Team 7B Updates

It was a pleasure to connect with everyone during this week's meet and greet. We are excited about the upcoming school year on team 7B. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher(s). We look forward to working with you!

Back row (Left to right): Mrs. Fletcher, Mrs. Klutcharch, Ms. Vallero

Front row (Left to right): Ms. Mosele, Mr. Conway, Mrs. Garrett

Sarah Mosele- Hello! I am Ms. Mosele, the 7th grade science teacher and team leader for 7B. This year will be my fifth year teaching. I recently earned my master's degree in education technology and instructional design from Western Governor's University. I am the team leader for team 7B, so I can answer just about any general question that you may have! I am also the head cheerleading coach here at Hickory Creek. I am eager to incorporate a variety of new tech tools into our classroom activities. This year in science class, we will explore various topics, including chemical reactions and energy, cells and systems, metabolic reactions, and weather in the Spring. I am looking forward to a great school year! Please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding your child and HCMS.

Beth Klutcharch- Hi! My name is Beth Klutcharch. I am one of the 7B math teachers. I have been a teacher for 28 years and this is my 24th year at Hickory creek. I have two daughters, one is a Junior at Indiana State University and one is a Senior in high school. I truly love teaching middle school students and watching them gain independence as seventh graders through the school year. I enjoy working out, reading, and I have a newfound love of podcasts. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year!

Karissa Fletcher- Hello! My name is Karissa Fletcher, and I’m proud to be one of the English Language Arts teachers on Team 7B. This year marks my 24th year in education and my 20th year teaching in this district. I truly love what I do and am excited to continue helping students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

In addition to teaching, I have recently earned my masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, the Technology Club sponsor, and the Detention Supervisor here at school. I always encourage students to reach out if they’re interested in joining one of the clubs that this wonderful school offers—getting involved is a great way to connect and grow.

Outside of school, I’ve been married for 21 years and have three wonderful daughters. My oldest is a 20-year-old student at Illinois State University, and I also have an 18-year-old and a 13-year-old, both of whom are full-time students and dedicated athletes. Life is busy and full, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I’m looking forward to another fantastic year with my students and school community!

Bridget Garrett- My name is Mrs. Garrett, and I am an ELA teacher on Team 7B. I began my teaching career in the spring of 1998 after graduating from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Over the past twenty-five years, I've had the privilege of working with thousands of middle school students with unique backgrounds, interests, learning styles, and educational needs. I joined the Hickory Creek family in 2020 and have loved being part of such a supportive community.

My husband and I are both graduates of Lincoln-Way High School, and we have two wonderful adult children. In our spare time, we enjoy traveling and spending quality time together as a family, whether it's hosting game nights or meeting up in the city for a hockey game. I look forward to guiding my new seventh graders through their next life chapter, starting with one of my favorite novels: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.

Michele Vallero- Hello Students and Families! I’m so excited to meet you and begin learning math skills and concepts together. This is my 25th year teaching here at HCMS, but each year I, too, learn while in class. I have two teenage daughters, and aside from solving math problems with you during the school day, I love hanging out with both my girls.​ I enjoy watching my daughter play volleyball, taking walks with our dog, and traveling the National Parks. Which ones have you been to? I'm looking forward to a fabulous year together!

Patrick Conway- Hello Everyone! My name is Mr. Conway and I am so excited to be teaching Social Studies to your kiddos this year! This is my 7th year of teaching, with it being my 4th at Hickory Creek. I am also the 7th grade girls basketball coach and track coach here! I have always had a passion for history and I have been positively influenced by teachers who make the subject fun and engaging, and that is my goal! When I am not at school, I am going for a run, watching TV, or hanging out with my friends. I am a massive Cubs, Bears, Bulls and Arsenal Soccer fan. I am looking forward to getting to know all of your students and having a great school year!

P.E.-

Welcome back Tigers!

Important Announcements

• PE uniform needed for class by Wednesday, August 26.

• If your child does not yet have their PE uniform, please send a change of athletic clothes (shorts and a t‑shirt) to keep in their PE locker until the uniform arrives.

• If you still need to order a PE uniform, please contact Action Sports:

• Address: 75 Bankview Dr, Frankfort, IL 60423

• Phone: (815) 469-5757

We are looking forward to a great first week!

• Practicing locks and lockers — students will gain confidence using their lockers independently.

• Getting to know your teachers — students will learn some fun trivia about their new PE teacher.

• Reviewing rules/expectations and procedures — classrooms are settling into routines that keep everyone safe and ready to learn.

PE Staff:

Mrs. Breen, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Ford, Mr. Purpura, Mrs. Rodgers, and Mrs. Troka

Encore:

Mrs. Bartolomeo (Spanish & STEM), Mrs. Caruso (STEM), Ms. Wavera (Spanish), Mrs. Rogers (Art), Mrs. Bulleri (Spanish), Mrs. Walton (Fine Arts & Adaptive STEM), and Mrs. Zito (Music & Video Production).

Join us for the annual HCMS curriculum night. Team 7B will present at 5:30 in the library. We look forward to seeing you!

August 31- Picture Day

September 4- SIP Day, 10:45 dismissal

September 7- No School- Labor Day

September 9- FastBridge Testing- ELA

September 10- FastBridge Testing- Math