Mr. tim mckenna

With a deep-rooted commitment to our school's success, I look forward as principal to continuing to foster an environment where students feel safe and excited about learning, staff members thrive professionally and collaborate effectively, and families take pride in being part of our community.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Carroll University and a Master of Education in school leadership from Concordia University. My professional journey began as a physical education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. I then served as the dean of students at Jewel and Jefferson middle schools, where I focused on managing student conflicts through restorative practices. Since 2016, I have had the privilege of serving as the assistant principal of operations at Jewel Middle School, leading initiatives in crisis management, staff evaluations, and building safety.

Outside of work, I have been happily married for over 20 years and am the proud parent of two children. My family enjoys bike rides together and we are enthusiastic supporters of Chicago's sports teams.

I am thrilled to continue this journey with the Jewel community and look forward to working together to achieve great things.

MRs. lauren rymarz

I am excited to continue my professional journey within School District 129 as the assistant principal of operations at Jewel Middle School. Previously, I served as dean of students.

My career in education began at West Aurora High School, where I taught social studies. During my time there, I initiated and developed an Advanced Placement® history course, served as head badminton coach, and led a professional learning community. I am grateful for the mentorship and opportunities I received during my tenure at West.

I look forward to collaborating with the staff and students at Jewel Middle School to make this the best year yet!
 

MRs. KIM LUNDBERG

I am excited for the opportunity to continue my journey in School District 129 as the assistant principal of teaching and learning at Jewel Middle School!

I have spent the past 22 years at Jewel, serving in various capacities such as instructional resident, reading specialist, and physical education teacher. In addition to my responsibilities in the classroom, I was an active member of the school’s building leadership team, mentored new teachers, and led the eighth-grade team in implementing the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, designed to provide targeted student support.

I began my career as a physical education teacher at Glenbard North High School. 

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in education from Illinois State University, a Master of Arts in educational Leadership from Aurora University, and a Master of Arts in reading and literacy from Benedictine University.

I look forward to embracing the curiosity, complexity, and joy of learning with our students and staff!

MR. Michael rakas

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Jewel Middle School as the new dean of students. Most recently, I worked at Charles P. Murray Middle School in North Carolina, where I taught 6th and 7th grade social studies and served as a behavior interventionist within the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework. In that role, I focused on helping students build positive behavior skills and supporting their overall growth and success.

My background also includes experience teaching upper elementary, serving as an academic and behavior interventionist, and leading schoolwide initiatives aimed at improving both student achievement and school culture.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s in teaching elementary education from National Louis University, and a master’s in educational leadership from Aurora University.

I feel incredibly lucky to be here and excited to start this journey with the Jewel community. I’m looking forward to supporting our students, working alongside our staff, and building strong partnerships with families in the years ahead.