Principal's Message

CAT & CAL Parents,
 
I was recently named the principal of Thornton Fractional Center for Academics & Technology (CAT) and Thornton Fractional Center for Alternative Learning (CAL). We are two schools on one campus! I am excited to begin this new chapter in my educational career. I am especially happy about being able to work with families from all four communities that District 215 services. As I look to work with the diversity of student and family needs, I am grateful for the knowledgeable staff that I get to work alongside of as the instructional leader.
 
I originally joined the District 215 staff in 1995 and have held several positions; this new one being most challenging and rewarding. I grew up in East St. Louis, IL and attended Lincoln High School. After graduating high school, I attended University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where I majored in English Education. In 1999, I graduated with my master’s degree in Leadership and Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I am currently enrolled in a doctoral program, Educational Administration and Foundations (EAF) at Illinois State University.

My parents instilled in me the importance of goal setting. Set both short-term and long-term goals, reach them and set new goals. I hope to share that skill with our students and staff, as we model, in our own ways, what that looks like with students in order to help them reach their full potential. This will allow us to provide precision support when needed and celebrate our victories together.
 
My educational philosophy is equity based, with the understanding that we have one goal of educating youth, but we must provide each student what is needed for them to reach their idea of success.  
 
I look forward to working together with the students, parents, faculty, staff, and the local community. With all of us working together, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish!

 
Educationally,

Raymond Williams- Proud Principal of CAT and CAL​