The old man explained that the stranded sea star would die if left out on the beach in the morning sun. “But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of sea stars!”, exclaimed the young man. “How can you make any difference?”
The old man looked down at the small sea star in his hand and as he threw it to the safety of the sea, he said, “I make a difference to this one.”
2007 SEAstar winners
Ms. Susan Diehl
Instructional Classroom Teacher/Best Buddies Co-Sponsor
Brooks Middle School
A (Best Buddies Co-Sponsor). I met Ms. Diehl three years ago when my son first entered Brooks Middle School. Initially, I was a little concerned that Ms. Diehl would possess the experience necessary to assist my son in his everyday education. However, beginning with our first encounters, I noticed that she radiated enthusiasm for her work and her students. Yes, that was what I was looking for: attention, patience, and, most importantly, high expectations. In addition to honoring Ms. Diehl for everything she has taught my son, I would also like to nominate her for her dedication and involvement with extracurricular activities while co-leading the Best Buddies Organization at Brooks. Her work there confirms her absolute dedication to her vocation and her students.
B (Instructional Classroom Teacher). A seed was planted that may transform and flourish to become an asset to the future of special needs individuals. Ms Diehl incorporated Student Peer Tutoring 2 years ago. It has given my daughter insurmountable self esteem, not only recognizing that she can be a positive influence in the life of others, but also that she can learn from others no matter their age or handicap. It has taught her to be an equal without ostracizing or labeling. She has learned to be accepting & understanding, as she learned about the medical conditions that result in special needs and that regardless, all peers can become good friends.
Mr. Bruce Harken
Social Studies Teacher
Brooks Middle School
As my daughter's social studies teacher, Bruce Harken has welcomed her into his classroom and truly included her as a full member of the class. He makes the necessary adaptations and modifications to the lessons and assignments so that she learns the material and enjoys doing so! He understands what her physical limitations are and adjusts her assignments accordingly without compromising the content that he expects her to learn. After being in Mr. Harken's class for two years, my daughter is now a lover of history because of how he presented the material and because of his incredibly inclusive attitude. Our only regret is that Mr. Harken is retiring so future students with special needs will not have the privilege of being included in his classes.
Ms. Kelly Hart
8th Grade student
Brooks Middle School
Kelly is a stellar example of accepting peers for who they are. She has a wonderful ability to see past disability to appreciate kids for who they are as people. She is outgoing, energetic and incredibly accepting. She has independently coordinated activities that have increased interaction between kids with and without disabilities. Kelly is also a member of the Best Buddies board and is a peer tutor but most of all, she is a good friend.
Pete Hostrawser
Small Business Management and Work Experience Teacher
Oak Park River Forest High School
Mr. Hostrawser was my Small Business Management teacher last semester and my Work Experience teacher this semester. He helped me understand what it would be like to run a small business. He helped me realize that I want to study business in college with the hope of having my own pet care business in the future. Mr. Hostrawser was a key influence on which college I decided to go to and what major I will study.
Mr. Ashley Kannon
Social Studies Teacher
Julian Middle School
When my daughter was in 7th grade, she was in a self-contained special education classroom and also in Mr. Kannon's social studies class. Initially quiet and intimidated, she told me she wasn't sure if she wanted to remain in his class. She didn't know anyone in the class and felt alienated. I e-mailed Mr. Kannon and we worked out a plan. From then on, Mr. Kannon encouraged my daughter, made her feel like one of his favorite students, and guided her studies the rest of the year. He gave her words of advice when she was studying for the constitution test in 8th grade. To this day, my daughter is welcome in his classroom-even if only to laugh and talk. She does not feel this connection with any other teacher. Mr. Kannon is the best!
Bonnie Marks
Case Manager/Special Education Resource Teacher
Oak Park River Forest High School
Bonnie Marks displays all of the qualities that a special education case manager should have. She is an advocate for the student to help them be the best that they can be. Bonnie makes herself available to the student and the family. She communicates well with others, and most of all, encourages the student to succeed to the best of their abilities.
My son had Bonnie as his case manager throughout his 4 years at OPRFHS. He was initially in all regular level classes with Bonnie acting as a consultant for study and organizational skills. The following year, my son was in Bonnie’s resource classroom where she helped him with his academic needs and encouraged his leadership skills. During his last two years, she encouraged him to take Honors Level and AP classes. She really believed in him and this is what makes Bonnie an exceptional special education teacher and case manager.
Catherine McNary
English Teacher
Oak Park River Forest High School
Mrs. McNary teaches with insight, and relevance to her students’ motivation and abilities. Each student is recognized as an individual. Her creativity and pro-active philosophy enhance student engagement and success. She teaches at both the Transition and College Prep levels, conducts in-service training for staff members in CRISS (Creating Independent Student owned Strategies) techniques, and, together with Marsha Blackwell, conducts quarterly parent workshops through Title One to foster family involvement for the Elements of Reading students. Her expertise as a reading specialist is reflected in each of her endeavors, and makes a significant impact on general and special education students alike.
Ms. Donna Middleton
Case Manager
Julian Middle School
Donna was able to hit the ground running, in this, her first year as Case Manager at Julian. She was able to quickly and effectively become a powerful advocate. Utilizing her direct experience as a resource teacher, she is often able to offer specific and appropriate accommodation suggestions. Donna works very hard to make the parents feel welcome, to ensure they have everything they need to participate effectively in their child’s IEP, and to answer their questions honestly. If she doesn’t have an answer, she will say so. If she’s trying to secure information, she will let parents know she’s working on it. She works very hard, putting in many hours of her own time. Without a doubt, she has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of her students.
Denise O’Brien
Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf
C.A.S.E.
Denise O’Brien has been instrumental in helping our son get the most of his education at OPRF. Due to his needs in regards to his deafness, his additional learning disabilities and his less obvious physical challenges, our son has greatly benefited from Denise’s incredible understanding of his learning needs and her willingness and ability to work with his teachers to assist them in meeting his educational needs. Denise is indefatigable in exploring options, seeking solutions and being available to staff, parents and the students she serves. We are so blessed to have her on our team!
Carolyn Ojikutu
Dean
Oak Park River Forest High School
Carolyn Ojikutu has been my dean for four years. Over the years she has helped me with scheduling and scheduling changes. She tried to make sure that the teachers were a good match for my learning style and that the tough classes were spread over the day. Ms. Ojikutu helped me decide which colleges to apply to, and I will be going to one of those colleges. She wrote a letters of recommendation for me and helped me with applying for scholarships. She has given me a lot of support, and I appreciate it.
Ms. Lauren Saliny
Instructional Teacher
Irving School
Lauren Saliny has to be one of the hardest working teachers in District 97. The energy and enthusiasm she brings to the Primary DD classroom at Irving School makes for a great environment for learning. Ms. Saliny truly understands what the “I” in IEP stands for as she is willing to try a new approach to learning if the existing curriculum is not working for a student. By way of example, she has created a reading curriculum for our son that has greatly increased his reading skills. Ms. Saliny also works very hard at making sure her students participate in the many school wide activities at Irving. She is a star in the lives of her students.
Ms. Denise Seibert
Resource Teacher
Julian Middle School
Ms. Seibert is a mini powerhouse of a woman! Her job is to make sure kids with IEPs have what they need to succeed in the mainstream classroom. Thanks to her amazing organizational skills, the kids do get all of the help that their IEP indicates. She has called our house, phoned us, and written us a note when something needs to be done that hasn't been done. What I also like about Ms. Seibert is her no-nonsense attitude. She is not interested in being "popular" with her students. Her classroom is serious because she is serious. Her goal is to get them ready for high school. I'm going to miss this amazing, dynamic teacher!
Amy Stanis
Case Manager
Oak Park River Forest High School
Amy Stanis has been my case manager for four years. She helped me with homework, studying, tests, projects, essays, etc. I’ve always felt comfortable asking Ms. Stanis for help. She’s been there for me for the last four years, and I will miss her.
Ms. Cathy Wrobel
Resource Teacher
Holmes School
Cathy Wrobel has been absolutely fabulous! This was her first year at Holmes, and she jumped right in and spent a great deal of time on our son’s evaluation and needs. She was always available to us, with any messages returned quickly. She established a great rapport with our son and made him feel comfortable in their sessions. Most importantly, she worked with his classroom teacher to modify his assignments so he could be successful. Cathy understood so well his needs and abilities and tailored her work with him to meet him at his current level. She met with us throughout the year to refine the accommodations for him, and always made us feel like our thoughts and opinions were respected and valued. We are so grateful to have Cathy Wrobel in our lives. She has truly made a difference in the life of our child.