Principal
Principal Letter
My name is Sue Forcash and this is my 4th year as the Oak Prairie Junior High Principal. I am honored to be in this position and I’m eagerly anticipating another year of learning and excitement working with Oak Prairie students, staff, and families. Professionally, I have spent my career working with primarily 6th-12th grade students as a teacher and coach. Prior to Oak Prairie, I worked as an Assistant Principal at Crone Middle School in Naperville for 2 years. I also taught for 15 years in LaGrange District 102 and coached high school basketball at Lyons Township High School. I received my undergraduate degree from Knox College, and I hold a Masters Degree in both Curriculum and Instruction as well as Administration and School Leadership from National Louis University. Personally, I am married and have 2 children, ages 6 and 10, and I enjoy spending my free time with my family, watching or playing sports, reading, and spending time outdoors. As an educator, I find the junior high years to be pivotal in the development of children. It’s a time when they are learning who they are and making the transition from the elementary years in preparation for high school. Being a part of this journey is truly rewarding as we as parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, and students work together to make the experience memorable and enriching. I am looking forward to an awesome year at Oak Prairie! It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!
You can follow Mrs. Forcash on twitter @ForcashSusan
Welcome to Oak Prairie Junior High
Oak Prairie Junior High School is located at 15161 South Gougar Road, in an unincorporated section of Homer Township. Oak Prairie Junior High School opened its doors to students for the first time in August 2002. At that time Oak Prairie became the most recent addition to the four schools now operating within Will County School District 92 boundaries.
The Oak Prairie teachers are some of the best around! They promote academic excellence, individual responsibility, and appropriate social interaction. The Oak Prairie staff work to prepare all students for a smooth transition to the high school level; academically, socially, and emotionally. Meeting these lofty goals would not be possible without the professional dedication of a tireless staff, along with tremendous community support. Oak Prairie Junior High School is proud to have such a staff and honored to be part of an amazing and supportive community.
The academic day at Oak Prairie is structured around an eight-period class day. During these eight periods, every student has five core subjects (Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies) and one P.E./health class.
Sixth-grade students participate in a mini course class rotation (Computers, STEM Academy, Music and Art) and also select one elective class (Connections, Choir, or Band).
Seventh and eighth-grade students have two elective class choices; Band, Choir, Digital Art, Art II, 3D Art, STEM, Guitar, Music Technology, Computer Applications, Computer Media Production, Discovering Languages & Cultures, Spanish I and/or Spanish II.
Oak Prairie offers educational supports for all of its learners and provides reading and/or math interventions for struggling students as well as enrichment options for those students that excel. In addition, there are instructional, resource and special education classes to aid the identified special needs population. These programs along with a robust ELL (English Language Learners) program help all students to succeed in school.
Many before and after school programs are offered throughout the year. Some of these include sports, music lessons, student council, dance club, cheerleading, tutoring, S.O.S. (Student Opportunity to Succeed), and art club.
Much effort goes into the successful education of a child. One component of that process is a strong, caring school system with dedicated loving teachers. We have that at Oak Prairie Junior High School but without the extraordinary parents and community, our job would be made near impossible. We are grateful for the time and commitment our parents and community members show to further the educational process of all our students. To the District 92 Foundation, PFA, Athletic Association, local business associations and other such support groups we cannot be more grateful, “Thank You”!
If you have any questions about any of our programs, please call or email me at Oak Prairie Junior High School, 815-836-2724.
Sincerely,
Sue Forcash, Principal