Bryan Middle School principal honored for excellence

Jacquelyn Discipio, principal of Elmhurst's Bryan Middle School, has been named 2017-18 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association DuPage Region.

The award recognizes middle school principals who demonstrate a positive impact on their students and learning community.

Criteria for the award includes:

• Demonstrates positive impact on education and advocacy for children.

• Ensures the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale.

• Demonstrates creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change.

• Shows willingness to take risks to improve student learning.

• Moves actively to implement the goals and objectives of the school.

• Works collaboratively with teachers and other staff members to improve educational programs and student achievement.

• Anticipates emerging problems and acts effectively to resolve them.

• Involves the community in the life of the school and uses community resources for students.

Discipio took over as principal at Bryan at the start of the 2015-16 school year in Elmhurst Unit District 205. She previously served as assistant principal of Washington Junior High School in Naperville Unit District 203.

She was nominated by District 205 Superintendent David Moyer.

In his nomination, Moyer said Discipio "has been asked to lead monumental and transformative change in a short period of time, examples of which include: a successful one-to-one personalized learning implementation utilizing Chromebooks in year one; implementation of a new English language arts curriculum and the addition of instructional coaches in year two; ongoing development of common assessments in all grade levels and content areas; and a major overhaul of the schedule to include dedicated time for interventions and enrichment and increased co-teaching for the 2017-18 school year."

The Principal of the Year winner was selected from a pool of nominees throughout the DuPage Region.

Discipio's application now will be forwarded for consideration among the other nominees throughout the other 20 regions of the Illinois Principals Association. She also will be recognized April 23 at the DuPage association's annual Spring Student Recognition Breakfast.

The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization that serves more than 5,000 educational leaders throughout the state.