Schools

BGHS Recognizes Staff Honorees

Buffalo Grove High School named one outstanding staff member each month of the school year. These are the 2010-11 honorees.

Each month throughout the 2010-11 school year, has recognized the outstanding efforts of one staff member in a different division within the building. 

In September, history teacher Heidi Haen was selected as Staff Member of the Month by her colleagues in the World Languages/Social Science/English Language Learner division. Haen was chosen for her willingness to take on new tasks. She continually creates opportunities for heightened student achievement through her flexibility, content expertise and collaboration with colleagues.

The Math/Science Department chose science teacher Joanna Marshall as the October Staff Member of the Month. She was acknowledged for her work in developing the science reasoning, math, reading, writing, and study skills of the students, as well as providing internet safety instruction for the entire district.  Marshall leads the Physical Science group at BGHS, modeling for other teachers what it means to educate the "whole student."

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Francisco Soto was chosen by the Building and Grounds Department as November's honoree. Known as a diligent, excellent worker, Soto was also commended for his outstanding attendance record. He is the backup lead custodian for third shift and is well respected by his peers.

In December, business teacher Tom Mroz was selected as the Career and Technical Education department's Staff Member of the Month. Mroz has taken on a leadership role in his division's Professional Learning Communities group and has been very helpful in implementing a standardized district writing format initiative (MEL-Con) in the department's classes. He relates well to his colleagues and possesses a strong work ethic.

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Pat Dudle was the honored staff member for January, selected by the Physical Education/Health/Driver's Education division. Certified in all three areas of the department, he is considered a key member of the staff for consistently teaching new curriculum, helping to improve it, and gracefully adapting to change. He motivates underachievers, an always difficult and appreciated accomplishment.

 English teacher Robin Paul was nominated by the English/Fine Arts division in February for her many contributions as resource teacher, mentor, and Response to Intervention (RTI) specialist. She is described as "caring and determined," and is the unofficial leader of the block freshman English course. Her work in teaching reading and differentiating lessons to various skill levels has transformed teaching in the preparatory level classes.

In March, the Food Services department honored lead maintenance man, Jose Soto, for his outstanding efforts. The kitchen staff praised his friendly attitude and skill at fixing any problem that presents itself, from difficult mechanical malfunctions to easy resolutions, such as an extinguished pilot light. He's always the go-to man, arriving promptly, with a smile.

First-year counselor Francesca Pecoraro was named as the April Staff Member of the Month by the Student Services department. She manages a caseload of approximately 280 English Language Learner students, but makes time to facilitate the school's American School Counselor Association RAMP application process. She has led an intervention group in combination with Hartgrove Behavioral Health Center, and has developed an after-school program for students who have not traditionally been involved in cocurricular activities.

Library technology assistant Sue Katte was named as the Educational Support Personnel Staff Member of the Month for May.  She was described by her nominator as "one of the kindest and most accommodating people I encounter during the day.  She is always willing and ready to help with any request. Sue is kind to students and staff alike and has a smile for all who pass through the library."


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