Meet the Principal: Stephanie Loth
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.
Stephanie Loth, principal, Pleasant Lane Elementary
Age: 38
Family: My mother and father have passed. In my current family, I count my step-father, one sister, three step-sisters, four brothers-in-law, seven nieces, two nephews-in law, three nephews, two great-nieces, a dog and a husband. (Whew!)
Grew up in: I was born in LaGrange and grew up in Darien and Lake Geneva, Wis.
Ultimate pet: A good old-fashioned mutt.
What is your education philosophy in one sentence? Always focus on the children first. Create the best environment with the best curriculum and the best staff to achieve the best results.
Personal hero: My mother.
How did you wind up in education: I always wanted to work with children. I love theory and teaching.
What is your dream vacation? Just one? My dream would be to have more than one! I would love to scuba dive The Great Barrier Reef. I would love to go to Tahiti. I would LOVE to go the Rockies in British Columbia.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … be generous with those in need, save a little for myself and spend a lot more time thinking about what I'd do with it!
What is your favorite reality show? Books.
Cubs or Sox? Steelers.
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Dr. Kay Scarpetta. (A character from Patricia Cornwell novels.) She represents a strong, intelligent woman working in the field of science. I believe that she has an interesting life.
Musical guilty pleasures: Believe it or not, I love rap, oldies, great music from the '60s and '70s, and classic rock.
Favorite book? "Heidi" was always my favorite. My mother used to read it to me before bed at night
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Interesting question. I think I'd have to go with rappelling.
Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student? When something is "beast" it is good.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? A love of education and desire to improve.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Adults who don't listen to children. I am happy to say that no one fitting this description works at Pleasant Lane, or District 44 for that matter!
What makes today's students distinct? Extensive expectations in all areas of life. Technology has had a tremendous impact on children, learning styles and learning environments. School is not simply academics anymore.
If you could change one thing about the world it would be … Greater tolerance and acceptance of each other.
If you could paint your office any color it would be … Greenbriar Beige. It's a Benjamin Moore color. I just painted a portion of my house with it and I love it!