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Mrs. Kim Smith

Hi!  I teach Social Studies and have been teaching since 2003. I love history and enjoy teaching the 8th-grade curriculum, especially WWII/Holocaust. I was born and raised in Chicago. My Bachelor of Arts degree is from Northeastern Illinois University and my Master of Arts degree is from National Louis University. I have two adult sons who are both McHenry West High School graduates.   I also have a stepson who lives in North Carolina.  My oldest son lives in Denver, so I go to Denver and North Carolina often. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, going for motorcycle rides, listening to music and seeing live music, kayaking, and reading.  

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Mrs. Haley Swanson

Hi Everyone! This will be my third year teaching math on the 8 White Team at Parkland. I went to Johnsburg High School and graduated college from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.  Recently, my husband and I just rescued our two dogs, Kobe and the infamous Martha Sue. They have been a great addition to our family! I love cheeseburgers, watching sports, swimming in the pool, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  Can't wait for a great year! 

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Mrs. Liz Amettis

Hi everyone!  This is my first year teaching a Parkland, but my third year being a special education teacher.  I went to McHenry Community High School and went to the University of Indianapolis where I received my bachelor's degree while playing on the Women's Basketball Team. I love to be with friends and family, boating, gardening, and cooking yummy foods! My husband and I just moved back to the area after living in Michigan for the past two years.  I am so excited to have a great year with you all! 

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Mrs. Jennifer Valen

This is my fifteenth year teaching at Parkland and my fifth year teaching Language Arts on the 8 White Team. Time flies when you're having fun! I have four little kids and a big kid (my husband) at home. When I can muster up some free time I like to run, read, and travel. I graduated from Cary-Grove High School, Eastern Illinois University, and have a master's degree from Saint Xavier University.  I will do whatever I can to continue to connect with my students, and make reading and writing enjoyable!

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Mr. Arlan Nathan

Hello Everyone!  This is my first year teaching on the 8 White team at Parkland Middle School.  I went to Prairie Ridge High School and graduated college from Illinois State University with my bachelor's in Middle Level Education.  I have a great passion for the subject of Science and look forward to teaching the 8th grade curriculum this year (Weather, Adaptations, and Matter). I enjoy spending my time outdoors, whether that be golfing, fishing, hiking, and playing pickleball or watching sports on television.  I am a die hard fan of the Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls.  I will do my best as a teacher to make science matter to my students. Looking forward to a great year!

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Mrs. Stefanie Wachter

Hello!! I am the 8 White Team paraprofessional. I subbed in the district for 2 years, and this is my 8th year at Parkland. I received my education at McHenry County College, and live here in McHenry with my husband, son, and daughter, who are now sophomores in college. I also have a tiny puppy named Peaches! Some of my favorite things to do are spend time with my family, watch my kids play basketball, travel, read, and scrapbook. I love to cheer on my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers! I'm also a Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks fan. There are so many special milestones in 8th grade, and I am looking forward to a great year!