Michelle Rzepka may be Hillcrest School’s new principal, but when school started Aug. 26, she wasn't a stranger. After District 58 hired Rzepka last spring, she immediately set forth to familiarize herself with Hillcrest and District 58. She visited each classroom and introduced herself. She attended a couple of PTA meetings. And, on the last day of school, she co-led a staff development meeting with retiring principal Paula Thomas.
“I already feel a part of the Hillcrest community,” Rzepka said, smiling, during an interview last month. “Everyone has been so welcoming and wonderful! Paula was an amazing mentor. She gave me the opportunity to pick her brain and get to know Hillcrest while school was still in session.”
Rzepka also said that she appreciates how supportive the District 58 administrative team has been since she joined. “The entire admin team is amazing. They’ve welcomed me with open arms!” she said.
“Mrs. Rzpeka is a collaborative and charismatic leader who is sure to inspire teachers, staff and parents to support the exceptional success of our Hillcrest students. We are very happy Mrs. Rzepka is part of our team!” said Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli.
Rzepka started a weekly newsletter, called Hillcrest Headlines, last month, and she spent the first days of school getting to know parents, teacher and students.
"I was so excited to meet everyone. It's amazing to visit classrooms and observe students learning!" said said. Rzepka comes to District 58 from Independence School in Bolingbrook, Ill., where she served as assistant principal since 2008. She previously worked several years as an elementary school teacher and an intervention specialist for literacy. She earned a master of arts in educational administration and supervision from St. Xavier University and an undergraduate degree in child development and elementary education from Michigan State University.