Dear Avoca Community,
As we approach the end of the calendar year, I am reminded of how much we have to celebrate as a community. The winter months invite us to pause and appreciate the many moments that make Avoca a special place.
This month, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Elena Ryan, Marie Murphy School Principal, who has been named the North Cook Middle School Principal of the Year. This is an extraordinary and well-deserved honor that reflects not only exceptional leadership, but also a strong dedication to our students and school community.
We also celebrate one of our wonderful and amazing staff members who will be retiring this month. We are profoundly grateful for Tim Furman and his years of service to Avoca. Many of you know Tim because of the tech support he has offered at so many events throughout the years. Not only has Tim made our events, including board meetings, run smoothly, but as a talented photographer, he has captured them in photos for us to remember. We wish Tim all the happiness and fulfillment this next chapter brings.
Additionally, our recently released Illinois School Report Card affirms what we already know: our schools are EXEMPLARY. This recognition is a testament to our students’ hard work, our educators’ talent, and our families’ strong partnership. We are incredibly proud of this achievement.
It’s important to remember that exemplary cannot happen without belonging. Our district theme of belonging continues to be at the forefront of our work. At our November Board of Education meeting, Dr. Doug Bolton presented on the Power of Belonging in Schools. It was an opportunity for us to share what happens in our schools each day and a reminder of why this is a necessary focus.
As we look to the new year, there will be even more to celebrate together. In lieu of a January district newsletter, please keep an eye out for The Vision, our annual publication highlighting district work, accomplishments, and the path ahead. We look forward to sharing it with you soon.
I wish each of you a joyful and magical holiday season.
Warmly,
Sandra Arreguín, EdD
Superintendent
Avoca School District 37
