Office
Absences and Late Arrivals
To report absences or late arrivals, please call the Student Absence Line 847-353-5503 by 8:00 a.m.
The Absence Line is available at all hours and may be accessed in advance of the date of absence.
Office phone: 847-353-5500
Secretaries:
Ms. Kerri Kurtz (Email Ms. Kerri Kurtz)
Mrs. Jin Feldman (Email Jin Feldman)
Nurse:
Mrs. Jamie Holmes (Email Mrs. Jamie Holmes)
Phone: 847-353-5508
School Office Hours:
7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
Mrs. Dana Tamez
Principal
(847)353-5500
Dana Tamez joined the Aptakisic Junior High School as Principal in August 2018. Mrs. Tamez has administrative experience from Early Childhood through High School. She served as a high school teacher and world language department chair at Jones College Prep High School and then accepted a position as Assistant Principal of Hawthorn Middle School South for four years. Most recently, Mrs. Tamez was the Principal at Winkelman school for two years. Mrs. Tamez holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin, Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from DePaul University, and a second Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision from The University of Illinois. Mrs. Tamez is passionate about “creating a strong sense of community, encouraging innovative and engaging instruction that benefits all students, and caring for the whole child.”
Mrs. Nicole Koren
Assistant Principal
(847) 353-5500
Mrs. Koren has over fourteen years of experience in education, most recently serving as a Spanish teacher for 6th and 7th graders and as Principal for summer programming for grades 5–8. She began her career teaching bilingual 5th grade in Chicago Public Schools and went on to support students as both a Spanish and English Language Learner teacher. She holds multiple degrees, including a BA in Spanish Language & Culture and two master’s degrees—one in Teaching of Spanish and another in Principal Preparation. Mrs. Koren is passionate about creating a positive and supportive learning environment and is dedicated to working with students, families, and staff to ensure life-long learning for all students.
Mr. Kevin Locallo
Assistant Principal
(847) 353-5500
Kevin Locallo began his teaching career as a special education teacher for the 2007-2008 school year. During the ten years spent teaching special education students, he taught in both self-contained and co-taught classrooms. During the 2017-2018 school year, he was the MTSS Facilitator at Tripp Elementary School. It was a rewarding and positive first year. I made connections with the administration, staff, and most importantly, the students. I am happy to be returning to Tripp School for another school year and excited for the opportunity to transition into the role of assistant principal.