6 White

Mrs. Melynda Virgil-Maurer
Hello and Welcome to Parkland School! I’m the 6 White Social Studies Teacher. This is my 31st year of teaching, my 30th year at Parkland, and my 8th year teaching in 6th Grade. In addition, I also coach Boys & Girls Basketball, Track, and Cross Country. Augustana College is where I received my Bachelor's degree, and I completed my Master's degree at Aurora University. My free time is spent with my family, camping, fishing, and watching numerous sports. It's going to be a great year! Parkland rocks!

Mrs. Haley Zirlin
My name is Haley Zirlin, and I'm the 6th Grade Language Arts teacher at Parkland School on the White Team. This is my 9th year of teaching here at Parkland. I graduated from Bradley University in May of 2018 with a degree in Middle School English Education (grades 5-8). I also received my ESL endorsement in grades K-12 during my time at Bradley. I completed my Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction at the American College of Education. Some of my hobbies outside of school include traveling, LEGOS, playing with my Great Dane (Luna), writing, seeing live music, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors. Let's have an amazing school year!

Mrs. Kelsey Punzio
My name is Kelsey Punzio and I am the 6th grade Math teacher at Parkland School on the White team. This is my 13th year teaching, but my first year at Parkland! Previously, I taught 7th grade math. I am so excited to be here! I graduated from ISU in 2014 with my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I then continued my education at NIU where I earned my Masters Degree in Literacy Education. I also have an ESL endorsement through NIU. Outside of school I love to spend time with my husband and two daughters, Linda and Lilly. I am also an avid horseback rider and animal lover. You will often find me hanging out with my pets along with my family. I cannot wait to have a great school year with the Parkland family!

Mrs. Michelle Stanton

Hi! My name is Michelle Stanton and I am the 6th Grade Science Teacher on the White Team! This is my 10th year teaching, but my 6th year teaching at Parkland. I am actually a former Parkland Viking, myself, and it has always been my dream to come back and work in the school district that made me, me! I graduated from Illinois State University in 2017 and received my Bachelor's Degree in Middle School Science and English Education. In November of 2023, I received my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the American College of Education. I am currently the Science Club Advisor, as well as the Builders Club Advisor. My husband and I had our sweet baby girl last year, and our wonderful baby boy in July. We also have 2 dogs, Nala and Scooby. We enjoy every opportunity to travel to new states, National Parks, and MLB stadiums!. I'm looking forward to a fantastic year

Mrs. Lisa Shannon

Hello! My name is Lisa Shannon and while I am new to Parkland, I’ve been in education for quite some time.  This will be my 8th year as a special education teacher in a middle school.  I started teaching in Wisconsin, have taught 3rd and 5th grade and also subbed for D15 for 5 years.  I took a break for 13 years to raise my 3 kiddos - Nolan, Megan and Brandon, who all graduated from McHenry and are either in college or have graduated wishing they didn’t have to be an adult already!   My husband and I now keep busy with our 2 Pomsky fur babies, traveling, spending time at our cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and can’t wait to watch our youngest play baseball for the University of Louisville.  I’m looking forward to our year together!