As this 2024-2025 school year is approaching its end, we like to take a moment to appreciate the careers of our retiring staff members. In specific, the Almond Campus is filled with sadness as Social Worker Mrs. Alcala will not be returning in the Fall.
Mrs. Alcala has been a beloved member of the Warren staff for twenty one years, which, she mentions, “flew by.” Mr. Arnold is a counselor at Almond and has worked closely with Mrs. Alcala for about 6 years; as he puts it,
“She makes my job a heck of a lot easier and has taught me a lot about supporting students.”
Mrs. Maggiore has also worked with Mrs. Alcala for many years says, “She goes to the ends of the earth for her students, and even though she only has a little bit of time left, she is staying strong until the end.”
Going back, though, Mrs. Alcala graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and attained a Master’s degree from Aurora University. When she began her career, she worked at Cook County Public Health Department as a Medical Social Worker and then as a Police Social Worker.
Now, after working at Warren for over two decades, Mrs. Alcala can safely say that her favorite thing about it is that, “this school community is absolutely the best! We have a supportive and inclusive school environment that have outstanding students and such hardworking and dedicated teachers/staff.”
She has so many favorite Warren memories, but her all time favorite is “when students return to my office to celebrate their successes from a class, school program, sport or a personal accomplishment. I LOVE seeing my students accomplish their goals.”
To any beginner Social Workers out there, Mrs. Alcala would advise them to “to ask questions, learn from the other Social Workers and Student Service Team members and also be ready to advocate, support and empower students to be the best version of themselves. Have fun because this is a great place to work and make a difference!”
As for her plans after retirement, Mrs. Alcala is looking forward to focusing some time on herself by getting involved in some health/fitness activities, spending time with her husband and kids, traveling to wherever she can to see the world, and also enjoying life to the fullest.
The Warren Family wishes Mrs. Alcala all the best in her next chapter. Thank you Mrs. Alcala.
