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Faculty
Ms. Caroline Wiley - Principal

B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Secondary Education with a minor in history from Loyola University Chicago. M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from the Loyola University Chicago. Type 75 certification in Administration & Supervision and Type 09 certification in Secondary Education with Social Sciences Endorsement. Member of National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Illinois Principals Association. Continued participation in classes/workshops focusing on curriculum and development.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Taught at Saint Ailbe Catholic School for 5 years (grades 6-8). Principal of Bridgeport Catholic Academy since 2012. Instructional leader and makes administrative, curricular & budgeting decisions.

Ms. Ann Bulanda - 8th Grade | Visit Ms Bulanda's Blog                                        Grade 8 NewsWiki
B.A. in Mathematics from the University of St. Francis. Masters in Arts of Teaching with a Middle School Endorsement from National-Louis University.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Began teaching at BCA in 2006 (grades 5-8). Math Coordinator, Supervisor of after school tutoring, Technology Co-coordinator, and Home & School Liaison.  Member of the Illinois Computing Educators (ICE).
Mrs. Gina Geisert - 7th Grade | Visit Mrs. Geisert's Blog                                        Grade 7 NewsWiki
B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in History and a M.A. in Language & Literacy from Roosevelt University. Dual Illinois certification, Type 10 and Type 3 with a Middle School Endorsement.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Began teaching at BCA in 1998 (grades 4-8). Coordinated Student Council activities and Environmental Club projects. Member of the School Intervention Team (ICEP) Member of International Reading Association and Illinois Reading Council.
Mrs. Mary Pat Palumbo - 6th Grade | Visit Mrs. Palumbo's Blog                            Grade 6 NewsWiki
B.A. in History, minor in Sociology from the University of St. Francis. Illinois Certification in secondary education. 18 hours earned from DePaul University for a MA degree. Wrote a portion of the paper “The Building of Chicago-Choices and Changes” which was published in the Chicago Tribune Education Services. Participant in the NEH sponsored project “Personal Profiles of Chicago’s Economic History”, earned credit hours in Developmental Education and Neurodevelopmental Learning.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught Intermediate & Junior High grades at Nativity of Our Lord. Organized and coached a student team to participate in the T.V program “Know Your Heritage”, served as a Mission Coordinator & CCD instructor. Began teaching Intermediate grades and Junior High at BCA in 1985. Moderator of National Current Events Team, co-directs the Literacy Magazine and serves at the Social Studies Coordinator. Served as an Assistant Principal, Junior High Coordinator, Eucharistic minister and curriculum evaluation team. Prepared students for the sacrament of Confirmation, the 8th grade U.S. Constitution Test and coordinated Graduation ceremony & activities.
Mrs. Victoria Hopper - 5th Grade | Visit Mrs. Hopper's Blog                                    Grade 5 NewsWiki
B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Illinois State certification in secondary education (Type 09); certified to teach grades 6-12; continued education through participation in Archdiocesan workshops and classes covering various subjects taught at the elementary level.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Began teaching 3rd grade 6-8 at St. Ann School in 1983.  Has taught Language Arts/Reading for grades 6-8 at Mary, Seat of Wisdom School. Taught Sylvan after school program to middle school students and Title 1 teacher at BCA for 2 years.  Mentor for new teacher, served as assistant principal, member of the Liturgy Committee, moderator of school newspaper, assists with the children's choir, coordinator for the Mission Program. past nominee for the Golden Apple Teacher Award.
Mrs. Barb Stack - 4th Grade | Visit Mrs. Stack's Blog                                              Grade 4 NewsWiki
B.A. in Elementary Education, minor in Psychology and Math/Science from National College of Education (National Lewis University), member of Kappa Delta Pi (National Education Honor Society). Certification in Elementary Education. (K-9) Continued education at Archdiocesan workshops covering Science, Math, English & Computers that are offered by the Archdiocese.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught in Burbank School District 111, headed the Remedial/Enrichment Program at Nativity of Our Lord School. Student Council Moderator and Science Department Chairperson. Teacher at Bridgeport Catholic Academy since its inception in 1985.
Ms. Rose Orchowski - 3rd Grade | Visit Ms. Orchowski's Blog                                 Grade 3 NewsWiki
B.S. in Education from Chicago State University with dual certification in Elementary Education (K-9) and EMH (K-12). Cum Laude Honors, member of Kappa Delta Pi (Honor Society in Education). 1991 recipient of the Heart of the School award.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught for the Chicago Board of Education (1year) at Bradwell & Lawson Elementary Schools (EMH classroom), Our Lady of Guadalupe School (5 years). Began teaching at BCA in 1985. Taught Sylvan after school program to middle school students, served on Yearbook Committee and as Primary Unit Coordinator. Currently involved with Social Committee, serving as Testing & Math Coordinators. Co-Author of Science Curriculum, member of School Intervention Team. (ICEP)
Mrs. Lisa Grabowski - 2nd Grade | Visit Mrs. Grabowski's Blog
B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from St. Xavier University. Illinois State Certification in Elementary Education.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught 2nd grade at St. Ethelreda (1 year), began teaching at BCA in 1985 presently teaching 2nd grade (grades 4-8 previously). Served as Assistant Principal and on Social Committee. Past nominee for the Heart of the School award and belonged to the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).
Ms. Fran Halisz - 1st Grade | Visit Ms. Halisz's Blog
Graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Dual Illinois certification in Elementary Education(K-9) and EMH (K-12). Past nominee for the Heart of the School award. Volunteered at CCIL in their residential program. Member of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA).

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught at St. Mary of Perpetual Help (grades 1, 4, 5). Grade One teacher at Bridgeport Catholic Academy since its inception in 1985. Previously worked as a day camp counselor and a private tutor. Taught summer school at BCA, Our Lady of Pompeii & Children of Peace. Served on Mission teams, Yearbook committee, Primary Unit and Television Coordinators and has been involved with curriculum planning. Currently involved with liturgy planning, social committee and is a former representative for Home & School. Past coordinator for "Rainbow for all God's Children" which helps children deal with divorce, death and other losses.
Mrs. Mary Ellen Karpinski - Kindergarten                                                       Kindergarten NewsWiki
B.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University. Dual Illinois certification in Elementary education and Special Education. Additional classes towards a Master’s Degree in Reading have also been taken.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught 1st grade at the former St. Peter & Paul School for 6 years. Substituted and tutored at BCA prior to returning in 1999 to teach Kindergarten. Student Council & fundability Coordinators.
Mrs. Joanna Slawson - Pre K4 & Computers                                 Mrs Joanna's Shutterfly Share Site
B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University. Illinois certification in Early Childhood Teaching, Dean’s List, member of NAEYC.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught children under the age of three at a NAEYC accredited child care center for the past year.  Accumulated over 180 hours of clinical experience with children. Volunteer for Partners in Reading program through Illinois State University. Computer teacher for grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Mrs. Jackie Lagoni - Pre K3                                                             Mrs Jackie's Shutterfly Share Site
B.A. in Unified Early Childhood Education with a Reading Endorsement from Loras College. Illinois certification in Early Childhood Teaching and certified by Archdiocese of Chicago as a Teacher Catechist. Member of the International Reading Association.

EXPERIENCE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Taught Kindergarten and worked as Director of Children's Campus, Inc. Child Care Center from 2004 through 2007. Instituted the first Father/Daughter and Mother/Son nights, Book Fair. In a statewide preschool of the year competition received a second place award. Yearbook co-coordinator at Bridgeport Catholic Academy. Tutors reading for second grade at Bridgeport Catholic Academy.

Fr. Joseph Altman, Pastor Nativity of Our Lord Religion

Fr. John Parker, Pastor
All Saints-St. Anthony Religion

Mrs. Buckley,
Development

Mrs. Codina,
Aide

Mrs. Czubaja,
Lunch Program

Mrs. Dybas,
Aide

Mrs. Earley,
Aide

Mrs. Eier,
Physical Education

Mrs. Farnan,
Aide / Art

Mrs. Gaggiano,
Aide

Mr. Garcia,
Custodian

Mrs. Grek,
Aide

Deacon Fran Henry,
Religion

Mrs. Herrera,
Aide / Spanish

Mrs. LiFonti,
Administration

Mr. Marion,
Music

Mrs. Molloy,
Aide

Ms. Samulis,
Resource Teacher

Mrs. Shviraga, Administration

Mrs. Trentz,
Aide

Ms. Valenta,
Computers & Technology

Mrs. Zapata,
Aide
     

 Last Updated on 02/08/2013

Bridgeport Catholic Academy | 3700 South Lowe, Chicago, IL 60609 | ph: 773-376-6223 | fx: 773-376-3864 | Contact Us