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Principal's Message

Marian L. Strok, Principal

To ALL!!!

One June 12th we closed our the 24-25 school year...and my 18th year as principal. of this outstanding school. On August 18th (short summer vacation) we begin the 25-26 school year...and my 19th year as principal of this outstanding school.

I love to start any year with the good news.  WE DID IT!!! We are designated a CPS STEAM DEMONSTRATION School.  In addition, we will be applying to the National Forum 'Schools to Watch' for Middle School reform for the SIXTH TIME (Fifth redesignation). 

I cannot tell you how grateful I am everyday to say I still LOVE what I do to help to develop students into critical thinkers, especially in the turmoil of today.  In the words of my favorite TV show character (Gibbs on NCIS) "I don't know what I would do without what I do!"
 
To the Class of 2026, life will have its peaks and valleys...and its challenges.  You can't have a bouquet of roses without a few thorns.  But you can do it!!! Don't wait for the storm to pass...dance in the rain. 
 
Students, please continue to keep yourselves and others safe by using some of the lessons you have/or will have learned and continue to practice them. Some of them are:
 
1. The FISH Philosophy:
  • BE THERE for others with all you have to offer and truly 
  • Choose Your Attitude in all you do. 
  • Try to Make Someone's Day each day...Especially right now.
  • Play Find a way to have constructive fun. Education needs to be exciting. 
 
2. The Formative Five:
  • Use INTEGRITY in all you do. remember what is right. 
  • Practice SELF-CONTROL.  This will become harder and harder you see injustice everywhere but be patient and be the change.
  • Do not just accept diversity...EMBRACE DIVERSITY.  Understand each others differences.
  • Have EMPATHY for those around you. Walk in the other person's shoes.
  • Finally, persevere...be persistent..that's GRIT. 
 
3. 212 DEGREES:
  • Water BOILS at 212º not 211º that ONE DEGREE makes a DIFFERENCE. We go that extra degree.
 
Remember to help where needed and ASK for help when you need it. Call your grandparents...and elderly neighbors...check on those you love. 
 
WE  must all 'Be the Calm'. 
 
We are Evergreen Academy Middle School...Where Excellence is THE Expectation...
  • We have Exemplary Status for Social Emotional Learning. 
  • We are a National Forum School to Watch through 2026...and we plan to stay that way…
  • Push the limits, shoot for the stars because you are one.
  • FINALLY, remember that ...ONCE A TIGER....ALWAYS a TIGER.
 
Always,
Mrs. Marian L. Strok
We're All in this Together!!! (2010-2013)
SING!!! (2013-2016)
ROAR!!! (2016-2019)
You Only Get What You Give (2019-2023)
I'm Still Standing (2023-26)