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DR. RENÉ CARRANZA NAMED PRINCIPAL OF DISTRICT 63'S GEMINI JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

At its May 4 meeting, the East Maine School District 63 Board of Education approved the appointment of Gemini Junior High School's new Principal. Dr. René Carranza has been named to the top slot at Gemini with the departure of current Principal Richard Groeling. Gemini, located at At its May 4 meeting, the East Maine School District 63 Board of Education approved the appointment of Gemini Junior High School's new Principal. Dr. René Carranza has been named to the top slot at Gemini with the departure of current Principal Richard Groeling. Gemini, located at 8955 Greenwood in Niles, serves more than 770 7th-8th grade students living in Des Plaines, Niles, Morton Grove, Glenview, and Park Ridge.

Currently Principal on Special Assignment at Palatine's CCSD 15, Dr. Carranza serves as a coach to three principals there. He began his teaching career in 1978 as a K-1 teacher in Los Angeles. During his 38 years as an educator, he has held a variety of teaching and educational leadership positions, taking on his first Principal role in West Contra Costa Unified School District in Richmond, California. Here in Illinois, Dr. Carranza served as Assistant Principal at D15's Winston Junior High before moving on to CCSD 62 to take the top slots at two of the District's elementary schools. He returned to Winston as Principal in 2012.

Dr. Carranza holds a BA in psychology from the University of Southern California, an MA in clinical psychology from United States International University, and an Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University. He received a Horace Mann Award in 2009 from the Illinois Principals Association for Innovative Programs, and a 2011 "Those Who Excel" Award of Excellence from the Illinois State Board of Education.

"Dr. Carranza is an exceptional leader; his dedication to middle school education in particular makes him the perfect fit for Gemini," noted Dr. Scott Clay, District Superintendent. "Our goal is to ensure that students are well prepared for Maine East High School and beyond - academically, of course, but we also focus on social, emotional, and behavioral growth. Dr. Carranza's career demonstrates that he shares these goals. He is well-suited to maintaining and enhancing Gemini's strong track record of fostering student success."

"Middle school is a seminal - if challenging -- time in students' lives," Dr. Carranza added. "I truly enjoy working with this age group, because it offers such an opportunity to make a positive difference in students' lives, nurturing their unique strengths and helping them thrive. The energy, enthusiasm, and approach to education I've seen in District 63 parents, teachers, and administrators is impressive. I'm excited to come on board, and am confident this will be a long and happy relationship!"

Gemini Junior High is one of East Maine School District 63's seven schools. District 63 offers a rich learning environment and multicultural perspective to more than 3,600 students in the diverse communities of Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Park Ridge, and Morton Grove. Committed to teaching excellence that provides all students with the specific opportunities they need to succeed and thrive, Gemini and its six elementary schools, preschool, and afterschool programs foster each student's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth and achievement. Visit www.emsd63.org to learn more.

8955 Greenwood in Niles, serves more than 770 7th-8th grade students living in Des Plaines, Niles, Morton Grove, Glenview, and Park Ridge.

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