Green Issue

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THE

PROSPECTOR

801 WEST KENSINGTON ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056

THE VOICE OF PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 1959

VOLUME 57, ISSUE 10

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2018

Dowling leaves legacy in D214 AYSE ELDES

Editor-in-Chief

W

hen Tina Athanasopoulos, Prospect’s new social science and foreign language division head, attended a staff meeting in Prospect’s cafeteria before spring break, a staff member warned her about Principal Michelle Dowling’s tendency to tear up during these staff-appreciation meetings. What the staff member didn’t know was that Athanasopoulos has known Dowling since their time working together at John Hersey High School. She is currently a social science teacher there, where Dowling was the social science and foreign language division head from 2002 to 2008. When Dowling transitioned to Hersey after an 18-year teaching career at Buffalo Grove High School, her office was merely a couple of feet from Athanasopoulos’s classroom, and they immediately became close friends. She was familiar with Dowling’s tendency to tear up when showing appreciation for those involved in education. “She’s emotionally connected to what she’s doing. It’s about students; it’s about individuals; it’s about personal achievement,” Athanasopoulos said. “So when I see her, it’s nice to see someone who stayed true to who they are. … It was really nice to see her at that [meeting] where she addressed staff because she was emotional, was genuine and her staff embraced it. … She hasn’t changed.” After 34 years of working in District 214, Dowling will officially retire from her position as principal on June 28. Looking back, she believes the personal connections she’s made with students and colleagues will be something she will take with her into retirement. In many cases, these connections have had a lasting effect. Hersey Innovative Technology Facilitator Laura Monahan worked in Dowling’s department during her time there. She remembers how Dowling would write personal notes to staff members and pin them on the bulletin for people to find. Each note contained an encouraging message for its recipient.

MEMORIES: Principal Michelle Dowling stands in front of Prospect High School’s main entrance on May 11. After 18 years working at Buffalo Grove High School, five years at John Hersey High School, and 11 years at Prospect, this will be Dowling’s last year in District 214. “I hope I left the place better than when I got here,” Dowling said. (photo by Ayse Eldes) Prospect Assistant Principal of Student Activities Frank Mirandola can attest to Dowling’s effort to connect with the people around her. Mirandola started working with Dowling when he was a social science teacher. Her guidance and counsel has helped him grow as an administrator, according to Mirandola. “I’ve enjoyed the private conversations we’ve had about leadership and growing and the education field,” Mirandola said. “She’s hands off, and she’s not going to go ahead and micromanage things. She provides global leadership and asks you those questions [that make] you think about things in a different capacity to make sure that you thought through all possible scenarios. It’s really been interesting working with her as a teacher, then also working with her as a colleague on the principalship here at Prospect High School.” Under Dowling’s leadership, Mirandola has spearheaded the Chicago Bears’ visit to Prospect, made changes to the Spotlight assembly and school rebranding efforts, among many other projects. “As a staff member, she’s done a fantastic job of really getting to know the strengths of all staff members, … utilizes them and also works with you to develop in

She is an advocate for women and women in leadership positions. When I think of Michelle Dowling, that’s what I think of.” - Tina Athanasopoulos, social science teacher

areas that really may not be your strengths,” Mirandola said. “From a personal example, kind of looking at how she’s tapped into my energy, my passion for Prospect, giving me the vehicle to go ahead and do amazing things for students.” Last year, Mirandola wanted to revitalize the end-of-the-year Spotlight assembly, where student and school achievements are celebrated. Dowling and Mirandola coordinated with the Fine Arts department to incorporate new elements like a musical performance and digital lighting enhancements. Throughout such projects, Mirandola highlights Dowling’s support for new ideas and taking risks. “She’ll allow you to fail; she’s going to push you to fail but be there to guide you through that process,” Mirandola said. Last year, the Prospect administration initiated the annual One Knight program, where staff members shadow individual students for a whole day, walking through their schedule and attending after-school activities. The goal of the project was to gain a holistic understanding of today’s students. He took notice of Dowling’s participation. “There’s a lot of principals who wouldn’t do that to make themselves vulnerable. She’s not afraid to go ahead and make herself vulnerable and enlighten herself,” Mirandola said. “As a principal you’re supposed to know everything and be in control of everything, and to go ahead and put that backpack on, pull out that iPad and walk in the students shoes, you’re extremely vulnerable because you don’t have all the answers, whether it be in the class or with the student experience. “And I think that was one of

ON PROSPECTORNOW.COM ...

LIFETIME: Principal Michelle Dowling (far left) poses with her high school Student Council board members in 1979. Dowling returned to work in District 214 after her graduation from John Hersey High School in 1980. (photo courtesy of the Correspondent) See prospectornow.com for a photo album documenting Dowling’s 34 years in District 214. the most quintessential moments of her saying, ‘Hey, I really care about my kids, I really want you to walk in their footsteps to understand what they go through on a daily basis.’” Dowling’s successor and current Associate Principal Greg Minter wants to continue these elements of her leadership. Minter has been on the administrative team with Dowling since 2003, executing the collaborative management system she has initiated. “I think she would tell you that she is not a person that likes to be out in front of things; she likes to kind of lead within and be collaborative; she is not a micromanager,” Minter said. “She is certainly someone who likes to share her ideas and thoughts, but the other leaders in the building go about the

implementation [of a project] with her guidance but not necessarily micromanagement at all. …People really appreciate that.” Minter has observed Prospect’s identity shift from a high school to a “community school” under Dowling’s leadership. Specifically, the Prospect Gives Back program has mobilized nearly 200 students each year to volunteer in the community since it started two years ago. “She is a champion for the kids; she is a champion for the school. In general, making sure that the accomplishments of kids, students, family and community have been celebrated … are really critical elements to what she’s brought here,” Associate Principal Scott McDermott said. SEE DOWLING, page 2


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