Miss  Hedlin, teacher Room 99:

Welcome!  I am so excited to begin another year with a new group of kindergartners! This is my 5th year year of teaching kindergarten here at St. Cletus. Each year, I return in August motivated to begin the school year and excited to implement new ideas into my teaching!  I currently reside in the Lakeview area of Chicago, but am frequently in the area near to where I grew up, in Western Springs.  After graduating from the University of Illinois in Champaign with a degree in Elementary Education, I began my teaching career here at St. Cletus.  Having been a part of Catholic education as a student for nine years, it is wonderful to now be teaching the same values and Catholic beliefs that I too was taught in my elementary years.

My classroom is center-based, with a mix of whole group, small group and individualized instruction.  I work hard to meet the needs of ALL levels of learners and believe in having high expectations for each young and enthusiastic kindergartner that enters my classroom! Since I started teaching, the incorporation of technology into my classroom has been a focus, especially the use of smartboard technology, another way the children experience interactive, engaging, hands on learning.  I am excited to begin a new year with your children and the rest of the kindergarten team!

Mrs. Bentley, teacher, Room 98:

Everything you ever needed to know, you learned in Kindergarten!  I know there is a lot of truth to this after teaching kindergarten for over 30 years, 21 of those years here at St. Cletus! I live in LaGrange with my husband, Mark and have a newly engaged son, Matt who lives in Willowbrook. 

Having sent my own child to St. Cletus, I know as a one time parent of a St. Cletus student,  I wanted  my child to get the best Catholic education and that is exactly what I strive to give YOUR child each day.
Every year is new and exciting for me!  We work hard to help your child see his or her place among God’s creations.  Our academic program is first rate.  We attend workshops regularly to ensure that the latest research is brought into our classrooms and used in our instruction.  Our smartboard has been a great tool for learning. The intangible things your child will receive here at St. Cletus are the things that will carry him or her through life! I have always enjoyed passing on our faith to the next generation.  Sit back and enjoy this time in your child’s life!  Kindergarten really does ROCK!!  We would have it no other way!!!

Mrs.  Leslie Mrazek, Aide

Welcome families!  I am so excited to begin my  6th year as the kindergarten aide.  I joined the kindergarten team in 2005 and am thrilled each year to help new minds and hearts develop and grow in God’s love.  I began my career as a Montessori teacher in Minnesota for 2 years before moving to Illinois and becoming a certified substitute teacher.  My husband, George,  and I live in La Grange and have three children, Ellie (Freshman at Baylor University), Matthew (Sophomore at Lyons Township) and Drew (7th grade).  All three of my children attended St. Cletus and my son, Drew, is our last Cardinal remaining! 

As a parent of two St. Cletus alumni and one current student, I believe in a faith- based education and that the foundation provided at St. Cletus is second to none. My role in the classroom is to provide support to the Kindergarten teachers in all areas.   I work daily with the students in small and large group settings, and hope to offer a positive approach to enhance daily learning in Kindergarten! I am so excited to get to know the Kindergarten class of 2011-2012. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful “Kindergarten Team.”

Mrs. Sue McGoorty, Aide:

Welcome! I am so excited to be returning to St. Cletus this school year. I started my St. Cletus career 15 years ago here in Kindergarten and have since been in Preschool and the primary grades. I am delighted to be back in Kindergarten this year! 19 years ago, I was the parent standing outside the flag pole doors anticipating the wonderful experiences my daughter, Kelli, would come home to share with her father and me. Now I get to be part of those new school experiences as a teacher with your children everyday! I feel blessed to be in this role!  

As a parent, I believe the staff at St. Cletus helped my family raise our daughter Kelli in the Catholic Faith that has shaped and led her to be the young adult she is today. My goal in the classroom is to help pass on these traditions to your children and help them reach their highest potential. Working with and supporting the teachers, I especially hope to help the kindergartners get in touch with their creative, artistic side, something I value, and a hobby I enjoy sharing with the children.  Together with kindergarten team, we will encourage all of your children to reach for the stars!