Proviso High Schools Name New Principals, Assistant Principal

From Proviso Township High Schools District 209:

Proviso Township High Schools District 209 will begin the 2013-14 academic year with new administrators at two of its three high schools, according to District 209.

Oscar Hawthorne will start as the new principal at Proviso West High School after working the last four years as assistant superintendent and principal at Evanston Township High School. He'll be joined by Calvin Davis as assistant principal for athletics and activities and Joseph Kosina as assistant principal for educational services.

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Hawthorne, a Flint, MI native, attended Kentucky State University on a football and chorus scholarship, where he majored in social studies education. He took jobs teaching history and social studies before becoming dean of students and later assistant principal at Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City. After stops at Rich South High School in Richton Park and Streamwood High School, he moved on to Evanston Township High School, according to the district.

Hawthorne said he opted for the principal’s job at Proviso West for a chance to return to working directly with students.

"I wanted to really be a part of a school and a community that has a deep interest in bringing about change that will benefit students," Hawthorne said in a statement. "There’s a commitment I’ve seen on the part of the superintendent, the school board, and others that was attractive to me. It made me want to be a part of this school district."

He said he wants to help build a culture that is committed to the academic success and overall well-being of students, and that he plans to accomplish that through making the school the "most important springboard" for students as they make decisions about their futures, building strong partnerships with stakeholders throughout the community, and continuing professional development. 

"I want to be held accountable for the progress of this school," he said. "However I realize the success of Proviso West is dependent on everyone working together to determine solutions that will support the welfare of our young people."

Calvin Davis, the new assistant principal for athletics and activities, comes to Proviso West after working the 29 years in the Chicago Public Schools, including the last nine years as director of sports administration. He has been a coach, social studies teacher, and an assistant principal during his tenure in Chicago.

Joseph Kosina, the new assistant principal for educational services, has worked at Proviso West for the past 12 years. He most recently was the chairman of the English department and has been a lead facilitator in the District’s Literary Initiative.

Nettie Collins-Hart, superintendent of District 209, said she is very excited about the team that has been assembled at Proviso West.

"Mr. Hawthorne, Mr. Davis, and Mr. Kosina bring a variety of skills and experiences to their new positions," she said. "I am confident that they will be able to work well with the staff, parents, students, and other stakeholders to help make Proviso West an even better school. We are expecting great things under their leadership."

Proviso Math and Science Academy also will have a new principal. At a special board meeting on August 1, the District 209 Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Bessie Karvelas as the new principal at PMSA. Karvelas, who has worked in the Chicago Public Schools, including most recently as principal at Hubbard High School, is slated to assume her responsibilities the week of August 5, pending final approval by the Financial Oversight Panel.

Forest Park Patch will have all the back to school information you need for the 2013-14 school year:

• Proviso East Registration, Book Pickup Starts Aug. 5
• Back to School: Census Bureau Facts for the 2013-14 School Year