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).   My oldest son, Gino, lives in Denver with his wife, so I travel to Denver often. My son Angelo is a fireman. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family, listening to music, concerts, 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 22nd year teaching at Parkland.

I live right here in McHenry with my three kids.  My son, Evan, is a sophomore at McHenry High School.  My daughter, Reese, and my son, Camden, are here at Parkland.  Reese is in 8th grade and Camden is in 6th grade.  Some of my favorite things are coaching soccer, disc golfing, camping with my family, listening to loud music in the car, 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.  I am also 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. I grew up in Chicago, but have lived in McHenry since 2014. I graduated in 2009 from Northeastern Illinois University with my bachelor's in education.  I received my LBS1 from Lewis University in 2012. I received my Master's in Special Education from American College of Education in 2022. I have two wonderful children, Henry and Cecilia. 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. Matz- Resource Assistant

A little bit about myself.... I have two daughters, Mackenzie, 27, and Shelby, 11, who started 6th grade this year at Parkland. I grew up in Harvard and currently live in McHenry.  I am a huge Cubs fan, and I love doing anything outdoors!  My hobbies are camping, fishing, hiking, reading, and cooking. I love spending time with my family and love most genres of music, although country is my favorite.  My favorite holiday is Halloween, and my favorite movie is The Goonies.