Father of 7 -Superintendent of Schools, Downers Grove District 58 -Adjunct Professor, USF - ISAL Fellow - Speaker - NIU, NLU & Aurora U. Alum;
#dg58pride
Yesterday, my beautiful wife earned her angel wings. Her strength, love and grace defined her, especially in her battle with pancreatic cancer. She was an incredible wife and an unbelievable mother to our seven children. May she rest in peace and continue to guide and inspire us.
Last night I was speaking with my son who is on the autism spectrum. I asked him, what should people know about kids on the spectrum? His answer - tell them I have a superpower! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Big day for my son Caden! He can’t wait to get out there and compete in the
@SpecialOlympics
! We can’t thank his support network enough. Let’s hope the rain holds off for all the athletes!
This is a great reminder for all of us as we develop plans for next year. This is why it is so important to follow the guidance and listen to the experts. Our focus will remain the prioritization of in-person instruction while keeping everyone safe.
#dg58pride
Happy Anniversary to my wife Melissa! 19 years, seven kids, and the busiest house in the neighborhood. I wouldn’t trade it for anything and looking forward to many more years to come!
This evening I was fortunate to be named Superintendent of
@DGDistrict58
where I began my career. I would like to thank not only the DG Community, but also the CR 127.5 Community. I have been truly blessed to serve
#cridgepride
as Supt. and will be forever grateful. THANK YOU!
So very proud of my daughter for completing her 5th grade advocacy project in honor of her little brother. She taught her class that people with autism are a gift! They show us how to see the world in wonderful new ways!
#bestbuds
#dg58pride
#dg58learn
Beyond grateful to Lisle High School for surprising my family with Russell Strong purple shirts for tonight’s game in honor of my wife. We appreciate your support as Melissa battles pancreatic cancer. Thank you
@LisleHSHoops
@CoachKlepadlo
@LisleLionsAD
!
This is such a great video! As a father of a child with autism, I really appreciate how accommodating this school was for this student. It’s also a great reminder that with the proper accommodation(s), inclusion is possible!
#dg58pride
#dg58learns
This is a great reminder for students, teachers, support staff, and families. Everyone is building the plane and flying it at the same time. Patience, grace, and flexibility are key. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER! Let’s continue to support one another!
#dg58pride
So proud of my son for competing very hard at his Special Olympics track meet. Special thanks to my cousin Becky and her husband David for volunteering!
Words can’t begin to express my family’s gratitude for all of the support we have received from so many people and organizations. Thank you to our extended family, friends, neighbors, colleagues (past and present), District 58, Butler 53, Lisle 202, and St. Joan of Arc. 💜
Truly honored and humbled by this award. I’m beyond grateful to work alongside so many talented superintendents in DuPage County. I’m also grateful to work with the
@DGDistrict58
Board, staff, students, and families! THANK YOU!
#dg58pride
The DuPage region of IASA is proud to announce Dr. Kevin Russell of
@DGDistrict58
as our 2024 Superintendent of Distinction. Congratulations, Kevin, and thank you for your leadership!
@drkevinbrussell
@IllinoisASA
Time really does fly by! Congratulations
@kgrussell4120
on your graduation from high school! We are so proud of you! You’re off to great things in college and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
@Huskers
#gobigred
Administrators are often the target of criticism...it comes with the job. However, I wish everyone was able to see how hard they work and how much they care. The last two years have been very stressful and tough, please take the time to thank them for their work.
#dg58pride
I disagree with the title of this article. Sure it’s tough being a superintendent right now, but I signed up for this! I’m here for the
@DGDistrict58
students, staff, and families....because they’re there for me! We’re in this together!
#dg58pride
Today I got a surprise visit from my 7th grade math teacher to wish me luck in my new position. I am so fortunate to have such caring educators in my life. They have taught me that RELATIONSHIPS are what counts the most!
#dg58pride
#dg58learns
Looking for a feel good story? An anonymous donor just paid all the outstanding lunch balances in
@district58
! Thank you to this kind person for reminding us that Downers Grove is filled with great people that make a difference!
#proudsupt
#dg58pride
#dg58learns
The best job in the world is being a dad! While I miss my dad, I'm grateful for all the wonderful memories and what he taught me! I'm also grateful for my seven children. They are my why! Happy Father's Day everyone!
2/2 Today the entire
@DGDistrict58
staff wore purple and Russell Strong bracelets to Opening Day. My family is speechless and so grateful. We are so fortunate to have everyone pulling for us…thank you! I’m a lucky superintendent to work alongside such great people!
#dg58pride
Another late night at the office. Times are tough in education and the constant change is challenging. Superintendents know people are frustrated, we are too! We’ll get through this by continuing to work together and supporting one another! Brighter days are ahead!
#dg58pride
Today is Autism Awareness Day. 1 out of every 59 children in the US are on the spectrum. Autism touches all of us and let’s light it up blue to raise awareness! I’m so proud of my son who has taught me more about life than anything else in this world ever will!
@autismspeaks
Father's Day is always bittersweet. My dad passed away 15 yrs ago and I still miss him. However, the love a father gives his children never fades. Also, the impact a dad has on his kids lasts longer the life itself. Thanks to my dad for teaching me how to be a dad!
#dg58pride
I recently contributed to a letter, signed by more than 350 superintendents, advocating for the release of guidelines for schools from
@GovPritzker
,
@ISBEnews
, and
@IDPH
. We need clear guidance so we can inform our staff and families!
#dg58pride
I am beyond excited to return home to Dist. 58! Thank you to the Board, staff, parents, and community members for such a warm welcome. I truly appreciate the support and look forward to working together so we can continue to do great things for students!
#dg58learns
#luckysupt
I love being the Superintendent where I grew up...how many of us have their best friend’s father driving one of the bus routes??!! Shout out to Tom Hackett and all our drivers!
#dg58pride
#dg58learns
@DGDistrict58
My son is a chip off the old block...he loves social studies and asked me if he could see what voting looked like. Thank you to the poll workers in DuPage that showed him how the process works! Who knows, he may become a social studies teacher like his dad one day!
#dg58pride
The first day of school is filled with excitement and energy. Seeing the students back is the best reminder of our "why." Here's a picture of the Russell kids on their first day. The smiling faces makes it all worth it! Let's keep the excitement and energy all year!
#dg58pride
As part of the search for the new principal of Indian Trail, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of students to learn what they are looking for in their next leader. They were amazing and I’m so happy I got to meet with them! They are true leaders!
#dg58pride
The 21-22 School Year is officially underway at the Russell House! I can’t believe summer is over. This picture is always my favorite one of the year. Time really does fly by! I’m looking forward to kicking off the school year next week in
@DGDistrict58
!
#dg58pride
First day back at the office after a great family vacation. I didn’t realize how much I needed to recharge. It’s great seeing how many staff and families in
@DGDistrict58
were able to do something similar. This year was tough, but we persevered for moments like these!
#dg58pride
Today is my last day in CRSD 127.5. As my time comes to a close, I would like to thank the students, staff, parents, community members, and Board members for all of their support and guidance. It has been a great ride and I will miss you all very much!
#cridgepride
1/2 I haven’t posted anything about my wife’s diagnosis because it has been too hard…she has advanced staged pancreatic cancer. We are devastated and still in shock. We are very fortunate to have the support of our family , friends, colleagues, and community. We are so grateful.
April is Autism Awareness Month. The
@CDCgov
states that 1 out of 44 children in the US are diagnosed with autism. People with autism are just like everyone else but sometimes they process things in a unique way. Let’s continue to support those with autism like my son Caden!
I'm very fortunate to have had the best dad and role model. While I will always miss my dad, I'm grateful for the time we had together. He taught me how to be a dad and it's the best and most important job in the world! Beyond blessed to have these 7! Happy Father's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to my wife Melissa! She is not only the best wife and teacher, but she is the greatest mom to our 7 children! We love you very much and don't know what we would do without you! Thank you for sacrificing so much for all of us!
@melissasrussell
One of the perks of being the Superintendent of the District where you taught is sometimes a former student becomes your colleague! It’s great to have Jacqueline back home in
@DGDistrict58
!
#dg58pride
#dg58learns
#proudsupt
Very proud to be inducted into the Education League of Illinois today. I’m humbled to be a part of an organization with such a rich history and very talented members! Looking forward to bringing back all I learn to
@DGDistrict58
.
#dg58pride
I am blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by strong women. Shout out to my wife, four daughters, and my mom. Happy International Women’s Day! I am very thankful and so proud of all of you!
#dg58pride
I think I speak for all superintendents in Chicagoland when I say that I’m grateful the heavy snow is falling on a Saturday. Pre-COVID, snow was one of the most challenging situations we faced. Let it snow!
#dg58pride
Just finished a great season of b-ball coaching my youngest son’s 1/2 grade team. My respect for primary teachers was already extremely high, but it is now even higher. Teachers show amazing patience as they help young minds grow and learn!
#dg58pride
Thumbs up to
@DGDistrict58
for a great first week of e-learning! We appreciate all of the positive messages from our community and we’ll continue taking feedback so we can improve. We miss seeing everyone at our schools and offices! Stay safe everyone!
#dg58pride
Hard to believe our black labs are four today! Happy Birthday Wrigley and Addison! We’re missing watching the
@cubs
, but hopeful we’ll be watching baseball soon! Stay safe everyone! ⚾️
#gocubsgo
Walked into a K classroom today and a student asked me who I was....I told him that I was the supt. He shook his head and said, "That's great, but can you get me a pair of headphones." I love K....straight, to the point, and they could care a less about a title!
#dg58pride
I am proud to announce that beginning next school year,
@DGDistrict58
will offer full-day kindergarten for ALL students! The tuition-based OKEEP program will end at the conclusion of this school year. Special thanks to our teachers and Board for making this a reality!
#dg58pride
I spent the day with the assistant superintendents of
@DGDistrict58
reviewing surveys, feedback, and guidance. I am so grateful to work alongside such dedicated professionals as we plan for next school year! THANK YOU!
#dg58pride
Today was a long day for all of us in Illinois, but we worked together as a team for our students! Thank you to the students, administrators, teachers, and support staff in
@DGDistrict58
! You amaze me!
#dg58pride
A Monday Board meeting meant that I had to miss Valentine’s Day with my family. However, my youngest surprised me with a coupon book before I left for the office this morning. Kids are great examples of how we can all show gratitude for one another!.
#dg58pride
#choosehappy
I am extremely grateful for my two black labs, Wrigley and Addison. No matter what gets thrown my way, their constant love an support helps me weather any storm. We don’t deserve dogs!
#dg58pride
So proud of our students, staff, and families for successfully implementing two learning models (remote and hybrid) simultaneously. It won’t be easy, but we can do this! We’re in this together!
#dg58pride
Beyond grateful for this wonderful group in
@DGDistrict58
! They have chosen to embrace positivity, gratitude, and happiness so our District can continue to grow and thrive!!!
#dg58pride
Happy Mother’s Day to my wife Melissa. She is a wonderful mother and also wears many other hats (teacher, wife, volunteer, etc.). We are grateful for all of her sacrifices for our family!
Fun day with the kids while mom is away for the weekend! She looked worried when she left that I couldn’t handle it 😂! Hard to believe Halloween is less than a week away!
#dg58pride
Getting ready for the
@ISBEnews
8 am conference call with my two best friends Wrigley and Addison! Not sure we’re focusing on the same thing, but it’s great to have them by my side!
#dg58pride
So very proud to be a part of
@DGDistrict58
. Wonderful surprise today when we arrived at the office. Thank you to our wonderful administrative leaders, staff, community, and Board for your support! We are in this together!
#dg58pride
Daddy daughter night at O’Neill Middle School for Disney’s Little Mermaid! Very proud of our students and staff for all of their hard work! #
#dg58pride
Of all the jobs I have, there is nothing more important than being a dad. I learned from the best and even though my dad has passed, I know he is still right here with me. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there and I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Very proud of the students, staff, and families of
@DGDistrict58
for completing a tough week. We persevered through high COVID cases, snow, cold, and much more. JOB WELL DONE! Have a great weekend everyone…you deserve it!
#dg58pride
This quote really speaks to me as a parent of a son with special needs. However, I firmly believe that my strength pales in comparison to the tenacity and perseverance that people with special needs demonstrate on a daily basis. They are the true heroes!
#dg58pride
#dg58learns
1/2 Congratulations to Megan Hewitt and
@DGDistrict58
on winning five communication awards from
@INSPRABoard
! We are very proud of our connections and relationships with our students, staff, and community members!
#dg58pride
This storm was one of the toughest calls I’ve seen for DuPage County superintendents….we are right on the line where one district gets a lot of snow and others a manageable amount. Please go easy on the leaders making these calls…it’s tough!
Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing wife Melissa. Having seven kids is no easy feat, but she does it with ease! She is an unbelievable mother and we are truly grateful for all that she does for our family!
1/2 This morning, I had the privilege of subbing for a kindergarten class at Indian Trail School. The kids were amazing and I was blown away by the amount of prep work that the teacher put into her sub plans. I would have never made it through without the support of the IA.
Beyond blessed to be the father of these four amazing young women. I’m so proud of them and can’t wait to see all they accomplish!
#nationaldaughtersday
#dg58pride
It was a wonderful morning in Downtown DG volunteering with my oldest daughter
@kgrussell4120
for Navigate Adolescence’s fall fundraiser. I enjoyed seeing so many
@DGDistrict58
families and staff. Thank you to everyone for practicing the 3Ws and for all the support!
#dg58pride
The more things change, the more they stay them same. The kids grow up fast but spending time with them never gets old! 4 years difference in the two pictures on the same beach in South Haven (our favorite spot). I hope everyone is having a great summer!
#dg58pride
#puremichigan
April 1st marks the start of Autism Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 44 children in the US are on the autism spectrum. I’m so proud of my son Caden who has taught our family so much about ASD. Let’s turn April blue to show our support!
Beyond blessed to have four strong, talented, and hard-working daughters. I can’t wait to see everything they accomplish! Happy National Daughter’s Day!
I received this note today from my 6th grade teacher. She believed in me way back then and still does today. She is a perfect example of a great teacher. Shout out and thank you to Dr. Murphy....without her I would not be where I am today!
#dg58learns
I often start my day off by writing thank you notes to students, staff, parents, and community members. I do this because there are so many people that do amazing things for
@DGDistrict58
. Showing gratitude is important and it helps make me a better leader.
#dg58pride
My wife just texted this picture of one of my labs, Addison. Looks like I need to leave the office soon and take her for a walk....she does not look happy! I’m glad I have such a great accountability partner for my fitness goal!