We are incredibly proud of our 7th graders who spent yesterday immersed in the real world at JA Finance Park!
The students navigated a fully simulated financial life—they tackled budgeting, managed debt, shopped for housing and transportation, and balanced a career salary against essential monthly expenses.
Finance Park gave 7th graders a powerful, real-life look at the financial decisions that shape their future. It was truly inspiring to watch them realize the potential and complexity of their financial lives!
Thank you to the parent volunteers and the JA staff for making this such a meaningful and impactful day for our students!
The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) is honored to announce that Curtis Fischer-Oelschlaeger of Rockridge Junior High School (Music) and Shauna Segler of Dunlap Middle School (Speech) have been selected as the Illinois Outstanding Music Educator and Outstanding Speech Educator for the 2025-26 school year!
Both individuals are the middle school state-level winners and the national nominees for the NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) Outstanding Educator Awards. This is the first year NFHS has recognized educators at the middle school level, with national winners to be announced later in the 2025-26 school year. Nominees for the NFHS Outstanding Educator Awards must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and carry the endorsement of their respective state association. An NFHS awards committee reviews nominations and selects regional award winners.
Curtis Fischer-Oelschlaeger, known as "Mr. O" has been the heart of the Rockridge Music Program for 28 years. He has hosted contests for more than 20 years, served on the IESA Music Advisory Committee, and works closely with both elementary and high school music staff to create a thriving, cohesive program. His leadership has inspired students at every level and helped Rockridge Music become one of the premier programs in Illinois.
Shauna Segler, coach of the Dunlap Middle School Speech Team, has built one of the most inclusive and dynamic junior high speech programs in the state. Each year, she welcomes 80 to 100 students, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and communication skills. Beyond coaching, Shauna has hosted numerous contests, served as a judge, and presented at the IESA Speech Workshop.
The IESA congratulates Curtis and Shauna on this well-deserved state recognition and wishes them the very best as they move forward in the national selection process!
Rockridge Junior High is pleased to be awarding Aubree Chism with the 6th-grade Student of the Month award. She is the daughter of Allison Beckman and granddaughter of Carleton and Kimberly Beckman. She has two siblings, Carson Beckman (2nd grade) and Destinee Morrison (Kinder), who also attend Rockridge. Outside of school, Aubree enjoys a variety of activities, including soccer and art. While at school, she participates in the Art Club. Her favorite subjects in school are Social Studies and Math. Her favorite book is “The One and Only Bob”. Her favorite food is “walking tacos”. Her favorite memory thus far this school year has been going to Art Club after school. In her free time, she enjoys coloring and playing on Canva. She really looks up to her grandpa because he is really kind and helpful. In the future, Aubree would like to pursue a career in Zoology. One thing Aubree would want people to know about her is that she loves Koala bears.
Notes from the Staff:
Mrs. Riess stated, “Aubrey strives to always do her best on her school work. She is eager to participate in class discussions and is polite and kind to others.”
Mrs. Wright said, “Aubree is always engaged during learning time. She produces thoughtful, high quality work. Aubree is responsible and kind to others.”
Mrs. Casey stated, “Aubree is always willing to help and is responsible in class. She does well in class and goes above and beyond in her schoolwork.”
Mrs. Schwigen added, “Aubree is a wonderful student who consistently participates and engages during our MTSS lessons. She carries this positive work ethic into PE class, where she always strives to do her best.”
Aubree is pictured with Mrs. Casey.
