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Health & Fitness

Buffalo Grove Recognizes Staff Member Honorees of the Month for 2012-2013

     Each month throughout the 2012-2013 school year, Buffalo Grove High School has recognized the outstanding efforts of one staff member in a different division within the building.

In September, social science teacher Keith Peterson was selected as Staff Member of the Month by the World Languages/Social Sciences/English Language Learners division for his positive leadership. Students work hard for him because of the respectful environment he creates.  He expects a high achievement level for his students and he sets them up for success in attaining classroom goals. Peterson is also an integral part of the co-curricular program as an enthusiastic, committed coach for both volleyball and basketball.

The Math/Science department chose chemistry teacher Andy Park as the October honoree for his willingness to take on responsibilities and duties outside of the normal expected teaching day.  He finds solutions for his colleagues, orders chemicals and supplies, and helps set up labs and activities.  As a veteran teacher, his work with several new honors chemistry teachers has been invaluable in maintaining a successful program.

Amy Rubio
, third-shift custodian, was the honored November staff member, chosen by the Building & Grounds/Maintenance department. Her conscientious attention to detail and willingness to lend a helping hand were cited as the reasons she was selected, in addition to her efficiency and great attitude.  Working behind the scenes, she cleans all the washrooms at night and helps get the building ready for the next day.

In December, Rosemary Grunschel, who began teaching at BGHS when the school opened in 1973, was chosen as the Career and Technical Education division's honoree. Retiring this June, she has taught keyboarding on manual typewriters, word processors, Mac 2Es, IMACS, and currently Dell PCs.  Through it all, Grunschel has kept up on the latest technologies and consistently strives to ensure her students are prepared for the future, both personally and professionally.  She also advises the Ecology Coordinating Committee, which brings environmental awareness to the school, and with her students, spearheads "green" projects that benefit the school, community, and beyond.
Teri Janus was the honored staff member in January of the Physical Education / Health / Driver Education division.  For more than 30 years, Janus has taught P.E. and played an integral part in the development of the leaders program at BGHS, as well as the freshmen curriculum.  Her passion for physical fitness and her ability to encourage her students to adopt a healthy lifestyle have made her a role model for many.  She will be greatly missed following her retirement this year.

English/Fine Arts Division Head, Sandy Beguin, was nominated by her division in February to receive recognition.  Teachers noted the care she shows for every member of her staff, as well as her flexibility, understanding, and integrity. She even nurtures them with comforting, homemade chicken soup several times a year!  Beguin is described as an inspirational leader who encourages creativity. 
In March, the school's Food Services honored cafeteria worker Miyuki Berkoski. As the "float," she is willing and able to step into any position. Her supervisor considers her "flexibility personified." Berkoski has proven herself to be invaluable to the success of the day-to-day operation in the school cafeteria.  Without complaint, she fills in wherever needed, while simultaneously helping her co-workers, who say a more agreeable, helpful person would be hard to find.

Veteran counselor Maxine Levy was named as the April Staff Member of the Month by the Student Services. She has been a District 214 counselor for 28 years and lead counselor for the Talent Development Program at BGHS for the past 13 years.  Now retiring, Levy has served the students under her counsel with commitment and dedication, helping guide them to successful planning and future success.  This year alone, she wrote 60 letters of recommendation for her graduating seniors.

Jan Jamiolkowski
was selected as the Educational Support Staff honoree for the month of May.  For more than 30 years, she has approached her job with adaptability, commitment, and a gentle smile, as she greets visitors coming to the building and takes on the frequently challenging job of school security.  Retiring this year, she joins other veteran staff members who have made Buffalo Grove High School a better place with their presence.                           

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