Former U-46 teacher named principal at Illinois Park

A former teacher in Elgin Area District U-46 will return to the district in the fall to take over as principal at Illinois Park Center for Early Learning.

Apryl Lowe, who taught for nine years in U-46, replaces Julie Kallenbach, who spent the past school year filling the roles of the center’s principal and director of early learners initiatives.

After leaving U-46 in 2008, Lowe spent three years in Geneva District 304, where she taught early education and served as the preschool coordinator. She also was involved in early intervention and was a member of the assessment team, Response to Intervention oversight committee and technology committee.

Lowe has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy and a second master’s in Educational Administration.

“Apryl Lowe is uniquely qualified to meet the needs of our youngest learners and help them begin their education on a path to be successful,” Superintendent José Torres said in a news release.

During her 9-year stint in U-46, Lowe mentored teachers, helped implement Early Reading First strategies and served on assessment teams and task forces, a district news release said.

She also served as a kindergarten transition facilitator helping students with disabilities transition from preschool into kindergarten and also as a trainer for Best Practices for Teaching Kids with Autism. A product of U-46, Lowe said the new appointment is like returning home.

“It was a great job in Geneva but it wasn’t full-time administration,” Lowe said. “When the position came up it was a good chance to get back to U-46. It is very exciting and it is going to be a great year.”