Daniel Wright Junior High School

Daniel Wright Junior High School

Address: 1370 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire

Phone: (847) 295-1560

Web site: www.daniel-wright.district103.k12.il.us

District's name and Web site: Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103, www.district103.k12.il.us

Number of students/grade levels offered: There are 830 fifth- through eighth-grade students.

Number of staff: 100

School mascot: The Trojan

When was school built: 1972

Principal: Josh Carpenter

• He has been at the school for two years.

• What is your favorite memory from Daniel Wright? Carpenter said it was serving as principal last year at his first eighth-grade graduation. He said Daniel Wright is unique in all the events the school plans to recognize its eighth-graders including the dance, picnic, eighth-grade video and the graduation ceremony. "We are proud of all the accomplishments they do as we see them move on to high school," he said.

• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? Daniel Wright stands out not only for the academic accomplishments students make, such as through test scores, but Carpenter said the school also offers many experiences students are encouraged to enjoy outside the classroom. These include academic events such as spelling bee and scholastic bowl, athletic teams and musical programs. "Our kids leave with lots of different experiences," he said.

• What are you most proud of? Carpenter said the school is a professional learning community where teachers are compassionate and who work constantly to see how they can improve instruction. "We are always looking to improve. We are always looking at what's next, what is cutting edge," he said.

• How has technology changed the way students learn over the past five years? Has that been a good change? Carpenter said students at this grade level already are familiar with using the computer. It is important as a school to keep up with kids and use technology to help teach the curriculum. He added technology offers these students now new opportunities to create and present projects using various software programs.

• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? Carpenter said he looks forward to see the school complete its community project this year called "Bowl-A-Rama." The project includes bowls made by all grade levels that will be sold and a cookbook featuring recipes by staff and parents, both that will be sold April 8 and 10 at the school. Also on those dates there will be a cook-off where those who enter will make their various soup, stew or chili and tasters will vote on their favorite. "It goes back to our goal this year to create a cohesive fifth- through eighth-grade community immersed in student and teacher interaction," he said. Carpenter added that all proceeds will go to the Vernon Township Food Pantry furthering the school's effort to help the community.