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Chicago Tribune
06-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Giving back is a family affair for Hinsdale residents and their therapy dogs
Dawn McGrath's love of dogs can be traced back to her childhood, when the Hinsdale resident had a golden cocker spaniel, coincidentally, the same breed as her husband, Brian, had while growing up. Now, the McGraths' 7-year-old pet, Ginger, also is a golden cocker spaniel. And they have a 2-year-old Shetland sheepdog, Bailey. While Ginger and Bailey don't share a breed, they both are certified therapy dogs, trained to provide emotional support and comfort to people of different ages, such as at hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. 'Initially, I learned about therapy dogs from a couple friends of mine who were volunteering,' said Dawn McGrath, who has lived in Hinsdale for 13 years. 'They had wonderful experiences in their communities. I decided to contact the Hinsdale Humane Society. I got involved with the TheraPaws Pet Therapy program and also the Pet Partners Organization.' McGrath said Ginger was registered as a therapy dog in December 2023 and Bailey in July 2024. Along with herself, her 13-year-old twins, Brian and Kelly, are animal therapy handlers and volunteer on team visits in the western suburbs with Bailey and Ginger. To celebrate the April 30 National Therapy Animal Day, McGrath scheduled a visit to Hinsdale Middle School. She said she finds it very rewarding to make visits with her dogs, whether to a school to see children, or a nursing home to visit residents. 'For me to give back, it's so rewarding,' she said. 'Having therapy dogs is better than I ever expected. Every visit is different and special. We're engaging with new people and sharing the human-animal bond. 'It's fun seeing Ginger bring big warm smiles to a class of second-graders, or Bailey comforting a man in memory care as he tries to remember his dog from childhood.' What McGrath sees most on visits are wide eyes and big smiles. 'It feels so good to walk in with our happy dog to bring new energy to a place,' she said. 'My daughter and I were on a visit with Ginger at a nursing home. A woman smiled and waved energetically with both hands motioning for us to walk the dog closer to her. As we approached her we realized she was speaking Spanish. We didn't understand her words, but it was clear we all bonded together with love from Ginger.' Regardless of where she's at for visits with Bailey and/or Ginger, McGrath said the goal is to have a memorable, uplifting experience for everyone. 'When we arrive, we look around, talk with people and assess the environment,' she said 'Adaptability and communication is very important on visits with children and adults. 'Sometimes, with young children, we might need to guide them and say Ginger likes soft pets on her back. In a hospital, people might appreciate a calm and quiet visit. We adapt to their needs and show compassion and patience for people. We do our best to be reassuring and finish a visit positively.' McGrath said she very much understands and appreciates the healing powers her dogs can bring to people. 'In December 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer,' she said. 'My faith, family, friends and dogs helped me cope with having cancer. Playing with my dogs was a distraction from the stress and anxiety I was feeling while going through the challenges of treatment. I'm a survivor and it feels good to give back and share love and comfort from my dogs with other patients.' McGrath said many family pets would make wonderful therapy dogs. 'It really depends on the dog,' she said. 'A therapy dog needs to have an obedient and calm temperament. I encourage people to visit the Hinsdale Humane Society ( to learn about the requirements.'
Chicago Tribune
25-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Hinsdale school administrator salaries average $148K
Salaries for the 2025-26 school year approved last week for 24 administrators by the Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 Board average $148,617, ranging from $96,424 to $312,301. School building administrators include the district's nine principals, assistant principals at both Hinsdale Middle School and Clarendon Hills Middle School, and three pupil service administrators. The remaining 10 new salaries approved were for staffers working at the district level. The top salary is for Superintendent Hector Garcia, whose salary will be $312,301 for his final year at District 181, before he retires. He was hired in February 2018 and was paid $235,000 for his first year. At the low end of the administrators' salaries is the district's director of communications and safety, Jeffrey Alstadt, at $96,424. Alstadt said the district conducts administrator salary studies every three years to ensure that all administrative positions remain competitive within the market. 'As one of the highest-performing districts in the State of Illinois, District 181 recognizes the critical importance of having exceptional leadership at the administrative level,' he said. 'District 181 is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified professionals, while maintaining a strong focus on responsible fiscal management within our defined budgetary framework. 'Certainly, competitive salary packages play a role in the district's recruitment efforts, but it is the vibrant school culture, our exceptional students, and the dedication of our staff that truly set us apart and enable us to attract top talent.' For determining annual salary increases, Alstadt said District 181 uses its administrator salary studies to maintain competitive compensation for all administrative positions and then follows the Consumer Price Index for subsequent years. Approved 2025-26 administrators' salaries: Erick Jones, assistant principal, Clarendon Hills Middle School: $116,343 Ronald May, assistant principal, Hinsdale Middle School, $128,466 Mindy Bradford, assistant superintendent of business and operations, $204,895 Gina Herrmann, assistant superintendent of human resources, $192,194 Kathleen Robinson assistant superintendent of learning, $207,810 Erica Ekstrom, assistant superintendent of student services, $166,658 Kristin Reingruber, director of assessment, instruction and evaluation, $142,964 Jeffrey Alstadt, director of communications and safety, $96,424 Michael Duggan, director of facilities, $123,104 Catie Norton, director of financial services, $118,055 Matthew Kunesh, director of technology, $129,189 Levi Brown, principal, Clarendon Hills Middle School, $155,480 Sara Olson, principal, Elm School, $154,083 Cory Burke, principal, Hinsdale Middle School, $142,241 Barbara Shanahan, principal, Madison School, $138,067 Erin Eder, principal, Monroe School, $130,253 Effey Nassis, principal, Oak School, $136,854 Kristin Cummings, principal, Prospect School, $147,858 Brandon Todd, principal, The Lane School, $153,399 Eric Chisausky, principal, Walker School, $153,238 Kylee Nosalik, pupil service administrator, Clarendon Hills Middle/Prospect School, $103,906 Michelle Nugent, pupil service administrator, Monroe School/The Lane School, $102,835 Christopher Reid, pupil service administrator, Hinsdale Middle School, $110,194 Hector Garcia, superintendent, $312,301
Chicago Tribune
11-02-2025
- Science
- Chicago Tribune
Hinsdale Middle School teacher lauded with national STEM award
Students and staff at Hinsdale Middle School aren't the only ones who have the highest praise for longtime teacher Kelly Pelak. Pelak, who began her career in 1997 as a teacher in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181, recently was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The national award recognizes outstanding teachers who demonstrate a commitment to innovation and excellence in STEM education and is the highest honor the national government gives to recognize outstanding teachers in STEM. Pelak will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a special recognition ceremony and professional development events. The process leading to Pelak receiving the prestigious award began in the fall of 2021 when former student Yazmin Crisostomo, now a junior at Hinsdale Central High School, nominated her. After an extensive application process, Pelak was named an Illinois finalist in the spring of 2022. After all states made their recommendations to a national committee, two finalists from each state had to wait 1-2 years for an announcement from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. President Joe Biden's administration last month announced recipients for 2021, 2022 and 2023, and Pelak was one of those chosen for 2022. 'It was a great surprise hearing (in January) that I had been recognized at the national level,' Pelak said. 'During the 25 years I have invested in this career and school district, I've poured my heart and soul into my craft. I am surrounded by excellence and exceptional teachers in District 181. It is an honor to be recognized amongst such a competitive field nationwide.' Crisostomo said she first learned of the award in an email, and Pelak was the first person who popped into her mind. 'She didn't just teach, she helped the students learn and engage in ways that made the material more comprehensible and enjoyable,' Crisostomo said. 'I personally had fun learning in her classroom. She helped me enjoy science and overall make memories in her classroom. 'I think that her award is very well deserved, and I'm ecstatic that she received national recognition. I'll never forget her classroom.' Pelak said she knew from the time she was a small child that she wanted to be a teacher. 'I had a natural passion for learning, especially science,' she said. 'I was blessed to have several impactful teachers and coaches growing up, many of whom I am still in touch with today.' Pelak's skills in the classroom very likely would be effective at any grade level, but she said middle school is a 'perfect fit' for her. 'I strive to be the kind of teacher I needed and appreciated as an awkward adolescent myself,' she said. 'The best part about teaching this age group is that it allows me the opportunity to positively impact their attitude towards a subject I love. Students are open to sharing my enthusiasm for science and technology.' District 181 has been Pelak's teaching home since shortly after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her long tenure in District 181, the scope of responsibilities and additional facets of teaching have dramatically changed, Pelak said. 'Despite those many changes, one thing remains the same — the kids,' she said. 'Their learning styles and ability to attend to lengthier tasks may prove challenging in today's classrooms, but at the heart of every kid who walks in the door is a desire to learn and a desire to belong in a challenging middle school world. I work hard to make learning engaging, enjoyable, and challenging.' Pelak struggled a bit to respond when asked what she believes makes her an outstanding teacher, saying that it would be best to ask others for their thoughts. But she did say that she has continually strived to improve, since her early days of teaching. 'Because I prioritize learning and evolving as a teacher, I am open to trying new strategies, especially if it leads to greater student success and/or interest in science,' she said. 'I utilize my creativity, work ethic, and enthusiasm to spark engagement and build meaningful connections with my students. ' And it's those connections that are most responsible for keeping her motivated. 'Each year, a new batch of students arrives at my door, eager to learn,' she said. 'Their enthusiasm and energy keep me motivated, and interested in showing up for them, making their middle school science experience a positive and memorable one.' And based on comments from some current students, Pelak continues to very much reach her goals as a teacher. 'Ms. Pelak is the best teacher I have ever had,' Noor Azam said. 'She puts time, work, and love into her teaching and welcomes us into class with a positive attitude. She wears a warm, gentle smile on her face and always makes our class laugh and brightens up our day.' Another current student, Char Regnery, had a similar take. 'Ms. Pelak is an outstanding teacher because no matter how hard things are going, she always manages to make kids excited and engaged to learn,' Char said. 'She feels for the kids in her class, always showing empathy and care.' And current student Ellison Holmes said Pelak is an inspiration every day. 'She inspires me to be a better version of myself,' Ellison said. 'My favorite part of her (teaching) is her ability to be so calm and collected on the outside, even in high stress situations. 'She loves every kid and person she meets. She makes everything way more fun than just learning with a textbook and notecards.' Originally Published: February 11, 2025 at 12:08 PM CST
