Q&A: Assistant Principal Kristin Smetana

May 8, 2012 • Nick Schliep, Staff Reporter  

Former Hinsdale Math Department Chair Kristin Smetana will be taking over as the new Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instructions, replacing current AP Tim Scanlon, who is retiring at the end of this school year.  In a press release, Principal Pam Bylsma said, “Kristen is well prepared for... Read more »

Goldberg, Specht, and McOlgan choose early retirement

January 30, 2012 • Rebecca Rusiecki and Isabel Pena, Staff Reporters  

 In a continuing effort to balance the budget, District 208 will be paying $25,000 early retirement bonuses to veteran teachers Jan Goldberg, Bruce Specht, and Kevin McOlgan at the end of this school year.  The move should save the district approximately $300,000 next year. Clarion took the time to... Read more »

Q&A: Mystery author Michael Harvey

December 21, 2011 • Jerry Losos, Staff Reporter  

English teacher Larry Forberg had a chance to bring in Chicago-area mystery writer and journalist Michael Harvey to speak with his students.  Harvey’s debut novel was The Chicago Way.  His most recent published novel is We All Fall Down.  Clarion was there to videotape his talk with students.  Read More →

Q&A: Turk, Sisson represent RB as veterans

November 22, 2011 • Robby Filec, Staff Reporter  

Instead of taking the day off, RB has made a tradition of hosting Veteran’s Day assembly each year. Many veterans come and are celebrated and thanked by students, teachers, and each other. Clarion interviewed Kevin Turk, a Western Civilization and Global Studies teacher here at RB, and William Sisson,... Read more »

Q&A: Has this been a tough job, Dr. Skinkis?

November 16, 2011 • Danielle Sanchez, Content Editor  

Dr. Kevin Skinkis has now been RB’s superintendent for almost a semester. He has faced a number of challenges, including a divided school board with four newly elected members, the financial aftermath of a failed referendum campaign, on top of simply the experience of being a new chief administrator. Clarion... Read more »

Q&A: RBEA President Dave Monti

October 27, 2011 • Rebecca Rusiecki, Staff Reporter  

Q: What is your role with the Teachers’ Union? A: “I am the current President of the RBEA (Riverside Brookfield Education Association).”  Q: How long have you held this position? A: “It is a three year term.  In your first year, you are the Vice President and assist the President with many... Read more »

Q&A: Bylsma faces post-referendum challenges

September 29, 2011 • Rebecca Rusiecki, Staff Reporter  

Principal Pam Bylsma is entering her second year in RB administration.  If it’s anything like her first one, it’ll be a doozy.  The 2010-2011 school year included a hotly contested referendum campaign, the hiring of a new superintendent, the filing of an electioneering lawsuit, the introduction... Read more »

Q&A: Principal Pam Bylsma

October 4, 2010 • Ethan Gallegos, Layout Manager  

Pam Bylsma is now several weeks into the beginning of her first year as the principal of Riverside Brookfield High School.  In an exclusive audio interview, Clarion took some time to hear about her background, her philosophy of supervision, and her first impressions of RB. How did you prepare for your... Read more »