News Briefs: Winterfest is Saturday; Highland Park charity drive is on; three take leadership roles in District 112

Wilmette Winterfest will return for a third year from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Village Green in the village’s downtown area.

Nate’s Ice Sculpting is again the headlining entertainment, and proprietor Nate Johnson will entertain with live sculpting demos.

Additionally, a curling rink will be available along Ouilmette Way (a multi-use path between 12th Street and Wilmette Avenue); The Wilmette Theatre will offer a free showing of the Bill Murray winter classic “Groundhog Day” at noon; guitarist Joel Paterson will play at Patrician Gallery, 1135 Central Ave.; SNAP dancers will perform; hot apple cider will be served; and a bounce house and slide will be set up on the Village Green.

HPHS Charity Drive is underway with more events this week

The annual Highland Park High School Charity Drive began on Jan. 21 and continues through Feb. 13.

The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation is the drive’s beneficiary in an effort to raise funds for gastrointestinal cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The charity drive is a community-wide program that includes more than 30 school and community-facing programs and activities.

“The power of youth to engage and lead when given the space and agency to do so consistently amazes me,” said Holly Fleischer, Principal, Highland Park High School, in a statement.

She added, “We are reminded that we have great power, and with great power comes great responsibility to make the world a better place. This month is our chance to show what we can do when we are united in purpose.”

A full list of events can be found at the charity drive’s website. Remaining activities include:

• Take Out Tuesdays: Restaurants and establishments in Highland Park and Highwood are donating 20% of a check for dine-in or carry-out orders when patrons specifically name Highland Park High School Charity Drive. On the calendar are (Alex’s Washington Gardens in Highwood and Lou Malnati’s in Highland Park already participated):

·       Jan. 28:  Cluckers in Highwood

·       Feb. 4:  Backyard Grill in Highland Park

·       Feb. 11:  Piero’s in Highland Park

• In-School Events: Including a chili cookoff, Pie-In-The-Face, Challah making, a roller-skating party and more.

“We couldn’t be more proud or excited to have been selected for this incredible opportunity with Highland Park High School,” said Kristen Young, executive director of the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation. “We salute the high school students and staff for building a tradition that is so beneficial to local charities and the people we serve.”

Coinciding with the four-week campaign, the Foundation’s Junior Board will host Pickle for a Purpose, a pickleball event (for 8th-12th grade students) on Sunday, Feb. 2.

Organizing members of the Eisenberg Foundation’s Junior Board include HPHS students Simon Moschin (president), Matthew Simon, Madden Saffro, Austin Gerber, Dylan Lansky, Hayden Kach, Myles Wexler, Nate Rubin, Will Alexander, Jordyn Katz, Asher Provus, Julia Eisenberg, Sophie Kiferbaum, Maddie Bleiman, Russell Bleiman, Quinn Musen, Ari Braun, Gretta Musen, Harper Moschin, Samantha Gilberg, Sasha Garber, Avery Blacher. Jacob Wineman, David Isaacson and Sammy Kassof.

Leadership changes in North Shore District 112

Three leadership changes were approved during the Jan. 21 North Shore School District 112 Board of Education meeting.

Enrique Castro was promoted to director of multilingual learners; Nicole Rodrigo takes over the role of director of early childhood; and Sarah Yoo was named associate principal of Ravinia Elementary School.

All three will begin in their new roles on July 1, 2025.

Castro currently serves as the district’s coordinator for English learners and bilingual programs and “has been a dedicated advocate for multilingual education within the district, championing equity and access for students from diverse language backgrounds,” according to a release from district.

Rodrigo, who will oversee the district’s early childhood program located at Oak Terrace Elementary School, was principal of the School of Dual Language in Hawthorn School District 73. She has also been a dual language teacher in Barrington School District and School District U-46 in Elgin.

Yoo has served as assistant principal at Orrington Elementary School in Evanston since 2023. The newly created associate principal position will support Ravinia’s principal as the school prepares to open a renovated building for the 2025-2026 school year.

“We are thrilled to welcome these three talented leaders to their new roles and look forward to the contributions they will bring to our district,” Deputy Superintendent Monica Schroeder said in a statement. “Their expertise and passion for education will strengthen our mission to support students, staff and families across our community.”

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