Killins, a mathematics teacher and Steppers coach, has been a member of the Lyons Township High School community since joining the mathematics department in 1999.

For more than two decades, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, fostering growth both academically and personally through her thoughtful and student-centered approach, according to a Lyons Township School District 204 news release.

She holds a bachelor of science in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin, a master of arts in teaching mathematics from the University of Chicago and a master of arts in school leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

Beyond the classroom, Killins has made a lasting impact through her involvement in extracurricular activities. She was the original coach of the school’s Steppers program and has also coached girls gymnastics.

This year, she continues her dedication by leading students in both activities, providing mentorship and support that extends far beyond academics, according to the release.

Known for her warmth, positivity and genuine care for students, Killins consistently builds meaningful relationships and creates an environment where all students feel supported and encouraged to succeed.

The Vita Plena Award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in service to the school community.

The students are:

Visit GPSParentSeries.org for event details and the links to these webinars.

Handling a child’s explosive anger can be challenging. Young children may not yet have the language and cognitive skills to identify, understand or express their feelings without resorting to outbursts.

Halloran returns to GPS with concrete suggestions to teach children to manage frustration and other uncomfortable emotions and stressors they will inevitably encounter in their day-to-day lives.

Join us to learn real-world skills for self-soothing that will help create a calm, positive atmosphere at home. Participants will walk away with proven strategies to help youth de-escalate, reset and reframe so they can feel more in control. By understanding potential triggers, parents can work on helping their children develop healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.

Halloran is a consultant, speaker and counselor. She founded Coping Skills for Kids in 2015 to help children and teens learn healthy and safe ways to manage big feelings.

She is the bestselling author of “Coping Skills for Kids Workbook,” and “Coping Skills for Teens Workbook.”

All are welcome to the free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events, contact Glenbard District 87 Student and Community Projects Coordinator Gilda Ross at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668. Continuing education credits are available.

The students are:

The funds were used to pay the costs of designing and constructing improvements to the girls’ varsity softball field. The field will be named Stacy Ann Baker Field.

A formal dedication ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. April 7.

The program will include school leadership, members of the Baker family and former teammates, followed by a ceremonial first pitch before the 4:45 p.m. game. This celebration is open to the public.

Baker, a 1985 alumni, died in 1999 at the age of 32. While at Lyons Township High School, she earned a softball scholarship to Northern Illinois University after she was named most valuable player on LT’s girls softball team.

Baker was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where she started her career in the trading pits. She went on to serve financial futures clients at the Chicago Board of Trade.

“District 204 is extremely thankful for the generous donation made to LT by the Baker family in honor of Stacy,” Superintendent Brian Waterman said. “We feel privileged to remember Stacy and her love of softball by improving the varsity softball field. Stacy’s passion for our school and softball will be shared with future LT Lions in the years to come.”