Specialized Services

Colleen Kelly

Teacher - 201
Playing school as a child – and ALWAYS being the teacher - must have been a sign. I have now been an educator for well over 30 years!  After working in suburban and other CPS schools, I have had the good fortune to work at Shields since 2002. I was one of the school librarians here for 13 years. In 2015, I started teaching second grade. Children of former students have even been in my second grade class!
My coworkers here at Shields are like family to me. Away from school, however, I love to spend time with my adult children and delightful new granddaughter. Additionally, my friends and I enjoy going to movies and concerts, and talking about books we’re reading.
 
Jugar a la escuela cuando era niña, y SIEMPRE ser el maestra, debe haber sido una señal. ¡He sido educadora durante más de 30 años! Después de trabajar en escuelas suburbanas y otras escuelas de CPS, he tenido la suerte de trabajar en Shields desde 2002. Fui uno de los bibliotecarias escolares aquí durante 13 años. En 2015, comencé a enseñar segundo grado. ¡Los hijos de antiguos alumnos incluso han estado en mi clase de segundo grado!
Mis compañeros de trabajo aquí en Shields son como una familia para mí. Sin embargo, fuera de la escuela, me encanta pasar tiempo con mis hijos adultos y mi nueva y encantadora nieta. Además, a mis amigos y a mí nos gusta ir al cine y a los conciertos, y hablar sobre los libros que leemos.

CAITRIONAGH O'CONNOR

Teacher - 122
Hi! My name is Cait O'Connor. I am a preschool special education teacher. I have been teaching at Shields for 3 years. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with my bachelors degree in Special Education. I am just finishing up my Masters in Education at Dominican University. My favorite part about teaching preschool is seeing my students learn and make friends! My favorite children's book is Pete the Cat. In my free time I am a high school cheerleading coach. I also enjoy traveling, doing crafts and making things for my classroom. ​

Catherine Rovetto​

Teacher - 221
Hello Friends! My name is Ms. Catherine Rovetto, the Diverse Learner Teacher for Kdg-First Grade. I have been teaching for over 30 years and  been with CPS most of my career. I have two children, Allysia and Joseph. Both my children are in college. I also have a dog, Harper. She is a GSD, German Shepard and is very loyal. Harper loves to play ball outside as well as begging for treats! In my spare time, I like to read, workout, and be with my family.
Teaching has always been my calling. I come from a family of teachers. My sister, cousin, aunt and uncle are teachers. In fact, my Uncle Jack was a principal too.  He inspired me to always continue learning no matter how old you are and be true to yourself. ​

---

THERESA KARPIERZ

Darlene Ferguson

STASIA FIALKOWSKI

Teacher - 121

Teacher - 213

Hi! My name is Darlene Ferguson.  I have been a teacher in CPS for over 20 years.  I love working with students and their families to create a positive school experience.  I believe that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and cared for.  I strive to be the teacher I expected for my own children.  I love my job!  I am the proud mother of three children.  My two sons are both Chicago Fire Fighters, and my daughter lives in Los Angeles and works for a designer.  I also have a wonderful step-daughter, step-son, and daughter-in-law.  My husband and I love spending time with our family, friends, and our two rescue dogs Daisy and Clyde.  
¡Hola! Mi nombre es Darlene Ferguson. He sido maestra en CPS por más de 20 años. Me encanta trabajar con los estudiantes y sus familias para crear una experiencia escolar positiva. Creo que los niños aprenden mejor cuando se sienten seguros, valorados y cuidados. Me esfuerzo por ser el maestro que esperaba para mis propios hijos. ¡Amo mi trabajo! Soy la orgullosa madre de tres hijos. Mis dos hijos son Bomberos de Chicago y mi hija vive en Los Ángeles y trabaja para un diseñador. También tengo una maravillosa hijastra, hijastro y nuera. Mi esposo y yo amamos pasar tiempo con nuestra familia, amigos y nuestros dos perros de rescate, Daisy y Clyde.
​
​

Teacher - 306
Hi, my name is Stasia Fialkowski.  I have been a teacher at Shields for 22 years. During those 22 years I have taught 3rd, and 5th grade, Kindergarten, and Special Education 1st through 4th grade.  I am currently teaching 1st and 2nd grade Reading and Math.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as certificates to teach Special Education, and many other subjects.   In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and watching baseball, football, and hockey.  I love being part of the Shields community and seeing all of the students accomplishments over the years.  
​