With the start of the 2021-22 school year, we would like to recognize and celebrate two staff members who have reached 25 years of employment with the District: Judy Halloran and Heidi Steigerwald. The level of commitment and dedication that these two have shown in our schools and classrooms is so inspiring and we are truly lucky to call them Shorewood School District employees.
Judy Halloran
Judy has spent her entire Shorewood career serving as a special aide teacher at Lake Bluff Elementary.
How would others describe Judy?
As a wonderful, compassionate person who is extremely dedicated to our students and to her Lake Bluff co-workers. Judy easily makes connections with the students she supports. Judy is a kind and patient person who has influenced the lives of many students while working both in kindergarten and with students with special needs. She has been passionate about guiding students to become self-sufficient and to achieve their potential by setting high standards, being consistent in her expectations and providing assistance when needed.
She is masterful at encouraging kids to do their best work and make projects they are proud to share with their families. She has an amazing, unbeatable work ethic, but also a ridiculous sense of fun. She uses her sense of humor as a way to engage and push her students towards success.
According to one colleague, Judy’s humor also shines through with her colleagues and makes her so much fun to work with. The colleague says “If you don't want to see your school picture show up unexpectedly, quickly hide it or unbeknownst to you, she will have a copy!”
Another former colleague also shares that Judy is the best partner for brainstorming fun and creative learning activities. She says Judy is one of the best people she knows and anyone who knows Judy is lucky to have her as a friend.
Heidi Steigerwald
Since beginning her career in Shorewood, Heidi has worked as a food service helper at SHS, she has been a custodian at SHS and Lake Bluff, and she currently serves as a custodian at Atwater Elementary.
How would others describe Heidi?
As one of the most kind, caring and compassionate people around. Sensitive to others’ needs, Heidi takes pride in her position and is truly dedicated to the safety of students and staff on campus. She is a pleasure to work with and loves to share her knowledge!
According to a close colleague, if you get Heidi talking about something or someone she loves, her eyes light up, her inner kid comes out and she has the biggest smile.
Heidi truly devotes herself to her work and to others. She has a loving, direct way about her and she's not shy about asking for what she wants. She is a salt of the earth person, a hard worker, and believes in things always being done the right way. She is extremely gracious and it’s the littlest things in life that make her happy. She loves to talk, genuinely enjoys getting to know those around her, is a great listener with an incredible memory, and is very thoughtful.
One example of her thoughtfulness is that when Principal Tim Kenney was an SHS teacher and expecting his first child, Colin, Heidi was working in the building and would often strike up a conversation with him. One morning, Tim came into the classroom & noticed a package on his desk. It was a onesie that Heidi had bought for Colin. This is just one of the many stories that illustrates who Heidi is as a person, and all colleagues agree that the District is extremely lucky to have her.
Congratulations again to both Judy and Heidi for their dedication and commitment to the District. Thank you for all you have done for our students, staff, and schools.