Crossings: Round Lake Beach Elementary School

Address: 1421 N. Ardmore, Round Lake Beach

Phone: (847) 270-9930

District's name and Web site: Round Lake Area School District 116, www.rlas-116.org

Number of students/grade levels offered: Grades 1-6 with a population of 650 students

Number of staff: 44

School mascot: Bobcat

When was school built: The building was originally constructed in 1956 with major renovations completed in 1967, 1970, and 1973.

An interesting tidbit: One of our current staff members completed his elementary education at Beach School. "We are proud that he has returned to Beach School to give back to his community. He is a great source of pride to all of us, but especially to the teachers who taught him and are now colleagues with him," said Principal Keel Vetere.

Principal: Keel Vetere

• She has been there six years.

• What is your favorite memory from Round Lake Beach Elementary school?: "As I think about this question, my mind is flooded with wonderful memories of family events, class plays, student performances, and exciting learning. To name one favorite memory, I would choose the last day of school during the 06-07 school year. A few minutes prior to students leaving for the summer, all students and staff moved into the hallways of the school. The sixth-grade teachers then led our "graduating" sixth-graders through the halls of the school to the applause of students and staff. It was a proud moment for staff members who watched many of these young people grow and learn from first grade through sixth grade. We hope it was a proud moment, also, for the students as they received the congratulations from their teachers and fellow students."

• What are you most proud of? "The students, parents, and staff of the Beach School community."

• How has technology changed the way students learn over the past five years? Has that been a good change? "Beach School and District 116 have made great strides in bringing technology to students. We have portable computer carts that allow computers to be taken into any classroom to be used by the students. Teachers utilize educational Web sites as tools for learning with the desktop computers in each classroom. Students are learning how to research online for information. Students use computers to participate in the Accelerated Reader program, to gain access to Study Island, Compass Learning, and practice tests for state assessments, which are all available online. This has been a very positive change. Our students are technology natives; this is their world. The programs and computer uses we provide engage students in learning THEIR way."

• If you can get one thing accomplished between now and the end of May in your school, what would it be? "By the end of May, we plan to have a curriculum guide ready for print for students and parents to receive next fall. This will outline what students learn at each grade level."