Meet the Principal: Jean Peterson
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.
Jean Peterson, principal, Evergreen Elementary School, West Chicago, Benjamin Elementary District 25
Age: 57
Family: Married, three children and two grandchildren.
Grew up in: Janesville, Wis.
What's your education philosophy in one sentence: To meet the needs of all students.
Personal hero: My mother.
How did you wind up in education? Because I worked for a park district, baby-sat and really enjoyed working with children.
What is your dream vacation? On a beach in Hawaii
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … I would contribute to a cause for children and take care of my immediate family's needs.
Favorite Reality Show? Deal or No Deal
Cubs or Sox? Cubs fan
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? J.K. Rowling
Musical guilty pleasures? Josh Groban, Barry White
Favorite childhood book? "Go Dog GO"
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? None of the activities, but how about a no-doors helicopter ride in Hawaii or a bi-plane ride in Sedona, Ariz.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? There are so many, … Jolly Phonics and Leading To Read
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? That everyone is important!
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Parents who want to be their friends and not parent, video games and no rules.
Thing that makes today's students distinct? The numerous opportunities and choices they have to develop into caring, unique citizens.
If I could change one thing about the world it would be … less violent and more peaceful. They would care about others.
If you could paint your office any color it would be … soft blue.