Meet Hammerschmidt principal Dave Danielski
Dave Danielski, principal, Hammerschmidt Elementary School, Lombard, Lombard Elementary District 44
Age: 34
Family: Amy McTeague-Danielski is my bride. I have three beautiful children: Delaney, 7, Lauren, 5, and Ryan, 3 months.
Grew up in: Madison, Wis.
Your ultimate pet: Golden Retriever
What's your education philosophy in one sentence? All children can learn, not necessarily on the same day, or in the same way, but all children can learn.
Personal hero: My good buddy David W. Olson. His life ended tragically at the age of 25. He was patient, kind, an eternal optimist, and gave each and every person he came into contact with a chance. He taught me a lot about not sweating the small stuff, and doing the most with what we have been given.
How did you wind up in education? I wanted to teach as long as I can remember.
What is your dream vacation? Camping with family and friends!
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd ... take a vacation to think long and hard about how spend the money. I would want to take care of my family and friends, but also work to make substantial difference for society.
Favorite reality show? "The Contender"
Cubs or Sox? Cubs ... definitely the Cubs.
Musical guilty pleasures: American Idol contestants.
Favorite childhood book? "Where the Red Fern Grows"
Bungee jumping, repelling or parachuting? Bungee jumping.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? In my graduate work at North Central College in Naperville, a fellow classmate introduced "Period 0" into a high school in Naperville. It was a concentrated effort to have students struggling in reading do physical activity before their classes started. Results were very positive.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? I hope to instill in children a sense that they can meet the goals they set for themselves.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Being a parent of two daughters, I am particularly disturbed by the influence of the music industry, and how the roles of females are being defined.
Thing that makes today's students distinct? Students are coming to school with so much knowledge about technology. They have cell phones, laptops, iPods, and are very good at using them. The more we as educators can capture their energy for this technology and bring it in to their classroom experience, the better off we will be.
If I could change one thing about the world it would be ... to allow everyone to have a mutual respect for one another.
If you could paint your office any color it would be … I really couldn't narrow it down. I would much prefer some sort of tropical or peaceful scene.