This year, Dr. Michael Kuzniewski has returned to J. Sterling Morton High Schools, bringing with him both experience and Mustang pride. We sat down with him for a round of questions—some serious, some fun—to learn more about his goals for our schools and a few things students might not know about him.
Let’s start with some school and education-related questions:
1. What made you want to return to our district?
When I retired, I left with a piece of Morton in my heart. When I said at each graduation, “Once a Mustang, always a Mustang,” I meant it. Morton is a dynamic place with unique challenges and unique opportunities. I missed this, and when I was given the opportunity to return, I was ecstatic.
2. How do you think our schools have changed since you last worked here?
Truthfully, I feel like school spirit among students was very high when I left. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to feel that same spirit.
3. What is one thing that feels the same about the district as when you left?
Many of the staff I hired are still here, and many of the programs that were implemented have grown or been enhanced.
4. What’s one goal you have for our schools now that you’re back?
To make schools a place where students enjoy learning and staff enjoy facilitating that learning.
5. What do you hope students will notice under your leadership this year?
That our staff is advocating for and ensuring, to the best of their ability, that each student succeeds.
6. How do you plan to stay connected to students and their needs?
Through input from student board members and by attending student events.
7. What advice would you give students about making the most of high school?
My advice is that this is the last opportunity for free education—don’t waste that opportunity. Also, we offer so many curricular and co-curricular activities to be engaged in, so find an area of interest and join, or explore many different ones until you find your passion.
8. What role do you think student voices should play in shaping the district?
I think student input should be used by teachers as reflection on instructional practices and by administration for programming needs.
Now, let’s switch to some personal and fun questions:
9. What was your first job as a teenager?
Custodian at a nursing home corporation.
10. What’s a hobby or interest of yours that students might be surprised by?
I enjoy being at high school sporting events—they are the most pure.
11. What show, movie, or book are you into right now?
The Landman series and binge-watching The West Wing.
And now, for some quick This or Thats!
12. Cubs or Sox?
Sox.
13. Tacos or Pizza?
Both!!!
14. Elotes or Churros?
Churros.
15. Summer in Cicero or Winter in Cicero?
I prefer summer wherever I am.
16. Dogs or Cats?
Dogs.
17. Soccer or Basketball?
Soccer.
18. Tamales, turkey, or ham at the holidays?
Ham.
19. Mexican Coke (in the glass bottle) or Jarritos?
Jarritos—I don’t like cola of any kind.
20. Jordans or Nikes?
I’m not a brand-focused person.
Thank you, Dr. Kuzniewski, for taking the time to share with us—and welcome back to Morton!
