Antioch Elementary School: Home away from home
Address: 817 N. Main St., Antioch
Phone: (847) 838-8900
Web site: aes.antioch34.com
District's name and Web site: Antioch School District 34, www.antioch34.com
Number of students/grade levels offered: Grades 2-5, about 385 students
Number of staff: 55
School mascot: Husky
When was school built: 1928
An interesting tidbit: Antioch Elementary School is the village's oldest school.
Principal: Judy Hamilton
• This is her first year as principal.
• What is your favorite memory from Antioch Elementary School? "This is my first year at AES and I have several memories already from the first few months of school. However, I will always remember the first day of school. I was quite impressed with the tradition of this day. The students were all gathered on the playground with their teachers. Each class had a student representative holding an American flag. We all said the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem. It was a very touching moment. The sense of patriotism and pride shown by these young citizens was overwhelming. I then welcomed everyone back to begin the 2007-2008 school year and we entered the school building as one community."
• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? "AES is unique because of our weekly Community Meeting. On Monday mornings the entire school community gathers in our wooden-floored gym to celebrate and share our successes and students' accomplishments. This sets the tone for the week. The Community Meeting is built around our Character Education program, and our word of the month -- taken from the letters in CHARACTER (Challenge, Hope, Attitude, Respect, Acceptance, Caring, Trust, Excellence, Responsibility). Occasionally there may be a special presentation by students, teachers or other guests. It always ends the same -- a celebration of birthdays from that week."
• If all school enrollments were determined by choice, what would you say to potential parents to convince them to choose Antioch Elementary for their children? "Antioch Elementary School has a wonderful reputation of caring adults who ensure students feel part of not only a community, but a family. We have dedicated staff members and teachers that make certain children receive the best opportunity to grow academically, socially and emotionally. Within our learning community we focus on all students learning at high levels. We do what is necessary to meet the needs of all students. Our curriculum is based on rigorous Illinois state standards. We assess students, both informally and formally. We provide interventions as needed; both for those students who aren't learning and for those who already know the material. Our learning community is one that is nurturing and safe. We continue to make a difference in the lives of children. We are happy to have parents as partners and welcome them to their child's home away from home."