Meet Madison Elementary principal Cindy Cronin
Meet the Principal is an occasional series by Catherine Edman introducing readers to the men and women who sit in the corner offices of schools across DuPage County. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.
Cindy Cronin, principal, Madison Elementary School, Lombard, Lombard Elementary District 44
Age: 54
Family: I have four grown children, three are married and live close by. My two sons have blessed me with 10 grandchildren between the ages 1 and 13. My youngest daughter recently married, and I know there will be more. My older daughter just graduated with a master's degree in community and regional planning.
Grew up in: South Side of Chicago, synonymous with White Sox fan.
Ultimate pet: Stuffed, soft and cuddly.
What is your education philosophy in one sentence? All children can learn. To maximize the learning, it is my responsibility to develop a safe learning, caring community in which children are eager to come to school and do their best, and one that parents want to be involved in.
Personal hero: My dad. He taught me through his actions. I learned about a never-ending love for his daughter, a work ethic that is second-to-none, dedication, family values and how to have fun.
How did you wind up in education: I loved playing school as a child.
What is your dream vacation? Doesn't matter where I go as long as I'm either hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, coming down a slope, snorkeling, relaxing or reading a book.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … I'd share the money and make lots of people happy.
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Nancy Drew. I couldn't read her books fast enough. My mom would tell me to read slower.
Favorite book? "Island of the Blue Dolphins" because a teacher read it aloud to my class.
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? None. I'm not that much of a risk taker.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? I thought it was the video tech carts until just recently. Wait until you see what a Smartboard can do! If you've never heard of one, you soon will. We will be piloting it in each of our district schools next school year.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? Since this will be at the end of this school year when I retire, I hope that it will be the memories of how much I loved working with the children, families and staff at Madison School.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Advertising.
What makes today's students distinct? Two things: So many are not afraid to take a risk, and an innate ability to use any type of new technology.
If you could change one thing about the world it would be … Eliminate all violence so every child and adult could experience a peaceful life.