November is a month traditionally reserved for giving thanks. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve Joliet Public Schools District 86 and the Joliet community each day. These past 9½ years have been terrific, I am truly thankful for our dedicated employees, amazing students, and supportive parents.
During the month of November, we also celebrate Veterans Day. Thank you to these thirteen Joliet District 86 Veterans for your service. We are fortunate to have you serve District 86. Our veterans include:
Ryan Anderson, Edna Keith Elementary, Engineer - Marine Corps
Erika Diaz, JFK Center, MLL Coordinator - Army
Erin Gurule, Edna Keith Elementary, Paraprofessional - Navy
Kesha James, Marycrest Early Childhood Center, Speech-Language Pathologist - Army
Brian Kahn, Washington Junior High, PE Teacher - Army
Sheena Manola, Edna Keith & Woodland Elementary, ELA Coach - Marine Corps
Elvia Mendoza, JFK Center, Assistant Data Specialist - Navy
Sasha Oquendo, Washington Junior High, 8th Grade ELA Teacher - Air Force
Melissa Quitman, Gompers Junior High, School Nurse - Air Force
Juanita Samms, Farragut Elementary, 2nd Grade Teacher - Army
Brandyn Smith, Washington Junior High, Engineer - Navy
Nancy Smith, Eisenhower Academy, School Secretary - Navy
Donald Thomas, Edna Keith Elementary, Paraprofessional - Army
Sergio Vital, Farragut Elementary, Engineer – Army
The Joliet Community has always been so supportive of our school district and our students. Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who have donated school supplies to our students this school year. Christ Community Church, Costco, Ecolab, the Garrity Family, ID Logistics US, My Joyful Heart, the Miller Family, Office Depot, and Nichole Robertson. Thank you also to Bernie’s Book Bank who donated more than 56,000 books to our students.
I also need to thank the Northern Illinois Food Bank for providing weekly food bags to families, Catholic Charities for providing Foster Grandparents at schools, and the Visitation & Aid Society who are blessing five families at each of our schools with Thanksgiving and Christmas gift cards to purchase food and gifts. Also, last week, a special shout-out goes to Nicor Gas and Operation Warm for providing over 250 new winter coats for our Culbertson students. Everyone’s support is so incredible.
We hope to see a good turnout at our Parent/Teacher Conferences at the end of month. Best wishes to everyone for a safe, relaxing, and happy Thanksgiving.
If you have a question, comment, concern, or compliment about one of our schools or the District, send us a Let's Talk message by visiting our District website http://www.joliet86.org/ and clicking on "Let's Talk" at the top of the page.