Dear Dirksen Families,
I am excited to begin my journey as the Principal of Dirksen Elementary. I am looking forward to beginning our work together to sustain the positive environment which exists at Dirksen with the goals of promoting student growth, supporting parent/teacher collaboration, and encouraging parent involvement.
In order for me to become better acquainted with you and the community, I invite you to send me a note or email referencing one thing you are most proud of here at Dirksen, and one thing you would like me to know about the school/community. I will use this information for my knowledge only as I begin to embrace the community and build relationships.
Just as I am curious about you and the Dirksen community, I realize you are likely just as curious about me. I began my career in District 54 where I taught several years as a 7th grade social studies teacher at Eisenhower Jr. High. While I enjoyed my time teaching I always knew I wanted to impact even more students, so I decided to pursue leadership opportunities. I was fortunate to work as an Assistant Principal at Keller, Frost, and Aldrin schools working with amazing staff, students and community members. For the last 10 years I have had the pleasure of serving as the principal at Nathan Hale. I have been able to build connections with the community and support the work of ensuring the success of all of our students and staff.
On a personal note, my wife Tricia and I live in Elgin with our three children, Ayden, Emma, and Caleb. Ayden is an eighth grader, Emma is in sixth grade, and Caleb is currently in third grade. Our kids keep us busy with baseball, football, softball and soccer nearly year round.
As we look forward to finishing this school year and beginning the next, I would like to extend my gratitude to you for welcoming me as the next Principal of this amazing school. I feel very strongly that community ties and continuous support positively affects students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Together, I know we will build opportunities and memories for our children.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Brian Kaszewicz
Dirksen Elementary