Kindergarten
CARRIE GACA
cgaca1124@oswego308.org
My name is Carrie Gaca and I teach Kindergarten at Southbury Elementary. This is my 5th year teaching in Oswego. I am very excited to be a part of a brand new program that will benefit all students. I have previously taught Reading and Kindergarten at Boulder Hill Elementary. I am very excited to be a part of the Full Day Kindergarten program and am anxious to help all Southbury Sharks learn and grow!
I am originally from Carmel, IN. I graduated from Indiana University in 2004 with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a Reading minor. I am also taking classes from Olivet Nazarene University to get my Master's degree in School Improvement Leadership.
My husband Jason and I live in Plainfield with our dog, Copper. He provides us with many laughs! When I`m not at school, I love to travel. This past year Jason and I went to Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Tunisia and Spain! I also enjoy reading, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
LINDA IVANITZ
livanitz0721@oswego308.org
Hi! My name is Linda Ivanitz and I will be the ELL Kindergarten teacher at Southbury School. I am very excited to be apart of the new Southbury School Community. I graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA with a degree in Elementary Education. I completed my ELL Endorsement from National Louis University in 2005. In the fall I plan to continue my graduate work in Curriculum and Instruction.
My experience as an educator includes Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Fifth and Sixth Grades. The past two years I have taught ELL at Lakewood Creek Elementary School in Oswego Community Unit School District 308.
I live in Naperville with my dog, Jersey, who is a 3-year old Shih Tzu. I was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Naperville 17 years ago. My son, Jason, is 24 and a Journalism graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
I enjoy taking walks with Jersey, reading Danielle Steel books, attending Bon Jovi concerts and going to Ravina. Every summer, I return to the "Jersey Shore" for 2 weeks to enjoy the beach, eat seafood and visit with my family. This summer is special because my grandfather will be 103 on his birthday!
I look forward to meeting the faculty, staff, students and families that comprise the Southbury School Community.
STACY PUENTES
spuentes0126@oswego308.org
Hi my name is Stacy Puentes and I will be teaching Dual Language Full Day Kindergarten at Southbury Elementary. I am excited to be a part of a program that I so strongly believe in. As a second language learner myself I know the rewards of being bilingual and I am anxious to help your child start this journey.
I grew up attending Oswego schools and graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a BA in Spanish. As an undergraduate I had the opportunity to study abroad in Mexico for a year which allowed me to acquire a better understanding of both the culture and language. I received my Master's in the Art of Teaching from Aurora University and am currently working towards a second Master's in Bilingual Education. I have spent the last four years teaching bilingual kindergarten in East Aurora District 131.
When I'm not at work I love to spend time with my 3 year-old son Nico. We love going to the park, to the swimming pool and spending time with family and friends.
I'm looking forward to a wonderful school year with your children. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
STEPHANIE WESTERFIELD
swesterfield1115@oswego308.org
This is going to be an exciting year for me! I am eager to start another year of teaching and even more thrilled to start in a new district. I was glad to have begun my career in Yorkville two years ago and cannot wait to start my third year at Southbury. I may be new to the district, but I am not new to kindergarten. It is by far my passion.
I graduated from Illinois State University with my B.S. in Elementary Education and hope to start my M.S. in the near future. I enjoy teaching and also like learning new things that will help be become a more effective teacher. I have always lived in the area and this past year have been able to share that with my husband Aaron, who is an avid Cubs fan J When I am not at school, I am generally out for a run, playing with my nephews, or watching House MD and CSI.
I feel blessed to have found my passion and hope that I can leave my students knowing they are important, cared for, and that they can reach their goals. I look forward to being a part of your child's life! GO SHARKS!
KRISTIN PULSA
kpulsa1214@oswego308.org
This is a very exciting time in my life as I look forward to teaching kindergarten at Southbury. I know that being part of Southbury's teaching community will be very rewarding for me personally.
My teaching career began in Broadview, Illinois, where I taught kindergarten for four years before moving to California and teaching out there for two years. Being away from friends and family was difficult, so I moved back to the area. The school where I began my career had an opening, so I returned and taught another fours years of kindergarten. Now I feel very fortunate to say that I will be teaching at Southbury.
Currently I live in Plainfield with my husband of five years, our son Jake, who is 18 months old, and our dog Rascal.
I promise that I will put my heart and soul into providing your child with the best education that I can. I look forward to getting to know each and everyone one of you and working hand and hand with you to achieve a very positive, successful learning experience in our classroom.
JENNIFER EVERETT
jeverett0722@oswego308.org
Dear Kindergarten Families,
I am very excited to be teaching kindergarten at Southbury. I would like to introduce myself to you. This is my third year in Oswego School District. Last year I worked at Fox Chase teaching half-day kindergarten and loved every minute. Previously, I also worked at East View covering for a maternity leave in first grade and as a reading assistant. During college I worked at a learning center where I taught the summer pre-school program.
I obtained my degree in elementary education from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. I have endorsements in math and reading as well as a degree in business administration. Before moving here I lived in Lamoni for 7 years. My family still lives there and I go back often to visit. I have two nieces there and I spoil them like any good aunt should!
When I'm not at school I enjoy going to the movies or spending time with family and friends. I love being outside and spend most of my summer being outdoors soaking up the warm weather.
I look forward to the opening of Southbury and being a part of both a new school and full day program. Welcome to all you new sharks and swim on in to kindergarten with me!!!
JENNA SHELDON
jsheldon1230@oswego308.org
Hi! My name is Jenna Sheldon and I will be teaching kindergarten at Southbury. I am very excited to be a Southbury Shark and I am also looking forward to being part of this exciting new program.
I have lived in Oswego for the majority of my life and my entire education has been here so I am so happy to be able to give back to the district that has given me so much. I love Oswego's philosophy and belief in educating students to become life long learners.
I graduated from North Central College with a double major in Elementary Education and Psychology, which has been very beneficial in helping me understand and meet the needs of every student I have had. I also have a reading minor so I am so excited to be working with young students who are preparing to read. In my spare time, I love to go on bike rides, read books, swim, and play with my three dogs, Chicklet, Scooby, and Emma.
I want to create a nurturing classroom environment where students can learn and see the joy in learning, which in turn will help them to be life long lovers of learning!
SARAH KETTERHAGEN
sketterhagen0726@oswego308.org
I'm excited to begin teaching kindergarten at Southbury. I previously taught all-day kindergarten in Port St. Lucie, Florida. I love teaching children this age and find it rewarding to see the progress they make during this important year.
I grew up in Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University. I left Florida last year to get married. My husband, Kurt, grew up in Wheaton - and we now reside in Aurora with our two dogs, Mike and Emma. I enjoy reading, traveling, shopping and playing with my dogs. This summer, Kurt and I hope to try camping in the Illinois area.
I'm looking forward to meeting my new students in August. I know it will be a great year!
JEAN REMPALA
jrempala0702@oswego308.org
My name is Jean Rempala, and I am looking forward to our new school year at Southbury and Full-Day Kindergarten! This is my fourth year teaching Kindergarten in District 308. I earned my Bachelors degree from Judson College and my Masters from Aurora University.
My husband Stan and I have four darling daughters. Our oldest just graduated from college and our youngest is a junior in high school. You would think that with only one in high school life would slow down at the Rempala household; this has not been the case. I still find that free time is spent attending football games, cheering during soccer games, and supporting all kinds of band activities.
KRISSY LAGENFELD
clangenfeld0308@oswego308.org
My name is Krissy Langenfeld and I am so excited to be teaching the Full Day Kindergarten here at Southbury. I will be starting my 12th year of teaching this fall. For the past eight years, I have been teaching the Early Bird At-Risk Pre-Kindergarten Program here in Oswego. I have my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood and received my Masters in Educational Leadership in 2005.
My husband, Rob and I live here in Oswego with our beautiful two year old daughter, Madison. When I'm not working, I can usually be found with my family. We love the outdoors; walking, biking, playing at the park, visiting the zoo, and going to the beach. We are huge sports fans Go Cubs! and Go Bears!
I am looking forward to a wonderful year in Kindergarten and here at Southbury! GO SHARKS!
SARAH WINEINGER
swineinger0725@oswego308.org
Hi! My name is Sarah Wineinger, and I am thrilled to be part of the Full Day Kindergarten Program. Last year, I taught Kindergarten at Lakewood Creek Elementary in Oswego. When the district decided to offer Full Day Kindergarten at Southbury, I jumped at the opportunity because I value the many benefits it offers the children.
I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Benedictine University. I love teaching, exploring and learning with my students. I am reminded daily that teaching is my true passion.
In my free time, I love enjoying a good book, shopping and spending time with my family and friends. My little brown Chihuahua, Baby, always keeps me smiling!
Kindergarten is an amazing year of learning for students. I am eager to dive right into the new school year as a Southbury Shark!
MELISSA HUSTED
mhusted0421@oswego308.org
I am thrilled to be teaching Full Day Kindergarten at Southbury! This marks my sixth year teaching Kindergarten and my second year in Oswego. Last year I worked at Prairie Point teaching both morning and afternoon sections. Prior to that, I lived in Raleigh, North Carolina where I taught Full Day Kindergarten for four years.
I grew up in Rochester, Illinois. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Psychology. Starting this fall, I will be working on earning my Master's through Olivet Nazarene University with a degree as a Reading Specialist.
When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love shopping, traveling, reading, and watching movies.
It is such an honor to be one of the first positive role models in a child's educational career. My passion is teaching children to love learning.
JILL CARLSON
jcarlson0906@oswego308.org
KAREN MCCLUCKIE
kmccluckie0208@oswego308.org
JACLYN JANOR
jjanor0822@oswego308.org
Welcome to Kindergarten at Southbury! This is my fifth year teaching Kindergarten and my first year being part of the full day Kindergarten program. I am really excited to be part of this program as a Southbury Shark!
My educational background is in both Psychology and Education. After earning my Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 1999, from North Central College, I worked for the DuPage County Behavioral and Mental Health Services Division for four years. I returned to graduate school in 2003 to pursue a degree in education, and I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree from National-Louis University in the spring of 2005.
On a personal note, I live by the Fox Valley Mall with my two dogs. Abby is a 7year old German Shepherd and Molly is a 4 year old Border Collie mix. In my free time, I enjoy being active with my friends, family, and community members. I am rarely found at home watching T.V. since I will have plenty of time later down the road to do that.
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