Message from the Principal

OQ Families, 

When I was hired six years ago to be the principal of Old Quarry Middle School, I knew it truly was a dream come true. The Lemont community welcomed me with open arms, and what we have been able to accomplish together in these six years has been truly amazing. Last school year, we received our first exemplary rating from the Illinois State Board of Education along with our second Illinois Schools to Watch designation. This could not have been possible without what I feel are the three most important ingredients to a successful school: teachers who adopt the "whatever it takes" mentality, supportive parents, and, most importantly, amazing students. Thank you for being the most amazing parents in the world.

For all of our new families, please know that I will treat every student as if they were my own. Thank you for trusting us with your most prized possessions—your child!

As we transition from summer mode to school mode, please remind your child that every interaction matters. Continue to teach your kids that kindness wins every time. Demonstrating kindness is easy: helping a classmate with a problem, complimenting a peer about a shirt, or sitting with a classmate who may be sitting alone. As I tell the students every day on the morning announcements, “If it is not helpful, insightful, or kind, do not text it, Snapchat it, TikTok it, or Facebook it… Just be kind!”

At Old Quarry Middle School, regular student attendance is crucial for academic success and overall growth. Consistent attendance allows students to engage in meaningful learning experiences, build strong relationships with peers and teachers, and stay connected with the school community. Though we understand illness happens, WE NEED EVERY STUDENT here daily.

We understand that students occasionally forget something at home, but rest assured, our school is fully equipped with all the resources and support they need to have a successful day. To minimize outside visitors, we’re asking if your child forgets something, it is okay. Contact the main office directly, and we will address their needs.

Speaking of minimizing visitors, during the last 15 minutes of the school day, we have many students whose parents are taking them out of school. We’re asking that parents not take their child out of the building after 2:15. If it is after 2:15, please wait until the students are dismissed at the end of the school day at 2:30. Please do not use Uber Eats or any other delivery service to send meals to the building. We do not know who the delivery drivers are, and I do not want any extra visitors during the school day.

In an effort to keep your child engaged in their learning, we’re asking every student to leave their cell phones in their lockers. This will help us keep our teachers free of distracted learners and our students engaged throughout their class periods. I know this may be new for everyone, but if you all can help remind your child that their phone should be in their lockers from the hours of 7:30-2:30, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for trusting us with your most prized possessions: your children. We hope that as they navigate middle school, they leave more confident, prepared, and overall a better person!

Joe Sweeney

Contact Us...

Joe Sweeney
Principal
 [email protected]

Kristen Salwierak
Assistant Principal
[email protected]

Dave Jones
Assistant Principal
[email protected]