INSIDE
SPORTS Hounds fall in MCL playoffs
NEWS Capital projects put Downers Grove North and South in red
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Our Village, Our News
AUGUST 8, 2012
Vol. 4 No. 36
District 58 welcomes new superintendent By Robin Ambrosia Staff Reporter
The Downers Grove Grade School District 58 has a new “kid on the block.” Dr.Kari Cremascoli began her next journey in early July, leading District 58 as the new superintendent of schools after Paul Zaander retired in June. Describing her first few weeks as wonderful, Cremascoli has started the process of getting to know her staff and the community. She is also creating a vision and goals for the grade school district. “I have also had the chance to meet with each of our incredible school principals and visit our schools,” Cremascoli said. “I cannot wait for teachers and students to fill our halls once again with joy and enthusiasm for the start of the new school year.” Because she has worn many
different hats as an educator, Cremascoli appreciates the opportunitytoutilizealltheeducation, knowledge and experience she has amassed. She began her career in education as a school psychologist at the K-8 level in the northern suburbs of Chicago. “My experiences as a school psychologist help me to not only know and apply educational best practices to improve outcomes for our students, but also to be a good listener, an effective collaborator and a strong team leader, and to use data to inform the many educational and business decisions that we as district and community leaders are called upon to make,”Cremascoli said. Most recently, Cremascoli worked for the DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 as assistant superintendent of educational services. Before that she was the executive director of student services.
Dr. Kari Cremascoli
Among the goals for the district, Cremascoli includes a new, promising math curriculum across the district and a huge emphasis on technology with new hardware in each of our classrooms, a new website and further integration of Google education apps this year. “We have also extended the school day for this coming school year
to expand learning opportunities for our students and are making some capital improvements to each of our schools and the learning environments we offer our students, all while remaining fiscally responsible,”Cremascoli said. Being both a former teacher and now a mother of three, she believes a personal, hands-on method is the most effective. “Most importantly, though, I hope to get to know the many families, students and staff who make our district and our community wonderful,” Cremascoli said. “I plan to be in schools and classrooms regularly and look forward to attending school and community events.” Throughout this year, Cremascoli hopes to continue to strengthen the district’s partnerships with other civic and community groups of Downers Grove. Although she will be very busy
this year, Cremascoli looks forward to taking time to meet with parents and learn more about their hopes and dreams for our students, schools and community. “I welcome visitors and phone calls and hope parents will take the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas for our district,”Cremascoli said. Since Cremascoli has already displayed her multi-tasking abilities, Cremascoli could fill in as a basketball coach from time to time, too. In addition to graduating Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Science, Cremascoli also served as a team captain, four-time letter winner and NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Member for theWomen’s Intercollegiate Basketball Team at Loyola University. She also was named to the MCC All-Conference Academic Team for two consecutive years.