The Principal's Page

 Hello Timber Ridge Families,                                                                                                     

 I hope my message finds you well and enjoying your summer while finding some time to   enjoy your family and friends. My name is Catie Peterson and I am honored and excited to   introduce myself as Principal of Timber Ridge Middle School. I am honored to have been   chosen to lead such an amazing learning environment and community. Since I began the   transition to my new role, I have felt welcomed by the amazing staff, students, and family   members, I have been able to meet thus far.  I am excited to have the opportunity to work   with the community within Timber Ridge and at at-large to build a stronger sense of community and growth within our walls and beyond. 

I began my journey as an educator 21 years ago as a paraprofessional at Still Middle School in District 204, while I was enrolled at Lewis University working toward earning my Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Once I earned my teaching license, I taught Social Studies and Drama for a year at Thompson Middle School in District 303. While teaching there, I attended a curriculum workshop that was taught by a Plainfield teacher.  After listening to her and speaking with her directly about the wonderful and exciting things Plainfield was doing, I became focused on continuing my career as a teacher in the Plainfield School District. That next year, I began my tenure at Ira Jones Middle School where I taught for 11 years working with students at all ability levels, teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. During this time, I was fortunate enough to hold many leadership roles which fed my desire to advance my career to a leadership level. After completing my Master in School Leadership through Concordia University - Chicago and an endorsement in Special Education from St. Francis University, I was afforded the opportunity to take an interim position as Assistant Principal of Student Services at Heritage Grove Middle School. While this position only lasted 3 months, it solidified my desire to advance my career in School Administration.

It was six years ago that I was chosen as Assistant Principal of Student Services at Drauden Point Middle School, where I worked for three years before being given the opportunity to return to Ira Jones to hold the same position as Assistant Principal of Student Services.  During my time at Heritage Grove, Drauden Point, and Ira Jones, I had the opportunity to work with many different students and staff members who all had a different story, which grew my knowledge of leadership, educational programming, and student and teacher development. I am confident that I will bring the knowledge I gained in those positions, as well as the excitement I have for education and desire for students to succeed, into my new role as Principal of Timber Ridge Middle School. 

My husband, two daughters (15 & 13), and our two dogs keep me busy outside of school. Our weekends are often spent on the volleyball court watching our oldest, and on the basketball court watching our youngest who plays Special Olympics basketball, or enjoying a “Peterson Family Fun Day” on an adventure somewhere when we can. I truly believe that family is what keeps me focused and driven. 

Throughout my educational career, I have always strived to do better and be better than the day before; every day is a new day, with a new opportunity, and it shouldn’t be wasted. That is my mission and focus for our students and staff at Timber Ridge. This mission will encompass collaboration, communication, intentional professional development for staff, purposeful learning for students, and focused, data-driven, and team-driven decisions. As I begin my journey at TRMS, I look forward to continuing and enhancing a culture of kindness, leadership, and community for our students, staff, and families. Every child, every staff member, and every family member who walks through our doors will feel welcomed, valued, and proud to be a part of our Wolf Pack.

Finally, I want to let you know of a few upcoming events at TRMS so you can mark your calendars. More information will be sent closer to the dates.

• Thursday, August 11th - Locker-Move In - 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

  • 6th grade and New Students - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

  • 7th grade - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

  • 8th grade - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

• Thursday, August 18th - First Day of Student Attendance

• Thursday, August 25th - Curriculum Night

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns about the upcoming school year at cpeterso@psd202.org or 815-439-3410. I look forward to a great year at Timber Ridge, and I cannot wait to welcome your child(ren) back in August.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Catie Peterson