Let's do our final shoutout to our retiree, Ms. Cathy Berg, AJHS science teacher! Take a moment to get to know Ms. Berg.
Fun Fact:
“My first teaching job was at AJHS, and I never left.”
Total Years at D102:
22
What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
“First, I plan to enjoy my summer by getting lots of rest and spending time with family and friends. I do hope to get back to work in a laboratory setting, but I am open to teaching in an underserved Kenosha neighborhood.”
Is there anything you would like to share with the D102 community?
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the students and parents of District 102. I've worked with thousands of junior high students over the years, and I have been so proud of their talent in so many areas inside and outside of my classroom. I admire their compassion for one another and their personal growth, whether it be academic or some special area of interest. I am grateful that I was able to laugh and enjoy them just about every day. I have many good memories that will last me a lifetime. Thank you, D102!”
Let's do our final shoutout to our retiree, Ms. Cathy Berg, AJHS science teacher! Take a moment to get to know Ms. Berg.
Fun Fact:
“My first teaching job was at AJHS, and I never left.”
Total Years at D102:
22
What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
“First, I plan to enjoy my summer by getting lots of rest and spending time with family and friends. I do hope to get back to work in a laboratory setting, but I am open to teaching in an underserved Kenosha neighborhood.”
Is there anything you would like to share with the D102 community?
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the students and parents of District 102. I've worked with thousands of junior high students over the years, and I have been so proud of their talent in so many areas inside and outside of my classroom. I admire their compassion for one another and their personal growth, whether it be academic or some special area of interest. I am grateful that I was able to laugh and enjoy them just about every day. I have many good memories that will last me a lifetime. Thank you, D102!”
Students in Mrs. Hulings's kindergarten classroom recently put their personal whiteboards to great use during an interactive math lesson! They were challenged to find different number combinations that add up to ten. Mrs. Hulings's mathematicians drew creative pictures on their boards to illustrate their mathematical thinking, then proudly raised them in unison to show off their answers. We love seeing our youngest students use these fun, hands-on tools to build confidence and practice their skills! 💡👏
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Art & Harmony: A Night at the Sforzando Café 🎻🎨
AJHS recently transformed into the Sforzando Café, a vibrant showcase celebrating the beautiful intersection of sound and sight! This special event featured the collaborative talents of our Chamber Orchestra and Studio Art Club. 🌟 Orchestra students delivered moving performances ranging from powerful full-ensemble pieces to intimate small-group arrangements, while our Art Club displayed a diverse array of media and techniques for guests to enjoy. 🎶 This evening served as the perfect capstone to a year of hard work, dedication, and creativity. Congratulations to all of our incredible performers and artists! 👏✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
AJHS recently transformed into the Sforzando Café, a vibrant showcase celebrating the beautiful intersection of sound and sight! This special event featured the collaborative talents of our Chamber Orchestra and Studio Art Club. 🌟 Orchestra students delivered moving performances ranging from powerful full-ensemble pieces to intimate small-group arrangements, while our Art Club displayed a diverse array of media and techniques for guests to enjoy. 🎶 This evening served as the perfect capstone to a year of hard work, dedication, and creativity. Congratulations to all of our incredible performers and artists! 👏✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Making History: The Titans at the FLL World Festival! 🚀🏆
The AJHS Titans became the first-ever robotics team from AJHS to compete at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival Championships! Joining 50,000 attendees in Houston, our 8th graders bonded with teams from Mexico, China, Brazil, Spain, and beyond, proving that innovation is a universal language. 🌐 Competing against 160 elite teams, the Titans endured long, 15-hour days refining code and attachments under the guidance of Robotics Coach Mr. Cho. Their perseverance paid off at the closing ceremonies, where they earned the prestigious Core Values Finalist Award for excellence in teamwork and inclusion, the only award brought home to the entire state of Illinois! 🤖🌟
We also celebrate the Master Kards, a 5th-grade parent-sponsored team! Reaching Worlds in just their second year is an incredible feat in a league that includes students up through high school.
Thank you to Mr. Cho for his leadership and for turning this dream into a reality. D102 is so proud of how all our students represented their community! 🎉
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
The AJHS Titans became the first-ever robotics team from AJHS to compete at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival Championships! Joining 50,000 attendees in Houston, our 8th graders bonded with teams from Mexico, China, Brazil, Spain, and beyond, proving that innovation is a universal language. 🌐 Competing against 160 elite teams, the Titans endured long, 15-hour days refining code and attachments under the guidance of Robotics Coach Mr. Cho. Their perseverance paid off at the closing ceremonies, where they earned the prestigious Core Values Finalist Award for excellence in teamwork and inclusion, the only award brought home to the entire state of Illinois! 🤖🌟
We also celebrate the Master Kards, a 5th-grade parent-sponsored team! Reaching Worlds in just their second year is an incredible feat in a league that includes students up through high school.
Thank you to Mr. Cho for his leadership and for turning this dream into a reality. D102 is so proud of how all our students represented their community! 🎉
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
AJHS Model UN Shines in Chicago! 🇺🇳
AJHS had an incredibly successful experience at the Junior Assembly of the Model United Nations (JAMUN) IV Conference in downtown Chicago! Our students persevered through two full days of challenging committee work, stepping into the roles of UN delegates to debate pressing international issues like climate change, human rights, and global security. By collaborating with peers from across the region to draft resolutions and build consensus, they truly strengthened their public speaking, research, and negotiation skills. ✨
This experience empowers our students to think critically about real-world challenges as informed global citizens, and we are thrilled to share that AJHS came home with four distinguished individual awards! 🏆 Congratulations to our 8th-grade Civic Leadership Award winner, our 8th-grade Best Delegate, our 6th-grade Outstanding Delegate, and our 8th-grade Honorable Mention recipient. We are so proud of the entire team! 👏🎉
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
AJHS had an incredibly successful experience at the Junior Assembly of the Model United Nations (JAMUN) IV Conference in downtown Chicago! Our students persevered through two full days of challenging committee work, stepping into the roles of UN delegates to debate pressing international issues like climate change, human rights, and global security. By collaborating with peers from across the region to draft resolutions and build consensus, they truly strengthened their public speaking, research, and negotiation skills. ✨
This experience empowers our students to think critically about real-world challenges as informed global citizens, and we are thrilled to share that AJHS came home with four distinguished individual awards! 🏆 Congratulations to our 8th-grade Civic Leadership Award winner, our 8th-grade Best Delegate, our 6th-grade Outstanding Delegate, and our 8th-grade Honorable Mention recipient. We are so proud of the entire team! 👏🎉
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
AJHS 7th Graders Explore Springfield! 🏛️
Our 7th-grade class recently embarked on its annual trip to Springfield with 200 students! The trip was packed with history as they visited Lincoln’s New Salem, the Lincoln Museum, and toured his historic Springfield home. 🎩 Students also explored the Old State Capitol, the current Illinois State Capitol, and the Illinois State Museum, learning firsthand how our state government has evolved. 📜 They paid their respects at the Lincoln Tomb and had the unique honor of meeting local heroes at the Illinois Military Museum. The unforgettable overnight trip wrapped up with a fun DJ dance party at the hotel! 🎶💃
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Our 7th-grade class recently embarked on its annual trip to Springfield with 200 students! The trip was packed with history as they visited Lincoln’s New Salem, the Lincoln Museum, and toured his historic Springfield home. 🎩 Students also explored the Old State Capitol, the current Illinois State Capitol, and the Illinois State Museum, learning firsthand how our state government has evolved. 📜 They paid their respects at the Lincoln Tomb and had the unique honor of meeting local heroes at the Illinois Military Museum. The unforgettable overnight trip wrapped up with a fun DJ dance party at the hotel! 🎶💃
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
History has been made! 🚀 The Titans recently became the first-ever robotics team from AJHS to compete at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival Championships in Houston! Competing against 160 elite global teams, our brilliant 8th graders put in grueling 15-hour days refining code and attachments under the guidance of Coach Mr. Cho. 🤖 Their incredible perseverance paid off at the closing ceremonies, where they earned the prestigious Core Values Finalist Award for excellence in teamwork and inclusion, the only award brought home to the entire state of Illinois! 🏆
We also want to give a massive shoutout to the Master Kards, a talented 5th-grade parent-sponsored team (our Meridian students!) who reached the World Festival in just their second year competing! 🌟
Both incredible teams were officially recognized and celebrated for their historic achievements at the May 11 Board meeting! 👏 D102 is incredibly proud of all of these innovative students for representing our community on the world stage! 🎉
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
We also want to give a massive shoutout to the Master Kards, a talented 5th-grade parent-sponsored team (our Meridian students!) who reached the World Festival in just their second year competing! 🌟
Both incredible teams were officially recognized and celebrated for their historic achievements at the May 11 Board meeting! 👏 D102 is incredibly proud of all of these innovative students for representing our community on the world stage! 🎉
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
We are thrilled to share some exciting leadership updates within our D102 family! 🎉 At the April 27 Board meeting, the Board approved the reassignment of two district leaders effective July 1. Mr. Eli Rogers, currently our Early Childhood and SEL Coordinator, will be transitioning to Tripp School as its new associate principal. Meanwhile, Mr. Kevin Locallo will move from his current role at Tripp to become the new assistant principal at AJHS. 🏫 Both leaders will finish the school year in their current roles before beginning their new chapters this summer. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming both Mr. Rogers and Mr. Locallo to their new positions! 👏🌟
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
AJHS 7th Graders Explore Springfield! 🏛️
Our 7th-grade class recently embarked on its annual trip to Springfield with 200 students! The trip was packed with history as they visited Lincoln’s New Salem, the Lincoln Museum, and toured his historic Springfield home. 🎩 Students also explored the Old State Capitol, the current Illinois State Capitol, and the Illinois State Museum, learning firsthand how our state government has evolved. 📜 They paid their respects at the Lincoln Tomb and had the unique honor of meeting local heroes at the Illinois Military Museum. The unforgettable overnight trip wrapped up with a fun DJ dance party at the hotel! 🎶💃
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Our 7th-grade class recently embarked on its annual trip to Springfield with 200 students! The trip was packed with history as they visited Lincoln’s New Salem, the Lincoln Museum, and toured his historic Springfield home. 🎩 Students also explored the Old State Capitol, the current Illinois State Capitol, and the Illinois State Museum, learning firsthand how our state government has evolved. 📜 They paid their respects at the Lincoln Tomb and had the unique honor of meeting local heroes at the Illinois Military Museum. The unforgettable overnight trip wrapped up with a fun DJ dance party at the hotel! 🎶💃
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
The AJHS Fine Arts wing has a beautiful new look thanks to our talented Studio Art Club members! 🎨 This creative group designed a series of five posters highlighting the various arts courses and clubs available to students, complete with a center poster featuring their mission statement. In an exciting milestone for the department, two of the student artists even designed its very first original logo! 🖌️ We love seeing our students use their leadership and artistic voice to leave a lasting mark on our school community. ✨
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
This week's retirement spotlight is on Mr. Jenkin, orchestra teacher at Meridian and AJHS! He's been in education for 40 years, 15 of them in D102. Take a moment to celebrate and get to know Mr. Jenkin.
What roles did you serve during your time in D102?
"My role at D102 was always teaching 5th-grade beginning orchestra students and 6th-grade 2nd-year orchestra students. Beyond that, I have taught an extracurricular Sforzando strings ensemble for 6th- through 8th- grade orchestra students and have co-taught Chamber Orchestra with Nicole Vettraino Stott."
What are some accomplishments since working in D102?
"I was nominated for D102 Middle School Teacher of the Year, which was an honor bestowed on me by all my colleagues who have made me a better teacher."
What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
"Play viola in a community orchestra, golf, garden, travel with my wife, continue finding ways to promote climate health, possibly run for my local school board, and become a better electric bass guitar player!"
Is there anything you would like to share with the D102 community?
"My 15 years working in D102 have been the best years of my forty-year career. I attribute that to many factors (administration, colleagues, school board and parent support), but my closest contact has always been with the teachers in the music department. I have never felt as part of a team as I did with them, and they have all helped me become a better educator. D102, you truly are a special place to work!"
What roles did you serve during your time in D102?
"My role at D102 was always teaching 5th-grade beginning orchestra students and 6th-grade 2nd-year orchestra students. Beyond that, I have taught an extracurricular Sforzando strings ensemble for 6th- through 8th- grade orchestra students and have co-taught Chamber Orchestra with Nicole Vettraino Stott."
What are some accomplishments since working in D102?
"I was nominated for D102 Middle School Teacher of the Year, which was an honor bestowed on me by all my colleagues who have made me a better teacher."
What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
"Play viola in a community orchestra, golf, garden, travel with my wife, continue finding ways to promote climate health, possibly run for my local school board, and become a better electric bass guitar player!"
Is there anything you would like to share with the D102 community?
"My 15 years working in D102 have been the best years of my forty-year career. I attribute that to many factors (administration, colleagues, school board and parent support), but my closest contact has always been with the teachers in the music department. I have never felt as part of a team as I did with them, and they have all helped me become a better educator. D102, you truly are a special place to work!"
Our talented 7th- and 8th-grade chorus members at AJHS beautifully brought "The Story of Cinderella" to life! 🎤 Through a variety of expressive songs, the vocalists shared their unique interpretations of the classic story's emotional themes. In the spirit of the Fairy Godmother, our generous community collected donations for Home of the Sparrow to support women, children, and families in need. ✨ Thank you to our incredible performers for using their artistic talents to make a real-world difference! 🎶🌟
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Meridian School recently hosted its second Lighted School House of the year, carrying on a beloved tradition that unites our entire community! ✨ Families and staff enjoyed a night packed with interactive games, temporary tattoos, and even a live magician. 🪄 A huge thank you to Ms. McGurgan and Mrs. Murdach for their leadership, and to our dedicated volunteers for making this evening so special for our students. 🏫🎈
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
It's time to highlight another amazing D102 retiree! This week, we are spotlighting Mrs. Vicky Jacobs. She's been in D102 for 36 years, her entire career! Take a moment to celebrate and get to know Mrs. Jacobs.
What roles did you serve during your time in D102?
Tripp Special Education teacher 1990-1992
AJHS Special Education Teacher 6th, 7th and 8th
Inclusion Facilitator
What are some accomplishments since working in D102?
“Throughout my teaching career, I earned a master's degree, Type 75, National Board Certification, and have coached a variety of sports and clubs.”
What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
"Enjoy my 'free time'."
Is there anything you would like to share with the D102 community?
“With 38 years in special education, I’ve taught, learned, and grown alongside some of the most inspiring teachers here in D102. I specialized in individualized instruction, advocacy, and creating classrooms where every learner is valued and supported.”
What roles did you serve during your time in D102?
Tripp Special Education teacher 1990-1992
AJHS Special Education Teacher 6th, 7th and 8th
Inclusion Facilitator
What are some accomplishments since working in D102?
“Throughout my teaching career, I earned a master's degree, Type 75, National Board Certification, and have coached a variety of sports and clubs.”
What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
"Enjoy my 'free time'."
Is there anything you would like to share with the D102 community?
“With 38 years in special education, I’ve taught, learned, and grown alongside some of the most inspiring teachers here in D102. I specialized in individualized instruction, advocacy, and creating classrooms where every learner is valued and supported.”
Our 8th-grade scientists are "going bananas" for genetics! 🍌 During their latest science unit, students put their hypotheses to the test by performing a DNA extraction on bananas. Every group successfully isolated the genetic material, getting a firsthand look at that distinct, jelly-like DNA. 🧬 It was an incredible hands-on way to explore the building blocks of life and strengthen their inquiry skills. 🔬🧪
Our Pritchett Panthers recently crossed the finish line at the annual Girls on the Run 5K! 🏃♀️ This after-school program is about so much more than endurance; our runners worked hard to build confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the season. 👟 We are so proud of our ten determined athletes who cheered each other on from start to finish alongside their parents and running buddies. 🏅 Congratulations to all our runners on this spectacular achievement! 🌟
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Our Early Childhood families recently joined us for "The Beauty is in the Process," an event centered on the joy of creative exploration! 🎨 Families visited various stations to experience the difference between product and process art firsthand. It was wonderful to see the recycled art collaborations between our EC students and their 5th-grade buddies on full display. ✨ Our youngest learners were so proud to lead their parents through their classrooms and showcase their amazing growth and capabilities. 🏫🌟
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Music is in the air at Meridian as our students master rhythmic patterns and practice techniques! Mrs. Pacanowski’s class is learning how to break down complex songs into manageable sections for better clarity and focus. 🎶 It was wonderful to see them perform as a group with such impressive posture and technical form. 🎷 Great work to our talented musicians on their dedication to the craft! 👏
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Big news from D102! 🏆 We are bursting with pride to announce that Pritchett Elementary’s very own Ed Harrington has won the Regional Office of Education’s Educational Service Personnel Award! 🌟
Ed’s commitment, dedication, and infectious passion for his work at Pritchett are second to none. Whether he’s keeping our school running smoothly or sharing a kind word with a student in the hallway, Ed embodies what it means to be a champion for our kids. 🏫✨
Thanks to "Mr. Ed" for making a huge impact on our D102 community!
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Ed’s commitment, dedication, and infectious passion for his work at Pritchett are second to none. Whether he’s keeping our school running smoothly or sharing a kind word with a student in the hallway, Ed embodies what it means to be a champion for our kids. 🏫✨
Thanks to "Mr. Ed" for making a huge impact on our D102 community!
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
