Meet the Principal: Angeline Ross
Angeline Ross, Principal, Stella May Swartz School, Oakbrook Terrace, Salt Creek Elementary District 48
Age: 41
Family: Husband, two daughters.
Grew up in: Chicago.
Ultimate pet: Min Pin. He is the best! He is litter box trained like a cat, but has a playful personality.
What is your education philosophy in one sentence? Students learn best in a safe, caring, and nurturing environment where they are actively engaged in their learning.
Personal hero: My grandmother. She was a Greek immigrant. She was a very strong female business owner in the 1930s. She was very driven and ahead of her time.
How did you wind up in education: I always tutored or helped my peers, so teaching was a perfect fit.
What is your dream vacation? Somewhere warm swimming in the ocean with dolphins, not sharks.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd ... Have less worries and more time.
What is your favorite reality show? Real life is reality enough for me.
Cubs or Sox? Sox because I grew up on the south side of the city. I've never been to a Cubs game.
If you could invite one literary character to dinner, who would you pick and why? Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit. I would love to hear about his adventurous stories.
Musical guilty pleasures: Classic rock music.
Favorite book? "Green Eggs and Ham"
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? Parachuting.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) really motivates and works for kids.
Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student?
"Sweeeeet"
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? That I helped put our wonderful little district on the map. We are small and mighty and I would like us to be noticed.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Today's youth can be too easily influenced by the outside world. Families need to be their strongest positive influence.
What makes today's students distinct? Today's students are not that distinct from students of the past. They may dress differently or have techy games, but deep down, kids are kids.
If you could change one thing about the world it would be ... to be safe. Not just feel safe, but be safe. We give up so much living in fear.
If you could paint your office any color it would be ... a tranquil blue.
• 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. This school year, we're planning to feature gym teachers in the Neighbor section. Contact Catherine Edman at cedman@dailyherald.com to be included.