PAINTING OUR PORTRAIT
The Winnetka Public Schools, July 2025
July 10, 2025
Dear Winnetka Staff,
In the midst of this summer season, we are launching our first issue of "Painting Our Portrait," a new quarterly newsletter intended to celebrate staff members. Winnetka staff are at the heart of our Portrait of an Educator, modeling the competencies we hope to convey to our students. We are grateful for the ways each of you contribute to your school communities and our greater District team. Your stories are important, and the ways you go above and beyond to serve our students each day often go unseen.
During the 24/25 school year, we launched a new program to honor our colleagues, which culminated in May 2025 at the District's annual Retirement & Recognition event.
49 educators and staff members were recognized for their contributions toward fostering the competencies outlined in the District’s Portrait of an Educator.
The following Winnetka staff members received special honors from District administration for consistently being mentioned by their peers and Building/Department leaders:
Andy Chester (A Learning Designer)
Eve Creelman (Relationship Builder)
Jen Fiegen (Collaborative)
Chris Joob (Adaptable)
Eli Mercado (Empathetic)
Rachel Peterson (An Advocate)
Kristina Pierce (Lifelong Learner)
Linda Stone was recognized in every category by her colleagues and given special recognition for the many ways she fosters the Portrait of an Educator amongst her peers and students at The Skokie School.
A comprehensive list of all 2024/2025 honorees is here:
Deb Ambrose
Emily Anderson
Amy Banas
Jack Benvenuti
Emily Berna
Jennifer Bertacchi
Helen Cha
Andy Chester
Dave Cooper
Eve Creelman
Jamie Crouch
Carey Crows
Sidney Dechovitz
Gwyn Duthie
Mareen Etter
Jen Fiegen
Meredith Flynn
Karen Foley
Marla Goldberg
Ted Graf
Megan Hartigan
Kath Horton
Rachael Hutson-Vasquez
Erin Ivry
Chris Joob
Karyn Keenan
Jeff Knapp
Arlene Kuzel
Stephanie Larenas
Amy Markos
Denise Matthews
Joe McArthur
Eli Mercado
Federico Moreno
Katie Nelson
Christine Ng
Alicia Ocampo
John Pappas
Rachel Peterson
Kristina Pierce
Brad Rice
Kelly Rowan
Suzanne Savard
Jackie Schwartz
Elaine Shull
Linda Stone
Gary Wendt
Lynn White
Kate Wilkinson
We look forward to sharing more celebratory news about the incredible Winnetka staff in the coming school year. Until then, have a wonderful summer!
Most Sincerely,
Jeff Knapp
Assistant Superintendent for Professional Learning & Human Resources
Kate Hughes
Director of Communications
P.S. Please enjoy the virtual 24/25 staff yearbook below. 😊
Summer Bonus Episode of "Winnetka Voices"
Season 3, Episode #10: Welcoming Crow Island’s New Principal
In this summer bonus episode, Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, introduces Ms. Anna Trilla, who is the new Principal at Crow Island School as of July 1, 2025. Ms. Trilla shares why she pursued a career in public education (fun fact: she had a brief stint studying meteorology at the University of Illinois prior to shifting to education). Ms. Trilla reflects on how experience gleaned in leadership roles at Walt Disney Magnet School provided her with the groundwork to serve as the next Principal at Winnetka’s historic Crow Island School.
MY WHY
This summer, we are rebooting our series asking Winnetka educators and staff members to introduce themselves…& WHY they chose a career in The Winnetka Public Schools. Our latest edition features Washburne World Language teacher, Ms. Rachel Hirsh.
What led you to this career?
Growing up, I knew I always wanted to be a teacher. Different languages have always been widely encouraged in my home and they were something that held my utmost interest. I am a third generation world language teacher and have always been passionate about world language classes. I believe that in a world language classroom, you have the opportunity to learn more than just a language. You have the ability to learn about different cultures and accepting others while fostering a lifelong skill of communication.
A typical day in your role in The Winnetka Public Schools?
A typical day is working closely with my colleagues and checking in on each other before the school day begins. As the day continues, my most favorite part of my day is having the opportunity to greet my students at the classroom door and ask how they are. I love seeing the excitement that they have entering my room as well as getting them into the Spanish speaking mindset.
Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Destination you most love to visit: Paris
A perfect day in Chicago includes: Shopping, walking the Lincoln Park Zoo, and ending the night with Ramen San and Annette’s
Cubs or Sox? Sox
Favorite spot in Winnetka? Hometown
Go-to drink at Starbucks or Dunkin: Iced Green Tea
Preferred ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Mr. Patrick Dawson, the District's Director of Innovation, Teaching & Learning, is the recipient of an Otus Excellence Award, which recognizes and celebrates outstanding educators and districts in the Otus community. Out of over 200 nominations, 10 winners were selected for their impact on student learning and growth through innovation, engagement and data-driven practices.
Mr. Dawson was recognized as a leader who turns data into action—supporting teams, identifying trends, and driving student success with insight and clarity.
