Her most memorable moment at Medinah: Working with such talented and gracious teachers from whom I’ve learned so much from. From the older generation like Gail Faighey, Rita Markgraf, Susan Redell, Brenda Kocim to Melissa Langietti. All the wonderful teachers at MPS; Tammi Mellert, Melissa Ferguson, Bridget Lahart, and Terese Butera. I could name so many more who have all touched my life and whom I will always treasure. I would like to add that it has been a delight and a challenge to teach reading to the Kindergarten, first and second graders. They have been a joy to work with.
What will Pat be doing on the first day of school August 2021? Thinking of all my dear friends and all the hustle that goes on during the first day. I’ll probably be taking a walk with my dog.
Advice for someone starting their career at Medinah: Listen and observe well as you will be working with the finest teachers and staff around.
Future plans during retirement: Live healthy happy lives and enjoy our retirement. We hope to do a lot more traveling.
Final thought: Who would ever believe a little volunteer job to help at my children’s school would turn into an amazing career.
Paula Hosnedl - Superintendent's Administrative Assistant - District Office
Paula has worked 32 years in education; 30 of those years are with Medinah.
Her most memorable moment at Medinah: There have been so many memorable moments, however, one that provided me with the most satisfaction was in October 2006 – Teaching Basic Computer Classes for Medinah #11 Senior Citizens. It was truly rewarding helping them learn and understand the basics. The majority of these “students” did not know how to use the computer or email at all. The excitement and gratitude they shared almost brought tears (of joy) to my eyes! Now I realize how a teacher feels every day!
What will Paula be doing on the first day of school in August 2021? NOT working.
Favorite Quote: “Choose a job that you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
Future plans during retirement: Traveling, spending time with family and friends, exploring new hobbies (i.e., writing a children’s book, playing piano, etc.)
Sue Norman - Special Education Aide - Middle School
Sue has been in education for 23 years; 22 of those years are with Medinah.
Her most memorable moment at Medinah: The most memorable moment every year is Winter Benefit Day. It’s a lot of fun for everyone.
What will Sue be doing on the first day of school in August 2021? I will be having lunch in a pub.
Future plans during retirement: Moving and traveling, seeing family.
Denise Schlueter - Special Education Teacher - Intermediate School
How many years has Denise worked in education? Well... it’s complicated I've taught for 16 years + 2 years as a substitute + 2 years as an aide. Of this time, 10 years as a teacher + 2 years as a substitute are with Medinah.
Most memorable moment at Medinah: My most memorable/proudest moments have been when students who are “stuck” or do not like a particular subject are able to break through, have success, and/or start to enjoy learning!
What will Denise be doing on the first day of school in August 2021? I hope to be still working, either as an aide or part-time, somewhere!
Advice for someone starting their career at Medinah: Invest in relationships with your co-workers (Medinah staff are some of the best!); ask for help and ideas; make and use systems that work for you; be flexible!
Favorite Quote: I’m not a big quote person, but this one from Maya Angelou makes me smile: “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”
Future plans during retirement: Time to enjoy more walks with our dog; time to participate in some volunteer opportunities; time to spend with our kids (IL, WI, NY, and CO).
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HEALTH REMINDER
Health and Safety
Updated Information
Regarding Travel & Quarantine
After much discussion, research, and collaboration with neighboring school districts; we are making some amendments to our current COVID-19 procedures related to quarantine and travel. While our highest priority continues to be the safety of our students and staff, our policies were created to evolve as circumstances change and more information becomes available.
Presently, DuPage County case rates are stable and test positivity is down-trending. The State of Illinois is also reporting stable and/or downward trends that place us in the "lower risk" category. Recommendations from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have been updated to reflect current data. Additionally, the Medinah School District is happy to report that about 90% of our staff have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This, of course, contributes to the safety of our buildings as well as our community at large.
The first change we will be making is enforcing a ten-day quarantine period (instead of 14-day) following close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. This rule will be for all students. We will continue to counsel families individually regarding exposure and quarantine planning.
Regarding travel:
The school district will NOT be tracking or enforcing quarantine following DOMESTIC travel. The following resources are provided to you: IDPH Travel Guidance and CDC Travel Guidance. We ask that families and staff members use these resources to make informed choices. Specifically, should you choose to travel within the United States, it is advised that you consult the IDPH Travel Advisory Map, and the CDC Know Your Travel Risk page. Again, it is ultimately your responsibility to take the recommended precautions. This will not be monitored by the school.
The school district WILL be tracking and enforcing a 7-day quarantine following INTERNATIONAL travel. This rule will be for all students. There is widespread, ongoing transmission of COVID-19 worldwide and international travel places you at higher risk. The CDC advises that international travel is avoided at this time. Currently there are strict testing protocols in place for entry into most destination countries, as well as into the United States upon your return. You can learn more on the CDC webpage for Testing and International Air Travel. Should you choose to travel out of the country, we ask that you provide us with your planned return date into the United States as soon as possible, so that we can plan your return date for school.
For all travel, we urge you to take prudent precautions during your time away. If the destination you are traveling to has relaxed protocols, we advise that you mirror the rules here in Illinois. Remember that your choices impact the rest of our school community.
Families: If your child will miss school due to travel or quarantine, please email the nurse and your child's teacher by March 15th so that we may plan ahead for their absence and subsequent schoolwork. Our teachers are working incredibly hard to support students when they are absent from school and learning from home. Please respect their time and let them know in advance.
Thank you for continuing to partner with is in making our schools safe places to learn.
Please remember to practice the 3W‘s: Wash your hands! Watch your distance! And Wear a mask!
Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 by taking these simple steps:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear a face mask.
- Practice social distancing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay at home when you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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MEDINAH PARK DISTRICT
CLUB KINDERGARTEN
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PRESCHOOL SCREENING
If you are interested in Medinah School District 11’s Preschool for All program for the 2021-2022 school year, please call Angela at (630) 529-9788 for a developmental screening packet. All families with children ages 3-5 who are interested in preschool must go through the screening process.
2021-22 Development Screening Brochure - Spanish