Community Consolidated School District 15
2017-18
Retiree Recognition
May 22, 2018 Walter R. Sundling Junior High School Scott B. Thompson, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education Recognizes 2017-18 Retirees
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” —William Butler Yeats
“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.” —Author Unknown
“Age is only a number, a cipher for the records. A man can’t retire his experience. He must use it.” —Bernard Baruch
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” —A. A. Milne
The following is a list of Community Consolidated School District 15’s 2017-18 class of retirees, many of whom have chosen to share stories of their careers for this momentous occasion.
S
incere congratulations to each of you on your retirement. Your years of service and dedication to District 15 have certainly made a positive impact. Whether you have worked directly with students or provided the vital support that enables our schools and teachers to do their jobs effectively, your many contributions to our mission to “produce world-class learners by building a connected learning community” are deeply appreciated. It’s astonishing to consider that the 40 of you together have tallied a combined total of 768 years of service. And even more amazing, eight of you have been with the District for more than 25 years! While you’ll be moving on to other interesting adventures, please know that you will be missed. We hope you leave with a sense of pride, knowing that your efforts made an important difference to the District. Best wishes for health, happiness, and pleasant memories of your years at District 15! Sincerely,
Lisa Beth Szczupaj President, Board of Education
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Ralph J. Banasiak Mathematics Teacher Winston Campus Junior High School 12 years of Service Ralph joined the District in 2005 and served as a Mathematics Teacher at Winston Campus Junior High School. Prior to joining District 15, Ralph was a 7th Grade Mathematics Teacher with the Avoca School District in Wilmette. Before teaching Mathematics, Ralph worked in technology for the world headquarters office of Arthur Andersen & Co. He left the company as an experienced manager after 20 years of work as a programmer, analyst and software trainer. Ralph is married with two sons who graduated from District 15 and Fremd High School. He is a member of the Metropolitan Mathematics Club of Chicago and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Ralph’s awards include: Math Coach of the top student in the Illinois State MathCounts Competition (2016); Volunteer of the Year with the Bike Palatine Club (2014). Upon retirement, Ralph plans to continue coaching students for various math competitions through summer Math Camp, now sponsored by the Palatine Park District, and through private tutoring.
Marla M. Beresheim Reading Intervention Program Assistant Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School 21 years of Service Marla joined the District in 1997 and served as Reading Intervention Program Assistant for Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School. Marla has been in the District since 1976 in different capacities: 1976 at Lincoln, 1992 at Stuart R. Paddock, 2
and 1993-1996 at Lake Louise. Prior to joining District 15 fulltime, Marla worked with both River Trails School District 26 and Barrington School District 220. Additionally, she was a Senior Customer Service Representative at a suburban bank. Marla and her husband, John, have two adult children. Upon retirement, Marla plans to spend time with her adult children and their families, volunteer with a charity, read, write, swim, take walks, bake and sew. She is also excited to get together with Sanborn PAs and The Reading Chicks.
Richard Bergner Custodian John G. Conyers Learning Academy 22 years of Service Rich joined the District in 1996 and served as Custodian at John G. Conyers Learning Academy.
Bill Boulter Custodian School Nutrition Services 7 years of Service Bill joined the District in 2011 and served in School Nutrition Services as a Warehouse Assistant.
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Theresia Bowling Lunch Coordinator Jane Addams Elementary School - Nutrition Services 19 years of Service Terry joined the District in 1999 and served as the Lunch Coordinator at Jane Addams Elementary School. Terry is an avid scrapbooker and enjoys traveling with friends. She will retire to Missouri and is busy preparing her new home. Many children and staff will miss her in the Cafe at Jane Addams. We appreciate her many years of service and care for all of us at District 15.
Bernice Brown Program Assistant Jane Addams Elementary School 23 years of Service Bernice joined the District in 1995 and served as both a Reading Intervention and General Education Program Assistant at Jane Addams Elementary School. Bernice also translated for many parents and supported students with language needs with her love of the Polish language and culture. We thank her and wish her the best.
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Susan Buchholz Building Secretary Stuart R. Paddock Elementary School 17 years of Service Susan joined the District in 2001 and served as a Building Secretary at Stuart R. Paddock Elementary School. Married for 47 years to her high school sweetheart, Susan and her husband, Jim, have twin sons. Michael is married to Erica and they are parents of 3-year-old son, Dean. Jonathan is married to Bethany and they are parents of 2-yearold son, Matthew. Upon retirement, Susan wants to spend more time with her family and her grandchildren, travel, learn to play an instrument, volunteer with various organizations, clean house (wait, scratch that); the list goes on and on!
German Calvo Custodian Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School 26 years of Service German joined the District in 1992 and served as Custodian at Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School.
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Kristie Charles Teacher Hunting Ridge Elementary School 24 years of Service Kristie joined the district in 1994 as a Third Grade teacher at Hunting Ridge Elementary School. During the current school year, she taught 4th grade. Prior to joining the District, she taught 10 years in Carol Stream, School District 93 as a Second Grade teacher. Kristie earned her National Board Certification in 2001 and was recertified in 2011. She is a recipient of the prestigious Golden Apple Award in 2006, the Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award from Fremd High School in 2007, and the Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service in 2016. She was also nominated three consecutive years for the Disney American Teaching Award. Kristie has served on numerous district level and school committees, spent time during the summer writing Language Arts, Math and Science curriculum, as well as mentored National Board candidates, first- and second-year teachers, and ISU student teachers. Kristie was a member of the team that wrote Hunting Ridge’s Blue Ribbon document and attended the awards presentation ceremony in Washington D.C. in 1999. Upon retirement, Kristie hopes to be working with the Golden Apple Foundation as a Golden Apple Scholar mentor for the 2018-2019 school year. Kristie will also continue to provide remedial/enrichment activities to students through tutoring. She is excited to continue to have an impact on education, teaching, and student learning. Kristie and her husband Jeff have been married 30 years. They recently purchased a 5th wheel RV and are looking forward to traveling. She is a proud sister to Lori, Mark, and Amy and a lucky aunt of nine nieces 6
and nephews. She is looking forward to having more time to spend with each of them.
Donna Doebler Third Grade Teacher Lincoln Elementary School 24 years of Service Donna joined District 15 in 1993 and served for 16 years as a Third Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. Prior to her service at Lincoln, Donna was a Program Assistant at Jane Addams for almost eight years and a Third Grade Teacher there as well before moving to Lincoln. Donna and her husband have three married sons and nine beautiful grandchildren. Upon retirement, Donna and her husband plan to travel. They love going on road trips and plan to spend part of the winter in a warmer climate. They are hopeful they will be able to spend more time with their grandchildren, seven of whom live out of state.
Samara Dykstra-Josefson Bus Driver Aide Department of Transportation 9 years of Service Samara joined District 15 in 2008 and served as a Bus Aide with the Transportation Department. Prior to joining District 15, Samara worked for 29 years at the Palatine Park District as a Preschool Teacher and Supply Coordinator.
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Kay Frystak Kitchen Manager School Nutrition Services 25 years of Service Kay joined the District in 1993 and served as the Kitchen Manager in the Nutrition Services Department for 11 years. She began her work in the District in the Central Kitchen at Walter R. Sundling as a Kitchen Assistant. The following year, Kay moved to Plum Grove where she was Kitchen Assistant until becoming the Kitchen Manager in 1996. Kay is a member of the Illinois School Nutrition Association as well as the School Nutrition Association. Kay has three children and five wonderful grandchildren (all girls)!
Carol Gajewski Manager Technology Services Department 19 years of Service Carol joined the District in 1999 and has served as Manager of the Technology Services Department. Carol has four great children and three wonderful grandchildren! In 2014, Carol was presented the Those Who Excel— CCSD15 Technology Team Award of Recognition; she was also given the Superintendent’s Communication Council Employee Recognition Award for Exceptional Service. Upon retirement, Carol plans to spend time with family and friends, travel, garden, and rediscover her artistic side through pottery and painting.
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Lynn Garb Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Gifted Teacher Central Road Elementary School 24 years of Service Lynn joined District 15 in 1994, starting the 3/4 gifted program at Kimball Hill and then continuing at Virginia Lake. Lynn transferred to Central Road to teach 5/6 gifted and has been at that building for 20 years. Prior to her service in District 15, she taught in Paradise Valley, Arizona, as a 5/6 gifted teacher. After moving to Illinois, she was hired as the Coordinator/Teacher of the Gifted and Talented grades K-8 in Golf School District 67. Lynn also taught classes at Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development. Lynn is a founding member of the Illinois Association for the Gifted and Talented (IAGC), and a member of both the National Association for the Gifted and Talented (NAGC) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Upon retirement, Lynn plans to travel with her husband, volunteer, take classes and read.
Tim Green Physical Education Teacher Virginia Lake, Stuart R. Paddock, Hunting Ridge, Kimball Hill, and Pleasant Hill Schools 2 years of Service Tim joined the District in 2016 and served most recently as a Physical Education Teacher. Tim also served as Assistant Principal at Carl Sandburg Junior High School in 2016-17.
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Christine M. Jarczyk Bilingual Program Assistant Carl Sandburg Junior High School 18 years of Service Christine joined the District in 2000 and served as a Bilingual Program Assistant at Carl Sandburg Junior High School. Prior to joining District 15, Christine worked in Montgomery Ward’s Graphic Arts Department located in Chicago. Christine and her husband, Andrew, have enjoyed living in Palatine since 1999 with their two daughters, Andrea and Kimberley, and their son, Steven. Upon retirement, Christine’s future plans are to continue her love of painting watercolors and drawing, involvement in her son’s catering business, and traveling with her husband.
Karenila Jordan First-Grade Teacher Lake Louise Elementary School 14 years of Service Karenila joined the District in 2004 and served as a First Grade Teacher at Lake Louise Elementary School.
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Irwin Kaiser Bus Driver Department of Transportation 10 years of Service Irwin joined the District in 2007 and served as a Bus Driver with the Transportation Department.
Linda Khoury Bus Driver Aide Department of Transportation 21 years of Service Linda joined the District in 1997 and served as a Bus Aide with the Transportation Department.
David Klemp Bus Driver Department of Transportation 18 years of Service David joined the District in 1999 and served as a Bus Driver with the Transportation Department. Concurrent to his employment in the District, David has worked as a Concessions Vendor with Levy Restaurants at Wrigley Field and the United Center, as well as with Delaware North Corporation at Soldier Field and Guaranteed Rate Field. Prior to his service here in the District, David is retired from serving as a Clerk/Cashier at Chicago area racetracks and from driving 11
a bus for United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport and its world headquarters in Elk Grove Village. He is married to his wife, Sandra L. Klemp. David is a member of the Walking Vendors of America. Upon his retirement, David plans to continue as a vendor for Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears games. In addition, he plans to travel to visit different ballparks and racetracks, as well as to fish in the Chippewa River in Rusk County, Wisconsin.
Diane Konieczny Bus Driver Department of Transportation 24 years of Service Diane joined the District in 1994 and served as a Bus Driver with the Transportation Department.
Vida Kostus Program Assistant John G. Conyers Learning Academy 16 years of Service Vida joined the District in 2001 and served as a Program Assistant with the John G. Conyers Learning Academy.
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Pamela Krawchuck Program Assistant Pleasant Hill Elementary School 11 years of Service Pam joined the District in 2007 and served as a Program Assistant with Pleasant Hill Elementary School.
Teresa Laskus Custodian Hunting Ridge Elementary School 26 years of Service Teresa joined the District in 1991 and served as a Custodian with Hunting Ridge Elementary School.
Claudia Mayer Program Assistant Lake Louise Elementary School 15 years of Service Claudia joined the District in 2002 and has served as a Program Assistant with Lake Louise Elementary School. Claudia and her husband, Greg, have two children, Steven and Laura. Claudia plans to retire to North Carolina.
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Angela C. Meinzer Program Assistant Lake Louise Elementary School 23 years of Service Angie joined the District in 1994 and served as a Program Assistant with Lake Louise Elementary School. Angie is a 37-year resident of Palatine and served as the Vice President and Membership Chair for the Educational Support Personnel Association (ESPA) from 2014 through 2018. Upon retirement, Angie plans to spend time enjoying her family and friends.
Michael Odarczenko Custodian Pleasant Hill Elementary School 19 years of Service Mike joined the District in 1999 and served as a Custodian with Pleasant Hill Elementary School.
Richard Lee Perry Custodian John G. Conyers Learning Academy 38 years of Service Rich joined the District in 1979 and served as Custodian at John G. Conyers Learning Academy. Rich served as President of the Service Employees International Union (S.E.I.U.) 14
Local No. 73 for 22 consecutive years, from 1996 to 2018.
Melissa Sabatino Principal Willow Bend Elementary School 4 years of Service Melissa joined the District in 2014 and served as Principal of Willow Bend Elementary School.
Vickie L. Sawicki Reading Intervention Program Assistant Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School 25 years of Service Vickie joined the District in 1992 and served as a Reading Intervention Program Assistant with Gray M. Sanborn Elementary School. She began her work in the District as general education program assistant and then moved to her current position for the majority of her career. Prior to District 15, Vickie was an Assistant Buyer for Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co. Vickie currently serves on the Council at Christ Lutheran Church. She was married for 38 years and is presently a widow. Vickie has two daughters. Vickie’s daughter, Kristin, and her husband, John, have two children—Nathan (4) & Alaina (2). Her daughter, Michelle, and her husband, Philip, also have 2 children—Victoria (3) and Alexander (1 month). Upon retirement, Vickie plans on traveling to Europe in the fall and to her niece’s wedding in Nashville in October. Additionally, she plans on spending more time with her grandchildren, taking a Spanish class and reading all those books that are on her list! 15
Sally Sigan Program Assistant Jane Addams Elementary School 9 years of Service Sally joined the District in 2007 and served as a Program Assistant with Jane Addams Elementary School.
RenĂŠ Soliz Head Custodian Winston Campus Junior High School 34 years of Service RenĂŠ joined the District in 1983 and has served as Head Custodian at Winston Campus Junior High School.
John Steeber Custodian Jane Addams Elementary School 17 years of Service John joined the District in 2000 and has served as a Custodian at Jane Addams Elementary School.
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Donna Steiner Adapted Physical Education Teacher John G. Conyers Learning Academy, Pleasant Hill, and Willow Bend Elementary Schools 22 years of Service Donna joined the District in 1996 and served as an Adapted Physical Education Teacher at many schools throughout the District.
Jean Sterbenc Program Assistant Walter R. Sundling Junior High School 17 years of Service Jean joined the District in 2001 and served as a Program Assistant at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School.
John Stoesser History Teacher Carl Sandburg Junior High School 12 years of Service John joined the District in 2006 and served as a History Teacher at Carl Sandburg Junior High School. John also taught Reading and Writing. Prior to joining District 15, John was a Partner/Owner with the Walter Nye & Co. sales organization, a buyer for the Jewel Corporation, and a Department Manager with Woolco Department Stores. He and his wife, Sandi, have one son, Jonathan. Upon retiring, 17
John and Sandi hope to continue their musical endeavors by developing educational presentations about Diversity and Acceptance using music as the medium.
Debra Stoltman Clerical Assistant Plum Grove Junior High School 20 years of Service Deb joined the District in 1998 and served as a Clerical Assistant at Plum Grove Junior High School. Deb also held a position at Harper College. Deb and her husband, Joe, have a son, Andrew.
Bruce Wedell 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher Walter R. Sundling Junior High School 19 years of Service Bruce joined the District in 2001 and served as a 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School. Bruce started in the District in 2000-2001 as a full-time Contract Substitute Teacher. Prior to joining District 15, Bruce was a Member of the Chicago Stock Exchange for 18 years, and worked as a Floor Broker and Stock Specialist. Bruce and his wife of 36 years, Kimberly, have two daughters, Kelly and Ann. Both of them grew up in Palatine and went through District 15, Palatine High School, and graduated from University of Dayton. Upon retirement, Bruce plans to continue coaching both boys’ and girls’ tennis at Palatine High School and traveling as much as possible.
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Lorraine Wistrom Band Teacher Plum Grove Junior High School 28 years of Service Lorraine joined the District in 1990 and served as the Director of Bands at Plum Grove Junior High School. Lorraine began her career in the District working with the Elementary/Intermediate band program, then went to Walter R. Sundling Junior High and on to Plum Grove Junior High School. Prior to joining District 15, Lorraine taught for two years in School District 54 in Schaumburg.
Donna Zeh Social Worker Virginia Lake Elementary School 34 years of Service Donna joined the District in 1984 and served as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Virginia Lake Elementary School. Donna and her husband, Rick, have two sons, Jake and Cody.
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Board of Education Lisa Szczupaj, President Michael Smolka, Vice President Anthony Wang, Secretary Frank J. Annerino David Border Barbara A. Kain Zubair Khan