District Directory

Mrs. Jamie Adolphson is the Jefferson Elementary Principal. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bradley University and her Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from Saint Xavier University.

Jamie has served as an Assistant, and then the Associate Principal at MHS over the last 7 years. Before that she taught for Pekin District 108 as an emotional/behavioral classroom teacher before joining the Pekin High School Staff teaching Special Education Science. Jamie spent three years as a Dean of Students at Pekin High School before coming to Morton. Jamie is married to her husband Cory. They have a daughter Kylie and a son Bradley.

Welcome to the MJHS Library Media Center, also known as the LMC.
Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 7:15 AM through 3:15 PM.

LOG IN (https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/7654/widget?type=b) to search for print books, eBooks, Audiobooks and your one stop for research. Students, Please join the LMC Google Classroom to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening in the Library world! Class code: gbed7b8

Mission:
The mission of the Library Media Center at Morton Junior High School is to engage students in authentic learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation. By employing the best educational technologies, resources and pedagogies, students will improve academic achievement and develop strong informational and digital literacy for life in the 21st century.

It's a pleasure being part of such a great school district and staff at the junior high. Before stepping into this position, I taught fifth grade at Bolin Elementary in East Peoria for thirteen years, and then led the Stem Lab at Central Junior High in East Peoria for three years.

I attended college at ICC and ISU. From ICC I earned my Associate's Degree and from ISU I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I continued my education at ISU and earned my Master's of Curriculum and Instruction in 2008. In May of 2014 I completed my administration certification at Bradley. I call Morton my hometown and where I live with my wife, three daughters, and a cat and a dog.


Junior Potters will participate in the Stem Lab for one quarter in both 7th and 8th grade. In this course students will work in a cooperative learning environment to solve real-world problems based on their assigned module. The purpose of the modules is to give students an opportunity to explore the careers and life skills that are associated with the career path they've chosen.

Over the course of two years the students will have a chance to participate in some of the following modules: biomedical engineering, computer graphics and game development, dentistry, design and marketing, digital manufacturing, digital music, forensic science, home maintenance systems, home maintenance fundamentals, nursing, robotics, sports medicine, structural engineering, veterinary medicine, video production, and virtual architecture.

"Does life imitate art, or does art imitate life?" Whatever the answer is, the Arts are alive and well here in Morton 709.

It is a pleasure to be a part of the team that helps get nearly every arts-related production up and going in the district. Band, Orchestra, Choir, Theater, and Art Shows with promising student resident artists bring many into our community to enjoy the talents of our students.

The Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center is a busy place for budding talent and creative minds. Learn more about the school and community connection at berthafrank.org

Mrs. Behm graduated from Illinois State University with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2010 and again with her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2012. She has been working in Morton CUSD709 since August 2012 and has had the privilege of working with so many amazing Morton families over the years. Mrs. Behm currently provides speech therapy services to our K-6 students at Grundy Elementary School. She believes everyone deserves a voice and is excited to help students communicate effectively!

All students come to explore, perform, and enjoy the world of music. Students learn basic music theory, demonstrate their knowledge by playing many kinds of instruments, and perform their talents through a concert format. We strive to have all of our students feel successful in developing not only musical skills but also a lifelong appreciation of music.

I was born in Darien, IL and lived there until I was five years old. At that time my family moved to Central Illinois where I grew up in Tremont, just a few minutes away from Morton. After high school I attended Bradley University where I graduated with a degree in Vocal Music Education in 2009. I started teaching in Morton in 2010. I've been at MJHS since 2012. I graduated with my Master's Degree in Music Education from Illinois State University in 2015.

When I am not in school, I am either with my wonderful wife Melissa and our kids or my barbershop quartet, After Hours. Melissa and I were married in 2009, and we are current Tremont residents. We have two children, Lincoln and Gwendolyn, and they keep us busy! Melissa and I also enjoy serving with our musical abilities at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Groveland, IL. My quartet, After Hours, is the 2010 Illinois State Champion quartet, as well as the 2018 International Champion Quartet. We do quite a bit of touring on the weekends, throughout the country and we have recorded 4 studio albums. I absolutely love coming to work every day, working with students at Grundy. I love watching them grow as young musicians.

I am from a small town in eastern Iowa called Center Point. I graduated from Iowa State University (Iowa’s ISU) in the spring of 2008. There I met my wife, Jenna. After getting married in June of 2009, we moved to Peoria for her career in dietetics. I have spent most of the last four years substitute teaching in District 150 and taking classes at Illinois Central College and Illinois State University (Illinois’ ISU). In May of 2013, I graduated with a degree in History-Social Sciences Education with certification for grades 6-12. I am thrilled to be a part of District 709 and the Morton community. I look forward to teaching American History and getting involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and initiatives throughout the year.

In my free time, I enjoy running, spending time outdoors, traveling, volunteering, attending concerts, and watching the Chicago Bears.


Mission for the Class

The mission for this course is for students to gain an appreciation for history and to make connections between the past and their own lives. Students will also learn the importance of perspective-taking, from both a historical and present sense. The democratic atmosphere of this classroom will allow students to share their opinions and ideas and will also encourage them to acknowledge and appreciate the views of their peers. Students will practice teamwork by working collaboratively in groups on a regular basis. Finally, students will improve their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that are essential for future success.

Hello! My name is Allie Bohnhoff and I am thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten at Jefferson! Before teaching kindergarten, I taught fifth, sixth, and fourth grades. I graduated from Illinois State University in 2011, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. My endorsements are in Language Arts, Reading, Science, and Spanish. I returned to ISU and earned my master's degree in Reading in 2016. 
When not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our little boy, Wyatt. We have two dogs that keep us busy and entertained! I love to read, write, visit with family and friends, and be outside in my spare time.

Mission for the Class 
I believe in a classroom where students are excited to share what they are learning and how it connects with their life. I believe in a classroom where students' questions and inquiries guide learning, so much of what we do will have real-world contexts and involve hands-on experiences. Kindergarten is such an exciting time for children and my goal is to foster that excitement throughout the year and in the years to come! Finally, I truly believe that a successful school experience requires collaboration between students, teachers, parents, families, and community members. For this reason, we invite you to join us throughout the year to see the learning we are engaged in for yourself! And we'll be taking the learning out beyond the walls of our classroom, too! It's going to be a great year! 

Processes payroll for all school district employees and maintains accurate, up-to-date information in Frontline for employee time/attendance (Veritime) and absences (Aesop). Responsible for providing support to the Chief Financial Officer to file Grant applications and quarterly reports, as well as Illinois State Board of Education financial reporting and claims for the District.

Since 2019, I have been apart of the MJHS family in the field of special education. At the junior high, I teach resource science and history to 7th and 8th graders.

As a dedicated educator and parent of three amazing boys, I am passionate about creating engaging and supportive learning environments. When I’m not in the classroom, I love traveling with my husband and family and discovering new restaurants. I’m excited to continue fostering a love of learning in our students! Go Potters!

Hello! I am very excited to be a part of the wonderful community that is Morton Junior High School. After graduating from Truman State University in 2019, I attended Bradley University to attain my master's in Professional School Counseling. I completed my internship here at MJHS, as well as Morton High School, and I am so grateful that I was offered a permanent job at the junior high. I graduated from Bradley in 2022.

I could not be happier to start my professional career as a junior potter! My goal is to provide students with the resources they need to thrive and help them prepare for high school and beyond. I also hope that each student knows that they have several supports here at the junior high and that help is always available to them if they would ever need it. Go Potters!

About the Teacher
I am married with two wonderful children. My wife,  Kerry, works in the music department of Morton High School. I have two children, Kyle and Darby. 

Fourth grade is a wonderful transitional year. The students get to come upstairs with the big kids for the first time. With that privilege, come more responsibilities. I expect great things from my students and push them to develop skills and attitudes that will allow them to be succesful students, as well as successful citizens throughout their lifetimes.

Students are encouraged to become much more independent during this year. It becomes their responsibility to turn work in on time and in the right places. Their assignment books should be filled out on a daily basis.

New academic topics include learning about our United States: the regions, states, and capitals. We have units on sound, light, animals, recycling, rocks and minerals, and states of matter in science. Our biggest math goal in 4th grade is long division. Once they figure that one out, they feel like they have really accomplished something.

Learning how to play recorders, preparing for a music program, and going on various fieldtrips are just a few more highlights in 4th grade.

Mission for the Class
Mrs. Brooks's mission for her class is to establish a safe classroom environment where all students feel comfortable to take risks in their learning. She will also help students to appreciate themselves as individuals while teaching them to work together as a team. Mrs. Brooks teaches using a variety activities so that each students' needs are met to help them feel successful and develop a love of learning.

As the Principal here at Morton Junior High School, it is my privilege to serve the Morton-Groveland community. I have been here at Morton Junior High School since 2006 after spending nine years at Tri-Valley Middle School as a 6th Grade Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies teacher and basketball and track coach.

As a life-long Central Illinois resident, I graduated from Eureka College in 1997 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in elementary education and a middle school endorsement. While I was at EC, I played basketball and was fortunate to be a member of the National Championship team in 1994. I also graduated from Illinois State University in 2006 with a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.

My wife, Stacy, teaches kindergarten at Starke Primary School in Pekin. We have three children: Abby, Ben, and Katy.

We love being part of this wonderful community and enjoy meeting our Junior Potter families. Please stop by the school any time! My door is always open!

I am a former Junior Potter and began teaching Future Readiness at MJHS in 2024. I am married to my husband, John, and we have two daughters Hazel and Ivy. When I am not in the classroom you can find me hanging out with my family, drinking lots of coffee, and coaching both the Junior High and High School Dance Teams!


I have a passion for helping students find success both in and out of the classroom. My mission for this class is to help my students prepare and plan for the future by working on soft skills, goal-setting strategies, and using a variety of resources to explore career options. I hope to provide them with a number of opportunities to think beyond their junior high years and what they can be doing right now to be successful in the future.

I joined the Morton Junior High staff in 2018 and am excited to be a part of the Potter family! After graduating from Augustana College, I moved to central IL to begin my career in education teaching social studies at the junior high level. While teaching, I earned a master's degree from St. Xavier University in teacher leadership and another in school counseling from Bradley University. I bring 11 years of previous junior high classroom experience to the school counseling role.

My hope is to help students become the best version of themselves and fill their toolbox with the skills they need to successfully navigate future challenges. We are here to help, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Jesse Crawford completed his sixth year as Head Baseball Coach at Morton High School by winning the IHSA State Championship in June of 2018. As a result of this accomplishment he was rewarded IHSA Class 3A Coach of the Year by the Illinois Baseball Coaches Association.

Originally from Pekin, Illinois, Crawford played his high school baseball at Pekin High and later his college ball at Illinois Central College and Western Illinois University. Following his career at Western, Crawford moved to Missouri and was hired as an assistant coach at Knox County High School. In short order, Coach Crawford took over as head coach of both the varsity basketball and baseball programs at Knox County. In 2008, the Eagles had outstanding seasons on both the court and the field leading to Crawford being named Class 2A Coach of the Year for both sports. Overall while at Knox County, Crawford was able to take his basketball team to two Sweet 16 appearances while compiling a 68-42 record overall on the hardwood.

Following his success in Missouri, Coach Crawford returned to Illinois taking a teaching position in Morton Community School District 709 and took on coaching roles in football, baseball, and basketball. Crawford made an immediate impact as an assistant basketball coach helping the Potters program advance to its first Elite Eight in program history. A few years later, Crawford took over as Head Varsity Baseball Coach and Head Junior High Baseball Coach.

2012 was Coach Crawford’s first year as Head Junior High Baseball Coach and in that year the Junior Potters went a remarkable 25-0 and captured the IESA State Championship. In his six years heading the Junior Potter program Crawford is 124-31 with two title game appearances and two additional Elite Eight bids.

As a varsity baseball coach between his time at Knox County and Morton, Jesse Crawford is 189-110. He has been part of 11 conference titles in 14 years of coaching. Over the past four seasons his varsity team at Morton High School has averaged 28 wins per season and made an Elite Eight appearance in 2017 backed up by a State Title in 2018. The Potters have also captured multiple Mid-Illini Conference, Regional and Sectional crowns during Crawford’s tenure.

In addition to his role as a baseball and basketball coach at Morton High School and Morton Junior High, Jesse works as a PE Teacher at Morton Junior High School. He has been teaching for 14 years including stints as an elementary classroom teacher in addition to his current job teaching PE at MJHS.

Coach Crawford, his wife Michelle, and two children, Cameron and Finley, reside in Morton. They are active members of the Morton community participating in multiple activities. When Coach Crawford is not on the court or field at Morton High School he can often be found coaching a youth team helping not only his own children but the next generation of Morton athletes.

I started working for Morton 709 in 1994. I have worked as an aide, a third-grade teacher at Jefferson, and retired from teaching as a fourth-grade teacher at Grundy. I am now working as a Resource aide at Grundy and I love working with the students and with my former colleagues. I attended Grundy when it opened its doors in 1961 and all three of my sons attended here. We are Grundy Strong!

Education: BS in Elementary Education, BS in History and MS in Curriculum and Instruction

Responsibilities: PowerSchool support; Data Management

I absolutely love my job, a perfect combination of two of my passions, art and teens! I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in art and a minor in English. I began my career teaching middle school art near Chicago for a couple years before settling down with family downstate. When my children were little, I stayed home with them and led an after-school art program at the Crossword Cafe, a youth center in Chillicothe, where I live with my husband, two boys, and collie dog. I began teaching art part-time at Morton Junior High in 2015, and was thrilled when it became a full-time position the following year.

In art class, we explore a variety of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art, paper maché, ceramics, and sculpture. We also learn to observe and discuss the work of other artists, contemporary, historical, and multicultural. I believe that with just a little secret principle here and there and a bit of practice at basic skills, everyone can express their passions, opinions, and interests with visual art. Creating can be so much fun! That's not to mention the growing career opportunities in art and design.

Mission:

My mission for art class is to empower students with skills to create, discuss, and understand art so that they may express their own artistic voice.

I have been teaching a combination of PE and health in the Morton School District since 2004, and have taught at many of the buildings in the district. I love teaching PE at Grundy! My husband Kevin and I have two kids, Brady and Aubrey who were both Grundy Gators!

Hi, my name is Mike Finck and I began teaching 5th grade at Lettie Brown in 1994.  I have a beautiful wife, Trisha and two awesome children Austin and Alli.  I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my family.  You can often find us at a sporting event for one of the kids.  Teaching is the greatest profession.  I never get tired of the look on a 5th grader's face when they have learned something new and I get to see the "Now I get it expression" for the first time.

Grundy Gators love books! Students come to the library once a week. Students are also encouraged to check out books during the school day, as well as before and after school if they desire. Students check out books once a week from the library and return them the following week. If they are still reading their book and want to renew it, they should bring the book weekly anyway. Ask your child about what they are checking out from the library and what we are reading each week. It's a great conversation starter! And please help your student take good care of our Grundy library books and return them each week so other students can enjoy them as well.

I am very excited and grateful to continue as the library aide at Grundy! I’ve been here since 2017. Each year I look forward to sharing my love of reading with all the students. My husband Patrick (who was a Grundy Gator!) and I got married in September 2001. We have three sons- Jack is a 2022 graduate of Morton High School and now studying music at ICC while playing in the Bradley Symphony Orchestra, Andy is a senior and Sam is a sophomore at Morton High School.. Previously I worked at Lettie Brown as an aide in first grade and early childhood. In addition, I worked as a substitute aide in each elementary class and the library. In my free time I enjoy reading (of course), watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. We also have two cats that perform tricks like playing fetch, shaking hands, and walking on a leash.

The mission of our library is to help every child find books they love- in which they can have an adventure, learn about a place they want to visit, get wrapped up in a fantasy or mystery, and just find themselves enthusiastic for the next chapter. When you read, the whole world opens up for you.

Heather is our HR Coordinator. She handles dental, vision, and health insurance as well as personnel topics ranging from new hires to retirees.

Mrs. Franklin leads the Student Support Services team for Morton 709. She, also, serves as the Principal of Morton Academy.

Under the umbrella of her leadership are Student Support Services including District Social Workers, School Psychologists, Health Care Professionals, and Multi-Language Learner education. More traditional Special Education Programs including Resource Classrooms, RISE (Reaching Independence/Support & Education), and ACES(Academic Connections/Emotional Support) help students meet their educational goals, grow in soft skills, and prepare them for every next step at school and in the community.

I was born and raised in Peoria, where all of my family still lives. My husband and I live in Groveland and have two kids at Grundy. I have taught both first and third grade in the district. I love focusing on the ELA and Social Studies world in 6th grade. We are able to dig deeper into higher-level texts and topics to meet high expectations and standards. It's great to be a Grundy Gator!

When Miss Christina is not driving a bus, she works with the Transportation Director in the office. She works with the routing and does whatever Mrs. Tharp needs her to do. She is the expert on pick-up times and drop-off times.

Although I moved around a few times while growing up, I was born in Peoria and came back to the area for middle school and high school. I attended Metamora Township High School and went off to The University of Illinois to receive my teaching degree. I moved back to the area after graduating in 2010 and taught at Edison Junior High School in Pekin the first 8 years of my career. I also received my Master’s Degree in 2015 from Illinois State University. My husband is from Morton, so we settled down in here in town after getting married in 2011. We have two children, Titus and McKenna. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and being active outdoors.

I was born and raised in East Peoria and attended ICC and SIUE for my undergrad. It was there that I met my husband, Brian, and we began our life together full of travel and adventure. We have two boys, Jack and Theodore, who bring us so much joy and laughter. When I'm not in the classroom I'm probably quilting, reading, spending time with my family, or planning our next trip out to Colorado where we love to hike and ski.

I joined Morton Junior High in 2022 as an 8th grade math teacher on the Gray team. It has been such a thrill to be a Potter and see all of the areas our students excel. You'll definitely find me in the stands or auditorium cheering on my students during their wide variety of activities. Prior to teaching at MJHS, I taught for four years in Alton, IL and seven years in Broomfield, CO where I was not only a classroom teacher but also math department chair, coach, and math interventionist.

I'm passionate about both teaching and mathematics and have had 30+ students memorize 100 digits of pi in my career of teaching. Each year I continue to add more students to that 100 digit club and it makes me smile. I have spent all my years in the middle school setting and can't picture myself anywhere else!

I have worked as a School Social Worker since 2017 after graduating with my master's degree from U of I. I am passionate about providing our students with social emotional support to help them be successful in school and throughout their lifetime.

I live here in Morton with my family and I love this community. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our Grundy students and families!

I joined the MJHS staff in the fall of 2023 and am the 8th grade Gray Team ELA teacher. I was born, and raised, and have lived in Central Illinois my whole life. I grew up in the rural farming community of Smithfield, IL. I went to WIU and graduated in 1997 with my bachelor's in Education and then again in 2012 with my master's in Educational Leadership. In between that I also graduated from ISU in 2006 with my master's in Reading. I have taught Early Childhood Special Education, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, been a K-12 Reading Interventionist, and was a K-8 Principal. I was so excited to join MJHS and teach 8th grade. I am passionate about helping each student find their own way of learning and helping them to succeed. I want to provide real-life experiences for each student through ELA.

My husband and I love to travel and spend time with our two dogs Leia and Polly. In my spare time you will find me spending time with family and friends and singing. I've been singing since I was little and sing in our praise band at church.

I have been teaching pre-kindergarten since 2011 and in 2018 started teaching early childhood in Morton. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with an endorsement in special education from Illinois State University. I reside in Morton with my husband, Nicholas, and our two children.

Hi, I am Katy Gingerich! I began teaching 5th grade at Lettie Brown in 2012 upon graduating from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Middle Level Education. In 2015, I received a Master's of Science in Teaching and Learning with a specialization in educational technology. I grew up on a farm in rural Tremont with three older brothers. Now, my husband and I live in Morton and have two children, Elyse and Reid.I enjoy running and spending time with my family.

Mission for the Class:
My goal is to educate each student to achieve personal excellence. I want to instill my passion for learning into my students in a supportive, encouraging environment with infectious enthusiasm.

"Ms. Glidewell graduated from Illinois State University with her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2021 and with her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2023. Ms. Glidewell currently provides speech therapy services to our ESCE students at Grundy Elementary School. This is her first year working as a speech-language pathologist and she is so honored and excited to start her career with Morton 709!"

Mrs. Grant started teaching in 1998. She came to Grundy school in 2002. She taught special education for eleven years and moved to Kindergarten in 2017. She graduated from Western Illinois University in May of 1998 and also has a Master's Degree. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, shopping, working out, and spending time with her family and friends at the cabin. She and her husband live in Peoria with their 2 kids, a son and a daughter and one furry friend, Buck.

"My mission in second grade is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where students can explore all aspects of learning. I hope to motivate children by creating a classroom family where hands-on activities foster communication, literacy, and love of learning." - Mrs. Grant

I am one of the Early Childhood Special Education Teachers here at Grundy Elementary School. I started my teaching career in 2009.

I went to the University of Illinois and received a Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. I teach the Core Vocabulary classroom where the focus of our day is communication! I love teaching!

When I am not at school, I spend time with my husband, Justin, and our daughter, Josie.

Welcome to an exciting year of 3rd grade! I began teaching third grade at Grundy in 2008. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bradley University, a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Illinois State University, and a second Master’s in Elementary Education.

I love teaching and feel blessed to be working in a district with great students, supportive parents, and an amazing staff! My husband Nick and I live in the Morton/Groveland area. We have two boys and many fur babies including dogs, a cat, and miniature horses. I am very passionate about teaching and learning. It is an honor to have the opportunity to prepare students for not only the next grade level, but for life as well. My goal is to help each student reach their highest potential in a safe, structured environment. I want my students to have fun learning and love coming to school each day!

I have been teaching English Language Arts at MJHS since 2006. While not in the classroom, you can find me coaching and sponsoring multiple extra-curricular activities. I love to watch our students succeed both in class and on the playing field. I enjoy gardening, traveling, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs, no matter how much they may hurt my heart.

Mission for the Class

The mission of my class is to widen a student's outlook on learning and literature by providing a wide range of stories and novels to share. I strive to provide a positive and welcoming environment to all students. Learning in a positive atmosphere is not only a path to success, but also a way to a better educational outlook.

I have been teaching at Morton Junior High School since 2011. I love teaching and getting to interact with a variety of students. I am married and have a daughter named Lila. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing sports, especially football. I also enjoy traveling, playing ultimate Frisbee, and karate. My mission is to encourage and challenge students to reach their full potential through critical thinking skills and high expectations.

Mission for the Class

My mission is to assist students to achieve their highest potential by helping them become problem.

Mr. Todd Herrmann is the Associate Principal at Morton High School.
He earned an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University in Marketing. After a couple years of working in the business sector, Todd decided to pursue a career in education. He worked as a classroom aide in an alternative education classroom and went on to acquire an undergraduate degree in Business Education from Illinois State University.
Mr. Herrmann taught and coached at East Peoria Junior High and High School for six years. He taught both STEM and Business courses, and he coached cross country and track and field. After obtaining his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, he worked as Dean of Students at Pekin High School for two years.

Mr. Herrmann is married to his wife Nicole, they have two daughters and a son, Adelyn,Olivia, and Zachary.

I grew up in Waukegan, IL. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree from Illinois Wesleyan in 2011 and received a Masters in Reading Education in 2015 from St. Xavier University. I became Board Certified in 2018 as a Middle Childhood Generalist.  In 2024, I completed my Educational Leadership Certificate at SIUE. I began teaching in Chillicothe, IL where I taught 5th grade for six years. I came Morton School District in 2017 to teach 4th Grade at Lincoln. I’ve spent the last two years serving as one of the elementary instructional coaches. My wonderful husband and I have two curious and busy boys, Leo and Charlie.

Mission Statement
It is my personal mission to provide all students with the highest quality of education. I promise to do so in a safe learning environment that will continually support the academic, social, emotional, and physical growth of my students. I will strive to teach with curriculum in innovative ways. Not only will I teach and stress the importance of academics, I will work hard to help students and teachers develop the skills they need to be knowledgeable, value-driven, learning-seeking, and critical thinkers in our learning community. I love what I get to do every day.

Welcome to 7th grade Science! I have been teaching at MJHS since 2022 (although I also completed my student teaching here the year before)! I graduated from Eureka College with a degree in Middle Grades Education and a double minor in Science and Special Education. After teaching a year of ELA Special Ed, I got the opportunity to move into the science classroom.

One of my favorite parts of teaching science is seeing the connections students make between topics as we transition from one unit to the next. My mission is to provide students with collaborative, hands-on experiences and spark a desire for continued learning outside of the classroom.

I love being part of the Junior High community and always look forward to getting to know my students each year! Outside of class, I enjoy playing pickleball, thrifting, reading in coffee shops, and spending time with my family & friends.

It's always a great day to be a Junior Potter! :)

Scott Jones is the Athletic Director. He is a native of Berwyn, IL where he attended Morton West High School and Hinsdale South High School. He holds degrees from Western Illinois University and the American College of Education. Scott taught instrumental music for 19 years and during that time has coached Football, Baseball and Softball. He was awarded the ICA Softball Coach of the Year in 2007 & 2009, and was also awarded the Illinois Principal’s Association (CIV) Assistant Principal of the Year in 2014 while working for Dunlap High School. During his free time Scott enjoys playing Golf, Softball, and traveling with his wife Jeanie, who teaches 3rd Grade for the Brimfield Schools. Scott and Jeanie have 5 children and 2 grandchildren.

After teaching PE at Morton High School for 6 years, I joined the Morton Junior High PE department in 2024. I grew up in Morton and I am a proud former Junior Potter. I received my Bachelor's degree in History from Evangel University, and my Master's degree in Physical Education and Coaching from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. I love being active, and my main goal is to help my students cultivate a passion for activity and lifetime fitness. When I'm not teaching, you can find me in the Kiln announcing and keeping score for all the winter Junior Potter sports. I also enjoy working out, spending time with my family and friends, and watching sports.

It's always a great day to be a Junior Potter!

Mrs. Christina Kienitz grew up in Lubbock, Texas and Michigan City, Indiana. She attended Ball State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education. During thirteen years as a Social Studies teacher at Pekin Community High School, Mrs. Kienitz also completed a Master of Science at ISU in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Science in School Counseling at Bradley. Mrs. Kienitz was a school counselor at PCHS for two years before becoming a school counselor at MHS in 2016. Mrs. Kienitz is thrilled to be a part of the greater Morton Community and to collaboratively serve the students and families of MHS!

I am an interventionist and work with students who may need support academically or socially/emotionally. If a student has a plan with me, I may push them into a classroom to support them or provide more intensive instruction within my classroom. I graduated from Trinity Christian College with my undergrad in Special Education and have my master's from ISU for Special Education and Curriculum Adaptation. I am currently working on my School Counseling master's degree from Arkansas State University.

Lisa Kowalski graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University in 1996, and a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University in 2001. She has worked in the legal field, marketing, and business management. In 2017, she received her Chief School Business Official Endorsement from Illinois State University and is licensed with the State of Illinois.

Lisa was the business manager at the Illinois State University Laboratory Schools before joining Morton CUSD 709 in 2019, where she is currently serving as Chief Financial Officer.

I am thrilled to be working here at Jefferson as the crossing guard and recess aide.  Jefferson was home to my three children.  It is a great school and I am looking forward to a great year as a part of the Jefferson staff.