Kristen Aviles - We are excited in extending our warmest welcome to one of our newest team members, Kristen Aviles. We're delighted to introduce Ms. Aviles, who many have already seen at the middle school and is their secretary!
Ms. Aviles is a GK alumni and graduated from Kishwaukee Community College. When she isn't at school, she enjoys spending time with family! “We enjoy playing games together. One of our favorite games we play at our family gatherings is Spoons. I also enjoy traveling to new places, sitting around a fire, camping and hiking,” said Ms. Aviles.
At GK, our mission is to prepare students to excel and contribute to their community. Ms. Aviles shares what our mission statement means to her. “To me, preparing students to excel and contribute to their community is making sure we are creating a positive learning environment and encouraging students to do community service to help them get a sense of the community around them,” said Ms. Aviles.
We extend our heartfelt welcome once again to Ms. Aviles!
Lacey Collingbourne - Please join us in welcoming Lacey Collingbourne to the GK school community!
Ms. Collingbourne attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and earned a Master's at Concordia University out of River Grove in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL Endorsement.
In her free time you will find Ms. Collingbourne is involved in many activities and hobbies! “I like to spend time with my family and attend all their extra-curricular sports, go on walks with my dog Remi and my neighbor, go swimming in our pool, going to concerts and listening to music, and grilling outside on the deck! My favorite season is summer if you can tell…,” said Ms. Collingbourne.
Our mission statement at GK is to prepare students to excel and contribute to their community. To Ms. Collingbourne, this means helping students be the best that they can be in all aspects of their environment and their surroundings and creating a space where they feel special, and an important part of the culture around them by involving themselves responsibly and safely in the world.
Let us extend a warm welcome to Ms. Collingbourne!
Arely Delgado - We are thrilled to announce one of our newest team members, Arely Delgado who will be teaching at the middle school!
Ms. Delgado earned a degree from Northern Illinois University. Outside of being a teacher, Ms. Delgado has many hobbies. “I love all things creative! Besides drawing and painting, I love making floral and succulent arrangements,” said Ms. Delgado.
At GK, our mission is to prepare students to excel and contribute to their community. For Ms. Delgado our mission statement means encouraging and guiding students to develop their talents and abilities in the classroom so that they can develop a strong and positive sense of self. "In order to effectively prepare my students, I try to engage their families in the learning process as well. It is incredibly important that they feel valued, and respected so that they want to create a positive impact in their community outside of our building,” said Ms. Delgado.
Once again, welcome to Genoa-Kingston Ms. Delgado! We are thrilled to have you on board and look forward to the journey ahead.
Sidney Lippens - It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we introduce Sidney Lippens, who will be joining our middle school and elementary school in our Special Education department.
Ms. Lippens earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Dubuque, a master's degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and earned an educational leadership degree from the American College of Education.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Lippens loves to engage in various activities during their free time. “I love to stay home and spend time with my animals and my fiancé. We have four dogs and three cats that we have rescued. I enjoy spending time outside and going shopping,” said Ms. Lippens.
At GK, our mission is to prepare students to excel and contribute to their community. To Ms. Lippens, our mission statement means that There is not a one size fits all approach when it comes to education. Each student needs their own unique attention in order to excel. While in school, students are not only learning the content but they are also learning social skills, life skills, coping skills, etc. These things help students contribute positively to their community.
Join us in welcoming Ms. Lippens to the GK school community!
Michael Maveus - Join us in welcoming Michael Maveus to the GK middle school team! Mr. Maveus will be teaching eighth grade social studies.
Mr. Maveus graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelors of Arts in History. In his free time you will find Mr. Maveus spending time with family, watching movies and watching Chicago sports!
At GK, our mission is to prepare students to excel and contribute to their community. To Mr. Maveus, our mission statement means, “equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact in their community as lifelong learners. It also means giving students the tools to succeed on future endeavors as socially responsible citizens who are critical thinkers and problem-solvers,” said Mr. Maveus
We encourage each of you to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Maveus, welcome to the Genoa-Kingston School District, Mr. Maveus!
Elena Ramirez - Let us give a big GK school spirit welcome to our new staff member, Ms. Ramirez!
Ms. Ramirez will be teaching music at the middle school. She received a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. When not teaching music, Ms. Ramirez enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. “I enjoy playing board games and card games, as well as going to events such as trivia and live performances,” said Ms. Ramirez.
At Genoa-Kingston our mission statement is to prepare students to excel and contribute to their community. For Ms. Ramirez, this means supporting students not only in their academic growth, but also in acquiring tools and skills that carry over into multiple areas of their lives.” It involves giving students opportunities to develop in a variety of areas, whether it be their interests, social skills, advocacy, passions, and so forth,” said Ramirez.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Ramirez to the GK Cogs community!