Post by anteater on May 28, 2008 7:16:06 GMT -6
Dist. 204 narrows down school names
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 5/28/2008 12:08 AM
Greg Fischer is synonymous with middle schools in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 -- so much so the newest one will likely be named after him.
School board members Tuesday considered 48 names suggested by the community for the district's seventh middle school, which is currently Waubonsie Valley's freshman campus.
But it quickly became clear that the longtime principal of Gregory Middle School was the top contender.
"He was just a quiet leader," board member Jeannette Clark said of Fischer. "Middle school is his middle name. He just had a respect and admiration (from) staff and parents alike and he was definitely very much focused on the kids."
Fischer spent 32 years in District 204 including 17 years at the helm of Gregory Middle School. During that time the school was one of four to be recognized as an Illinois Horizon School for its academic excellence and social equity.
Fischer, who retired in 2004, was also instrumental in the district's transition from junior high schools to middle schools, which earned him a reputation statewide.
"He was at the forefront of the movement," board President Mark Metzger said. "People came in droves to learn how to do it from him. There's no challenging the fact when it comes to middle school few were ever as good as Greg and few ever will be."
Community members seem to agree. Of the 137 people who submitted suggestions for a school name, 39 nominated Fischer.
The board discussed three other possible names Tuesday including Gail McKinzie, the district's superintendent from 1995 to 2004 who led it through a period of rapid growth but managed to keep the focus on curriculum.
"I don't think we would be where we are today if it wasn't for what she did back then," board member Alka Tyle said.
The other two names they talked about were Neville Yates and Brian Connelly who Metzger said were "instrumental to founding the district," as two of its first board members.
However, the unofficial consensus Tuesday was to name the school after Fischer so the board will vote on that recommendation when it meets again June 9.
The new middle school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009.
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff
Published: 5/28/2008 12:08 AM
Greg Fischer is synonymous with middle schools in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 -- so much so the newest one will likely be named after him.
School board members Tuesday considered 48 names suggested by the community for the district's seventh middle school, which is currently Waubonsie Valley's freshman campus.
But it quickly became clear that the longtime principal of Gregory Middle School was the top contender.
"He was just a quiet leader," board member Jeannette Clark said of Fischer. "Middle school is his middle name. He just had a respect and admiration (from) staff and parents alike and he was definitely very much focused on the kids."
Fischer spent 32 years in District 204 including 17 years at the helm of Gregory Middle School. During that time the school was one of four to be recognized as an Illinois Horizon School for its academic excellence and social equity.
Fischer, who retired in 2004, was also instrumental in the district's transition from junior high schools to middle schools, which earned him a reputation statewide.
"He was at the forefront of the movement," board President Mark Metzger said. "People came in droves to learn how to do it from him. There's no challenging the fact when it comes to middle school few were ever as good as Greg and few ever will be."
Community members seem to agree. Of the 137 people who submitted suggestions for a school name, 39 nominated Fischer.
The board discussed three other possible names Tuesday including Gail McKinzie, the district's superintendent from 1995 to 2004 who led it through a period of rapid growth but managed to keep the focus on curriculum.
"I don't think we would be where we are today if it wasn't for what she did back then," board member Alka Tyle said.
The other two names they talked about were Neville Yates and Brian Connelly who Metzger said were "instrumental to founding the district," as two of its first board members.
However, the unofficial consensus Tuesday was to name the school after Fischer so the board will vote on that recommendation when it meets again June 9.
The new middle school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2009.
Yikes. I can barely keep all my kids names straight (which my 10 year old me is a sign of getting old). I call of the girls by each others names and my son often gets called his dad or worse, the dog. 
