Grizzly Gazette - Granger Middle School

Volume 19, Issue 2
Oct/Nov 2014
Published
by
the
Granger
PTSA
Grizzly Gazette
Francis Granger Middle School ▪ 2721 Stonebridge Blvd, Aurora, IL 60502 ▪ (630) 375-1010 ▪ http//granger.ipsd.org
Important Dates
October 13
NO SCHOOL
Columbus Day
October 14, 15, 21
Box Tops collections
October 16
Choir Concert
October 21
School Store open
during lunches
October 23
Subway Restaurant Day
October 30
Orchestra Concert
November 4
NO SCHOOL
Parent Teacher Conferences
November 5
Market Day pickup
4-5pm
November 6
Conferences 4:30-8pm
November 10
Conferences 4:30-8pm
November 11
NO SCHOOL
Veteran’s Day
November 13
PTSA Meeting 9:30am
November 26-28
NO SCHOOL
A Letter from the Principal
This newsletter should reach you just as staff and
students are putting the finishing touches on 1st
quarter! I can’t believe it is October and how quickly
the start of the year has flown. We have had an
abundance of excitement these first months here at
Granger – from a famous author visit, sport seasons
kicking off and wrapping up, our first spirit week, pep assembly and dance, as
well as amazing teaching and learning that goes on daily! It is truly an awesome
privilege to be the Principal of Granger.
Since families and students are well-adjusted by this point with waking up earlier,
lockers, and new schedules, we do want to stress the importance of students
being on time to school and class. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:40
M/T/TH/F and 8:00 on Wednesdays, (unless they participate in an early bird
supervised activity with which they may arrive earlier). Please continue to be
mindful of these times to ensure the safety and punctuality for your child.
The end of the quarter will be here October 24th with report card grades available
October 30th. Please be sure to watch your announcements for information
regarding parent-teacher conferences taking place in November. Building and
maintaining partnerships with parents and our community is essential for our
student’s and school’s continued success!
Please also continue to be informed regarding Senate Bill 16, what you can do,
and the huge implications this will have on our district, school, and students,
should it go into effect. Another reminder how important our partnership is for
and to our students.
There are so many exciting things going on in and
around Granger, and we are so excited to continue
evolving with and for our students. As always, if you
have any questions please feel free to contact me at
any time!
Thanksgiving Break
Autumn Desiderio
From the PTSA Co
Co--Presidents
Dear Grizzly Families,
The school year and many PTSA activities are in full swing at Granger. We have a great
mix of new and familiar faces volunteering for our committees and helping make Granger a
great experience for our students. We always have room for more volunteers so if you
would like to get involved please contact one of our Executive Committee members to find
out what would be a good fit for your skill set or share a new idea you might want to help us
implement this year. We currently use our quarterly newsletter, the Granger List Serv, and
the PTSA tab on the Granger Middle School Website to communicate what is going on in our organization.
Apparel, Concessions and Market Day are a few of our ongoing events that are up and running. It isn't too late to order
apparel for your Grizzly student, take a turn working a concessions shift, or place a Market Day order - these
committees run throughout the year. Thank you to Jill Westphal for stepping up to chair apparel this year and Jen
Weddle for organizing our Market Day program again. Concessions takes a team of volunteers for it to run smoothly
and we ask if you have a student on a Granger sports team this year, you would do your part and volunteer for a shift.
Box Tops collections will be going on in October and our new chairperson, Jill Gabriel, has some great prizes in place for
students who participate. No amount of box tops is too small for a prize so send them in with your student this month.
She will also be looking for volunteers to help with collections during lunch periods. Our first restaurant night kicked off
with Jets Pizza earlier in the year. Jets Pizza and the Granger PTSA would like to apologize for any inconvenience that
evening if you were trying to place an order and ended up with a long wait time. We are planning another Jets Pizza
night November 4th that will be very well staffed so take a day off of cooking when you students are off of school and
have Jets Pizza deliver while also giving back to the Granger PTSA. We also have Subway scheduled for October 23rd.
Stop for breakfast, dinner, or treat your student to a sub for lunch that day while you support the PTSA.
The September Getaway was staffed with plenty of fantastic parent chaperones thanks to Dina Lohman. If you missed
the opportunity to be there, we have another chance coming up in February, so watch the list serv for details. Meghana
Kamat planned our Back to School Teachers' Luncheon using Sweet Tomatoes and fed the staff with delicious soups
and salads. Thank you to the Bakers committee for providing the desserts and drinks for the meal. Our next teachers'
meal is November 4th. Please contact Nina Prabhu if you would like to plan the meal, make a food donation, or help
with set up or clean up that day. Frosty's Friends and Manna will be coming up toward the end of the 2014 school year.
These programs will provide our Grizzly families with a way to give back to the community. Thank you in advance to
Michelle Plummer and Claire Beach for chairing these committees. Frosty's Friends has been an annual service
program at Granger for many years now, and we have incorporated our Manna program to make it even easier to
participate. The Granger Greeters are working all day, every day, to keep the flow of traffic coming and going smoothly
at the front doors of the building. If you would like to volunteer your time during the school day but don't know which
committee to start with, being a Granger Greeter helps volunteers become familiar with the building so they can get an
idea of where else they might want to volunteer their time. Thank you to Rebecca Curtis for scheduling our greeters and
making sure every shift gets covered.
Our Executive Committee is in the process of finalizing the review of teacher's grants. With district budget cuts and
financial concerns ahead, more and more staff and programs are looking to parent organizations to help subsidize
programs, technology, and other incidentals throughout the building. We approved several grants at our October
meeting. We also voted on a SB16 position at our October 9th meeting. Many Granger parents may have heard of
SB16 and might have even attended the discussion at Granger on SB16 in September. The Granger PTSA voted to
oppose SB16. We encourage families to educate themselves on what SB16 is and how it could effect District 204 and
your student. Contact your local state representatives to voice your opinion! Make yourself heard!
If you are not currently a member of the Granger PTSA, it is not too late to join. We look forward to
seeing you at our meetings and working with you to make Granger a better place for all of our
students in the future.
Sincerely,
Shannon Lynch and Amy Coryell
PAGE 2
IPPC Coat & Boot Drive
The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council Unity Committee, in
conjunction with District 204 Community Relations
Department, is sponsoring a
Fall Coat and Boot Drive
Fall is the time of year to clean out our closets! During the month of October, we are
holding a district-wide winter coat and boot collection. Due to the growing need in
our district, we are collecting new and gently-used, warm, clean coats and boots of
all sizes from infant to adult. The coats will be distributed to families in need within
our district in early November.
Granger students will be collecting gently worn coats and boots
in October from October 20 thru October 28. Please drop off at
the collection containers located near the front doors!
If you have any questions about the coat drive in your school, please contact your local PTSA or
contact IPPC Secretary Tami Reid at ippcpta@gmail.com. – Please put “COAT DRIVE” in the
subject line.
REFLECTIONS
“The World Would Be a Better Place If...”
Thank you to all those students who submitted entries for the PTSA
Reflections Art program! This year’s theme, “The World Would Be a Better
Place If...” allowed for some great creativity! We received 19 entries in the Literature, Visual
Arts, and Photography categories. Submissions are now being catalogued and judged and
those that advance to the next level will soon be notified. Watch for more Reflections news
on list serv and in the next newsletter. If you have questions, please contact Reflections
chairperson, Michelle Plummer at emmayp@comcast.net.
PAGE 3
Contacting the Granger Office
Main Office Phone Number 630-375-1010
Office hours are 7:15 am – 3:45 pm
Our busy hours are 7:30am to 8:00am, and 2:30pm to 3:10pm. These times are related to the rush of
activity associated with student arrival and dismissal. If possible, call outside these times so we may serve
you better.
Guidance Office Phone Number is 375-3441
Call the Guidance Office directly to:
· Change your student’s address, phone number or emergency contact information
· Request homework for your student after your child has been absent three days
Use the Attendance Line to report your student absent or tardy at 375-3412 anytime. Please tell us
your name, grade, and reason for the absence. Call us each day your student will be out or leave a
message as to when your student will be returning. Please do not leave a message for an early dismal.
How to arrange to pick up your child early: On the morning of the appointment, please write a note
indicating your child’s name, grade, reason, and time for early dismissal. Your student should bring that
note to the main office prior to first period so we can give them a dismissal pass. This pass allows your
student to be dismissed from class without any interruption and they will be waiting for you at the main door.
Please be prepared to show ID when picking up your child for early dismissal.
How to get a message/items to your student: You may call the main office to leave a message for your
student. Every effort will be made to get these messages to your student. Please be considerate to not
interrupt the classroom unless it’s an emergency. Remember each time we interrupt the classroom the
teacher needs to get the class refocused. You may drop off items at the front door with the greeter.
How to contact a teacher or staff member: On our Granger website, click on the staff button and you will
see a list of all of the phone extensions and email addresses for everyone who works at Granger. Please
remember that teachers spend most of the day in the classroom with students and are available to answer
the phone for a short period of time each day. Don't be alarmed if you end up in voicemail; the teacher will
call you back within 24 hours.
Granger PTSA 2014-2015 Executive Committee
Co-Presidents
Shannon Lynch
(630) 978-1441
lynch_s@sbcglobal.net
Amy Coryell
(630) 585-9026
acoryell@sbcglobal.net
1st Vice-President
Nina Prabhu
(630) 375-9726
ninasingbal@gmail.com
2nd Vice-President
Erica Patterson
(630) 851-3968
epatter2598@comcast.net
Recording Secretary
Carolyn Fichte
(630) 978-4106
cmbef@comcast.net
Corresponding Secretary
Angie Welter
(630) 518-2837
amwelter@hotmail.com
Treasurer
Jodie Bach
(630) 236-3696
jod_bach@yahoo.com
P AAG G
E E4 4
P
Shop, Give, and Granger WINS!
How would you like to get your shopping done, give back to the
community and support your school all at the same time? It’s easy
with Manna Express! Manna Express is a fundraising program that
offers you a choice of over 350 gift cards from local and national
retailers, restaurants and entertainment establishments, in amounts to
fit any budget. These are the same gift cards you see in stores today,
however, by ordering them in advance through Granger, the school benefits from your
purchase. Whether you need gift cards for holiday gift giving, Frosty’s Friends, or for personal
shopping, they are all available for ordering in one convenient place and a percentage of your
purchase goes right back to Granger. Look for more information and an order form that will
be coming home soon! If you have any questions, contact Claire Beach at
c_bear@comcast.net.
Frosty’s Friends!
We know that the leaves are just starting to fall, but, it’s never too
early to think about…..
For the 8th year, the PTSA will be sponsoring a giving program to help make the
holidays a little happier for families in our community and to collect gift cards for
Granger families in need.
Program details will be provided via List Serv and the Granger Website in early
November. If you would like to assist with this program or have any questions, feel
free to contact this year’s Chairperson, Michelle Plummer at (630) 898-2351 or via
email at emmayp@comcast.net .
P A PGAEG E 55
PTSA Meeting Schedule
All parents, teachers, and students who are members of the PTSA are encouraged to
attend meetings. If you haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late. Complete the membership
form in this newsletter and turn it into the office with payment attached in an envelope marked “Attention
PTSA Membership.”
Thursday, November 13th
9:30am
(Superintendent Dr. Karen Sullivan will be our guest)
NO December Meeting
Thursday, January 8th
9:30am
Thursday, February 12th
7:00pm
Thursday, March 12th
9:30am
Thursday, April 9th
9:30am
Thursday, May 14th
9:30am
Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of the month in the
Teachers’ Lounge off the Granger cafeteria.
Remember to bring your Driver’s License/State ID to enter
the building.
Dates/times are subject to change and will be posted on
list serv as necessary.
Box Tops Collection
October is BOX TOPS MONTH! Don’t forget to bring in your Box Tops and earn a prize!
Remaining Box Tops Collection Dates:
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 14th & 15th
Tuesday, October 21st
Box Tops are collected during all student lunch periods on the dates listed above. PLEASE trim
your Box Tops, count them, and put them in bags of no more than 50 per bag, labeled with
the student’s name. Students can earn great prizes like candy, pop, VIP seating at author visits,
Granger items, and even gift cards! If you have questions about Box Tops, please contact
chairperson Jill Gabriel at mollygabe@sbcglobal.net.
Thank you, Bakers!
Thank you to the following Granger Bakers who contributed to the Volunteer Open House on
September 4th. Your goodies were appreciated by those in attendance and the Granger
Staff enjoyed the remaining treats!
Stacy Burgoon, Amy Coryell, Rebecca Curtis, Yolanda Fisher, Jill Gabriel, Carrie
Gasik, Jill Green, Joanne Jachimiec, Natalie Jordan, Cari Pellegrini, Molly Petersen,
Nina Prabhu, Katy Swerdlick, Shubha Tyamagundlu
Thanks also to the Bakers/Cooks who donated items to the Back to School Staff Lunch back in August. The
teachers loved your delicious salads, baked goods, and beverages!
Julie Hannon, Sherri Nugent, Joanne Jachimiec, Brenda Montemayor, Nina Prabhu, Stacy Burgoon,
Cari Pellegrini, Carrie Gasik, Natalie Jordan, and Amy Coryell
PAGE 6
Parent Diversity Advisory Council - What is PDAC?
Parent Diversity Advisory Council (PDAC)
2014/2015
“A Year of Creating Welcoming Schools”
PDAC’s Mission Statement
Focused on student achievement, the mission of the Parent Diversity Advisory Council (PDAC) is to positively impact
the academic achievement of a diverse student population through school-specific outreach efforts and initiatives that
focus on and directly address disparate academic performance.
PDAC’s Role
The role of the PDAC is to serve as an advisor and a catalyst for collaborative action among district parents, parent
diversity, discussing challenges/opportunities; school-specific and district-wide PDAC initiatives/programs such as:
organizing parent meetings and community-wide opportunities, such as: Cultural Arts & Multicultural Bookfairs,
Keynote Speakers, Dialogue Circles, etc. PDAC facilitates monthly communications with PTA liaisons to share best
practices, address issues of diversity, discuss challenges/opportunities and collaborate on school-specific and districtwide PDAC initiatives/programs as described below. The PDAC additionally acts in an advisory capacity to principals
to coordinate outreach to parents of under-achieving students, assisting with evaluation/development of parental
outreach ideas/activities and in the development /execution of school improvement action items.
PDAC’s Focus
The focus of the PDAC is:
Acknowledging & Addressing Challenges to Academic Excellence
Students: The ability to conduct the business of learning.
Families: The ability to support their child in the education process.
Staff/Administration: The ability to conduct the business of teaching.
Building a Community of Understanding
Build Bridges: Provide opportunities to build a relationship with all members of the Indian Prairie School District
(IPSD) community.
Bridge Understanding: Increase awareness and knowledge of all stakeholders for the benefit of all
stakeholders.
Build Understanding: Research specific needs and collaborate with all members of the community to implement
common goals.
PDAC Granger Middle School
The PDAC facilitates discussions/meetings to promote the mission, support our roles, objectives and focus on a
monthly basis. Each individual school that is a part of IPSD has an appointed liaison committed to the PDAC that will
actively participate and attend meetings and providing feedback/meeting information back to the Administration, PTSA
and to Granger families. For the 2014/2015 school year, Angie Welter has been designated as our PDAC resource
representing our school. Angie is currently an Officer on the Granger Middle School PTSA Executive Commitee,
serving as the Corresponding Secretary for the second consecutive year, and welcomes the chance to be a part of
such a great initiative.
All meetings are open to all IPSD 204 parents, staff and community. For more information, please visit: http://
www.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/PDAC. Additionally, if you are interested in participating/attending meetings and/or have
ideas, suggestions, etc., please feel free to contact Angie Welter at amwelter@hotmail.com and/or 630-518-2837.
Meetings are held at Crouse Education Center (CEC).
PAGE 7
GRANGER PTSA WANTS YOU!!!
It is never too late to register to be a Granger PTSA member. Membership
forms will be available at Granger and on the Granger PTSA website.
Volunteers are always needed on all committees and there are many to choose
from. If you are interested in volunteering for a committee, contact either the
committee chair or one of the Vice presidents, Nina Prabhu or Erica Patterson.
Committees are listed on the membership form found at the back of this
newsletter.
Getaway THANKS!
Thank you to all the volunteers for their help as chaperones during the first Granger Getaway.
These volunteers are: Carla Anderson, Chuck Anderson, Carrie Baffes, Mike Doyle, Sothy Hing,
Mary Lim, Nina Prabhu, Sharon Smagala, Juanita Solis, Tawnya Stewart, Laura Swanson and Debi
Swieter.
Thank you to The Metea Valley Key Club members for helping sell the concessions. The volunteers
are: Eleanor Buettner, Brianna Gipson, Anisha Gondesi, Marina
Kanegae, Rena Kanegae, Rahadi Lohman, and Shreyas Mohan.
Sincerely,
Dina Z. Lohman
Granger Getaway Chairperson
PAGE 8
Meet the Granger Staff
Carla Axt
This is Carla Axt's 14th year at Granger and her 23rd year
teaching! She currently teaches 7PA language arts and
social studies. Ms. Axt’s undergrad degree is from
Eastern Illinois University, her Masters is from National
Louis University, and in 2008 she received National Board
Certification. Currently Ms. Axt coaches cross country and
track. She enjoys training and competing in triathlons,
being outside, and spending time with her family. It’s
going to be a great year!
PA Team
time with family and friends. She is looking forward to an
enjoyable and successful year on Team 6-0!
#LiteracyLove
Mark Sadler
This is Mark’s ninth year at Granger having come from
Oliver J. Kendall Elementary in the district where, from
1999 until 2006, he taught fifth grade. Prior to teaching,
Mark was a police lieutenant, D.A.R.E. officer, SWAT
officer, and a K9 officer in West Virginia. Mark is a
graduate of North Central College, and he is also a U.S.
Army veteran. In 2004 Mark achieved National Board
Jennifer Danaher
Certification as a teacher of middle-aged students. 2009
This is Mrs. Danaher's fourth year at Granger Middle
School. She teaches sixth and seventh grade science and marks the completion of Mark’s Masters degree in
Curriculum and Instruction. Mark and his wife, Tracy, have
social studies for Project Arrow. She is a graduate of the
been married for 30 years, have two daughters- Kara and
University of Illinois and is currently working on her
Masters at North Central College. She has done research Kristin- and currently live with their 4 dogs. Go Cubs and
at Argonne National Laboratory in ecosystem ecology and the West Virginia Mountaineers!
at Fermilab in particle physics. Outside of school, Mrs.
Shawn White
Danaher enjoys spending time with her husband,
Shawn White has been teaching at Granger Middle
watching Green Bay Packers games, reading, and
School for twenty-one years! Mr. White teaches 8th grade
cooking. She is looking forward to teaching future
Science and U.S. History on the P.A. team. He received a
scientists!
Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois
Suzi Edwards
University in Physical Science and Biology, and also has
Suzi Edwards is a graduate of Illinois State University,
completed his Masters degree in Curriculum and
and she completed her Masters degree at National Louis Instruction at National-Louis University. Mr. White is
University. This year marks Mrs. Edwards’s twelfth year of married and has two children, Caroline and Chayse. On
teaching math at Granger Middle School. In her spare
the weekends, he enjoys relaxing with his family and
time, she enjoys spending time with her family and
friends, along with the family’s newest addition, a rescued
friends. Her greatest joy is her six year old daughter,
pooch, “Baxter Dog” as he likes to call him. Baxter Dog
Kasey. Reading, hanging out with family and traveling
can be seen following Mr. White around as they watch
also rank high on Mrs. Edwards’s to do list. In addition,
NASCAR, grill and listen to some favorite tunes.
Mrs. Edwards can be found cheering on her favorite
Allan Zwettler
teams. Go Cubs! Go Bears! Go Hawks! Go Grizzlies!
Mr. Zwettler is glad to be returning to Granger to join the
Glenda Gustafson
PA team, where he teaches sixth grade PA math. He is a
Glenda Gustafson starts off her 17th year at Granger
two-time graduate of Northern Illinois University, holding
Middle School teaching 7th and 8th grade PA Algebra
degrees in business administration and education.
and Language Arts. Before coming to Granger, Mrs.
Outside of school, Mr. Zwettler enjoys drumming,
Gustafson taught math and PE in Texas and Hinsdale, IL. spending time with his family, Walt Disney World,
She is an avid sports fan and loves to watch her son Cody drumming, reading, and more drumming. He has taught
play football and rugby. Shis is excited that her daughter
the drumline at Naperville Central High School for 14
Kandice will be finishing nursing school in February.
years and is a performing member of the Chicago Bears
During any free time that Mrs. G has left, she can be
Drumline. If
found with her husband and kids riding jet skis, cycling,
you’re ever at a
snow skiing, listening to Jimmy Buffett or walking her dog
Bears home
named Baloo.
game, say hi to
him! Bear down!
Kelly Mulhern
Kelly Mulhern is delighted to be starting her eighth year
here at Granger Middle School. Ms. Mulhern teaches
Front row: Glenda
Language Arts and Social Studies on Team 6-0. Ms.
Gustafson, Suzi Edwards,
Mulhern is a graduate of the University of Dayton. Go
Jennifer Danaher, Carla
Flyers! She also has completed her Masters as a
Axt
Reading Specialist. In addition to teaching at Granger,
Back row: Mark Sadler,
she coaches for Special Olympics. Outside of the
Kelly Mulhern, Shawn
classroom Ms. Mulhern can be found planning for her
White, Allan Zwettler
November 2014 wedding, reading, cooking, and spending
PAGE 9
Team 8-1
Meet the Granger Staff
Kristin Grapenthien: Language Arts and American
History
reading (she’s been in a book club for 16 years) and
spending time with her family!
Kristin Graphenthien is entering her 10th year at
Granger. She received her undergraduate and graduate
degrees from National-Louis University. Miss Grapenthien
teaches language arts and social studies. Miss Grape
could spend the entire day watching soccer and college
football! She loves playing with her four nieces and five
nephews and reading any book she can get her hands on.
Mary Mayle: Teaching Assistant
Robyn Winters: Language Arts and American History
Robyn Winters is a graduate of Northern Illinois University
and is beginning her 15th year as a teacher at Granger.
This year she teaches language arts and social studies.
She really enjoys teaching eighth grade and being a part of
the Granger family. When she's not grading papers J she
likes to play outside, shop, read, hang out with friends, and
spend time with her husband Dan and three boys – Ryan,
Justin, and Logan. She looks forward to an exciting and
successful 2014-2015.
Brian Klaft: Science and World History
Brian Klaft is in his 16th year teaching at Granger Middle
School, and his 24th overall. He spent his early career at
Perkins Bass Elementary in Chicago and Emerson
Elementary in Berwyn, Illinois. Mr. Klaft has been married
for 24 years to his wife Linda, and they have three children,
Tori, Jake, and Jack. When he is not teaching at Granger,
Mr. Klaft can be found serving at his church as an Awana
director or taking care of his landscaping. For relaxation Mr.
Klaft spends time with his greatest blessing...his family. Mr.
Klaft is a native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin...so yes that
means he is an avid Packer fan…four Super Bowls and
counting Bear fans!
Katie Hannigan: Math and World History
Katie Hannigan is in her 7th year of teaching, having spent
four years teaching high school Mathematics. She is a
graduate of Illinois State University and has her masters
from Governors State University. This is her third year with
the Grizzly family, teaching 8th grade Math and Social
Studies. When she is not at Granger she loves spending
time with her family and friends, golfing, reading a good
book, and traveling.
Diane Amedei: Support Teacher
Diane Amedei is very excited to be on Team 8-1 this year!
She received her undergraduate degree from Bloomsburg
University in Pennsylvania and her master’s degree from
The University of Cincinnati. She has lived in the Naperville
area for 19 years with all three of her children graduating
from Neuqua Valley! She loves all types of sports,
especially the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears and the
Philadelphia Phillies!! In her free time, Mrs. Amedei enjoys
PAGE 10
Mary Mayle is beginning her ninth year at Granger as a
Teaching Assistant in the 8th grade. For the past 19 years,
she has worked with children from pre-school through the
middle school range. She is a graduate of the University of
Illinois and has a degree in Civil Engineering. Her favorite
subject is Math! She is married and has 3 adult sons. In her
spare time she loves playing Backgammon and Hearts,
watching TV, and traveling.
Christine Wagenknecht: Teaching Assistant
Christine Wagenknecht is excited to be starting her fifth
year as a Teaching Assistant at Granger Middle School.
Prior to this, she was a substitute teacher in District 204 for
two years, a “Domestic Engineer” for 14 years, and in
another life worked in publishing production for the Chicago
Tribune and American Medical Association. Mrs.
Wagenknecht is a graduate of Northern Illinois University
with a BA in Journalism and a Minor in Music. She has
been married to her husband, Tim, for 22 years and they
have 3 children. Mrs. Wagenknecht LOVES watching her
kids play in all their sports and music activities. When not
busy carpooling, she loves to read, watch movies, and be
outdoors—especially at a Cubs game!
Heena Patel: Teaching Assistant
Heena Patel is very excited to be part of team 8-1 as
teaching assistant this year. She has worked as a
substitute science teacher in district 204 and 87 high
schools for past five years. Mrs. Patel has earned Masters
in Biochemistry from India and has completed her
secondary teaching certification in broad field sciences
from Elmhurst College, IL. She is married to Shrenik,
Pharm.D, for nine years and has a five year old son Veer.
She thoroughly enjoys being a part of the Grizzly family.
Meet the Granger Staff
Bryan Carter: Language Arts & U.S. History
Team 8-2
Bryan Carter is excited to begin another year at the greatest middle school! He is beginning his 12 year at Granger.
Mr. Carter loves teaching US History and the ELA Block. Mr. Carter also enjoys coaching football and
basketball. When he has free time, Mr. Carter roots for the Cubs, Bulls, and Packers and playing with his four kids.
One of Mr. Carter’s pet peeves is when people refer to themselves in the third person.
th
Kristin Fino: Language Arts and U.S. History
Kristin Fino is beginning her 12 year at Granger! This is her fourth year teaching U.S. History and the English
Language Arts Block for 8 grade. Mrs. Fino attended Elmhurst College and enjoys returning to the school on
Homecoming Weekend to cheer on the Bluejays! Over the summer, Mrs. Fino enjoyed spending time with her twoyear old daughter, Megan. In her free time, Mrs. Fino enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, and
reading.
th
th
Amy Rigney: Language Arts and U.S. History
Amy Rigney is starting her 2nd year at Granger. Previously, Ms. Rigney had taught ELA in the city of Chicago and
writing in the small town of Neoga. She is originally from Belleville, IL, in southern Illinois, but decided to move to the
suburbs after graduating from Eastern Illinois University. Ms. Rigney enjoys reading, writing, and painting when not at
school. She is also the co-sponsor of the Granger STEM Club.
Samantha Gruette: Pre-Algebra, Algebra
Samantha Gruette is entering her 2nd year at Granger after spending 4 years teaching high school mathematics in
East Moline, IL. Ms. Gruette attended Augustana College in Rock Island IL after graduating from Neuqua Valley High
School, receiving her degree in Math and Art Education. Ms. Gruette enjoys running, playing and listening to music,
and spending time with her family. Ms. Gruette is the sponsor of the American Sign Language Club and 6th grade
Intramural Cross-Country Track team.
Steve Gee: Science
Steve Gee is in his eighth year at Granger and his fourth at 8 grade (previous four in seventh grade). He received his
undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and teaching certificate from Oakland University. Mr. Gee
spent 14 years working in the public accounting field in Michigan before moving into education. He loves teaching
science and spending time with his wife of 24 years and his two daughters (freshman at Indiana University and junior
at Waubonsie Valley High School). Mr. Gee is also a huge sports fan, although he still roots for his Michigan-based
teams! He is also the co-sponsor of the Granger STEM Club.
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Cindi Dalsing: Support Teacher
Cindi Dalsing is proud to be a teacher at Granger Middle School. She
earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. In 2007, she
completed her Master’s degree in reading and literacy at Benedictine
University. She and her husband enjoy spending time with family. They visit
their son in Champaign where he’s employed by the University of
Illinois. And go to Madison to spend time with their daughter, a PhD student,
at the University of Wisconsin. Mrs. Dalsing is looking forward to getting to
know her students this year!
PAGE 11
Team 7-1
Meet the Granger Staff
Jessica Walsh: Language Arts and Geography
Jessica Walsh is beginning her ninth year as an English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Granger. She is also the
Team Coordinator for Team 7-1. Mrs. Walsh REALLY loves District 204, being a graduate of Brookdale Elementary, Gregory
Middle School, and Neuqua Valley High School. She received her undergraduate degree in Secondary English Education from
Ball State University and her graduate degree in Reading Instruction from Concordia University. Mrs. Walsh enjoys rooting for
Da Bears, reading everything she can get her hands on, writing, traveling, and enjoying life with Mr. Walsh, her stepson (Colin,
6) and son (Charlie, 11 months).
Allison Burnette: Language Arts and Geography
Allison Burnette is beginning her tenth year of teaching at Granger. She is a 2005 graduate of Illinois State University where
she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a 2009 graduate of Aurora University where she received her
Master’s degree in Reading Instruction. She is excited to begin her 7 th year on team 7-1 with her outstanding teammates.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Burnette enjoys reading, yoga, swimming, traveling, and spending time with her husband and
two year old daughter, Claire. She looks forward to having baby #2 in February!
Mike Yadgir: Geography and Language Arts
Mike Yadgir is so excited to be on Team 7-1 this year. This is his first year as a full time teacher after spending all of last year
as a Teaching Assistant at Granger. He did his student teaching at Metea Valley High School and received his BA in history/
social-sciences education from Illinois State University. It is also his second year coaching 7th grade girls volleyball here at
Granger. In his spare time, Mike loves to read, spend time with his family and friends, and watch the Cubs and Packers!
Samantha Sinding: Math
Samantha Sinding grew up in the Chicago Suburbs. She earned a Bachelor’s in Middle Level Math and Science Education at
Illinois State in 2001. She completed student teaching in Honolulu, Hawaii, and taught 7th grade math there for 4 years. Miss
Sinding earned her Master’s in Administration from Aurora University in May 2009. She is excited to teach 7-1 Math again this
year, her 9th year at Granger. She enjoys yoga, cheering for the Chicago Bears and Cubs, being a godmother to her best
friend’s triplet, swimming, reading, hiking, traveling to other countries, shoe shopping, music, reality TV, and playing catch with
her German Shepherd. She is currently building a house off Interstate 88 and looks forward to shopping for new furniture. Miss
Sinding has been on several committees at the district level, including digits and curriculum writing. Her favorite day of the year,
Pi Day on March 14, and she can’t wait to celebrate with the students!
Elizabeth White: Science
Elizabeth White is entering her tenth year of teaching. She attended Illinois State University for her undergraduate degree in
middle school education. Mrs. White earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Saint Xavier University in May 2008
and continued to earn her second Master’s in Secondary Biological Science Education from Aurora University and the Illinois
Math and Science Partnership in May 2011. She enjoys spending
time with her husband, 14 month old son Elliott and three rescue
dogs, as well as hiking, canoeing, sports, biking and visiting
museums.
Anita Lyons: Support Teacher
Anita Lyons is an original Granger staff member! She earned her
bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University (Go Spartans!)
long before Mrs. Lynne White. She lives in Naperville and has a
daughter, Madeline, who is currently a kindergarten teacher. This
summer she had a new addition to her family, Augie the Boston
Terrier! Sports, reading, and traveling are all hobbies Ms. Lyons
enjoys. She is an especially avid Cubs fan, poor thing. Thank
goodness for the Blackhawks!
PAGE 12
Meet the Granger Staff
Team 7-2
Kathy Budd: Support Teacher
Mrs. Budd has a degree from Central Michigan University in Special Education. Her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and
Development is from Michigan State University – Go Spartans! She also has an Administration degree from Concordia
University in Chicago. She taught in Michigan for 20 years before her family moved to Illinois. She has taught at
Granger for 14 years and loves it! She’s proud to be a Grizzly. In her free time, she loves to travel with her family,
kayak, and read.
Donna Jackson: Language Arts and Geography
Donna Jackson is one of Team 7-2’s Language Arts teachers. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from
Dominican University and a Master’s Degree in Reading Instruction from Concordia University. Ms. Jackson has been
at Granger Middle School for a very, very, long time. In her spare time, Miss Jackson enjoys walking her dogs, reading,
going to the movies, and correcting papers. (The last one is not true. It was just mentioned to impress Mrs.
Desiderio.) Miss Jackson is often mistaken for Halle Berry or Jessica Alba in the halls at Granger. Her sharp wit and
loud voice often get her into trouble. Her dream is to win the lottery and buy a Barnes and Nobles Store.
Julie Johnson: Language Arts and Geography
Ms. Johnson has a degree from Illinois State University in Elementary and Middle School Education. Her Master’s
Degree is in Teaching English as a Second Language from New York University and she is currently working on her
second Master’s Degree in Reading from Concordia University in Chicago. This is her third year at Granger and she
loves it! When she not teaching or learning she is usually running after her daughter at the zoo or enjoying the great city
of Chicago.
Dwight Nelson: Science
Mr. Nelson has a degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. Go Huskies! He also has two Master’s Degrees
from Aurora University. He taught for 6 years in a previous district before coming to Granger Middle School. Mr. Nelson
is beginning year number 14 at Granger. He also coaches boys and girls cross country, wrestling, and 7 th grade girls’
basketball. Go Grizzlies! In his free time he keeps busy with his three boys at home who are in 8 th, 5th, and 2nd
grade. When his boys are not running him around he enjoys running and reading himself.
Michele Nowoj: Math
Mrs. Nowoj earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at the University of Illinois, and she also earned
her Master's degree in Instructional Technology at Northern Illinois University. This is her second year teaching at
Granger. In her free time she enjoys chauffeuring her kids from activity to activity and cheering them on from the edge of
her seat with her husband.
Jacob Sanders: Language Arts and Geography
This is Mr. Sanders' fourth year at Granger. He is a graduate of
Western Michigan University with a B.A. in English – Practical
Writing. He also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching at
National Louis University with endorsements in secondary
language arts, social studies, English as a second language
instruction, and middle school pedagogy. In his free time Mr.
Sanders enjoys spending time with his wife, newborn son, and
their two silky terriers.
Jacob Sanders is taped to the
wall!!
PAGE 13
Team 6-1
Meet the Granger Staff
Katie Drinka: Language Arts and World History
Katie Drinka is excited to be in her first year at
Granger! She previously taught in the Joliet/Plainfield area
as an 8th grade ELA teacher. Ms. Drinka earned her
degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
She will be serving as a sponsor for the ABC (Anti-Bullying
-Club) this upcoming year. In addition to helping students
academically, Ms. Drinka’s top priorities include making
scholars feel safe and appreciated at school! She is
looking forward to a fantastic year.
Linda Szott: Math
Linda Szott is thrilled to begin her 5th year at
Granger. She will be teaching Math on team 6-1. Mrs.
Szott earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from
Bradley University, and she received her teaching
certificate from Northern Illinois University. She and her
husband have 4 grown children, and most of her free time
is spent reading and bicycling.
Gene Van Dusen: Science
Amber Ewert: Language Arts and World History
Gene Van Dusen is currently the team coordinator for team
6-1. He is beginning his 20th year at Granger Middle
School. He teaches Science on team 6-1. Mr. Van Dusen
coaches 7th grade boys’ basketball and 7th grade girls’
basketball. Like Ms. Barnett he also attended Hill Middle
School and graduated from Waubonsie Valley High
School. He earned his undergraduate and graduate
degrees from North Central College. His wife, Jenny,
teaches 5th grade in Oswego. He has a daughter Lindsey
who is in 7th grade, a daughter Lauren who is in 4th grade,
and a five year old son Derek. He loves coaching his
daughters travel softball teams, the Oswego Outlaws. He
also enjoys traveling with his family to Hilton Head South
Carolina, and to the Florida beaches and amusement
parks.
Barbie Barnett: Language Arts and World History
Barbie Barnett is entering her twenty second year at
Granger. Ms. Barnett just loves District 204. She went to
Clow Elementary School, Hill Middle School, and
graduated from Waubonsie High School - but we won't
disclose the year. Ms. Barnett’s oldest daughter is
attending college at the Fashion Institute of Technology in
NYC. Her youngest daughter is a freshman at Waubonise
Valley, there are a lot of transitions for this family! Ms.
Barnett graduated from Milligan Christian College in
Tennessee and received her Master's Degree from North
Central College. In her spare time Ms. Barnett enjoys
reading, watching sports and spending time with her girls.
PAGE 14
Amber Ewert is ecstatic to be a Granger Grizzly! After
earning her undergraduate degree at Northern Illinois
University, she began her teaching career at Scullen
Middle School eight years ago. While teaching sixth grade
students in both the general education and PA classroom,
she also earned her Master’s Degree from Concordia
University. Mrs. Ewert loves working with middle school
children because there is never a dull moment! Mrs. Ewert
and her husband are the proud parents of two boys,
Knollyn (who is two years old) and Finnley (who just turned
five months old)! Enjoying quality time with family and
friends, reading, scrapbooking, and photography are Mrs.
Ewert’s passions outside of school.
Renee Torrez: Support Teacher
Renee Torrez is entering her 16th year of teaching. After
14 years of being a Nancy Young Dolphin, she is thrilled to
be at Granger! Mrs. Torrez earned her Bachelor’s degree
in Speech and Hearing Science at Arizona State University
and her Master’s degree from DePaul University. She
previously taught in Arizona and Michigan before starting in
District 204 in 2000. Mrs. Torrez has two sons; Dominic
and Anthony. Mrs. Torrez and her husband love cheering
their sons on at their soccer games and spending quality
family time together. They are huge sports fans and enjoy
attending Bears, Bulls and Cubs games. She is ecstatic to
be working with such a wonderful group of 6th graders this
year!
Meet the Granger Staff
Team 6-2
Suzanne Czaplweski: Math
Mrs. Czaplewski is so excited to be a part of the 6-2 Ghostbusters. She teaches regular and accelerated
mathematics. Mrs. Czaplewski has been teaching for 15 years. She is married and has 3 beautiful
children. In her free time she enjoys playing games and solving puzzles. Her love for math drives her
teaching and classroom environment!
Jamie DeAngelis: Language Arts and World History
Miss DeAngelis teaches language arts and social studies. This is her 7 year in the district, and 5 year
at Granger. She absolutely loves Granger and working with 6th grade. In her free time she enjoys
traveling, spending time with friends and family, and shopping. She looks forward to expanding your
child's love of reading and writing!
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Michelle Campbell: Language Arts and World History
Mrs. Campbell has been teaching at GMS since 2004. She taught 7th grade ELA on the Project Arrow
team for 8 years, and this is her 2nd year with the 6-2 Ghostbusters! She received her undergraduate
degree in Middle School Education from both Lincoln Christian College and Illinois State University, and
earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Besides teaching, Mrs. Campbell enjoys
spending time with her family-especially her new little girl, Shayne Hazel, watching sports, reading, and
playing with her puppies (Hurley and Roxy). Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Go Grizzlies! Go Bears! Go Hawks!
Kailin O’Connell (Macak): Science
This is Mrs. Macak’s 5th year teaching science. She is a graduate of Lewis University, and has spent the
last several summers teaching science summer camps at Sci-Tech Hands-On Museum. In Mrs. Macak’s
free time she enjoys watching movies or reading a good book. She is eager to help you become a
scientist!
Laura Lopez: Support Teacher
Miss Lopez is the support facilitator for team 6-2, as well as the teacher of direct ELA. This is Miss
Lopez’s 7th year teaching. She is a graduate of Elmhurst College and will be graduating this May from
the University of St. Francis with a Master’s of Science degree in Educational Leadership. Miss Lopez
loves to laugh and read and she cannot wait to assist all of her students in making positive achievements
in their emotional, social and academic success this school year!
PAGE 15
Meet the Granger Staff
LMC
Lynne White-LMC Director
Greetings From The White House- The Granger LMC!
Mrs. Lynne White is in her 22nd year of teaching, and she is
proud that all of those years have been spent as a Granger
Grizzly! Mrs. White is from the Detroit, Michigan area and
earned her undergrad from Michigan State University. Since
that time she has earned graduate degrees and continuing
education hours from National Louis University and Aurora
University. Mrs. White spent the first 18 years of her career in
the 7 and 8 grade language arts classroom. Four years ago, Lynne White and visiting author Jason Segel!
she moved into the library where she serves as the Library
Media Director and Library Teacher for the whole school. Mrs. White loves her role in being a teacher
that loops with students during their entire middle school career. When she is not reading or planning
literacy events, Mrs. White enjoys watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Read On!
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ENCORE - Music
David Pakkebier: Band
David Pakkebier was born and raised in
Sheboygan, Wisconsin. A self proclaimed cheese
head and Packer fan, David attended Central
College in Pella, Iowa and Graduated with a BA in
music education in 1992. In 2005 he completed
work and received a master’s degree in music
education from VanderCook School of Music in
Chicago.
Before coming to Granger, David worked nine
years in district #204 as a fifth grade band
director. He taught band and Choir at St. Joe’s
High School and Jr. High in Kenosha, Wisconsin
for five years, taught 6 – 12 grade band for the School District of Random Lake in Random Lake,
Wisconsin and 5 grade band in the Kenosha public Schools. Mr. Pakkebier enters his 22 year of
teaching this year.
David has been married for twenty two years to his wife Dawn who teaches orchestra at Still Middle
School. Together they have two children, Bailea who is a freshman at Central College in Pella Iowa
and Matthew who is a freshman at WVHS. He enjoys sports and woodworking in his spare time.
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PAGE 16
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Meet the Granger Staff
ENCORE - PE/Health
Sarah Brucher: P.E. Teacher
Doug Burson: Physical Education
Hello! My name is Sarah Brucher. I am a Physical
Education teacher for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. I
graduated from Aurora University where I studied physical
education while playing on the basketball team as a Lady
Spartan! I’ve been married for two years and have a stepson Jack. In my free time I like to work out, run, read, and
spend time with my family and friends. Although I began
my Granger experience last year as a full time substitute,
this is my first full time teaching position here at Granger
Middle School. I am very excited and feel privileged to be
a Grizzly! So far, I have really enjoyed my start here at
Granger with wonderful students and staff. Granger is an
amazing school and I look forward to continuing my
teaching career as a GRIZZLY!
This is Doug’s 20th year at Granger Middle School. During
this time he has taught Physical Education, Health and
Computers. He has also coached Heavyweight football,
wrestling and Track. He received his undergraduate
degree from Benedictine University (formerly Illinois
Benedictine College) and his Master’s degree from
Chicago State University. He has been married for 16
years to his wife Julie and has two children: Dougie (12
years old) and Anna (10 years old). It has been an honor
to be a Grizzly for so many years and he looks forward to
many more!!! Go GRIZZLIES!!!
Jen Torza: Physical Education & Health
Jen Torza is the Health Education teacher for Granger’s 6th,
7th and 8th grade students. She has been teaching for 13
years and has spent 11 of those years here in District
Kelle Lalko:P.E. Teacher
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#204. Before teaching at Granger, she spent two years at
Mrs. Lalko is beginning her 12 year at Granger Middle
Still Middle School. She received her Master’s degree in
School as a Physical Education teacher. She also
Educational Leadership from Aurora University in
coaches 7th and 8th grade track. She graduated from the
2005. She also became a National Board Certified teacher
University of Wisconsin- La Crosse and received her
Master’s degree from Louis University. Outside of teaching in 2009. She is married with three boys: Derek 10, Drew
7, and Davin 3. She and her husband moved here from
Mrs. Lalko is an age group swim coach for the Maverick
New Mexico in 2000 and currently reside in Oswego. In
Swim Club in Naperville. Mrs. Lalko resides in Aurora, Il
with her husband Steve, 3 year old daughter Emma, and 8 her free time she likes to read, workout and attend all of
her children’s sporting events! She is also a BIG St. Louis
month old daughter Ella. In her spare time, Mrs. Lalko
Cardinals’ baseball fan! She loves teaching and could
enjoys swimming, running, and spending time with her
never imagine doing anything else. Granger is the best
family!
school she has ever worked at and looks forward to
Scott Branson: Physical Education & Health
completing her teaching career as a GRANGER GRIZZLY!
Scott Branson teaches Health and Physical Education at
Granger. He is a lifelong resident of the Fox Valley
area. This will be his 23rd year teaching in the Indian
Prairie School District (IPSD). He received his
undergraduate degree from Aurora University and his
Master’s degree from Chicago State University. He
coaches Heavy Weight football, 7th grade boys basketball,
and Track & Field. He and his wife have been married for
20 years and have three boys, Luke 17, Zach 17, Samuel
14, and a girl, Leah 12. He enjoys being with his family and
friends, landscaping, working out, and attending sporting
events. It is awesome to be a Grizzly and be a part of such
a great school and community.
PAGE 17
PACE & Support Staff
Meet the Granger Staff
Elizabeth Molter: Self-Contained PACE teacher
Elizabeth Molter is a Special Education Teacher and has worked in the district for six years. She worked as a Support
Teacher at Reba O Steck Elementary School for two years and for the past four years she has been a Self-Contained
Teacher here at Granger. Elizabeth has worked as a Special Education Teacher for nineteen years. Before working in
District #204 she worked as a Special Education Teacher at Krejci Academy, part of Little Friends in Naperville, for
twelve years. Elizabeth received her BA in Elementary Education from North Central College and a Special Education
endorsement from Northern
Illinois University. Elizabeth has lived in Naperville most of her life and was a graduate of Waubonsie Valley High
School. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family. She also has a parrot and loves animals.
Sarah Bernhard: Long Term Sub for Ashley Elder, Self-Contained Teacher
Sarah started working at Granger last year as a teaching assistant in one of the two self-contained classrooms. She
feels very lucky to be covering a maternity leave position in the same classroom this year as the classroom teacher. She
loves working with her students and feels like she learns so much from them every day. She earned her Elementary
Education degree from Aurora University in 2012, and has spent the last few years getting a lot of wonderful teaching
experience from being a substitute and a teaching assistant in District 204. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to
country music and spending time with her family.
Cheryl Walton: Physical Therapy
Cheryl Walton is a physical therapist who is beginning her 10th year in district 204, and her 4th year at Granger, where
she enjoys working with the students and staff. She studied physical therapy at Northwestern University, and has a
doctorate from Arcadia University. Prior experience includes working in rehabilitation and outpatient therapy settings. In
her free time she enjoys running, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her 3 daughters.
Michele Witte: Speech and Language Teacher
Michele Witte is beginning her 20th year as a Speech and Language Teacher. She received her Master’s degree at
California State University in Fullerton, California. Michele has been married to her husband for 25 years and has two
sons. In her free time she enjoys gardening, reading, kayaking and riding ATV's.
Gina Chiappetta: Occupational Therapy
Gina Chiappetta is an occupational therapist with 25 years of experience. She graduated from UIC in 1989 with a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. Mrs. Chiappetta has been an OT in District 204 for the past five
years. Mrs. Chiappetta lives in Naperville with her husband and 2 children. Her son, Eric, is a sophomore at Illinois State
University and her daughter, Haley, is a senior at Neuqua Valley High School. In her free time, Mrs. Chiappetta enjoys
spending time with her family, running, taking boxing classes and reading. She is happy to be a Granger Grizzly!
Ashley Elder: Self-Contained PACE teacher (Not pictured)
This is Ashley Elder’s 5th year teaching at Granger middle
school in a self-contained classroom. Before coming to
Granger, she worked at McCarty Elementary as a kindergarten
and first grade support teacher. She graduated from Lewis
University with a degree in Special Education.
She is married with two kids, Caden 2, and Gianna, 1 month.
When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys watching sports
and reading.
PAGE 18
Meet the Granger Staff
Joy Bedell: Speech Pathologist
Hi, my name is Joy Bedell, and I have been a speechlanguage pathologist for over 30 years! This is my 17th year
at Granger Middle School—and I love it. Working with
adolescent’s communication has become my
passion! Granger is a great place to learn and grow—and
that is my goal for each of my students.
Support Services
Laura Fontana: School Psychologist
Hi, my name is Laura Fontana and I am starting my 28th
year as a school psychologist. I received my B.A. and
M.S.E. in school psychology from the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire. This is my 11th year at Granger
Middle School and I love being a Granger Grizzly!! In my
spare time, I enjoy laughing with my husband and daughter
(11th grade), horseback riding, playing the piano, gardening,
and watching Packer games!
I am married and have one daughter, who is a social
worker. My 9-year-old grandson is the joy of my life, and
Carol Near: Interventionist
we are all busy attending his activities! I enjoy reading, and
This is Mrs. Near’s third year at Granger. She was born
I’m a part of Granger’s staff book club. I also enjoy cooking,
and raised in Chicago. She received her Bachelor’s degree
traveling and sports!
from Northern Illinois University and her Master’s degree
from Aurora University. She has always loved math and
enjoys helping students to improve their math skills. Middle
Georganna Bramfeld: Social Worker
school students are her favorite age group with which to
work. Mrs. Near is an avid White Sox fan and also loves to
Hello I’m Georganna Bramfeld the School Social Worker. I
watch college football, rooting for the NIU Huskies and the
have been at Granger for 16 years. I received my MSW
Iowa State Cyclones (the college that both of her children
from Aurora University and became a LCSW in 1999. I
attend). She lives in Naperville with her husband and two
have been married for 34 years and have two children; my
son lives in Chicago and my daughter lives in New York. My children, Joe and Emily.
daughter was married this past summer in the yard in
Culver Ind. In my spare time I love to cook, read, bike ride,
and travel.
Dell M. Westbrook: Guidance Counselor
I am in my eighteenth year as a guidance counselor at
Granger…how fast time flies. A few positions I enjoyed on
my journey to Granger included working in the Career Lab
at a community college, in the classroom as a reading
Ellen Bell: Granger Student Services Coordinator
improvement teacher, and my all-time favorite…elementary
I attended college at Western Illinois University and
school guidance counselor; all in Michigan. As a guidance
received a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education counselor at Granger I work with students on an individual
and Elementary Education. When I first came into the
and group basis on problem-solving solutions for academic
district I was a special education teacher at Graham
and personal problems. I also confer with parents,
Elementary the year that it opened. Then I moved on to
teachers, and administrators whenever necessary. Outside
work with students at Crone Middle School and got my
of work I volunteer as an adult literacy tutor at a local
Masters degree in Administration from Aurora University.
community college.
Since that time I have been the Student Services
Coordinator at Hill, Gregory and Granger Middle Schools.
Here at Granger I coordinate the special education and 504
services. I get to meet lots of parents, students and staff
members each day. I enjoy being a Grizzly and look forward
to another great year with all of you.
Deb Gavras: Guidance Counselor
Deb Gavras has been a guidance counselor at Granger for
19 years. Prior to that she taught Physical Education and
coached high school sports in District 204.
As a counselor, she meets with students individually , in
groups, or classroom settings to discuss academic and
social goals. The counselors also communicate with parents
and teachers to determine how to best support the
development of Granger’s students during their middle
school years.
PAGE 19
ENCORE
Meet the Granger Staff
Julia Alsirt: Instructional Technology
Greetings from the Granger Computer Lab! Mrs. Alsirt
came to District #204 in 2000 as a Family and Consumer
Science teacher at Granger. Since then she has taught
FACS, Art, Music, Industrial Technology and Computers.
She transferred to Fischer when it opened and spent four
years there teaching cooking and sewing! In 2013, Mrs.
Alsirt requested the opportunity to return to Granger as a
computer teacher and says she is
“over–the-moon-ecstatic” to be back with the amazing staff
and students at Granger Middle School!
Mrs. Alsirt earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the
University of Iowa. Additionally, she has a M.A. Ed in
Technology in Education from National Louis University
and is a certified Instructional Technology Specialist. Her
two children, Steven and Laura, attended District #204
schools and are now young adults living amazing lives!
Mrs. Alsirt and her husband Ayhan love to spend time with
their pets and enjoying the outdoors. When she has a
chance to travel, she especially likes to go to Turkey to
spend time with family!
Libby Henderson: Instructional Technology
Gary and his wife Ann, moved from Michigan to northern
Wisconsin in 1981 to staff a year–round youth and family
camp, and served for 12 years in a variety of roles from
marketing to program directing.
In 1994, at age 35, Gary and Ann and their four children
moved to Illinois, Gary started a business, and went full
time back to school to pursue a degree in secondary
English, with a minor in theatre.
He student taught at Neuqua Valley High School, and after
graduation from Aurora University he was offered a job at
Granger Middle School, teaching Technical Arts, where he
has been for the last 14 years.
Over the years the Tech Arts program has changed several
times and evolved from a more traditional lab approach to
teaching more advanced technology subjects which employ
hands-on experience in the process of problem
solving. Currently he teaches Manufacturing Technology,
Design and 3D Modeling, Automation and Robotics and
Energy and the Environment (which explores the design
and implementation of alternative energies).
Three out of his four children have degrees in education
(English, Biology and Physical Education) and another
finishing a degree in Psychology. He is proud they have
chosen careers in which they can serve others and make a
difference in their life.
Libby Henderson is in her 17th year of teaching in District
204, and second year teaching technology at Granger
Middle School. Prior to last year, she taught 5th grade at
Gary loves the Granger family, and has been privileged to
Brooks Elementary School for 7 years, and 4th and 5th
work with so many outstanding people which share the
grade at May Watts Elementary School. Her undergraduate
same love for kids and for learning.
degree is in Elementary Education from National Louis
University, and her Master's Degree is in K-12 Instructional
Technology from Concordia University. She is a National
Board Certified Teacher.
Libby is married and has two sons and a stepson and step
daughter. She loves to travel, read, cook, and paint
(watercolors). Her most recent passion is gardening – she
successfully grew flowers, vegetables, and herbs this
summer! She believes in the power of education and is
very excited be a part of the Granger team of educators
again this year.
Gary Hoskins: Technology
Gary Hoskins is originally from a small town in west central
Michigan. After finishing High School in 1977, he attended,
and graduated from an Aviation School in Grand Rapids,
with a private license, with instrument and commercial
training.
PAGE 20
Meet the Granger Staff
Ginne Gates: FACS
ENCORE
Kathy Abraham: French
Ms. Ginne Gates is our resident Family and Consumer
Science Teacher! (Formally known as Home Economics!)
Come Oct.4 she will have become a MRS. She has
worked in District #204 for 24 years and has also taught
Physical Education and Health. Believe it or not, she loves
being at Granger as much as she loves being at home
with her family and friends.
Bonjour tout le monde! Kathy Abraham is our French
and Flex teacher at Granger. She’s originally from Reno,
Nevada where she began her teaching career about 28
years ago. She obtained a MATESL degree at U of I in
Champaign. While at U of I she taught Freshman Rhetoric
while she was earning her degree; she was later hired as
a Visiting Teaching Associate in the English Department.
Kathy has also taught ELL in Nevada, District 204, Triton
In her spare time, Ms. Gates loves to scrapbook and goes
College, and the College of Du Page. A few years ago
on scrapbooking weekend get- a- ways. After all “If it’s not
Kathy began a part-time position at Granger, and has
in the Scrapbook, It didn’t happen”. She also volunteers at
been here ever since. In her free time, Kathy enjoys
Misercordia. (A home for mentally and physically
traveling, watching films and musicals, hiking, singing, and
handicapped young adults) You will often find her out and
participating in various sports activities. Kathy has been to
about with her canine companion, Charlie. He will always
Poland, Quebec, Haiti, and India, to name a
be walking next to her or riding behind her in his bike
few. Recently, Kathy and her son, a senior at NVHS,
trailer, or helping her navigate from point A to point B from
travelled to Tanzania to teach English, volunteer in various
his car seat, made just for dogs!
feeding programs, and help set up the very first Christian
Radio Station in western Tanzania. Kathy’s sophomore
Ms. Gates received her BA degree in Secondary
daughter also attends NVHS, and her husband is a
Education with a major in Physical Education and Health
scientist at Argonne. Au Revoir!
and a Minor in Home Economics from Eastern Illinois
University. She has a MA degree in Secondary Education
from Chicago State University.
Matt Walsh: ELL and Bilingual Teacher
Matt Walsh has been teaching ELL/Bilingual classes at
Granger for over 8 years. He has a Bachelor’s Degree
from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree from
Mrs. Wash grew up in St. Charles, went to Northern Illinois Northern Illinois University. When he is not at Granger,
you can find him spending time with his wife and boys (6
University, and earned a BFA and MFA in Art
and almost 1), and perfecting his ribs’ recipe or doing
Education. She worked as a Graphic Art Teacher in
District 129 before coming to Granger in 2005. She chose projects around the house.
to become an art teacher because there is never have a
dull moment, and she gets to smile, laugh, and learn with
her students every day. She loves watching them grow as
artists, and getting to know them as individuals. Outside
of school, Mrs. Wash likes to spend time outdoors, with
her family, and traveling whenever possible.
Erin Wash: Art
Irene Evert: Spanish, FLEX, Study Skills
Irene Evert is returning to Granger this year to teach
Spanish I, Spanish II, FLEX and Study Skills. She
received a Master’s degree in education and ELL
endorsement from National Louis University. Before going
to school for teaching, she received degrees in
Economics, International Business, Spanish and a
Master’s degree in Applied Economics from Marquette
University in Milwaukee Wisconsin. At home, she and her
husband have two children. They love watching the
Chicago Bears play while eating homemade pizza and
Cheetos. When not indoors watching the Bears, they
enjoy hiking and visiting the zoo.
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ENCORE
Meet the Granger Staff
Cindy Chejfec: Spanish
This is Cindy Chejfec’s 14th year teaching Middle
School. She is only teaching one subject this year--ESPAÑOL! ¡OLÉ! She looks forward to working with your
children and introducing them to a new language! She
holds a BS degree from the University of WisconsinMadison and the University of Madrid-Spain in Art and
Spanish, a MA degree in Art History from The University of
Chicago, and a MAT from National Louis
University. Although Ms. Chejfec’s passion has always
been teaching, she was not always a teacher…For 14
years she made TV commercials and worked in program
development for the Kohl Children’s Museum and The
Field Museum of Natural History. When not at work, she
enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and
gardening. She is also a member of the John G. Shedd
Aquarium Dive Team. On the weekends, you can find her
under the water talking to you as she feeds the fish, sharks
and stingrays in the Caribbean Reef habitat.
Lauren Davies: FACS
It was a challenging road becoming a teacher but now that
I teach Sewing (and Art upon occasion) it was all worth it.
In 2007 I graduated from North Central College with my
degree in Art Education. It made no difference to me that I
was 58 years old while most of my classmates were in
their 20s. An Associate’s degree in Fashion Design from C.
O.D. also earned me an endorsement in FACS. I am a
"struggling" fine artist, neither famous, nor starving. Ginne
Gates has a framed portrait of herself with Charlie in the
foods lab, which I drew in 2012.
Two daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 2 grandchildren bless
my life. And I still speak a bit with my native, Minnesotan
accent; don't ya know!
wedding anniversary! We have lived in Naperville for 24
years and have 2 grown daughters. They live and work in
Chicago and we love to visit them as often as we can. I
enjoy reading, cooking, quilting and spending time with my
family
Lee Ann Rozanske: Creative Technology
This is Lee Ann Rozanske’s 14th year of teaching in IPSD
#204. She has been at Scullen Middle School since
beginning in the district, but will be teaching 2 classes of 7 th
Grade Creative Technology second semester at Granger.
When not at school, she enjoys bike riding, camping,
kayaking, and just being outdoors with her family. Her
family consists of Steve, her husband, Lauren, 25, Kim, 23,
and two dogs, Spartacus and Peppermint. She looks
forward to getting to know the Grizzly family!
Meghan Duermit:
6th Grade
Strategic Reading
My name is Ms. Meghan
Duermit. This is my first year at Granger and I am very
excited to be here. This is my 17th year teaching and my
9th year in the district. I am the Strategic Reading teacher
for 6th grade. In my spare time, I like to read and exercise.
Jeff Winefka: 7th Grade
I am the 7th grade Strategic Reading teacher. This is my
first year at Granger and first year in the district. I have
taught middle school and high school reading for five
years. I received both my Bachelors and Masters Degree
from Lewis University. I am very excited to be a part of the
Granger family!
Kathy Wisniowski: 8th Grade
Kara Connolly: FACS
Ms. Wisniowski is starting
her 13th year at Granger
and her 24th year as an
educator. She is the reading
specialist for 8th grade. Ms.
Wisniowski loves to get
involved with extracurricular
activities. She is starting her
11th year as yearbook
sponsor, working with
creative students in a fun
after school activity. In her
free time, Ms. W. loves to
read, watch movies and
Chris LaRose: Art, Industrial Technology, Study Skills play with her adorable dog
Peanut. She wishes
This year will be my 11th year teaching Middle School in
everyone a fun and
District 204. I teach Art, Instructional Technology and
successful school year.
Study Skills. My husband and I just celebrated our 30th
Go Grizzlies!
Kara Connolly has been teaching Family and Consumer
Sciences in District 204 for five years. She teaches
between Granger and Metea. Her favorite part of traveling
between both schools is getting to see the 6th grade
students grow into High Scholars. Kara is currently
studying Educational Technology at Concordia University.
On her summer and holiday breaks she loves to travel
internationally. In the summer of 2013 Kara spent 9 weeks
traveling through Thailand and in the summer of 2012 she
spent 7 weeks traveling through Europe. Some of the
neatest experience Kara has had while traveling include
volunteering for three days at an elephant sanctuary,
learning to scuba dive, and eating her way through Europe.
PAGE 22
Kathy Wisniowski, Jeff Winefka,
Meghan Duermit,
Thank you to our PTSA Donors!
The Granger PTSA would like to acknowledge and thank the following people for supporting our organization with their donations:
SILVER
GOLD
PLATINUM
Barbie Barnette
Ellen Bell
Missy Brosius
Sarah Brucher
Michelle Campbell
Cindy Chejfec
Suzanne Czaplewski
Cindi Dalsing
Ginne Gates
Deb Gavras
Nick Hurd
Dina Z. Lohman
Anita Lyons
Sally & Eddie Reeves
Jen Torza
Del Westbrook
Robyn Winters
Heather & Peter Bejda
Sampath & Lavanya Kari
Kathy & Kevin Schuele
Thurai & Kumu Sivakadachan
Georgana Bramfeld
Steve & Jaynai Fort
Shalini Gupta
Joanne & Rich Jachimiec
Sangeetha Sundar &
Sundar Ramanathan
Laura & Dave Swanson
Jun & Dennis Wang
PTSA by the Numbers
As of 10/1/14
Donations to date = $2,179
Goal = $2,000
Memberships
adults + students + staff
Total = 584
Goal = 975 members
Support the Granger PTSA!
It’s not too late to add your name to our growing list of donors. Complete the top portion of the
Membership/Donation form at the end of this newsletter, include your TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation (checks
payable to Granger PTSA), and send it to school in an envelope marked
“PTSA Donation: Attention Jodie Bach”.
Donations help us avoid additional fundraisers and support vital school programs such as author visits,
assemblies, teacher grants, 8th grade career day, and more!
Granger Apparel!
Need a gift idea for your
Granger Grizzly?
Granger SPIRITWEAR is still
available for purchase!
You can still order this year’s custom
apparel, choosing the clothing item and
logo you like best! For more information,
contact Apparel chairperson, Jill Westphal
at jillwestphal@sbcglobal.net
New Phone Number?
If you change your phone number during the school
year, please don’t forget to inform us. We pride
ourselves at Granger on keeping in close
communication with parents about what is happening
at school. Increasingly, it seems that the telephone
numbers we have for parents and guardians change
after the school year starts. We sometimes are
unable to reach parents until we can get an accurate
phone number. We don’t like to delay sharing
information under any circumstances, but in the case
of an emergency or an illness it is especially
important that we are able to get in touch
with you. Please call us or send a note to
the office if your phone number changes
so we can update our records.
PAGE 23
Thank you so much to all of the families and staff members who support Market Day at Granger! The
Granger PTSA truly appreciates your support! The money raised through Market Day funds various PTSA
activities and programs throughout the year such as Staff Appreciation, Teacher Grants, Career Day, and
the 8th grade picnic.
If you are new to Granger or are unfamiliar with the Market Day grocery program, give it a try! There are
hundreds of delicious items available each month - from family meals to breakfast items to side dishes to
snacks. You can order online at www.marketday.com or complete and return a paper order form to place
our order. A portion of the proceeds from your purchases comes back to the Granger PTSA.
It’s Dessert Bonus Days in November! Watch for your opportunity to purchase delicious pies and desserts
for your holiday meals or to donate to those less fortunate. Granger will earn a bonus percentage if over
100 desserts are ordered, so be sure to stock up!
If you questions about Market Day, please contact Jen at jenweddle@comcast.net.
2014-2015 Market Day Delivery Dates
November 5th
December 10th
January 7th
February 4th
March 4th
April 8th
May 6th
June 3rd
*** Pickup time is 4:00-5:00pm in the Granger cafeteria. ***
Calling all
volunteers that
like to spend
time outside
doing minor
landscaping. We
need help with
weeding and some planting in the
Granger Memorial Garden behind the
school and also with adding seasonal
planters in the front of the school.
Please contact Erica Patterson if you
are interested.
Epatter2598@comcast.net
or call 630-851-3968
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The Granger PTSA sponsors a school store
during student lunch periods one day each
month. Students can purchase school
supplies like pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, and other assorted
items. The school store is CASH ONLY and small bills are preferred.
The store will be open on the following dates this year:
October 21
November 18
December 16
January 27
February 24
March 24
April 21
May 19
If you have questions about the school store or would like to volunteer
to help, please contact Michelle Masini at pgm_masini@hotmail.com
PTSA is still looking for volunteers to chair these committees:
IPPA Liaison– Attend monthly Indian Prairie Project Arrow PTA meetings and report at Granger PTSA meetings
Beautification– Purchase and plant seasonal flowers in 2 planters in front of school and coordinate Granger Memorial
garden maintenance (weeding, planting, mulching)
Concessions: Order and restock food for PTSA concession stand. This takes about 2 hours
every couple weeks. Work with the coaches and coordinate parent volunteers. All volunteers
can sign up online with the SignUp Genius website, so it is very easy to keep track of all
volunteer sessions etc… Manage cash box and deposits and sell concessions.
Newsletter: Layout, format, edit, and proof the Grizzly Gazette newsletter. Articles will be
provided for newsletters to be posted/distributed quarterly. Work from home on your own
time. Knowledge of Microsoft Publisher or similar software required.
Indian Prairie Special Needs PTA
WHO THE IPSN PTA IS ...
The Indian Prairie Special Needs (IPSN) PTA is primarily a group of parents and caregivers who have
children with special needs in Indian Prairie School District 204, which serves children from the
communities of Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and Naperville. Our members have children with a wide
range of ages, abilities, and educational placements within and outside of the District's schools. Our group
welcomes all interested persons at our meetings.
For more information you can contact Michele Linden, the IPSN PTA Granger Liaison at 630-585-9177 or by
email at m_linden@att.net. You can find out more about the IPSN PTA at the IPSN PTA website! For more
Huge THANK YOU goes out to Dina Lohman. I was in desperate need of a volunteer to help sell concessions during
the 7th grade volleyball game and she was happy to help. Dina does not even have a volleyball player, so she had
to take time out of her busy evening schedule to help me sell concessions. Thank You Dina! - Erica Patterson
Thank You to all the 7th grade parents that signed up to volunteer at the 7th grade volleyball concession stand.
All the shifts have been taken and all is good. Thanks again.
Thank you to Jill Gabriel for stepping up to chair the Box Tops program this year! She’s done a great job getting
organized and getting the collections up and running this month on very short notice. Great Job Jill!
Picture Day Thank You
Thank you to Jennifer Weddle, Sarita M, Kelly Howard, and Cami Nordahl for
helping out throughout the day in different shifts at Picture Day at Granger on
September 16th. The photographer, staff, and students appreciated your efforts to
make their portraits perfect!
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