Exciting Updates in Education and Local Events

Tickets Available for Santa’s Trolley Express

In an early celebration of the holiday season, tickets are now on sale for Santa’s Trolley Express. The event is hosted by the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin. Starting from Blackhawk Station, located in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, visitors can enjoy these festive rides.

Scheduled for select weekends from November 28 to December 20, the rides feature a vintage 1959 subway train. Passengers will be entertained with holiday stories, free hot chocolate, singalongs, and a special appearance by Santa.

Ticket pricing starts at $38 per person until July 31, increases to $45 from August 1 to October 31, and is $50 per person from November 1. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Santa’s Trolley Express.

District U-46 Appoints New Administrators

The District U-46 School Board has announced three significant administrative appointments. These new leaders will take on their roles in the upcoming school year.

Luis De León has been appointed as the principal of Streamwood High School. With over two decades in education, he was most recently an assistant superintendent for Oak Park Elementary School District 97. His previous positions in U-46 include principal roles at various schools and a bilingual teaching position at Nature Ridge Elementary School.

Rafael Martinez-Ortiz is the new principal of the Dream Academy in Elgin. He has served as associate principal there since 2023. His extensive background includes positions such as assistant principal and divisional chair at Elgin High School, where he also taught several subjects as a bilingual teacher.

Angela DeMay has been appointed assistant director of specialized student services compliance. Her eight years of experience includes the role of director of student services for Skokie School District 73.5.

Elgin Community College Expands Vocational Programs

Elgin Community College is introducing two new vocational certificate programs this fall. These programs focus on basic skills for specific trades.

The pipe welding certificate will teach students various welding techniques such as gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, and shielded metal arc welding. The quality control technician certificate covers skills like interpreting engineering drawings and applying precision measurement techniques. This program can be completed in two semesters and requires no prerequisites.

Further details are available at Elgin Community College Manufacturing.