Community High School District 99

As we wrap up another school year, we want to send a HUGE thank you to our incredible bus drivers from First Student! 🚌💙💜

Thank you for your dedication, care, and commitment to safely transporting our students every single day. Through rain, snow, early mornings, and busy afternoons, you were always there helping our students get to and from school safely.

You are an important part of the District 99 community, and we are so grateful for all you do. Thank you!

Congratulations to the Transition 99 Class of 2026! 🎓✨

Yesterday’s graduation celebration at the historic Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove was filled with pride, smiles, and unforgettable moments as students crossed the stage and celebrated this incredible milestone.

We are so proud of all they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s next!

📸 View more photos: https://buff.ly/r7cSZst

✨ Retiree Spotlight

Today, we recognize Karen Jacobs Brown, Special Services Vocational Coordinator, for the positive impact they’ve made in our school community.

Through their work and dedication, Karen has helped support students, staff, and families in meaningful ways.

Thank you for all you’ve given to our schools, and best wishes in retirement. 💜

A few words from Karen ...

What You'll Miss Most About District 99? The students who made me laugh every single day without even trying!

What Are You Most Looking Forward To In Your Retirement? Saying "Yes" to opportunities I never had time for before, such as traveling and volunteering.

District 99 proudly celebrates Associate Superintendent for Student Learning Gina Ziccardi, who was honored this morning with the Dr. Scott J. Helton Excellence in Educational Leadership Award.

This prestigious recognition honors educational leaders who exemplify humility, gratitude, allyship, positivity, advocacy, mentorship, and relationship-building. These are qualities Gina demonstrates every day in service to students, staff, families, and the broader community.

Through her leadership, District 99 has expanded opportunities for students through dual credit programming, strengthened equity and access initiatives, championed support for multilingual learners and underserved students, and cultivated a culture rooted in collaboration and care.

Congratulations, Gina, on this well-deserved honor. We are proud of you! 🎉

Today’s retiree spotlight:

Celebrating a career filled with dedication, connection, and impact. Thank you, Juli, for everything you’ve given to our schools and District 99.

Juli Gniadek, Assistant to the Superintendent & Board Secretary

What You'll Miss Most About District 99? The people I have shared the last 30 years of my life with.

What Are You Most Looking Forward to in your Retirement? Enjoying spontaneous, sometimes open-ended, getaways with my husband.

Thank you, Juli! You will be missed!

Oh, what a night! ✨ Last week, our T99 students attended the Transition Formal alongside students from four other transition programs. Everyone dressed to impress and enjoyed an evening filled with delicious food, laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories. 💃🕺

On Friday, the Illinois Chapter of School Public Relations Association recognized D99's Assistant to the Superintendent Juli Gniadek and Associate Superintendent Gina Ziccardi for their impactful work on our school community. Every day, they serve as ambassadors for public education and champions of students and staff. Thank you for your dedicated service, Juli and Gina! (Pictured with Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele.)

Way to go to our T99 students Mary, Zhixin, Kendrell and Samantha who competed in the First Annual Transition Culinary Competition hosted at TCD! 👩‍🍳🍽️

Teams had just one hour to create a breakfast dish, and the T99 team chose a bacon and veggie quiche and a peaches and cream upside-down pancake! The judges were wowed by the taste, presentation and teamwork.

We earned second place and rave reviews from the judges!

Before the final bell rings on their careers, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting the retiring staff members who have made a lasting difference in the lives of our students, families, and staff.

Ruth White, CTE teacher at Downers Grove South

What You'll Miss Most About DGS? Being in the classroom with students.

What Are You Most Looking Forward to in your Retirement? Traveling when we want, not according to the school calendar.

Thank you, Ruth! You will be missed!

This week we celebrated our Class of 2026 retirees! 🎉

Barb Rustik - North
Brenda Murphy - T99
Domenica Lonero - T99
Doug Plunkett - South
Ed Kozak - South
Edward (Marty) Voelker - North
Gina Ziccardi - ASC
John May - South
Julia Gniadek - ASC
Karen Brown - North
Kim Ourada - North
Markus Indreika - South
Ruth Dukala - North
Ruth Schneider - North
Ruth White - South
Sharyn Serafin - North
Tom Davy - T99
Tracy Nehls - North

Thank you for your years of dedication, commitment, and the countless ways you’ve made a lasting impact on our community. Your legacy will continue to inspire for years to come. Congratulations!