Crossings: Diamond Lake School

Diamond Lake School

Address: 25807 Diamond Lake Road, Mundelein

Phone: (847) 566-6601

Web site: www.d76.lake.k12.il.us/dls/diamondlake.html

District's name and Web site: Diamond Lake School District 76, www.d76.lake.k12.il.us/

Number of students/grade levels offered: There are 356 second- through fourth-grade students.

Number of staff: There are 51 including certified and support staff.

School mascot: the Dolphins

Principal: Elizabeth Kiewicz

• She is serving her sixth year as principal but has worked at the school 14 years including teaching third grade and teaching the multi-age third- and fourth-grade classes.

• What is your favorite memory from Diamond Lake School?: Kiewicz said her fondest memory was something she saw her first year at school. On the last day of school, the entire staff stands outside the school to wave to the children on their buses as they leave to begin their summer vacations. "People will drive by the school and say that is the kindest thing we ever saw," she said. "There are few dry eyes. It is such a sweet, fond memory."

• What do you think is an unique aspect of your school? Kiewicz said the school is not only shows diversity in its student and teacher population. But the school also believes each child deserves an individualized approach to be taught the curriculum. "Teachers work hard to make sure every child has needs being met and they all meet academic growth," she said.

• What are you most proud of? It is the caring, nurturing and learning community that includes parents, teachers and students. "We nurture each other so we can have a successful learning experience," Kiewicz said.

• If all school enrollments were determined by choice, what would you say to potential parents to convince them to choose Diamond Lake School for their children? "This is a school where child's needs can be met. The child is valued as an individual. We do whatever possible to have children be happy learners, happy people who want to learn. We want all children to love learning," Kiewicz said.

• How has technology changed the way students learn over the past five years? Has that been a good change? "Kiewicz said technology has provided a wonderful change for students. Technology provides a way students can receive information but also provides a vehicle for communication, and all can be done quickly. "We try to keep students up to speed on current technology so they can be successful students as they move through school," she said.

• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? Kiewicz said it is to make sure all students want to continue learning over the summer. She hopes they will continue to want to read. "That will make us all very happy," she said.