New teachers and staff make themselves home at Argo

Last week’s Argo High School board meeting featured a meet and greet for the new staff members who started at the Summit school this week.

Supt. Kevin O’Mara said, ÒWe have a diverse, energetic, likable set of new employees.”

The new staff includes: Tracey Tough in accounts payable; bilingual aide Claudia Gonzalez; counseling intern Jennifer Peckenpaugh; dean’s secretary Janet Caprio; ELL teacher Sana Khalil; English teachers Nicole Bracken and Zachary Collins; ESS instructional aides Anthony Manjarrez and Michelle Walsh; ESS secretary Ellen Pauly; guidance counselor Evelyn Sanchez; ESS teachers Abbie DeVendra, Christopher Kelly, Allison Kinczyk and Michael Napleton;, ESS teacher/instructional aide Robert Markatos; industrial tech/art teacher Bernice Schopf; instructional aides Timothy Coklas, Alexa Havlicek and Matthew LeVan; math teacher Eric Schumacher; music teacher Jeannette Soebbing; PE teachers Jennifer Holmbeck, Jason Korkosz, Milosh Lukovic and Phillip Rossberg; receptionist/purchasing clerk Celia Yniguez; science teachers Kristiana Bailey and Shannon Sundberg; social studies teacher Cara Prochaska; social worker intern Marissa Connolly; student supervisor John Grubisich Jr.; student teachers Joseph Groff and Gabriella Sanchez; and Nicholas Berrios for technology.{{more}}

Gonzalez said she was Òsuper excited” about her opportunity.

Caprio said, ÒI am grateful to be here.”

Khalil, who has been working at the school, said, ÒI am happy to continue working here.”

Manjarrez said, ÒI am always in the community helping out.”

Pauley said, ÒI’m thrilled to be here. I can’t believe how nice everyone is.”

Markatos said, ÒIt’s my dream to work here.”

Holmbeck said, ÒArgo is the greatest place to work.”

Prochaska said, ÒI couldn’t imagine a better place to start my career.”

Board president Terry Pappas told the staff, ÒMost of the board members are Argo graduates. We have a deep loyalty to Argo. I hope your careers are long at Argo.”

Board member Paul Zwijack added, ÒI’m excited to see the new energy. Bring the energy to the kids. Keep them excited.”

The board approved the posting of the tentative budget for 2015-2016. A budget hearing will be held on Sept. 14 .

Also approved were a three-year insurance consultant contract, a construction management contract and an architect’s contract.