Administrators

Hello! My name is Heather Ehlschide, and I am incredibly proud to serve as the new Principal of Syringa Middle School. My passion for education has driven my career for the past 18 years. I've had the privilege of working in various roles such as a teacher, instructional coach, mentor, and educational consultant. My journey has led me to where I am today, and I couldn't be more excited to continue making a difference in the lives of our students and staff. I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from Murray State University and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. As I embark on this exciting new chapter, I look forward to working closely with the Syringa Middle School community to create a bright future for every student.

Brita Velazquez has been in education for seven years. She began her career teaching as a Special Education Teacher at Chicago International Charter School Bucktown in Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Velazquez has also been a mentor, teacher, and impact team leader. She earned her bachelor's in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, also in Chicago.

She has taught at Syringa Middle School as an Extended Resource Room teacher for the last four years. Ms. Velazquez looks forward to helping students and families solve problems. She also is excited to support the dynamic and passionate teaching staff at Syringa.

Originally from Hawaii, Ms. Velazquez spent some years in Chicago. She now lives in Idaho with her husband and two-year-old son. She enjoys gardening, running, reading, and spending time with her family.

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