Being with children and surrounded by truly caring professionals who want the best for children is a dream that is reality for me. At Highland, we emphasize respect and caring for one another. Students learn to work with others who have different abilities or learning styles and grow to appreciate the diversity that exists within our school. You might ask how do we accomplish the above. We set high expectations and hold children accountable for their actions. They understand the consequences for the decisions that they choose. We use a common language from our Caring Majority Program and are consistent in expectations and consequences.

Students who wish to develop student leadership skills have several programs accessible to them. Student Council and The Highland Postal Service are two organizations that are run by the students with teacher sponsors. Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Liliestedt and myself sponsor the Student Council, while Mrs. Franks and Mrs. Williams supervise the Postal Service. For each of these organizations, the students have to apply, write a composition stating why they wish to be involved, and obtain several adult recommendations. In addition, the Postal Service Employees need to pass a test showing that they understand the procedures and accepted protocol for delivering mail. Fifth Graders who are interested in holding an office in the Student Council have to prepare a 2 minute speech to be videotaped and shown to all the fifth grade students before the election. It is important for students to understand that they have to be accountable to become an active member or hold an office in either of these leadership activities. For additional information, please look under Special Programs on our web site to find out more specific details and times.

There are many other types of opportunities for children to develop good leadership skills, as well as, social skills. Being involved with "Buddy Classes" is an excellent example for a student to work with younger or older children in our school, both academically and socially. Students also demonstrate their leadership abilities in our numerous clubs and enrichment programs.

Student safety is extremely important in many areas at Highland. Bus riders learn bus behavior expectations and walkers learn traffic safety rules. Students understand the playground rules and how to make the school a safer place to be. Our Highland staff is well trained and discusses safety issues with the students throughout the school year. We are very proud of our students and the entire Highland Community for working together to make Highland a school where children feel well cared for and loved.

Background

I graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. At the University of Phoenix, I received my Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision. Since I began teaching in 1985, I have experienced a variety of school settings: rural, urban and suburban. Currently, I hold teacher certification in Colorado, Illinois and New Jersey, as well as, a Principal's License in Colorado. Although my favorite grades to teach are the intermediate grades (3-5), I have experienced all grades K-8. This is my seventh year as Dean of Students at Highland Elementary and am thrilled to be with this fine staff and wonderful community.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you have.