8 White

Mrs. Kim Smith - Social Studies

Hi!  I have been teaching since 2003.  I love history and enjoy teaching the 8th-grade curriculum, especially WWII/Holocaust. I was born and raised in Chicago. My Bachelor of Arts degree is from Northeastern Illinois University and my Master of Arts degree is from National Louis University. I have two adult sons who are both McHenry West High School graduates (Gino & Angelo).  I also have a stepson (Noah) who lives in North Carolina.  My oldest son, Gino, lives in Denver, so I travel to Denver and North Carolina often. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, going for motorcycle rides, listening to music and seeing live music, kayaking, and reading.  

Mr. Arlan Nathan- Science

Hello Everyone!  This is my second year teaching on the 8 White team at Parkland Middle School.  I went to Prairie Ridge High School and graduated college from Illinois State University with my bachelor's in Middle Level Education.  I have a great passion for the subject of Science and look forward to teaching the 8th grade curriculum this year (Weather, Matter and Forces and Energy). I enjoy spending my free time outdoors, whether that be golfing, fishing, hiking, and playing pickleball or watching sports on television.  I am a die hard fan of the Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls.  I will do my best as a teacher to make science matter to my students. Looking forward to a great year!

Ms. Robyn Blasy - Math

Hello, Vikings!  Welcome to the 8 White team!!! I am excited about starting my 21st year teaching at Parkland.

I live right here in McHenry with my three kids.  Evan is at the Freshman campus, Reese is in 7th grade at Parkland, and Camden is in 5th grade at Valley View.  Some of my favorite things are coaching soccer, disc golfing, camping with my family, researching song lyrics, shopping, and watching reality television.

Here at Parkland, I love to stay involved!  I enjoy attending club performances, sports games/meets, and staying after school with students who need some academic support.  I coach the Parkland Soccer Club, the Parkland Cheer Squad, and I am one of the Homework Help supervisors.  If you see me after school, be sure to say hello!

Instagram: ms.blasy.8.white

Ms. Lauren Lotz - Resource Teacher

Hi!  My name is Ms. Lauren Lotz and I am the 8 White Learning Resource teacher! I have been in the education field since 2009.  This is my 9th year in the district, but first year at Parkland. I have spent the past 8 years at McHenry Middle School. I grew up in Chicago, but have lived in McHenry for the past 11 years. I graduated in 2009 from Northeastern Illinois University with my bachelors in education.  I received my LBS1 from Lewis University in 2012.  I received my Masters in Special Education from American College of Education and received that in 2022. I have two wonderful children, Henry (1st grade at Valley View), and Cecilia (PreK at Edgebrook).  I am excited to be on this team and can’t wait for a great year!

Please feel free to reach out and email me at llotz@d15.org!

Mrs. Ellen McCann - Language Arts

Hey!  I am so excited to be a Viking and a part of the Parkland family! This is my 13^th year teaching eighth grade.  Over the years, I have taught both English language arts and United States history.  I attended Northern Illinois University and am currently working on getting my master’s degree in instructional design and technology.

I live with my husband, two kids (Ava and Shae), and three dogs (Dempsey, Mac and Hubert).  I have two horses, Marley and Bentley, and participate in hunter/jumper competitions.  I love spending time with my family, being active, and enjoy listening to music (all different genres)!

Please let me know if you need any help throughout the year, as I am here to support each of my students!

Ms. Courtney Wosik- Paraprofessional

Hi! This is my second year as a Paraprofessional for the 8 white team! I graduated from Northern Illinois University with my bachelor's degree in 2021. I truly enjoy watching each student grow in their confidence every year and all the shared laughs along the way. Outside the classroom, I love working out, spending time with my family, and lots of hikes with my golden retriever, Winnie. I can't wait for an amazing year ahead.