracurriculars and clubs, sports teams, or academic rigor in honors classes, every student has the opportunity to flourish.
Who inspires you?
My mother will forever be my inspiration. She came from a family of whom had very little, learned how to provide for herself at an early age, went to college (first one!) and built herself three successful careers, all while being a supportive wife and patient mother to me and my sister. In the future, I hope to get my doctoral degree in dedication to her as it has always been a dream of hers to get one.
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby is waking up on Saturday mornings and running errands with my husband and two girls. We make it into a family event every time! My daughter's favorite part is getting to go to Costco to get a hotdog for lunch. Truly, anytime I get to spend with my family is my favorite.
Oak Prairie Jr. High School Member Spotlight
Contribution to D92: Rachel Grill is a Special Education Teacher at Oak Prairie and is in her 1st year with the district.
Nomination by a colleague: Mrs. Grill was nominated because, "Rachel is such a joy to work with. She has a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and strategies that she is always willing to share. Aside from being a great teacher, she is also an amazing friend!
"Getting to know you" Questions for our Staff Spotlight
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?
If I could choose one mentor it would be Gandalf because he is both wise and powerful. Gandalf would be a great mentor because he asks questions and encourages risk taking. He is always there to help when he is needed and guide a person on their path. He is there to give them the strength and courage they need. He provides feedback and promotes independent thinking. Gandalf wants his followers to succeed, he doesn’t have an ego, he wants to build people up and turn them into the leaders that he knows they can be. Gandalf is not only the mentor I would love to have in my educational journey but one that I strive to be like to others as they continue to grow in their educational journey.
Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
I am a big fan of anything science fiction and fantasy. I have watched Star Trek Voyager about 4 times already from start to finish. I have also been rewatching The Orville from start to finish. My next binge watching shows shall be Star Trek the Next Generation. Every Christmas break my family and I rewatch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and have been doing this for the past twelve years.
What’s one item you can’t live without?
My industrial strength hair dryer and I can’t live without it! (It’s a quote from Spaceballs and I am a nerd!). But on a serious note, the real item that I have and can’t live without is my dad’s scarf that he used to wear every day going downtown to work. I wear his scarf to remind me that he is always there for me, watching over me.
Oak Prairie's 'Desk to 5K" Running Club
Board of Education Meetings Streamed in 2023-24
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 Band Room.
Will County School District 92
Website: www.d92.org
Location: 708 North State Street, Lockport, IL, USA
Phone: 815.838.8031