Don Ukleja and Norm Fischer for clearing the snow before we returned to school Monday morning!
I just want to give a big shout out to everyone in D114 who has been so kind and supportive to me with my injury. My cast is off now and I will continue to strengthen and recover over the next few months. Thank you, also, to these people:
Kim Leable, for taking such good care of me, helping me in so many ways. You act like it's nothing, but it makes such a difference! You are always so generous and eager to help people in need! Thank you for organizing our students to make a beautiful get well card for me, for making me chocolate chip cookies on my first day back and the week after that, for giving me rides to and from work and carrying my stuff in and out of the building for me every day, for tying my shoes for me, helping me get my coat on, and being my right hand when I can't write :) I already couldn't do this without you, but especially not now :-)
and
To Matt and Natalie for always being so supportive of me and sending me encouraging messages to feel better.
and
To Matt, for always taking time to check in on his staff. In particular, he came to check on me my first day back and was so caring and supportive.
and
To Natalie, for dropping everything to help anyone in need.
and
To Michelle Magness, for having her preschoolers make me little get well cards and texting me a video of a get well message from one of my students. That made my day the day I got my cast. Also, she organized a little get well parade with my Pre-K students to come visit my classroom my first day back. I can't tell you how special that made me feel!
and
To Kelly Roland, for being such a kind and caring person. She called me after work on a snowy day, just to make sure that I had made it home safely. :) Wow!
and
To Donna Saranzak, for driving me all the way to the Castro visitation in Des Plaines and back to my home. You are so kind!
and
To Alana Carlson and Kim Rauchfuss for helping me heat up my lunches, and everyone in the upstairs office lunch group who was so kind and supportive. :)
and
To Mike F. for waiting for me and opening the door for me each morning.
and
To the whole Lotus staff and students who have offered me so much compassion and help. Thank you so much!
A huge thank you to Cary Scarpino. Thank you for accepting me in your classroom, coaching me on how to teach first grade ,and supporting me with everything. I am so grateful for you, you have no idea. Thank you for also being my friend and understanding the transition I made this year was hard, but supporting me through it all.
and
Thank you to Jenny Groot for always being there for me. I value our conversations!
and
Thank you to the first and kinder teams for always having my back and supporting me.
and
Thank you Ashley Wydra for being you. Everytime I'm in your classroom, I have a huge smile on my face!
and
Thank you Deb Miller for all you do. I appreciate you!
and
Thank you Cheryl Schuck for being amazing all around. I could not do my job without you!
and
Thank you Donna Saranzak for being you. The kids in your classroom are so lucky to have such a kind and understanding person. You are a class act.
and
Thank you Joseph Fernandez for always helping our first grade friends during writing time. Your impact is amazing.
and
Thank you Joan for supporting me and being a great friend. I have learned so much from you and I am so grateful for that.
and
Thank you to Lisa Werner and Stephanie Silverman for being amazing classroom mates. Not only do I love sharing space with you, but I learn so much from both of you. Also, Lisa, I love that I can go to you for chocolate at any time.
and
Thank you Kim Rauchfuss for going above and beyond for all children in our district. I am so grateful to work with you!
and
Thank you Lynn Smolen for helping me when I need help. I appreciate you!
-From Cathy Jawnyj (K-1 Case Manager at Lotus)
I want to thank everyone that has checked on me, offered help, or lent an ear this week. Although my grandmother's passing was expected, it still doesn't make it any easier. Thank you for allowing me to grieve and surrounding me with love and support! I truly appreciate you all

-From Mollie Herchenbach (3rd Grade Teacher)
Shout Out to Tina, Jeff, and Cheryl, some of our AMAZING bus drivers
who stepped up on a cold morning when we had a last minute
driver out, a bus with mechanical issues, and 2 drivers scheduled off.
You made miracles happen! You are AMAZING!!! TEAMWORK!!!
Jeff Sefcik who rode a Stanton route home to help a new driver.
Our van drivers who offered to be on standby to help out if needed.
Durham bus service for getting a bus out on site within 15 minutes.
Sue, Paula, Jill, and Michele for your assistance with my calls that morning,
PreK morning aides with combo runs and co-workers I know I am forgetting...
It was a crazy morning and I appreciate all the help!
-From Andrea De Matteo (Transportation Coordinator)