Wrapping Up a Whirlwind Year in District 102! ☀️🎉
Schools across D102 have been buzzing with activity as students and staff cross the finish line of this school year. High-energy field days, picnics, award ceremonies, meaningful service days, and exciting end-of-year field trips filled our final week with incredible memories and all the feelings! 🥹
This year was filled with immense growth, teamwork, and milestones. Watching our students master new skills, support one another, and celebrate their achievements has been an absolute joy. Our young learners consistently showed us what it means to live out our Portrait of a Graduate traits every single day. 🌟
Thank you to our wonderful staff, families, and community partners for your partnership and collaboration.
We look forward to another phenomenal year ahead. Have a safe, restful, and relaxing summer, D102 family! 🏖️🕶️
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Schools across D102 have been buzzing with activity as students and staff cross the finish line of this school year. High-energy field days, picnics, award ceremonies, meaningful service days, and exciting end-of-year field trips filled our final week with incredible memories and all the feelings! 🥹
This year was filled with immense growth, teamwork, and milestones. Watching our students master new skills, support one another, and celebrate their achievements has been an absolute joy. Our young learners consistently showed us what it means to live out our Portrait of a Graduate traits every single day. 🌟
Thank you to our wonderful staff, families, and community partners for your partnership and collaboration.
We look forward to another phenomenal year ahead. Have a safe, restful, and relaxing summer, D102 family! 🏖️🕶️
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Wrapping Up a Whirlwind Year in District 102! ☀️🎉
Schools across D102 have been buzzing with activity as students and staff cross the finish line of this school year. High-energy field days, picnics, award ceremonies, meaningful service days, and exciting end-of-year field trips filled our final week with incredible memories and all the feelings! 🥹
This year was filled with immense growth, teamwork, and milestones. Watching our students master new skills, support one another, and celebrate their achievements has been an absolute joy. Our young learners consistently showed us what it means to live out our Portrait of a Graduate traits every single day. 🌟
Thank you to our wonderful staff, families, and community partners for your partnership and collaboration.
We look forward to another phenomenal year ahead. Have a safe, restful, and relaxing summer, D102 family! 🏖️🕶️
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Schools across D102 have been buzzing with activity as students and staff cross the finish line of this school year. High-energy field days, picnics, award ceremonies, meaningful service days, and exciting end-of-year field trips filled our final week with incredible memories and all the feelings! 🥹
This year was filled with immense growth, teamwork, and milestones. Watching our students master new skills, support one another, and celebrate their achievements has been an absolute joy. Our young learners consistently showed us what it means to live out our Portrait of a Graduate traits every single day. 🌟
Thank you to our wonderful staff, families, and community partners for your partnership and collaboration.
We look forward to another phenomenal year ahead. Have a safe, restful, and relaxing summer, D102 family! 🏖️🕶️
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Dive Into Summer Reading! ☀️📚
Our amazing D102 librarians have put together a fantastic list of summer reading suggestions to keep our students learning and imagining all break long! 🧠✨
Resources are conveniently listed by grade level, making it easy to find the perfect book for your child. Keeping up with reading over the summer is a wonderful way to foster Continuous Learning while having fun! 🏝️📖
Happy reading, D102! 🏖️🕶️
🔗https://tinyurl.com/D102reading
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Our amazing D102 librarians have put together a fantastic list of summer reading suggestions to keep our students learning and imagining all break long! 🧠✨
Resources are conveniently listed by grade level, making it easy to find the perfect book for your child. Keeping up with reading over the summer is a wonderful way to foster Continuous Learning while having fun! 🏝️📖
Happy reading, D102! 🏖️🕶️
🔗https://tinyurl.com/D102reading
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
Celebrating Our Portrait of a Graduate Leaders! 🌟🏅
At the June 1 Board of Education meeting, we proudly celebrated students who consistently demonstrated the core traits of our Portrait of a Graduate throughout the fourth quarter! 👏 From showing empathy and global citizenship to practicing critical thinking and collaboration, these outstanding learners truly lead by example every single day. Congratulations to all of our honorees for making D102 so proud! 🎉🎓
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
At the June 1 Board of Education meeting, we proudly celebrated students who consistently demonstrated the core traits of our Portrait of a Graduate throughout the fourth quarter! 👏 From showing empathy and global citizenship to practicing critical thinking and collaboration, these outstanding learners truly lead by example every single day. Congratulations to all of our honorees for making D102 so proud! 🎉🎓
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
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!”
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
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
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
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. 🔬🧪
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
🏆 Aptakisic FBLA Makes History! 🚀
Big news from the AJHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club! In their very first year, students made a massive debut at the Middle School State Competition in Decatur, and the results were legendary.
Every single competing student placed 1st or 2nd in their categories! This achievement is the result of months of rigorous preparation, mastering complex tests, and delivering professional presentations across multiple business disciplines.
🥇 The Results Are In:
1st Place: Exploring Business Ethics
1st Place: Exploring Coding & Programming
1st Place: Exploring Customer Service
1st Place: Exploring Digital Video Production
1st Place: Exploring Marketing Strategies
2nd Place: Exploring Business Issues
Next Stop: San Antonio! ✈️
Because of their incredible performance, the entire team has qualified for the National Leadership Conference this June! Congratulations to our future business leaders on this historic milestone. D102 is so proud of your hard work and professionalism!
#D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent #ImpactD102
Big news from the AJHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club! In their very first year, students made a massive debut at the Middle School State Competition in Decatur, and the results were legendary.
Every single competing student placed 1st or 2nd in their categories! This achievement is the result of months of rigorous preparation, mastering complex tests, and delivering professional presentations across multiple business disciplines.
🥇 The Results Are In:
1st Place: Exploring Business Ethics
1st Place: Exploring Coding & Programming
1st Place: Exploring Customer Service
1st Place: Exploring Digital Video Production
1st Place: Exploring Marketing Strategies
2nd Place: Exploring Business Issues
Next Stop: San Antonio! ✈️
Because of their incredible performance, the entire team has qualified for the National Leadership Conference this June! Congratulations to our future business leaders on this historic milestone. D102 is so proud of your hard work and professionalism!
#D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent #ImpactD102
Mrs. Elana Glomp is our retirement feature for the week! 🍎✨ She is spending her final month teaching first grade at Pritchett. Take a moment to learn about Mrs. Glomp’s incredible career in D102! 🏫🙌
💡 Fun Fact:
“I have taught several of my former students' children.”
🏆 What are some accomplishments since working in D102?
“I feel my biggest accomplishment is the connections made with my students and their families. To have former students come back years later and let me know how much of an impact I have made in their lives is magical, especially since every single student holds a special place in my heart!”
✈️ What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
“I plan on visiting my kids, reading, volunteering, and whatever I decide to do!”
💌 Is there anything you would like to share with D102?
“It has been my honor to have spent all these years with wonderful friends, colleagues, students, and families of D102! What a wonderful place to be!”
#D102DifferenceMaker #D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent #ImpactD102
💡 Fun Fact:
“I have taught several of my former students' children.”
🏆 What are some accomplishments since working in D102?
“I feel my biggest accomplishment is the connections made with my students and their families. To have former students come back years later and let me know how much of an impact I have made in their lives is magical, especially since every single student holds a special place in my heart!”
✈️ What do you look forward to doing during your retirement?
“I plan on visiting my kids, reading, volunteering, and whatever I decide to do!”
💌 Is there anything you would like to share with D102?
“It has been my honor to have spent all these years with wonderful friends, colleagues, students, and families of D102! What a wonderful place to be!”
#D102DifferenceMaker #D102 #EveryDayEveryStudent #ImpactD102
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the incredible educators who show up every day to make a lasting IMPACT on our students. 🍎✨
Take a moment this week to thank a teacher who has impacted your life. A quick note or a shoutout can make their day!
#D102 #EverDayEveryStudent #ImpactD102
Take a moment this week to thank a teacher who has impacted your life. A quick note or a shoutout can make their day!
#D102 #EverDayEveryStudent #ImpactD102
NFL Star Maema Njongmeta Inspires AJHS! 🏈🎺
It was an incredible day at AJHS as we welcomed back one of our own! Alumni and current NFL linebacker Maema Njongmeta visited our students to share his inspiring journey from our hallways to the professional turf. 🏟️✨
Njongmeta took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about playing the trumpet in Mrs. Rakickas’s class (who is still rocking it as our band teacher today! 🎶). Now a member of the Carolina Panthers 🐈⬛ (and formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals), he spoke candidly about what it takes to reach the highest level of athletics.
Beyond football, Njongmeta emphasized the power of mental fortitude and community. He left our students with powerful words to live by, like "Speak life into yourself" and "Engage with the people who believe in you." 🗣️✨
The visit wrapped up with a Q&A where students got to connect personally with a pro! Thank you, Maema, for providing our students with a roadmap to tackle their goals with confidence! 🙌
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
It was an incredible day at AJHS as we welcomed back one of our own! Alumni and current NFL linebacker Maema Njongmeta visited our students to share his inspiring journey from our hallways to the professional turf. 🏟️✨
Njongmeta took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about playing the trumpet in Mrs. Rakickas’s class (who is still rocking it as our band teacher today! 🎶). Now a member of the Carolina Panthers 🐈⬛ (and formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals), he spoke candidly about what it takes to reach the highest level of athletics.
Beyond football, Njongmeta emphasized the power of mental fortitude and community. He left our students with powerful words to live by, like "Speak life into yourself" and "Engage with the people who believe in you." 🗣️✨
The visit wrapped up with a Q&A where students got to connect personally with a pro! Thank you, Maema, for providing our students with a roadmap to tackle their goals with confidence! 🙌
#EveryDayEveryStudent #D102 #ImpactD102
