Kane County Coroner Rob Russell recently announced that his office has partnered with the From the Barrio Foundation on a violence prevention program.
The program is founded by author and civic leader Robert Renteria. It promotes education, a valued sense of pride and accomplishment and social values that foster improved self-esteem, according to a news release. The coroner’s office and the foundation will be donating an academic curriculum to schools at no cost that addresses critical thinking and conflict resolution.
Russell said the collaboration will include being in the community with Renteria, hosting events, and offering “From the Barrio” books to at-risk youths and through organizations including the Kane County Youth Home and Elgin Township.
For more information, go to www.fromthebarrio.com.
U-46 welcomes new administrators
School District U-46 is heading into the 2024-25 school year with new leaders stepping into quite a few top administrative roles.
The following are among the individuals who have been named to vacant positions due to retirements, resignations or other opportunities within the district, according to a press release:
Cabinet Positions
Leatrice Satterwhite is now Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Innovation. She worked for 10 years prior as U-46’s Director of Specialized Student Services.
William Johnson has joined the district as Executive Director of High Schools after serving for three years as principal at Marlowe Middle School in Lake in the Hills.
Elementary School Principals
Lauren McDonald is now the principal at Clinton Elementary in South Elgin. She had been the assistant principal there for two years prior to her promotion.
Katherine Stan is now the principal at Coleman Elementary in Elgin. Stan had served for five years as assistant principal at Otter Creek Elementary in Elgin.
Laura Fazio is now the principal at Harriet Gifford Elementary in Elgin. Fazio worked at Gifford last school year as its resident administrator.
Marcella Sheler is now principal at Huff Elementary School in Elgin. Prior to her promotion, she served for four years as the assistant principal of innovation at South Elgin High School.
Natalie Poli has been named principal at Lowrie Elementary in Elgin after serving for the last two years as assistant principal at Laurel Hill Elementary in Hanover Park.
Middle School Principals
Jennifer Reyes is now the co-principal at Abbott Middle in Elgin after spending two years as the assistant principal of Freshman success at Bartlett High.
Nicholas Baird is now principal at Ellis Middle School after serving as the assistant principal there since 2017.
High School Principals
Avelira Rodriguez Gonzalez was selected to lead Elgin High School after serving for two years as the principal at Waukegan High School’s Brookside Campus.
Jonathon Miquelon has been hired to lead South Elgin High after serving as principal at Clinton Elementary in South Elgin for the last four years.
Badges & Books reading event in Carpenter Park
The Carpentersville Police Department and the Dundee Library will be holding a Books & Badges reading event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 in Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville.
The free event will feature storytelling, treats and lively discussions, according to a news release. For more information, call the library at 847-428-3661.
Randall Oaks Zoo holds 60th anniversary party Friday
Randall Oaks Zoo will be holding a 60th anniversary celebration with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug.16.
Anniversary treats for people will be available from 5 to 8 p.m., according to the zoo’s webpage. Attendees will get special anniversary totes, while supplies last. Patrons will also be able to make toys and treats for the animals, watch the animals eat and play with watermelons and experience an animal encounter with a zookeeper.
Regular admission rates apply. The zoo is located at 1180 N. Randall Road, West Dundee. For more information, call 847-551-4312 or go to www.dtpd.org/randall-oaks-zoo.
Squonk performing at ECC this weekend
The musical act Squonk is set to perform outdoor shows Friday, Aug, 16, Saturday Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18 outside the Arts Center at Building H on the ECC campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Squonk performs a “spectacle bursting with rollicking music, dazzling imagery, and the thrill of audience participation,” according to the ECC website. The act features the Squonkcordion, an enormous accordion the audience gets to play.
Find out ‘What Makes Elgin Tick’ at Elgin Township campus
Elgin Township will be hosting a “What Makes Elgin Township Tick?” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 on its campus at 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin.
Attractions will include a touch-a-truck area, Kenyon’s Cow, a bouncy house, trivia game, face painting, an appearance from Beach Santa, a pet adoption fair, vintage cars and other attractions, according to the township’s website.
For more information, call 847-741-2045 or go to elgintownship.com.
