WJHS From the Administration
Administrators' Welcome Message
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Kate Dominique
Principal
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Hello to the Wilmette Junior High School Community: We are excited for the 2022-2023 school year and a return to some normalcy that we lost over the past two years. We are anticipating many more opportunities to connect in person this year, 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 third year as principal at WJHS and I am very excited to have an even more "normal" year than we've had the past two years!
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. This is also where academics became more challenging for me as learning became more abstract, and I was expected to show my learning, not only through work completion, but through collaboration and problem solving. 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'm looking forward to having more opportunities for in-person connections this year, and wish you a positive start to a great year at WJHS!
Best regards,
Kate Dominique, Principal, WJHS |
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Jeff Dees
7th Grade Assistant Principal
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Welcome to the 2022-23 school year! I am excited to serve the Wilmette Junior High School community as the 7th Grade Level Administrator. I view the chance to work with the students, parents and staff of the Wilmette Public Schools community as a dream opportunity. Together we will work to ensure that our wonderful students experience a great transition from Highcrest to WJHS.
I have spent my entire career, both as a teacher and an administrator, in the northern suburbs of Chicago. After my undergraduate studies at Northwestern University, I first worked as a junior high Social Studies teacher in Lake Forest before moving on to Loyola Academy where I served as a Social Studies teacher and then department chair. I have earned a master’s degree in education from John Carroll University and my certification in educational administration from DePaul University.
I believe in an open door policy as it pertains to communication and support. Please know I look forward to working collaboratively with you to ensure the success of your child. As your main administrative contact for all matters relating to seventh grade, I encourage you to reach out whenever you have questions or concerns. I am confident that your child will find his or her place here at WJHS.
It will be a great year at WJHS! Go Wolves!
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Eric Resis
8th Grade Assistant Principal |
Welcome back eighth grade students and parents! I am thrilled to begin my eighth year as the Eighth Grade Level Administrator at WJHS. I look forward to continued success with our exceptional staff and parent community. Together we will ensure that our treasured students experience a strong final year with Wilmette Public Schools.
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 prepare to graduate from 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!
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