At a recent Board meeting, the Elmhurst District 205 Board of Education approved the appointment of three new elementary principals who will serve Emerson, Jackson and Lincoln Schools in 2017-18. All three will begin work in District 205 on July 1, 2017.
Michelle Thompson
Michelle Thompson will be taking the helm at Emerson Elementary School when Principal Beth Gregor retires at the end of June. Thompson comes to Elmhurst from Schaumburg District 54, where she has served as a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal over the last 12 years. For the last four years, she has served as assistant principal at both Enders-Salk Elementary School and the D54 MacArthur International Spanish Academy. She has DuFour training in Professional Learning Communities and experience in a Spanish Language Academy school. She has also served as an adjunct professor for National Louis University.
“I am very excited and honored to be joining District 205 and the team at Emerson,” she said. “I have heard great things about the staff, students and community, and I look forward to working together to continue a tradition of excellence.” ”Michelle’s expertise in reading and language will be a valuable asset in supporting the District’s commitment to 21st Century literacy for all students,” noted District 205 Superintendent Dr. Dave Moyer. “She has specific expertise in implementing and supporting professional learning communities and extensive background as an instructional coach. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team.”
Christine Trendel
Christine Trendel will be heading up Jackson Elementary School next fall. She comes to Elmhurst from Naperville District 203, where she has served for three years as the assistant principal of the highly diverse Mill Street Elementary School. She has served as the point person on special education issues and has direct experience with a Spanish dual language program. Previously, she was a third and fourth grade teacher in Arlington Heights District 25 for four years, where she was an assistant principal. She was the District’s Teaching and Learning Facilitator for five years, where she led professional development for teachers and administrators.
“I am honored and excited to be appointed principal at Jackson Elementary School,” said Trendel. “I am looking forward to developing positive relationships with each parent and staff member. Working in partnership, I am confident that all students will be challenged, nurtured, and motivated to be innovative learners and leaders
“Christine is a natural leader,” said Superintendent Dr. Moyer. “She has experience with diverse learning populations, a deep understanding of instruction and the effective use of data, and demonstrated success working with students with special needs. Her combination of building and district-level experience will be invaluable in helping us manage the change process. She is the right person at the right time, and we are lucky to have her.”
Jennifer Barnabee
Jennifer Barnabee will lead Lincoln Elementary School in 2017-18. She comes to Elmhurst from Barrington District 220, where she has served as the principal at Countryside Elementary School for the past two years, leading Countryside to Blue Ribbon status. She was previously the Director of Gifted Programming (K-12) in Barrington, where she was charged with implementing a dual language Chinese immersion program (K-5). She was also named a 2016 Apple Distinguished Educator for using technology to transform teaching. Barnabee has four total years of principal experience and has previous experience as a literacy coach, third and sixth grade teacher.
“Serving children and their families is my life,” she said. “As a new member of the Lincoln team, I look forward to working with the staff, students, families, and community. Together we will achieve greatness.”
“Jennifer successfully led a school to Blue Ribbon status and has a strong background in literacy and gifted education,” said Superintendent Dr. Moyer. “She has expertise in a wide array of areas and is particularly strong in supporting teachers with their classroom instructional practices. She is regularly in classrooms with students and teachers, where the action is. Her experience is a welcome addition to our leadership team. People will quickly appreciate her genuine kindness and ability to build positive relationships with staff and parents.”
