Introducing Our New LTAs

This year we have some new faces in our libraries ready to support our teachers' and students' technology needs. After many years of service at North Barrington Elementary, Mary Solymossy retired. Sue Kiss from BMS-Station reached her goal of becoming a teacher-librarian in a neighboring district. Michele Kozak, from Countryside Elementary, became a STEM teacher right here in Barrington 220. We are excited and sad to see our friends move on to new stages in their careers. This change also allows us to welcome new colleagues.

Kacee Thompson

School: Barbara Rose Elementary

Years at Barrington 220: 3

Previous roles: Student Services Assistant

Hobbies: Medieval History

Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings trilogy

What do you like about being an LTA? 

I love being able to help students and staff and teach them all the awesome things we can do with technology.

What do you like about working in Barrington 220? 

I love the sense of community working in Barrington! Everyone is always trying to collaborate and work together!

Michele Kowalski

School: Countryside Elementary

Years at Barrington 220: 1+

Previous roles: Library Media Aide, RtI Intervention Assistant, HR Manager

Hobbies: Reading historical fiction, watching scary movies, tap dancing (though these days it's much slower than it used to be!).

Favorite food: I LOVE Thai food. I'd eat it every day if I knew how to prepare it.

What do you like about being an LTA? 

Learning something new almost every day.

What do you like about working in Barrington 220?

I have a great team at Countryside and wonderful support in the district!

Marci Knecht

School: Barrington Middle School—Station Campus

Years at Barrington 220: 5 years

Previous roles: Interventionist/SSA/TA at Sunny Hill, Rose, and North Barrington.

Hobbies or interesting facts: I love Geocaching. I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada.

Favorite movie: I love the Marvel Superhero movies and have seen all 25 of them...some of them 4 or 5 times.

What do you like about being an LTA? 

I love helping staff and students with their technical problems and then being called their "hero," and being able to engage and help everyone from custodians to students to teachers/administrators to parents.

What do you like about working in Barrington 220? 

The feeling of community and family.