Summit Hill School District #161

Our Board of Education cut the ribbon on the new Mary Drew Early Learning Center during an open house celebration on Aug. 21. The renovated facility will house the district's early childhood and preschool programs starting with the 2024-25 school year. Pictured from left to right are Board Secretary Katie Campbell, Board Member Stefanie McCleish, Board President Jim Martin, Board Member Matthew Spreadbury, Board Member Amy Berk, Board Member John Winter, and Superintendent Dr. Paul McDermott.

Welcome to our new SHSD161 staff members! Today was orientation day for the 12 new employees who have joined our staff for the 2024-25 school year!

Congratulations to Hilda Walker Intermediate School Sixth Grade Resource Teacher and Scholastic Bowl Team Coach Erik Donovan on winning a June Summit Award! Our Board of Education proudly presents monthly Summit Awards to recognize those who give a little extra to make SHSD161 the very best school district for each and every student. Mr. Donovan was nominated for keeping his Scholastic Bowl Team mentally and emotionally engaged throughout their season and constantly encouraging them to be their best while having fun and enjoying the experience. The team won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class AA Regional at Hickory Creek Middle School in April, defeating three middle school and junior high teams en route to the championship! Pictured with Mr. Donovan is his wife, Anna, as well as team members Elijah Drozd, Elizabeth Pranger, Dominic Pranger, and RJ Nelson. 

July is a busy month at SHSD161! To ensure teachers and staff feel prepared to implement our new technology tools, we are providing several opportunities to learn more about iPads, Google Classroom, and Seesaw…and more than 40 teachers and staff members participated in iPad training at our district office this week! Training is scheduled throughout the month, with additional time dedicated when school resumes.

Congratulations and best wishes to our SHSD161 employees who are retiring! Thank you to Summit Hill Junior High Seventh Grade Science Teacher Susan Hartley (17 years), Indian Trail School Second Grade Teacher Patricia Pfeiffer (16 years), and Custodian Kenneth Shenbarger (24 years) for their years of service. Their hard work and dedication to our school district is truly appreciated and they will be missed!

Congratulations to Safeway School Bus Driver Daniel Morris on winning a May Summit Award! Our Board of Education proudly presents the Summit Award each month (September through May) to recognize those who give a little extra to make SHSD161 the very best school district for each and every student. Mr. Morris was nominated for being kind, caring, and always wanting the best for his students. “He keeps our students safe and always has a smile on his face. He is by far one of the best bus drivers I have ever encountered, and he truly cares about each of the students on his bus.” Pictured from left to right are SHSD161 Director of Curriculum John Snipes, Safeway General Manager Kristie Guido, DJR TIP Teacher Meaghan Gallagher, Daniel Morris and his family, DJR Assistant Principal Tracy Bulfer, SHSD161 Transportation Coordinator Mary Ellen Graff, and DJR Principal Colin Bradley. 

Congratulations to Frankfort Square School Nurse Anita Brown on winning a May Summit Award! Our Board of Education proudly presents the Summit Award each month (September through May) to recognize those who give a little extra to make SHSD161 the very best school district for each and every student. Brown was nominated for her compassion for students and staff, strong work ethic, and dedication to her craft. “Simply put, Nurse Brown is a fantastic nurse. She is a consummate professional who goes out of her way to ensure that the students and staff of Frankfort Square School are healthy and safe each day.” Pictured with Nurse Brown from left to right are SHSD161 Director of Curriculum John Snipes, the Mendoza family, and Frankfort Square School Principal Jason Isdonas.

Happy National Principals Day to some of the best in the business! Thank you to these hard-working building administrators for their dedication to our students and commitment to SHSD161!

Congratulations to Summit Hill Junior High 8th Grade Specialized Instruction/Resource Teacher Karen Doornbos on winning an April Summit Award! Our Board of Education proudly presents the Summit Award each month (September through May) to recognize those who give a little extra to make SHSD161 the very best school district for each and every student. Doornbos was nominated for her practical, creative, and helpful demeanor. “Karen shares creative lesson planning with the ELA team, aids students whether on her caseload or not, emphasizes positivity among colleagues, and is an exemplary model of an organized, involved, and student-centered teacher.” Pictured from left to right are Superintendent Dr. Paul McDermott, Doornbos, and SHJH Principal Laura Goebel.

Congratulations to Indian Trail School Principal Dana Wright on winning an April Summit Award! Our Board of Education proudly presents the Summit Award each month (September through May) to recognize those who give a little extra to make SHSD161 the very best school district for each and every student. Mrs. Wright was nominated by her staff for making Indian Trail feel like home. “Dana’s dedication to the staff and students at Indian Trail is unwavering, and her positive attitude and leadership skills have transformed our school into a welcoming and thriving community. We are grateful to have her as our principal!”