WJHS From the Administration

Administrators' Welcome Message


Kate Dominique
Principal

 

Hello to the Wilmette Junior High School Community: We are excited for the 2023-2024 school year! We continue to develop more opportunities to connect in person with families and are looking forward to meeting you!

A little bit about me: I was raised in Ohio where I earned my Bachelor's of Science in English Education. I taught seventh and eighth grade English and implemented International Baccalaureate Programmes in a middle-high school partnership during my five years with San Diego Unified School District. During this time I earned my Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of San Diego. While in my position as District IB/AP Coordinator and School Counselor for Hoboken Public Schools in New Jersey, I earned a postgraduate degree in School District and Building Leadership from Hunter College in New York City. In 2015, I returned to San Diego where I was a vice principal in the Point Loma Community for two years, and the principal of Challenger Middle School for three years. This will be my fourth year as principal at WJHS and I am very excited to continue as principal in this wonderful community.

I love working with middle school students because personally, middle school/junior high school was challenging for me. This is the age where I began to notice that not all of my friends/classmates shared my values, and so navigating peer relationships while figuring out my identity and place in my community was at the forefront of my adolescence. I have no doubt that we all have a story to tell about our middle school/junior high experience, and I believe that working closely with families is the best way to support all of our students as they grow and change during their time at WJHS.

During the spring of 2021 a group of stakeholders came together to create a strategic plan for D39. You can find our completed strategic plan here. Within this strategic plan is our mission:

A Wilmette District 39 education engages, empowers, and inspires students to lead academically successful, socially responsible, compassionate, and purposeful lives.

I am looking forward to our work this year and connecting with you, our families. I hope you have a positive start to a great year at WJHS!

Best regards,
Kate Dominique, Principal, WJHS


  Eric Resis
7th Grade Level Administrator

Welcome to Wilmette Junior High School! I am thrilled to begin my ninth year at WJHS, and first year as the Seventh Grade Level Administrator. I look forward to continued success with our exceptional staff and parent community. Together we will ensure that our treasured students experience a strong transition to seventh grade.

I grew up in Naperville, Illinois and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Southern Illinois University. After I had worked in the investment business for three years, I decided to change careers and earned a master’s degree in education from DePaul University. During my 12 years as a sixth grade classroom teacher at Highcrest Middle School, I taught reading, social studies, math, and science. Before joining WJHS, I completed a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University.

As our students enter their final phase in District 39, I will support the successful programs we have in place and continue to develop lasting relationships with the students, staff, and parents at WJHS. Go Wolves!

Nicole Ryan 8th assistant principal
Nicole Ryan
8th Grade Level Administrator
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I am honored to begin my first year as the 8th Grade Level Administrator. I view the chance to work with the students, staff, and parents at Wilmette Junior High as a wonderful opportunity. As a new member of the Wolves community, my goal is to help create a school community where every student feels seen and heard, and where each can live up to their potential. Thus, as we enter the upcoming school year, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.

Prior to arriving at WJHS, I worked at Stevenson High School as an instructional team lead, principal intern, and English teacher. I have also worked as a curriculum developer, teacher educator, and English teacher in other secondary schools throughout both northern Illinois and Maryland. I have earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, a master’s degree in English from Illinois State, and an educational specialist degree in Educational Administration from NLU. When away from school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, particularly doing anything outside.

I am so excited for a thoughtful, collaborative, supportive school year! Go Wolves!