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Sycamore Board Approves New Maple Dale Principal
The Sycamore Board of Education has approved Ann Marie Reinke as the new principal at Maple Dale Elementary. Mrs. Reinke, who has served as assistant principal at Maple Dale, will assume her new role on July 1, 2016. She replaces Mr. Ron Brooks who announced his retirement in February.
Mrs. Reinke has served students, family, and staff at Sycamore Community Schools for nearly three decades. A graduate of Wilmington College, Reinke began her career in education at Maple Dale Elementary in 1987, teaching third and fourth grade until 1999 when she became assistant principal of Maple Dale.
In 2005, she was named Assistant Director of Academic Affairs for Sycamore Community Schools. She returned to Maple Dale as the assistant principal in the fall of 2015.
“To have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful school is a dream come true,” Reinke said. “It is such a blessing to begin and to end my career in the same building. Things have really come full circle for me. We have parents this year that I taught as children.”
Mrs. Reinke’s return to Maple Dale meant a reunion with her former principal and mentor Mr. Brooks, who is retiring after 44 years in education.
“This has been a gift of a year to work with Ron again. We have really had a golden year together,” Reinke said. “He will be truly missed, and I realize that I have a unique pair of shoes to fill.”
As principal, Mrs. Reinke has already begun to formulate her vision for Maple Dale. Her goal is to keep the fun at Maple Dale; to continue to foster a family feeling among students, parents, and staff; to be accessible and open to new ideas, and to work collaboratively and give staff the support they need.
Mrs. Reinke’s vision includes plans to begin a school-wide good behavior incentive plan, to increase communication, and to establish a parent lecture series.
“Our focus group data from staff and parents mirror the vision Ann Marie has developed to move Maple Dale Elementary to another level of excellence,” Frank Forsthoefel, superintendent, said. “Servant leaders strive every day to do what is necessary for the interest of students, staff and families. This is Ann Marie Reinke.”
Reinke and her husband, Steve, a teacher at Symmes Elementary, are residents of Sycamore. They have a five-year-old daughter, Caroline, who will be a first grader in the fall.
“I am overwhelmed with excitement to get started but am humbled,” Reinke said. “I want to make sure that Maple Dale continues to be the type of place that nurtures the whole child.”
“Ann Marie will not miss a step as she takes over the helm of Maple Dale,” said Brooks. “She will bring new thoughts and ideas to a school that is always ready to go up a notch. She will lead will grace and dignity. Congratulations from your number one supporter.”\
Reinke’s appointment to principal means the search process now begins for a new assistant principal at Maple Dale Elementary. The district is committed to identifying exemplary candidates for this position through an extensive search and selection process to assist Mrs. Reinke is leading students, staff and families at Maple Dale Elementary.
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