Kathy DeTolve

“What will you do next?” “You are kidding, right,” “What?” These are just a few of the questions and reactions that I have had to respond to during the past year. June, 2009 will mark the thirty-fifth year that Kathy DeTolve has been employed in the district and will also embark on a different journey. Yes, it is true, she will be retiring at the close of this school year.

Kathy’s career in education has its roots in West Aurora since 1974. In 1974, she began as a student teacher from Northern Illinois University. During 1975 through 1981, was employed as a certified teacher and taught at Schneider School in North Aurora. From 1981 through 1999, worked with second, third and fourth grade students at Smith Elementary School. Under the guidance and mentoring of Principals, Shirley LeClere and Cindy Larry, she began an administrative journey; serving as an assistant principal at Smith and Hill Schools and was later appointed principal of Smith School in 2002.

Smith School continues to carry on the tradition of excellence and continues to be a “cutting edge” school. New programs, initiatives and support for teachers through staff development are always on the forefront. Thanks to the efforts of school psychologist, Lisa Svejda, and the teachers’ willingness to implement a reading intervention program, Smith School has been nominated for the It Takes a Village Award as offered through the Illinois Branch of Dyslexia.

This September, NICOR will be supporting Smith School by offering their motivational reading program, Adventures in Reading. The students continue to be supported by business and foundations such as Alcatel, Provena and the James Jordan Foundation. 
In today’s society, every one must come together to explore a variety of avenues to meet each individual student’s needs. Team work is a must! Together we do make those differences.