Gina LaBarbera
Mrs. LaBarbera is a veteran shark, this is her first year back after spending some time as a wildcat over at Jefferson. We are so happy to have her back home and on the 1st grade team! Mrs. LaBarbera is also Schafer’s Conservation Club and Student Council Advisor.
Mrs. LaBarbera shares that her favorite part about being in education is the kids. She really enjoys watching the kids grow academically, socially and in their own confidence. When she thinks about her own school experience, she shares that her favorite teacher was her second grade teacher Mrs. Rusche. She loved all of her students and took the time to make sure they felt special. She recently Facebook messaged Mrs. LaBarbera to wish her luck in her new first grade adventure!
Mrs. LaBarbera wants our Sharks to know to always do your best, be kind, try hard and ask for help when you need it. She also shares that she cannot wait to form a caring relationship with her first grade family. She is so excited to help them reach their potential and grow to love learning.
Fun Facts:
Birthday: 3/7
Family: She has been married for 21 years to her husband Joe. They have four children. Aubrie is a Junior at ISU and Jorie just started her freshman year at Southern Illinois University. Her son Joey is a Junior at Glenbard South and her youngest, Kylie is a sophomore. She loves hanging with her family, listening to music, exploring nature and hanging in their backyard swimming pool.
Favorite school subject: Reading
Favorite color: Sage green
Favorite pet: Dogs! She loves her 2 dogs, Jack and Mike.
Favorite hobby: She loves yoga and hiking. She enjoys finding new places to enjoy nature. Mrs. LaBarbera is also a certified yoga teacher.
Favorite drink: Coffee
Favorite sports team: THE BEARS!
Favorite music: She loves going to concerts and listening to live music. She loves artists like Dave Matthews, Dead and Co, John Mayer and Post Malone. She also loves fun dance tunes and artists like Taylor Swift.
Favorite place visited: She loves the mountains of Colorado as well as the music venue, Red Rocks!
Dream vacation: Ireland
Surprising fact: She snowboards and water skis
Susan Campbell
Mrs. Campbell is a veteran shark and is part of the first grade team. She is also Schafer’s Safety Patrol Advisor.
Mrs. Campbell shares that her favorite part about being in education is making a difference in the lives of students. When she thinks about her own school experience, she shares that her favorite teacher was her first grade teacher because she made learning fun!
Mrs. Campbell wants our Sharks to know to always be the best version of yourself. Her wish for the 2023-24 school year is to create a love for learning in my students and for them to be the best version of themselves.
Fun Facts:
Years in education: 10 years (not consecutively)
Birthday: 1/25
Family: She is married and has 2 children. Her son is in law enforcement and her daughter is studying cyber security in Georgia. They also have a dog named Wrigley.
Favorite school subject: Reading and spelling
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite pet: She loves all animals especially manatees, sea turtles, hippos and dogs.
Favorite hobby: Create scrapbooks for my family
Favorite drink: Peach green tea
Favorite food/restaurant: Mexican
Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite music: Loves all music-pop, country
Favorite place visited: St. Thomas or Boston
Dream vacation: Turks and Caicos
Favorite quote: Shoot for the moon…even if you miss, you will land among the stars
