2018-2019 Nominees

Aneese was recognized for being a great addition to Sorrick School this year. Not only is she dedicated to her students, she also is truly a team player. Aneese steps up whenever help is needed.  Throughout all of Assets, she was always willing to help out and take additional students if needed. She is a great teacher, dedicated staff member, and truly an asset at Sorrick. 

Anita Plachczynska 

Anita was recognized for not only being a wonderful teacher, but for truly being a team player. Anita steps up to the plate whenever help is needed. Throughout all of Assets, she was always willing to help out and take additional students if needed. She is also always willing to translate documents as needed. She is a dedicated teacher, staff member, and truly an asset at Sorrick.

Elvera Werr 

Elvera was recognized for always coming to work with a smile. She always decorates the building to make people happy! She is always first to try to help people and she has helped me to better myself and keep positive! Elvera brightens everyone's day! She really deserves to be recognized as a star!! 

Jen O'Brien 

Jen was recognized for being such an integral part of the kindergarten math committee. She is willing to share her time, knowledge, and resources in creating and upgrading our current curriculum for the following school year. She is always willing to share her ideas, resources, and her positive energy with the group as well as with her fellow colleagues. Thank you Jen for all of your help this year. 

Lynne Kaiser 

Lynne has been such a great part of the first grade math committee. She is willing to share her time, knowledge, and resources in creating and upgrading our current curriculum for the following school year. She is always willing to share her ideas, resources, and her positive energy with the group as well as with her fellow colleagues. Thank you Lynne for all of your help this year.

Patti Potacki

Patti was recognized for being a joy to work with. She has great interaction with the staff and the students. Patti is always willing to help assist with books and has thorough knowledge about the inventory which helps the staff when looking for certain books to enhance the curriculum. There is no richer experience than to see our students’ faces light up after Patti helps them find just the right book to take home to read. She helps make the library an exciting place where students want to come and visit. Patti is also willing to help out wherever there is a need in the school. She is willing to assist children in the classroom, playground, and in the lunchroom. We are lucky to work with her.t 

Judy Miliauskas

Judy and I have worked together for over 20 years. Although she hates recognition, I feel I can't retire without acknowledging her. She was recognized for being a fabulous teacher's aid. She is always flexible and willing to go above and beyond for our students. It has been my honor to work with Judy. She is one of District 117's most valued treasures. 

Mary Beth Damm

Mary Beth was recognized for her hard work and patience the last three years working with my child. Mrs. Damm is such a hard worker whether she is working one-on-one or pushing into a classroom. She makes learning fun for the students. We appreciate her so much.

Shawna Dukes and Shurook Abdeljaber 

Lauren was recognized for going above and beyond in her classroom and for the Glen Oaks community. Lauren has been an integral part of the Glen Oaks 4th Grade ELA team for the past two years. Her knowledge of the Common Core Standards has been a fantastic asset to the team as they learn new units of study. In addition, Lauren has been a member of the 4th grade ELA committee, in which new units, new assessments, and new resources had to be developed. Lauren’s collaborative nature allowed for great discussions among the team and lead to well- developed plans that will definitely benefit all the students in District 117. Recently, Lauren organized a family reading event in collaboration with Samar Abousalem and the Bridgeview Library. This event was opened to all Glen Oaks students and their families. Participants engaged in fun reading activities, crafts, and learned all about what the Bridgeview Library has to offer families. Thank you Lauren for all your hard work and dedication to Glen Oaks. 

Christine Droba 

Christine Droba was recognized for being an outstanding team member. She is a kind, supportive and collaborative leader. She is genuinely invested in every child and goes above and beyond in every project she leads. I wanted to personally thank her for brainstorming with me! North Palos SD 117 is very fortunate to have her as part of our team. .

Dorn School Staff 

The entire Dorn Staff was recognized this month. There are some places that are so special it is difficult to recognize only one person out of all the unique and dedicated individuals that comprise our school. This recognition is for the incredible staff within every room in every hallway within Dorn School. It includes an awesome office staff with the leadership of Dr. Eileen McCaffrey. I am blessed to have had the privilege of working with all these dedicated people. They are a staff that joyfully greet our young students each day. It is a staff that expects, believes and cheers for all student success. Every morning I see and feel the excitement and anticipation from each staff person in looking forward to what the day will bring. This shows through as each young student eagerly enters our building looking for those many familiar faces. These amazing “Super Heroes” help any student whenever they can. They are also a staff willing to go the extra mile for each other. When an e-mail goes out asking for assistance at least eight people will respond within the first couple of minutes with more to follow, asking where and what time? Some of us say we are a great team, some of us say we are a family. Either way the staff at Dorn School supports each other but, more importantly, supports and encourages our young students on their journey to becoming all they can be. 

Denise Duffing 

Denise was recognized for being an amazing paraprofessional. There really isn't enough time in the world to describe how amazing Denise is. She has been my son Harrison's paraprofessional for the past few years and I don't know what we would have done without her. His teachers are always amazing but Denise goes above and beyond to care for Harrison's needs and help him succeed each day. She puts up with everything he can throw at her and knows him so we'll even if he is non verbal. She has been his school mom and she is his voice there when I cannot be. Denise goes above and beyond always keeping me involved if there is something concerning with his behavior out of the ordinary. She knows how to calm him, motivate him, support him and help him be the best student he can be for his teachers and therapists. Leaving Dorn this year is going to be tough as we leave behind such amazing people and I wish I could take Denise with us on his next school journey, but I know she has more work to do to help the next special child be the best they can be and those are going to be VERY lucky parents if they are placed with her care. Denise has saved my sanity and is one of Harrison's biggest cheerleaders and we have been blessed and truly lucky to have her part of Harrison's team and family!!

Jacque Clancy

Michele was recognized as a talented teacher with many skills. She works hard to keep on top of everything. Between preparing field trips, paper work and teaching, her management skills reflect the leader inside her. Despite all that, she is always there when anyone needs her and is always willing to help. 

Jena Shalabi 

Jena was recognized for being a very sweet, kind, and trustworthy colleague. She is always there when I need her. Her solutions and ideas are creative as she always thinks ‘outside the box.' Her soft demeanor reflects on her teaching and her classroom environment.

Leadon Murry 

Leadon is a wonderful colleague. She was recognized for being a very dedicated and loyal friend. Whenever she is needed in the building, she is always there to help. She loves what she does and comes to work everyday with a smile. She interacts with the students with love, care, and compassion. Her creativity and hard work shine in the classroom.

Maha Abuzir 

Maha Abuzir was recognized for being an exceptional bilingual teacher who works effortlessly in meeting the diverse needs of her students. She invited me to see the outstanding work her kindergarten students were doing. I was impressed with the level of student writing skills. The students were so eager to share their writing, as they confidently read their sentences to me. Thank you for all that you do. We are so very fortunate to have you as part of our NPD 117 team! 

Christine Pulgar 

Mrs. Pulgar is an amazing teacher. But she was recognized for being much more than that. Not only does she work hard everyday to impact the lives of our students and teachers at Glen Oaks, but she also works with groups of teachers going through the overwhelming National Board Process. She is always dreaming up ways to integrate literacy into our everyday lives, from the Peeps display to the "You've Been Booked" activity. Mrs. Pulgar inspires everyone to be the best version of themselves. She is an asset to Glen Oaks.

Bonee Bily 

Bonee was recognized for being the most proficient on-time driver I know. She is always on time. The other drivers are great also but she is the best. 

Dan Ford 

Dan was recognized for his outstanding mentorship with the Multiple Intelligences Symposium program at Conrady Junior High School. Mr. Ford served as a teacher mentor for one group of students, providing them guidance in the research and inquiry process. He held countless after-school meetings with these students and guided them in the process of gathering sound information while also organizing the research to include in a PowerPoint presentation. These students showed tremendous respect for Mr. Ford, and it was often nice to see these 14-year old male students thank Mr. Ford and shake his hand at the conclusion of the meetings. He was a good role model for these kids throughout the process. 

 Sarah Hmidan and Laura Dirschl

Kim was recognized for her overall body of work this year. She began the year implementing this year's theme from the book "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds. The book's contents find the creative spirit in all of us. The students LOVE Mrs. Pietryla and you can easily see that from their expressions entering her room. Students tables are labeled with words like "AWESOME", 'FABULOUS" and other uplifting words of positive self expression. Outside her classroom are quotes of encouragement, believing you can accomplish whatever you set your goal to be. While every project stays within Illinois State Common Core Standards, Kim makes sure kindergarten students have "FUN" learning that standard. When it comes to creativity, Kim is on the committee. Collaborating on Gingerbread Day, Dr. Seuss Day, or celebrating Leprechauns and Valentine's Day, Kim seeks resources and lessons are put into action. Kim is willing to "bring it to the table", offering her years of experience and finding new resources to keep up with 21st century teaching. Her inspirational quotes can also be found inside faculty spaces, just when you need it the most. I am honored to work with such a dedicated teacher, resourceful and sharing colleague. 

Tara Hanson 

Tara was recognized for working with my child for 4 years and has made a huge difference in our lives. As a child in a instructional class, little victories are so exciting, but we've had victories big and small all 4 years and couldn't be happier. She is ALWAYS there at the door in the morning greeting the children with the biggest smile and a warm welcome, and as a parent that is such a relief. I feel so happy and safe leaving my child. Thank you Mrs Hanson! 

Eileen McCaffrey 

Dr.McCaffrey is such a pleasure to work for. I couldn't imagine working for anyone else. She is so respectful, kind, and always there for her staff and students!!! The students and parents respect her so much. They love her presence in the building. She a team player and very knowledgeable of the curriculum. I am truly blessed to be part of a wonderful building. 

Bob Kelly

Bob Kelly is being recognized for being the "best bus driver in the world for all of my grandkids."

Eleazar (Alex) Guerrero

Alex was recognized for being a great bus driver. He is very patient, careful, polite and a very responsible driver. 

Albana Dardovski

Albana was recognized for being a wonderful team player. She is always pitching in and helping out around the school. You need help, she's always willing to assist. Her generosity is also off the charts. She is constantly thinking of others and brings a lot of joy and cheer to the building. Glen Oaks is lucky to have such a kind and thoughtful person on our Team.  

Jen Stefl

Jen was recognized for being a leader in all areas at Glen Oaks. She always has a positive outlook on everything presented her way and is a dependable, dedicated and trustworthy co-worker. Her love for teaching and educating all students is evident to everyone with whom she comes in contact. Jen is a true example of what everyone at Glen Oaks strives to be as an educator, co-worker, friend and leader. 

Cathy Cozzie

Cathy is truly "one in a million." She was recognized for her dedication to each and every student in the classroom and for displaying compassion, patience, understanding and dedication to everyone with whom she comes in contact. Cathy goes above and beyond in everything she does. Cathy makes Glen Oaks a better place! 

Kristen Mirus and Georgina Cervantes

Dr. McCaffrey was recognized multiple times this month for being an outstanding administrator. She has an excellent relationship with her staff, students and parents. Eileen has created an excellent environment for students to learn and for staff to teach. When she walks down the halls students stop and talk to her and she stops and takes the time to listen! Dr. McCaffrey is an excellent support for her staff. She takes the time to listen and do whatever she can to support and encourage her teachers. She truly is an outstanding star and deserves to be recognized for her hard work and dedication to District 117.

Dianne Kral

Diane was recognized for being a master of all trades. Diane is our go-to person when trouble arises, especially in the Xerox room. She is always willing to help and support us with our responsibilities in the classroom. She always accommodates our requests and makes every effort to support teachers the best she can. She is very patient and kind, not only with staff, but also with parents and students in the school community.

Sandy Ahmad

Samar was recognized for always coming in to our building with a smile and willing to roll up her sleeves to work work with us. She welcomes any questions and helps with our EL students. She has on more than one occasion offered to go above and beyond to make sure we are giving our students everything necessary for them to be successful. Thank you for making us feel supported in our efforts to do all we can as teachers.

Stephanie Johnson

Stephanie was recognized for showing tremendous support to the Sorrick staff throughout the school year. It has been a pleasure to have Stephanie join the Sorrick Cougar Team! She has been super flexible and helpful if any conflicts arise throughout the day. She is always willing to help and push in for support in instruction. Stephanie provides us with outstanding technology resources that have been extremely useful.Her knowledge has been a great asset to teachers in reading and math.

Cathleen Rehr

Nicole was recognized for going above and beyond in her role as a reading specialist. She has assisted the administration many times this year in providing guidance on students and their reading needs. She has made herself available before and after school to meet with parents and complete additional assessments.

Teresa Borowicz

Teresa was recognized for being a delight to work with. Her hard work and passion for teaching reflects in her students' work. She is helpful and is always there for staff members who have a question. No question is ever too silly to ask Teresa. 

Alyssa Lopez and Megan Sumner

Alyssa and Megan deserve special recognition for their strong dedication to the students of District 117. They were recognized for volunteering to help tutor when administration was looking for additional tutoring help for certain students. Alyssa and Megan both volunteered. It is most appreciated that they were both there for our students when the need was presented. Thank you!

Rola Hanieh

Margie was recognized for being Margie. What would Sorrick School ever do without her? We all love and appreciate the work that she does for the students and staff throughout the school day. Margie always has a loving and caring attitude towards everybody, and is willing to help out the students and staff when needed. She carries out her job with grace and compassion. We really couldn’t imagine what school would be like without Margie.

Colleen Wilmsen, Carolyn Faber and Nancy McGivney 

Recently Alvin Webb has gone above and beyond in order to ensure smooth operations of the Buildings and Grounds Department. He has volunteered to learn how to operate a snow plow so there are additional drivers to assist with plowing. He has helped with plowing the parking lots with the recent snowfalls.

When school was canceled on January 30 and 31 due to the severe cold Alvin Webb volunteered to work on those days in order to perform building checks. He checked all the buildings to ensure the boilers and heating systems were working properly. In order to ensure he could make it into work on those bitterly cold days he routinely started his vehicle throughout the night. 

Samia Shalabi 

Denise is such a valuable asset to Dorn School. When I visit the Media Center with my classes, she has the most popular, appropriate books out on display, ready for check-out. She sets this up several times a day for the different grade levels that come through. Denise assists my students in finding books that suit their interests, and she offers great suggestions. In addition to being such an excellent Media Clerk, she very often can be found helping teachers. Denise has cut out laminating, sorted papers, and helped with classroom projects, if she had even an extra minute during the day. She stopped by my classroom to drop off some papers, saw that I was running low on paint for a project, and immediately went to the supply closet and got me some more. Denise is a very thoughtful person. I am lucky to have her as my colleague. 

Neda Sunbulli

Kevin is the maintenance man at Dorn school. I'd like to recognize Kevin's hard work at keeping Dorn school safe during these terrible snow/ice days. Kevin keeps all the entrances and walkways clear and salted. Kevin takes the safety of those at Dorn seriously. Great job Kevin, thanks!

Mary Jo Heinz

Glen Oaks is very fortunate this year to have gained such a fabulous new Panther Professor. Hiba is an outstanding person and colleague. She goes above and beyond in anything and everything she does. Hiba also takes the initiative to help serve the needs of all of my students. You can always find her moving between different classes and never missing a beat!

Lina Mayzouni

Jean Park was recognized this month for being a wonderful addition to Oak Ridge. She is an incredibly dedicated teacher and goes above and beyond to help our students. Jean often offers additional math support to groups of students during her lunch, and she spends time in math classrooms to support the learning of all third-grade students. Oak Ridge is fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher.

Rich Waddicar

Rich Waddicar was recognized this month for the various services he provides to the students and staff at Glen Oaks. He goes above and beyond to make sure every staff member has the hardware they need for any new students. Rich is always helping staff members with tasks around the rooms and ensuring we have every tool we need to do things safely. He always greets students with a smile and makes them feel like they are the most important Panther in the school. 

Darlene O'Connor

Kevin Buscemi was recognized this month for being a Star. Kevin always has a smile and a kind word for staff and he makes coming to work so enjoyable. He takes time to point out the positive things teachers do and he takes interest in the children and is genuinely invested in their learning. He isn't afraid to get down in the trenches with the staff and roll up his sleeves to do hard work. Kevin is very professional and easy to talk to about issues that may arise. He takes all concerns very seriously and is a great listener. Kevin always follows up to ensure that a solution has been found. He is an asset to Oak Ridge and the true meaning of a "Star."

Elaine Muting

Elaine Muting was recognized this month for doing a great job helping and supporting all our students. She is always willing to push into the classroom to support students on her caseload as well as those who are not on her caseload. Elaine is full of great ideas and is a vital resource to making students more successful in all settings. She is truly an outstanding Panther professor.

Beata Gibbons

Carla Braun was recognized twice this month. She was recognized for bringing strong knowledge of math instruction to provide professional development in support of teachers. Carla not only provided outstanding support to teachers in the second- through fifth-grades, but she recently hosted a full-day workshop for kindergarten teachers on problem-solving. She followed the workshop up by modeling in a classroom at Dorn. Carla was also recognized along with Kristin Reingruber for being a great addition to the Glen Oaks staff.

Kate Rotsch

Kate Rotsch was recognized this month along with Regina Blackstone. Kate and Regina do a great job at handling all the tough situations at work and do it with a smile. They provide great in-class support during crisis situations and make time to meet with you to help develop a variety of plans to help ensure the student's success. Both Kate and Regina make Glen Oaks a better place to work and are a huge asset to our students.

Lauren Wuchter

Kristin Reingruber was recognized this month in tandem with Carla Braun for being a great addition to the Glen Oaks staff. Both ladies go above and beyond to make sure that every student feels safe and welcome and that teachers have everything they need to be successful. Kristin and Carla have gone out of their way to help create plans for individual students AND have made time to meet with teachers to ensure they have the support they need. Whether it is a laugh, a kind word or a simple smile, Kristin and Carla provide valuable support to staff when they need it most. Their individual knowledge of CCSS, technology and more allows them to provide staff with answers quickly while sharing solutions and strategies that can be implemented in a timely manner. Glen Oaks is lucky to have Kristin and Carla as their administrative team.

Regina Blackstone 

Lisa Whitcomb was recognized this month for being incredibly helpful and caring with assisting staff in answering questions regarding a wide-variety of Human Resource-related questions. Whatever the question may be, I know I can e-mail Lisa and she will get the answer. She even answers e-mails into the evening, which shows how hard-working she is. I always feel at ease when contacting Lisa at district because of her pleasant demeanor. She truly cares for the district and staff and puts 100 percent of her heart and soul into everything she does. Our district is unbelievably lucky to have such a remarkable individual working in the superintendent's office.

Alyssa Lopez was recognized this month for being a wonderful, thoughtful teacher who is always willing to help. She is always there for others and always makes time. She has been there for us since the beginning of the school year.

Kevin McNamara

Kevin McNamara was recognized twice this month for responding to every task promptly and with a smile on his face and for being an invaluable asset to Dorn. He is open to any suggestions and either resolves the issue or provides a solution. Even though he is busy maintaining the building, he never seems annoyed and is always kind and considerate. Dorn School is fortunate to have him.

Tracey Acosta

Tracey Acosta was recognized this month for giving 110 percent effort. I often tell people how great Mrs. Acosta is and people respond "Isn't she?" I am fortunate to have her in my classroom this year as an aide. Tracey is consistent, patient and responsive to this particular student's needs. She is also always asking how she can help. She helps keep the classroom organized and keeps other students on task. She helps students understand the curriculum. I know Glen Oaks, especially homeroom 3D, wouldn't be as awesome as it is without Tracey!"

Michele Zilinskas was recognized this month for being an unbelievable psychologist and person who is always there when you need her. What I really love about her is that she takes the time to get to know the students and she knows exactly how to help. She has so many brilliant ideas that are working!" 

Rita Walsh

Shannon Parquette was recognized this month for being an asset to her students, colleagues and school. She is always willing to jump in and support those in need. This year has been a challenging one for the PPS department and Shannon has really stepped up and supported the the district and those who are impacted."

Julie McElligot

Rosary Smith was recognized this month for supporting the PPS Department in the changes that have occurred this year. She has taken a leadership approach and jumped into unknown territory in support of the students, her school and the district. She continues to seek out those who can provide her the knowledge to continue this support during this challenging time."

Sara Harms

Farah Daoud was recognized this month for being a huge help to me personally. She is a pleasure to work with. Farah has been readily available to help introduce new tech tools to my students, and she always follows up to see how things are going. The ideas and resources she has shared with me have been excellent. It is so nice to have her guidance and assistance. Thanks Farah." 

Bridget Golden

Carrie Stacy was recognized this month for being a hard-working and dedicated team leader. She is doing everything in her power to ensure all special education teachers and students are successful. Carrie has a clear vision and is leading her teachers to that Vision each day. Working with Carrie these past few months has taught me to treat every moment as a teaching moment. Questions spark curiosity which unleashes creative potential. Carrie treats every question as a teaching moment and really helps build the capacity of those working with her." 

Guy Collins

Shelly Marr was recognized this month for her hard work when it comes to working with all kids, but especially the special education students. There have been many kids not only this year, but in past years, who needed a little extra TLC on the bus and Shelly is always willing to go the extra mile to help out." 

Ewa Bienkowska