Libertyville School District 70

🏫 👋 On August 26, the D70 Board of Education introduced some of our fantastic new staff members with a brief reception. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and welcome them to our community! #D70ShinyApple

🗣️ 📝 One of our HR Generalists, Dayna Pratt, did an amazing job presenting Red Rover tips and tricks at our Substitute Teacher Institute Day! Her insights help our substitute teachers stay ahead of the game and ensure a smooth experience in the classroom. Thank you, Dayna, for sharing your expertise! 🙌 #D70ShinyApple

📷 Last week, we had the opportunity to gather most of our new D70 staff members for a group shot—just look at all those fresh faces! 😄 We're so excited to welcome them to our team and can't wait to see the amazing things they'll bring to this school year. Get ready, everyone—this is going to be a fantastic year ahead! 🙌 #D70ShinyApple

🌟 Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dorena Birkenbach, who joins Highland Middle School this year as a special education teacher! She was hired by the D70 Board of Education in April. Dorena brings valuable experience from her last three years as an eighth-grade resource and co-teacher in Antioch, IL. Prior to that, she made a significant impact at a private high school in Lake Forest, working in self-contained classrooms, serving as a long-term substitute, and completing her student teaching. 🏫 Dorena is currently pursuing a master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology from the American College of Education, expected next year. She already holds a master's degree in teaching with a Learning Behavior Specialist focus from National Louis University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Iowa. 🎓 🙌 We are thrilled to have Dorena on our team and look forward to the positive contributions she will make in D70! #D70ShinyApple

🌟 👏 Please join us in welcoming Annette McBride, our new Copeland Manor Principal and a proud Libertyville resident, to D70! She steps into this role following the retirement of Dr. Lori Poelking in June. Mrs. McBride brings a wealth of experience to D70. Before joining us, she served as principal at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in Buffalo Grove, IL, where she also held the role of assistant principal. Her leadership journey includes her time as Assistant Principal of Student Services in Round Lake Community Unit District 116. 🏫 Beginning her career as a classroom teacher, Mrs. McBride has taught as an elementary Spanish teacher in Glencoe School District 35, a multi-age bilingual teacher in Palatine School District 15, and in Crystal Lake School District 47. With her extensive background as both an educator and administrator, she is well-equipped to support students, staff, and families throughout the elementary learning experience. Mrs. McBride shares our deep commitment to Learning Together. "It is with immense joy and enthusiasm that I step into the role of principal here at Copeland Manor. I am deeply honored to join such a talented and dedicated team of educators. Together, let us embark on a journey of growth, collaboration, and excellence. I am excited to learn from each of you, to work hand in hand, and to build upon the nurturing and inspiring environment for our students. Here's to a future filled with endless opportunities and continued achievements." 🎓 Mrs. McBride holds two master's degrees—one in School Leadership and another in Curriculum and Instruction—from Concordia University Chicago. She also earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Northern Illinois University, an Elementary Education certification from Judson University, and an ESL/Bilingual Education endorsement from Concordia University. We are excited to have Mrs. McBride on board and look forward to the positive impact she will make at Copeland Manor! 🙌 #D70ShinyApple

🏫 ➡️ As we prepare to kick off the new school year, we are excited to announce that Rachel Castaneda is making the move to fourth grade at Adler Park after previously teaching third grade at Rockland. Best of luck in your newest adventure, Rachel! #D70ShinyApple

🍎 👋 We recently hosted a welcome event for our new D70 teachers for the 2024-25 school year. Superintendent Rebecca Jenkins, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Assessments Dr. Kerri Bongle, Rockland Principal Jim Cieciwa, and our new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Zuica Donev, all joined us at this special gathering at Rockland. 👏 Let's give them a warm welcome as they embark on this exciting new chapter! #D70ShinyApple

👏 Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Amie Krummick, the new Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for District 70! Dr. Krummick was appointed by the Board of Education in April, and we are thrilled to have her back after she served D70 on the Board of Education for four years. Dr. Krummick brings a wealth of experience to her new role. In addition to running her own business, Social & Behavioral Connection, LLC., she spent nine years working in a Highland Park school district. For the past 12 years, she has been an evidence-based practice coach specializing in autism and behavior with the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization. Earlier in her career, she also worked for five years as a school psychologist in Gurnee. 🎓 Dr. Krummick holds a Ph.D. and a master's degree in school psychology from Loyola University, as well as an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University. She earned her BCBA certification from Northern Illinois University. We are excited to have Dr. Krummick join our team and look forward to the expertise and passion she will bring to District 70! 🙌 #D70ShinyApple

🙌 We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kerri Bongle has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning & Assessments for the 2024-2025 school year! This new role combines her previous position as Director of Growth and Development. She succeeds Dr. Erik Youngman, who is now the Director of Teaching and Learning for Zion Elementary District 6. Congratulations, Dr. Bongle! 👏 #D70ShinyApple

👏 Please give a warm welcome to Jamie Haley, our new multilingual teacher at Highland Middle School, starting this fall! Jamie was hired by the Board of Education in April. 🌟 Before joining District 70, Jamie spent two years as a biology teacher at Zion-Benton Township High School, where she also taught biology, human anatomy, and physiology for five years earlier in her career. Additionally, she has worked as a high school substitute teacher in Lake Villa and Gurnee. 🔬 🧪 During her high school teaching career, Jamie also served as a girls basketball coach and tutored students. 🏀 🎓 Looking for a career change, Jamie recently earned a master's degree in Teaching English Learners from the American College of Education, graduating in December 2023. She also holds a master's degree in teaching from Dominican University and a bachelor of arts in biology from Augustana College. Welcome to the team, Jamie! 🙌 We are excited to have you with us! #D70ShinyApple