Meet the New Principal at Ogden Avenue School

Parents, teachers and kids will see a new face in the halls at this year.

Pattii Waldo, the school's new principal, sat down with Patch recently to talk about the school year ahead, what she's looking forward to and meeting people around town with her big, black Labrador.

"It's been wonderful," Waldo said of learning the ropes at her new job. "Parents have been great, the staff has been great. Everyone is very friendly."

Waldo recently moved to  in June and has been using the cool summer evenings to walk her dog and meet some of her new students.

To help get her acquainted with our neighborhood, here's some information about Waldo that you should know, so you can strike up a conversation.

Hometown: Waldo was born and raised in Park Ridge, Ill., but she's lived all over the Midwest and has spent a lot of time in Michigan as well.

Kids: She has two grown children, and one is a professional diver at SeaWorld in Tampa, Fla.—how's that for a cool job!

Why She Moved to La Grange Park: "I like to live in the community where I work," Waldo said.

Professional Background: Waldo has 14 years of experience as a special education teacher, she is a former principal of Forest Elementary in Des Plains, Ill. and her most recent job was as director of professional development at the Maine Township School District in Park Ridge.

Big Changes this Year: Waldo said there are no big changes coming for the start of the year. Waldo said she's looking forward to watching how things work at the school currently and then working with teachers and parents to make changes.

Goals for Ogden: Waldo said she's a big believer in co-teaching and of technology in the classroom. With technology, Waldo said schools are generally behind where kids naturally are at home these days. Teaching kids how to use that technology by focusing on problem solving will give students the skills they need in education and in life.

First Impression of Ogden Parents: "The parents at Ogden seem to be really involved and open to discussion, I really like that," Waldo said.

Involved parents mean the opportunity to use them as resources, she added.

Personal Style as a Principal: "I'm a team member," Waldo said. "I will get in there a roll up my sleeves. When teachers and parents see that, they're more willing to get in there and help too."

Personal Hobbies: Waldo said she's an animal lover, a fan of historical fiction and has a love for cooking—Asian and Italian especially. 

What She's Looking Forward to Most: "I really like kids and for the last five years I've been teaching teachers, so I'm glad to be back with the kids."

Coming Up at Ogden:

New parents at Ogden Avenue School can attend a meet and greet with Waldo and Ogden parents on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m. at in La Grange Park. There will be food and refreshments as well as an opportunity for new parents in the community to meet with some experienced Ogden parents who can show them the ropes.