Grande Park Elementary School

Phone: 630-551-9710

Email: ssmith01@sd308.org

 

Welcome!

 

I feel so privileged to serve as principal of Grande Park Elementary School. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this wonderful school community. I look forward to continuing to create and maintain strong, positive partnerships with students, staff, families and community members. I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Ill.  I have a master's degree in educational administration from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, Ill. My second master's degree is in school guidance and counseling from Lewis University, Romeoville, Ill. 

 

I have been so fortunate to be a Grizzly since July of 2012 where I began my journey as assistant principal and was so excited to be named principal beginning in the 2016-17 school year. Prior to coming to School District 308, I taught second and fifth grades in School District 86 in Joliet, Ill, and fourth grade in School District 92, in Lockport, Ill, where I also served as the teacher's union president for two years.

 

Grande Park Elementary School is an amazing place to work. I truly appreciate all that is accomplished by our students, staff and families. In partnership with our families and community members, all students will reach their highest potential. My door is always open. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have regarding your child’s experience. I am looking forward to another fantastic year!

Phone: 630-551-9711

Email: qharrell@sd308.org

 

Greetings!

 

I am thrilled to be the assistant principal at Grande Park Elementary School! My door is always open, please stop by to introduce yourself, discuss a question/concern, or just to say "hello". I look forward to working with students, families, staff and community members to develop confident leaders and future problem solvers. 

 

I graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching for 13 years and I have taught grades 1, 3, 4, and 5.  I attended Kennesaw State University in 2013 and received my Georgia Reading Endorsement.  In July of 2014, my family relocated to IL.  I completed a long term substitute assignment at Homestead Elementary School as the LMS Director.  I was fortunate to receive a full time teaching position at Grande Park Elementary School where I have served as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher for the past 5 years.  During my time at Grande Park, I also completed the Gifted Endorsement Seminar through Lindenwood University.  In May of 2020, I graduated from Aurora University with a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership.  

 

I believe every person deserves to be valued and respected.  I am committed to partnering with stakeholders to support the Grande Park community and promote success for all students academically, emotionally, and socially.  This year, more than ever, we will benefit from positivity.  I am reminded of a quote from Helen Keller, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow."  Let's look toward the sun as much as possible and work together to have another great year learning and growing at Grande Park!  We got this, Grizzlies!