8 White

Ms. Maher

ABOUT ME
This is my thirteenth year teaching at McHenry Middle School.  I love being a part of a school that I once attended as a student.  I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education at Northern Illinois University with elementary certification and endorsements in Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. I earned my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University and I continue to take courses to stay current and relevant for my students.  I enjoy spending time with my two children and puppy as well as cooking, watching movies, and visiting with family and friends.

MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As a teacher, it is my goal to motivate my students to become questioners and reflectors instead of memorizers and forgetters.  I want to enlighten students by not only giving them the information they need, but also by encouraging them to look beyond my words for more truth and understanding.  By giving my students the opportunity to look outside the box, I will help them to understand a little more about the world and themselves.  I want my students to take the unknown by the hand and go on an adventure.  They need to be given the chance to make mistakes and welcome what they never thought possible.

Mrs. Dausman

Hi there!

I am Mrs. Dausman, I am the 8 White Language Arts teacher. This is my fourth year at McHenry Middle School and fifth year of teaching. I have previously spent two years teaching Language Arts in Indianapolis, but now I have returned to my roots in Illinois and I currently live here in McHenry. McHenry is now my home for me, my husband, and our dog. In our free time, we like to explore new restaurants, spend time with our friends and family, and watch hockey or soccer. 

As a Language Arts teacher, and more importantly, a teacher of adolescents, I am passionate about helping students develop strong individual reading and writing habits. I am passionate about keeping students interested in reading at this age, and also giving them strategies for writing creatively and clearly. As the world fills with more technology, I want students to find a balance between the values of literacy and technology, especially before they enter high school. Guiding students in building an appreciation for reading and writing is what motivates me to be an educator, and I am so excited to learn how that appreciation looks for each student. 

Mrs. Allen

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to kick off the school year with you! I am the 8 White Social Studies teacher. 

I earned my Bachelor's of Science in Middle Level Education from Illinois State University and my Master's of Education in History Education from the American College of Education. 

In my free time, I like to spend time with my family, friends, and two dogs. My favorite hobbies are camping, hiking, and paddle boarding. I also love to travel, especially to places of historical significance. Some places I have been to that also relate to our U.S History curriculum are Mount Rushmore, Washington D.C, Hoover Dam, Puerto Rico and the Panama Canal. 

I am looking forward to a great year!

Miss Schmitz

Welcome! 

I am Miss Schmitz, and I am the 8 White Math teacher! Although I subbed in the district for the 24-25 school year, this will be my first year teaching. I went to school here sometime ago and actually had Mrs. Peter (previous 8 white math teacher) as a teacher. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater in May 2024 with a Bachelor's of Science in Education. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, boating, or watching my all-time favorite baseball team, The Chicago Cubs, of course. 

I am excited to build strong relationships, foster confidence in learning, and help students discover how math connects to the real world. I believe when students feel valued and supported, they thrive - not just in math but in life as well. Can't wait for a great school year!

Ms. Sena

Hello! My name is Ms. Sena and I am the 8 White Resource Teacher. This is my 7th year of teaching and I love teaching in the same district that I attended as a student. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Middle Grades Education from Trinity Christian College in 2018. I am obtained my Master's in Curriculum & Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University in 2024. I was born in McHenry, IL, and attended Riverwood School, Parkland School, and McHenry West Campus HS. Throughout middle school and high school, I was a multi-sport athlete and a four-year collegiate student-athlete. When I am not in the classroom, I coach 7th grade Boys and Girls Basketball, and 8th Grade Volleyball at MMS.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and two sisters, my friends, and my two dogs, Benson and Toby. I love playing games, doing puzzles, reading books, and going on walks. I am excited about this school year and all the new opportunities it brings! I look forward to providing my students with a safe and welcoming learning environment where they can truly blossom to their full potential, and I am truly blessed to be working with students every day!