Administration

Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth Smith

Principal

Mrs. Elizabeth Smith

Welcome to Hill Elementary School! I am honored and excited to continue working with the Hill School students, families and staff as your principal. My goal for our community is that everyone who comes to Hill experiences joy during their time here - joy in learning; joy in collaborating; and joy in exploring new ideas, relationships and adventures. I believe that our job as educators is to balance the joy in each of those experiences with challenge in order to support students as they meet their academic, social and emotional goals and succeed at high levels.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Aurora University, I served as an elementary teacher at Greenman for 17 years; and after earning a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, I served as an assistant principal at Schneider and Smith, and Teacher on Special Assignment, all in West Aurora. Each of these experiences provided me with opportunities to engage with students, staff, families and community members in order to help students grow.

I grew up on the east side of Aurora, but my husband, Mike, and our two boys, Brady and Nolan, have been proud West Aurora Blackhawks from the start and will be continuing at West Aurora High School (our boys) and Jewel Middle School (Mike) this year. When we are not in school, we enjoy participating and watching a variety of sports, and you can usually find us at a ball field or in a gym, depending on the season. During the rare times we are not at a game or practice, I love to spend time reading.

I am looking forward to another wonderful year at Hill and welcome you to stop by and see the amazing things our students, staff and families do throughout the year.

Crystal Dvorak

Crystal Dvorak

Assistant Principal

Ms. CRYSTAL DVORAK

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!  It's a great day to be a Hill Hawk!  I am excited to continue partnering with students, staff and the community. My hope for this year is that we continue to provide opportunities for our school community to come together and strive to be our best!

This is my 20th year in education.  This is my second year here at Hill serving as your assistant principal.  Prior to Hill, I spent a year at Marseilles Elementary School as principal and six years over at Freeman Elementary as principal for five years and AP for one year, here in SD129.  I bring an additional two years of building-level administration experience  from Grande Reserve Elementary School in Yorkville School District 115. I began my educational career at Yorkville Intermediate School where I taught for nine years, as a 6th grade language arts teacher and 5th grade teacher.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in teaching and leadership from St. Xavier University, and a Master of Arts in education and leadership from Benedictine University. 

I look forward to a great year with you!