On behalf of the entire faculty and staff here at PES, we want to wish Chris Rucinski a very heartfelt congratulations on her upcoming retirement and thank her for her many years of service to our students, families and the Princeton Community.
Chris has worn many educational hats during her time teaching! From 1993-1995, Chris taught Special Education in the old Tiskilwa District between the elementary and High School buildings and was also the cheerleading sponsor for Tiskilwa High School. From 1995 to 2002, she remained at Tiskilwa Grade School through the consolidation process with Princeton Elementary, checking in books and working as a Library Aide for one year there along with with her Special Education teaching duties. She was a Pom sponsor for one year at Logan Junior High and she taught Special Needs students in Fourth and Fifth grade when Reagan Middle School was established for its first two years. In 2002 she moved to Douglas Elementary and spent 2 years teaching 1st - 4th grade Special Education. From 2004 to 2019 she spent 15 years (the majority of my her years teaching) at Lincoln Elementary with 2nd-4th graders through the final reconstruction of PES. For her last 7 years, she returned to Douglas Elementary where she has been teaching Special Education Kindergarten students with a few of those years, also teaching Pre-K Special Education students. She has spent time on various committees over the years and was a class sponsor during her 2 years at Tiskilwa High School.
When asked to reflect upon her time with PES, she said one of her biggest memories was meeting her husband Dave, who is a retired Speech Therapist, getting married, and settling in Princeton with the assistance of a few "secret matchmakers". She said, "I feel very blessed through the years I've been given with the opportunities to service so many children, and now have serviced some of their children as well!"
She also added, "I'm especially grateful to all the admin, teachers, paras, and colleagues that I have been so very fortunate to go along on this journey with over the years. I will miss you all. What wonderful memories you all have given to me."
Thank you, Chris! You have given us all just as many memories and we appreciate all you've done for PES students and families. Enjoy your retirement!