October has brought us chilly mornings, fall colors, pumpkin spice everything – and Principal Appreciation Week this week, as designated by the Illinois Principals Association.
My appreciation for each of our seven Kildeer Countryside School District 96 (KCSD96) principals and our three assistant principals cannot be limited to a week, however.
Every day as superintendent gives me more reasons to admire and marvel at these exceptionally talented women and men and their determination and commitment to every child in every District 96 school, every day. Our principals and assistant principals are accessible, compassionate, knowledgeable, and devoted. As leaders, they create school climates of collaboration, cooperation, collegiality, and respect so our students and faculty and staff can thrive. They navigate the expected and the unexpected with grace and good nature and their pride in helping students grow in every way is evident.
We salute our principals:
Willow Grove Principal Jenny Smith
Country Meadows Principal Meghan Bird
Ivy Hall Principal Bob Hanrahan and Asst. Principal Kim Mollerdino
Kildeer Principal Vail Kieser
Prairie Principal Dr. Christine Pfaff
Twin Groves Principal Jessica Barnes and Asst. Principal Dave DeMuth
Woodlawn Principal Greg Grana and Asst. Principal Michelle Garlick
I express my appreciation for our principals in my own way, but truthfully, others are far more eloquent. Please take a moment for this brief VIDEO, with sound turned up to hear what our students have to say about their principals and the work they do on behalf of kids.
--Julie Schmidt, District 96 Superintendent of Schools