Today is Principals Day and the culmination of Principal Appreciation Week. This is a statewide celebration that we’re proud to participate in each year. But this year – more than ever – our District 57 principals and assistant principals are especially deserving of a day and week to call their own. As our school district has navigated this pandemic over the past seven months, they have provided important leadership for their school communities. They have worked hard and put in countless hours to re-imagine the way we educate students and provide support to our staff and families. We are incredibly grateful to them for their tireless efforts, expertise and vision!

 

So today, please join me in recognizing and thanking Kristin Vonder Haar and Karl Anderson at Westbrook, Dan Ophusand Una Durkan at Fairview, Katie Kelly and Danielle Bielenda at Lions Park, and Paul Suminiski, Randy Steen and Susannah Wade at Lincoln. District 57 is fortunate to have these principals and assistant principals who serve and connect with students, staff and families, providing the guidance and encouragement they need.

 

Because we are recognizing our principals today, I want to congratulate Kristin Vonder Haar on recently completing her doctoral coursework through the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. She is now Dr. Vonder Haar! We also congratulate her on the birth of her baby, Mae Evelyn. Kristin is now on maternity leave, and I’m pleased to report that Dr. Susan Woodrow is filling in as Westbrook principal. Susan was District 57’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction up until her retirement in 2017. We’re thrilled to have her back for a few months!