Community Profile
Schools Name: Elizabeth Alvarez, Ph.D. Title: Superintendent Years on job: 10 months What motivated you to work in education?
When I was young I had an elementary teacher who did not believe in me. She challenged me to teach science in 7th grade for a week. It was this challenge and experience that brought out my love not only for teaching, but also science. However, when the week was over she told me not to be a teacher. I wrote a chapter about it in the book, Stem Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate by Soul Excellence Publishing. Later on my high school teachers encouraged me and relit my spirit for my studies. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of educators. Their belief in me acknowledged how children when inspired and challenged can do just about anything. What are your job responsibilities? I am responsible for the wellbeing of the entire district. This means that when my staff, families and children are at their best and feel a sense of belonging we are capable of magical things that will allow us to thrive and see growth in not only us as a unit but individually. As for the defined duties of my role as superintendent, I am the Chief Executive Officer of the entire school system. I am responsible for the management of the
schools, the administration of all school board policies, and am directly accountable to the school board as they represent the parents and community of Forest Park. Why did you decide to join the team at D91? I noticed the diversity among the students and families within the district and it gave me nostalgia. D91 reminds me of my school community when I was a principal. I was excited for the opportunity to lead a district that was similar but on a larger scale. I visited Forest Park several times and became endeared by the small town, big city vibes. I saw myself being part of the community. Sense of belonging is a core value of mine and D91 was a place I saw this coming to fruition. What are some of the things that make District 91 unique? We have a social worker in all our schools. They are huge in any district’s success. It was a pleasant surprise to see this and know we were doing this prior to the pandemic. Social emotional learning is a leadership skill that social workers have the capacity in providing to not only our children but staff. This makes D91 very unique. What makes the community of Forest Park unique? There is a small town, big city vibe about the Forest Park community. I realize the motto here is
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“big city access with small town charm” but there is something to say about that, Forest Parkers understand the hustle and bustle of a big city as they move around yet, know each other enough to slow down and provide the cheerful hello or catch you later. The stories I hear about how they became transplants to Forest Park and why they stayed because of Elizabeth Alvarez the small town, big city vibe warms my heart. The Forest Park Public What are some of your Library has been recording favorite things to do/ my quarterly read alouds. It places to go in Forest is always good to go there Park? as we read our community book. I’m a huge tea drinker. So Anything else we should I enjoy Kribi as I order Earl know about the school Grey with lavender or the district? London Fog. Mmmmm. They also have the best Our educators are comavocado toast I have ever mitted to their work. They eaten. I have gone several have been courageous times to the new Smooththroughout the pandemic Ish shop to get the Matcha and diligent with the mitiMango smoothie. Louie’s gations and protocols put Grill and Caffe de Luca in place as we assist all our have provided me with children. I also have never some delicious meals. I seen harder working cusparticularly love the staff todians than I have here. in both places. They greet Our schools are clean and me with a welcome smile well taken care of by our and some have gotten custodians and mainteto know my usuals. Team nance. Our bus drivers are Blonde has been my spot also a group that should to get my caramel and I be acknowledged here have purchased earrings because through the snow, there too. Jayne has also sleet, rain and sunshine been a favorite. Finally, they are up early and ready the Park District of Forest to pick up our children Park and Forest Park Public no matter the weather as Library have been great they prepare our buses places to go in order to for another school day or reflect or walk. I’m actually week. a member at the gym but can’t say I have been good about going to workout. Forestparkreview.com
