Gurrie Middle School

Empower every student to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially by creating a safe, inclusive environment that values lifelong learning and encourages positive community impact.

'Be Respectful, Be Ready, Be Safe'

Welcome to Gurrie Middle School!
 

I am honored to serve as the principal of this incredible Gurrie Middle School community.

I’m a proud second-career educator, having started my professional journey as a production engineer before following my passion for education. As a first-generation Mexican American and the mother of two amazing daughters, I deeply value the transformative power of education to open doors and change lives. With over 20 years of experience in education, I bring both expertise and passion to this work, and I firmly believe that schools thrive when students feel a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

At Gurrie, our mission is to help students grow into confident, curious, and compassionate individuals. Our dedicated staff works every day to ensure students are supported and challenged in an environment that is both academically rigorous and emotionally nurturing.

We serve approximately 380 seventh and eighth-graders from Hodgkins, Countryside, and La Grange. Our academic program encompasses core subjects, including math, science, social studies, language arts, and reading, as well as a two-year world language program in Spanish or French. We also offer rich exploratory experiences in visual arts, performance arts, and STEM, helping students discover new interests and express their creativity. Our block schedule provides extended instructional time, particularly in ELA and math, allowing for deeper learning and engagement.

We’re proud of our advisory program, which supports strong relationships and social-emotional growth through regular check-ins with trusted adults. Outside the classroom, students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, fine arts, leadership opportunities, and clubs. Each year, our students contribute over 2,000 hours of volunteer work, showing their commitment to service and community.

Gurrie is more than a school; it’s a caring, connected community. I’m grateful to be a part of it and even more thankful to partner with our incredible students, staff, and families to make these middle school years meaningful and empowering.

“Educar es sembrar en las almas y cultivar en ellas el porvenir.”
“To educate is to plant seeds in the soul and cultivate the future within them.” – Celia Viñas

Proud to be a TIGER,
Dr. Lorena Mendoza
Principal, Gurrie Middle School