Grayslake Community High School District 127 is building on a model that’s already making an impact and bringing it to both schools.
Tom New, who has helped grow student storytelling and media production at Grayslake North, will step into a new role as the District’s Communications Specialist beginning July 1. His focus: expand that work across the District so more students and staff see themselves reflected in the D127 story.
“I know the joy that students and staff feel when they see themselves in something positive,” New said. “I’m excited to bring that to a larger scale, so more people feel seen and celebrated.”
Over the past several years at Grayslake North, New has helped transform how stories are told within the school community.
Starting as an English teacher, he moved into roles as a Technology Coach, Instructional Coach, and Library Media Specialist, eventually helping build out spaces dedicated to broadcast, podcasting, and media production. He also played a key role in launching and growing the school’s broadcast journalism program.
Through that work, students didn’t just learn skills, they discovered new passions and possibilities.
“We’ve had students go into broadcasting and media fields, or realize they love creating in ways they didn’t expect,” New said. “It’s fun watching them build that confidence.”
Now, he’s looking to take what’s worked at North and thoughtfully bring those opportunities to Grayslake Central.
“I can’t assume everything will look the same,” he said. “It’s about starting fresh, working with each group, and building something that fits, while bringing in ideas that have worked well.”
With experience in both student learning and media production, New sees storytelling as a way to strengthen connections, not just within schools, but across the entire D127 community.
“I think this role is a great opportunity to connect people in ways that maybe didn’t exist before,” he said. “Helping the community see what’s happening in our schools, and helping students see how they’re part of something bigger.”
That includes highlighting the unique identities of both schools while also showing the shared experiences that unite them.
“We’re one district with two strong school communities,” New said. “There’s an opportunity to show both what makes each place special and what brings us together.”
Even in a districtwide role, New plans to stay closely connected to students, continuing to collaborate on projects and involve them in the storytelling process.
From working alongside broadcast students to partnering with student interns on creative projects, he sees students as essential contributors to the work ahead.
“It’s important to me to still be in the classroom and working with kids,” he said. “That’s where the energy and the best ideas come from.”
As D127 continues to prioritize relevant, engaging, and authentic learning, New believes storytelling plays a key role in that mission.
“This district has so many incredible stories,” he said. “I’m excited to help share them in a way that makes people feel connected and proud to be part of D127.”