Lords Park holds novel 'spring fling'

Lords Park Elementary in Elgin held a novel kind of Spring Fling last night.

The school's celebration, which included a young author's festival, focused on student writing, artwork and a push for early literacy.

Renowned author and illustrator Eric Rohmann (the author of "My Friend Rabbit" and "Time Flies") was on hand to speak to students and their parents.

In addition, Rohmann got the chance to check out the writing skills and illustrations students created themselves.

Students press on: South Elgin and Bartlett High School students who competed in last week's IHSA journalism sectionals qualified for the state competition, taking place today.

South Elgin newspaper adviser Kari Botkin writes that Bartlett finished third out of eleven teams in the sectional competition and SEHS came in sixth. Bartlett students participating in today's competition include Lauren Caruba, Lyndsey Johnson, Gail Concepción Brittany Abiera. South Elgin students are Nikki Kofsky, Christie Cortese and Jake Beuten.

Excellent educators: Six area educators are up for Kane County Educator of the Year Awards.

They are: Patricia Anne Gondek, a special-education teacher at Howard B. Thomas Elementary; Central Community Unit School District 301 Superintendent Bradley Hawk; Elgin High School science teacher Deb Perryman; Central High School music and theater teacher Jim Stuyk; Lords Park Elementary custodian Zoran Terzic; and Prairie View Grade School special education aid Ruth Waite.

Local nominating committees, consisting of teachers and administrators nominate educators throughout the county. Those nominated are seen as having the respect and admiration of students, parents and co-workers. They play active and useful roles in their communities and also in the schools, often distinguishing themselves as leaders.

The awards banquet will be held next Friday at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.

The awards presented include Elementary Educator of the Year, Middle School Educator of the Year, High School Educator of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Private/Parochial Educator Award, Support Staff Award, Special Educator Award, Regional Superintendents Award and Kane County Educator of the Year Award.

All nominees receive special recognition as Distinguished Educators. Congrats to all nominees!