Meet The Pack!

Introducing Maria Martin-Bowman - Assistant Principal

What are you most excited about this school year?
-Creating the NEW Illinois Park TOGETHER. I'm excited to build a new school community with our teachers, staff, students and families.

Favorite children's book?
-Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty (the whole series actually).

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-We have a dog, he's a little guy, only 6 lbs. His name is Tostito (like the chip!).

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
- All of us, teachers, staff, your parents and even your Principals have some butterflies about the first day. But remember butterflies are there because while we might be a little nervous, we are also excited. And the best part is that we get to become Illinois Park together.

Kindergarten Bus Safety Program

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we are excited to offer our annual Kindergarten Bus Safety Program to help our newest students feel confident and prepared for their first ride to school. Our goal is to help ease any anxiety students may have while reinforcing the importance of school bus safety. Please join us at Illinois Park School on Monday, Aug 10 at 10:00 AM to see and get familiar with our school buses! Guardians and siblings are welcome to attend.

Meet the Pack!

Introducing Sarah Mackh - Elementary Library Paraprofessional

Favorite children's book?
- I’m a librarian, so I have a LOT of favorite books! One of my top choices is The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis, the third book in the Chronicles of Narnia series.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
- I have three dogs: Lou is a 9-year-old 100-pound Chocolate Labrador, Gracie is an 11-year-old black-and-white pitbull/coonhound mix, and Kazooie is a 1-year-old Corgi/Dachshund mix (we think) – she looks like a fox with stubby legs.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
- My best advice for the first day of school is that everybody is new this year, so it’s a great chance to make new friends and have a fresh start.

Meet the Pack!

Introducing Ms. Angee Marin Rodriguez - Intermediate MAC Paraeducator

What are you most excited about this school year?
- I am so excited for this fresh new chapter! New school, new students, a new career path, plenty of new things to learn, and getting to work with a "semi-new" staff. To top it off, I’m thrilled to be reunited with some wonderful friends from my old school!

Favorite children's book?
- Huevos verdes con jamón by Dr. Seuss (the Spanish translation of Green Eggs and Ham)! "¡No me gusta, Juan Ramón, huevos verdes con jamón!" 🍳💚

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
- Yes! Frankie, my 10-year-old brindle French bulldog. His current schedule consists of extra-long naps in the sun and very short walks around the block. I love him so much I even have a portrait tattoo of him on my forearm!
MY FAVORITE FUN FACT: Frankie actually got to meet Princess Leia herself: Carrie Fisher!

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
- This is a fresh start for all of us, so let’s make day one the beginning of something awesome! Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. We’re all learning, growing, and figuring it out together.

Meet the Pack!

Introducing Lisa Kees - 3rd/4th Grade Teacher

What are you most excited about this school year?
-I am most excited to meet new people and help build a new school community.

Favorite children's book?
- I have so many!! Wonder and Mr. Peabody's Apples are two that I love to read with my students.

Do you have any pets?
- I have a black cat named Stella.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
- Don't be afraid to be yourself and ask questions. Exciting things happen when we try new things.

Meet the Pack!

Tina Parkin - Speech Language Pathologist

What are you most excited about this school year?
-New friends, new students, and new challenges.

Favorite children's book?
-Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-I have a german shepherd mix named Sampson (Sammy, Sambo) and a black cat named Kona. They are both the absolute best pets and they are very patient with my young kids.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-Never be afraid to ask for help.

Meet The Pack!

Ofelia Rodriguez - 5th Grade Dual Language Teacher

What are you most excited about this school year?
-I’m most excited to build meaningful relationships with both students and staff and celebrate all the successes we’ll achieve together throughout the school year!

Favorite children’s book?
-Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-No pets, just a proud dog auntie to a pyrenees husky mix named Rover.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-Be yourself, be kind, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Meet the Pack

Ashley Burstein - Social Worker

What are you most excited about this school year?
-I am excited to meet all of our new huskies!

Favorite children's book?
-Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-I have a 6 year old Aussie poo named Shadow Mae! She currently knows how to sit, stay, roll over, give her paw, and bark happily at guests!

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-Everyone feels butterflies on the first day- even teachers! Take a few deep breaths and ask for help if you need it.

Meet the Pack

Samantha Preziosio - Primary Multi-Abilities Classroom (MAC) Teacher

What are you most excited about this school year?
-I am most excited about starting my first year teaching and getting to meet so many wonderful staff members and new students!

Favorite children's book?
-My favorite children's book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or Goodnight Moon

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-I currently have a grey cat named Dusty who likes to nibble on you! I also have a parrot named Pete and his favorite thing to say is Go Bears!

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-Advice I would give is to be yourself and say hi to as many people as you can because you never know who your friends are going to be!

Meet the Pack

Mrs. Shelton, Science Teacher

What are you most excited about this school year?
-I’m most excited about getting to know my students and discovering what sparks their curiosity about science. I can’t wait for the questions, experiments, discoveries, and “wow, that’s cool!” moments we’ll share this year! 🔬✨

Favorite Children’s Book:
-The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them
-We have a dog named Ginger, and she is the sweetest girl! 🐾 She loves being part of our family and has been enjoying all the extra cuddles and attention she’s been getting this summer.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-My advice for all future Huskies on the first day of school is simple: Be yourself! 💙 When we show up as our true selves, we create meaningful connections and make our school a place where everyone feels welcome. I’m excited to meet each of you, learn about what makes you unique, and share an amazing year filled with curiosity, discovery, laughter, and fun! 🐾✨

Meet the Pack!

Vanessa Stutzman - Pre-K Paraeducator

What are you most excited about this school year?
-I am excited for the opportunity to work with my new teachers and working in a new style of classroom setting.

Favorite children's book?
-I am a preschool educator there is so many but I have to go with the classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-No, but I love dogs and hope to own one someday!

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-You can be nervous and excited at the same time. We are too!

Meet the Pack

Introducing Elaine Escobar - Kindergarten Teacher

What are you most excited about this school year?
-I am most excited about getting to meet new faces this year.

Favorite children's book?
-My favorite book is R is for Rocket

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-I have two fish named Milkshake and Dinosaur and a blue snail named Sonic. They were named by my kids.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-My advice I would give students on their first day of school is not to worry. New things can seem uncomfortable but that is when you grow.

Meet the Pack

Introducing Katie Solan - Speech Language Pathologist

What are you most excited about this school year?
- I’m excited to work with new students and staff and to all work together to help make this school an amazing place to be!

Favorite children's book?
- Peanut Butter and Cupcake

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
-I have a dog named Cooper. He is a Goldendoodle who loves attention and treats.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
- It is okay to have mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement. Try your best to introduce yourself to someone you don’t know!

Meet the Pack

Introducing Erica Kick - 1st Grade Teacher

Meet the Pack

Introducing Cynthia Cortinas - PE teacher
What are you most excited about this school year?
- Excited to build a new community and culture at a new school.

Favorite children's book?
- The Giving Tree

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!
- I have 1 pet—a Pomatzhu (Pomeranian Shitzhu). Her name is Kiwi 🥝 She’s 8 and is my shadow. She’s a feisty diva. Large personality in a tiny body. Very loyal to her people.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-My advice would be to get to know the custodian (Mr. Ricardo). They are the backbone of the school and an unsung hero!

🐺 Meet the Pack 🐺

Introducing Lydia Szydlowski - Health & PE Teacher

What are you most excited about this school year?
-To meet new people and have a fun year full of learning about health!!

Favorite children's book?
-Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!

Do you have any pets?
- I don’t but I want a dog some day.

What advice would you give students on the first day of school?
-Be yourself. It is everyone’s first day (even the teachers!) we can all make new friends together.