By Jennifer Cheng and Maya Mashkovich, Grade 6
Middle School North

How much do you know about Mrs. Waitz? We're here to tell you some interesting facts and stories about her life. Interested? Keep reading.
You might think that it was her dream to become a teacher, since she's sooo great at it, but in truth, she never planned on it. The only reason she decided to try it was because you didn't have to learn a foreign language. In making this choice, she ending up finding her dream job. She started teaching in 1973, when she was 21. As for children, she would risk her life for them. But for parents and administrators, she can definitely live without them.
But, she's not the only teacher in her family. Her kids are also following in her footsteps. Matthew, 29, is working as a Math teacher at a high school in Northbrook. Her daughter Amy, 25, works as a science teacher at Vernon Hills High School. Amy is married to Bryan, and has a child named Anna who is fifteen months old.
It seems like Mrs. Waitz still has some kid inside her. She LOVES to nap, watch sports, and hang out with her friends! Wouldn't you do that on a free day? I would! Also, she absolutely adores playing with her granddaughter, Anna.
Her favorite holiday is your birthday!
"It's your special day! I believe a birthday could be celebrated for a whole month!" exlaimed Mrs. Waitz.
One of her special traditions for birthdays is that she bakes a cake for you (and no, she doesn't literally bring in a cake for you on your birthday). Another one of her traditions is the usual hiding of the Easter eggs, and firecrackers for Christmas.
FAVORITES! Do you have some? I bet you do. Most people like watching movies, so we asked Mrs. Waitz what her favorite movie was. She replied, "When Harry Met Sally". She also loves to watch "Grey's Anatomy" (a tv series). Her most favorite and least favorite actors were Steve Martin, Meg Ryan, and Billy Crystal for favorites , and her least favorite actor was Ally McGraw.
What's your favorite color? Is it orange and blue, the Illini colors? For Mrs. Waitz, that would be a yes.
Haven't you ever wondered what music teachers listen to? Mrs. Waitz listens to Oldies; like the Beatles. Do teachers have friends? DUH they do. When Mrs. Waitz hangs out with hers, they gossip and tell stories.
Mrs. Waitz loves to pig out on PIZZA! What do you like to pig out on?
Lastly, we have two wonderful stories for you to read.
1. When Mrs. Waitz had braces, she had them from 10-15 years old but she didn't like her orthodonist. One day, she got so frustrated, that she tried to yank off her braces in the bathroom. When she went to college, she had to turn in a physical form. And the doctor wouldn't let her go without getting braces. It ended up that she had to wear braces for one whole year in college!
2. When Mrs. Waitz was watching a contest, she was so excited that she moved up in her chair, and her chair tipped and fell. She smacked her head on the table in front of everybody. She was SO EMBARRASED!