TriadCommunity Unit #2

It’s been a great start to the 2018-2019 school year.  Triad is excited to welcome 25 new licensed staff members this year with a variety of experience and educational backgrounds.  All 25 have a few things in common -- a passion for teaching and learning, ideas for innovation and excitement to be part of the Triad District.

The district has hit an all-time high of 275 licensed educators delivering services in many different capacities to our students and families.  This school year three interventionists, one social worker and five classroom teachers joined our staff to provide more specialized services and to lower class sizes.  The passing of the educational referendum in 2015 combined with Illinois’ new evidenced-based funding formula has allowed the district to add needed programs and services while maintaining a balanced budget.

Triad’s success is also attributed to the 219 staff members that transport, feed, supervise, assist teachers and keep our students safe.  Even though 219 seems like a big number, we are still in need of bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and substitutes.

It has always been important at Triad to highlight people and programs that deserve recognition.  To start the year, we are very proud to announce the following awards. These individuals are passionate about helping students learn, develop and achieve success.  They recognize that each student brings a uniqueness with them to school.

Kenneth Deatherage, Triad High School Assistant Principal & Athletic Director - Athletic Director of the Year from the Southwestern IL Principal Association

Mr. Deatherage is starting his fifth year as Athletic Director at THS.  He shows a lot of excitement and passion when it comes to interscholastic competitive sports.  The countless hours he spends behind the scenes ensures that coaches and athletes are ready for game time!   

Sarah Phelps, Elementary Computer Science Instructor and Instructional Coach - Those Who Excel Award of Merit from the IL State Board of Education

For the last two years, Mrs. Phelps has traveled to all four elementary schools introducing Coding to 4th and 5th-grade students.  She loves finding what excites students about learning and then incorporates it into her lessons. When she isn’t teaching Coding, she squeezes in time to help other students or teachers.  Mrs. Phelps loves to challenge the students and her colleagues to be out-of-the-box thinkers.

Bridget Winter, Triad Middle School & Success Center Social Worker - Emerson Excellence in Teaching from Emerson Electric

Mrs. Winter’s new assignment for the 2018-2019 school year is at TMS.  She isn’t a stranger to TMS. She’s worked in the district for 10 years and has worked at the elementary and middle school levels.  This year part of Mrs. Winter’s day will be spent working with high school students. Mrs. Winter loves getting to know students and families so that she can help and support them in and out of school.

Please welcome these new staff members:

Follow #Triadproud and visit our website at www.triadunit2.org to read more about the successes of our students and staff.