A Message from Silver Creek Elementary Principal, Michael Speer
Mrs. Lisa Patterson and I were thrilled to receive word this week that she was selected to receive a 2026 Those Who Excel award from the Illinois State Board of Education! Educators who receive this "award of special recognition" are valued members of their school community who have been recognized by their colleagues, students, families, and administrators for the skills, passions, and talents they bring to their school community.
Silver Creek Elementary is a special place because we take pride in teamwork and prioritizing the relationships that we build with our students. As a teacher, Mrs. Patterson exemplifies this work ethic. Her classroom is one that stands out in our school where you not only witness the respect and rapport that she has with her students, but also the culture of learning she has created where her students respect each other. A great story…the students in Mrs. Patterson’s class love getting visitors. Anytime a “special guest” visits the classroom, the guest gets to spin the “treasure wheel”. A successful spin where the wheel number matches the number on the class treasure box means all of the students get the surprise located inside. A “Hersey’s Kiss” would be an example of a treasure box surprise. Anytime a guest matches the winning number, it is a 1st grade class celebration!
Mrs. Patterson has also taken on several leadership roles within our school. She has been an active member of our social committee and assembly committee. In addition to this, she has served as an instructional coach, piloted our new reading curriculum, and advised new teachers in our district's mentor program. A great story…the 120th day of the school year is always a special one at Silver Creek, particularly for our 1st graders, as counting to 120 is an assessed skill at this grade level. Mrs. Patterson takes the lead each school year on organizing a parade through our school on the 120th day of attendance. There is a parade theme each year, a favorite being a few years back when the 1st grade teachers dressed as if they were 120 years old!
Congratulations, Mrs. Patterson! Receiving this award is quite an honor for her and our school!