Welcome to Team 7A!

August 28 SIP Day, 10:45 dismissal

September 1 No School- Labor Day

September 3 Curriculum Night 5:30-7:00pm

September 6 Tiger Trot 5k

September 9 Picture Day

September 9 FastBridge Testing- Math

September 10 FastBridge Testing- ELA

Back row: Lauren Doman, Mitch Stein, Laura Dyokas, Cyndi Faulkner, Rachel McKay

Front row: Jane DeHaan, Jackie Mahoney, Bridgett Didier, Tonia Gatsios

I’m Laura Dyokas, and I’ve had the pleasure of teaching ELA at Hickory Creek Middle School since 2002. Outside of the classroom, I love spending my time gardening, reading, listening to podcasts, and experimenting with new recipes.

I believe that education is crucial for shaping students' futures. In ELA, I focus on encouraging effort, perseverance, and a growth mindset to help students reach their goals. My goal is to create a supportive and dynamic learning environment where each student can thrive and develop their skills. With that in mind, I’m excited about the upcoming year in ELA and the opportunities it will bring. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with growth, discovery, and success!

Hello, my name is Rachel McKay and I am beyond excited to continue this next chapter of my career with you and your student at Hickory Creek! This is my twenty-fifth-year teaching and learning with middle school students. I believe that school is not only a place to grow academically but also as a space to learn how to successfully navigate the relationships required to be successful later in life. Therefore, my classes are known for dynamic discussions and collaborative projects, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and effective communication.

When I am not in the classroom, my happy place is the beach, or attending live shows with my husband, daughters, family or friends. It doesn’t matter if the live show is a concert, theatrical production or a comedy show, that is where I feel the most relaxed and rejuvenated!

I look forward to connecting with students daily, sparking their curiosity, and learning and growing together with my 7th grade ELA classes and colleagues.

For families that like to get a head-start, some of the novels that we will read in honors ELA: The Outsiders by SE Hinton, Ties that Bind and Ties that Break by Lensey Namioka, Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt, Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, and Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool.

My name is Lauren Doman and I live in Mokena with my husband Jason, son Evan (11), daughter Leah (9), and puppy Nico. I taught 3rd and 4th grade Special Education for 5 years at Chelsea Intermediate School. Before that, I taught in District 83 (Melrose Park) as a 7th/8th Grade ELA teacher for 10 years. During some of that time I coached softball and basketball.

My children keep me very busy with all of their activities and our family adventures, but when time permits, I enjoy outdoor activities (too many to name), trivia, games, running, vacations, and Mariano's!

Welcome to 7th grade Math!! It has been a very busy start to the school year.... but we are thrilled to be back at "The Creek"!.

Hello! I am Jane DeHaan, and I teach 7th grade math. I have been teaching here at Hickory Creek for 15 years, and this year marks my 24th year of teaching. I look forward to getting to know your child, and in return they will get to know me. For instance, I am married and have 3 grown kids of my own, I enjoy sports (especially watching my kids compete on their teams) and I am a self-proclaimed "foodie". I love both cooking and eating! I would best describe my teaching style as "keeping it fun while getting the job done!"

I love teaching math and I truly believe that every student can be a “math person”..... my goal is the take the fear out of math and foster a collaborative and nurturing classroom environment. I can promise that we will learn, grow, and make the best out of this year in math class!

Hi! I’m Cyndi Faulkner and this is my eighth year teaching math at HCMS, but I have been teaching middle school math for 25 years. I enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons (ages 15 and 18) and two adorable puppies; and am always eager to embark on new vacation adventures. In math class, my goal is to foster a collaborative environment where learning from one another and embracing mistakes are key to everyone’s growth. With a commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement, we will create a supportive and dynamic learning community.

Hello, my name is Mitch Stein and I have been teaching seventh grade at HCMS for the last 21 years. I love my team of teachers and look forward to a great school year. Along with teaching, I also coach softball and track and field here at school. I am very excited to meet and teach the 7th graders of 2025-2026.

Welcome to 7th grade SS, my name is Tonia Gatsios. I am so excited to be in class with you all this year; I have been teaching SS at HCMS for 21 years. This year we will inquire about the History of the United States, our Federal & State Constitution, and current events. Looking forward to a wonderful year with you all!

Hi everyone, welcome to Team 7A! My name is Jaclyn Mahoney, and I teach science. This is my third year at Hickory Creek, as well as third year teaching. I coach track and field and am one of two sponsors for HC’s Dance Intramural. In my free time I enjoy exercising, doing anything outdoors, going to concerts, cooking, and spending time with my family. To begin the school year, the students will first be learning about chemical reactions. I strive to have a safe and fun learning environment. Students will work in groups most days and will complete most labs and activities on their laptops. I am looking forward to having a great year with you all!

Hello! Welcome to Team 7A! My name is Bridgett Didier and I have been teaching for 13 years, 11 of which have been at Hickory Creek! I co-teach social studies with Mrs. Gatsios and science with Ms. Mahoney. I am so excited to meet your student and begin the 2025-2026 school year! Outside of school I enjoy going on adventures with my husband and two sons (ages 5 & 2), running, and cooking new recipes.

7

All Classes

PE

Welcome to the 25-26 School Year PE Team.

We look forward to an amazing school year filled with a wide variety of sports and activities.

Our male PE teachers are Mr. Ford, Mr. Connolly, and Mr. Purpura

Our female PE teachers are Mrs. Rodgers, Mrs. Breen, and Mrs. Troka

HCMS ENCORE

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year from your Encore Team!

We are looking forward to exploring with your child all that the Encore Department has to offer!

We are excited for a great school year!

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