Welcome to Monroe Middle School and thank you for visiting our Principal’s page. James Howard Monroe Middle school was named after Medal of Honor recipient James Monroe, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 1968 for his act of selflessness and valor during the Vietnam War. We are honored to carry his name and have great pride in housing the medal in our building that his family received from the Secretary of Defense in 1968.
     I am also honored to be the principal of James Monroe Middle School and look forward to meeting many students and parents in the months to come.  I began my career as an educator at Plano Middle School where I taught for 2 years. From there I moved to Plainfield where I taught 6th grade at Indian Trail Jr. High for 3 years. I was hired in Oswego as an assistant principal split between Long Beach and Boulder Hill Elementary School in 1998. The following year I was at Long Beach full time as an Assistant Principal. In the spring of 2000 I was hired as Principal to open a new school, Fox Chase Elementary. In 2005 I was hired to open a second new school, Plank Junior High. I was principal at Plank for 6 years. I am very excited to be here in District 200 and Monroe. I look forward to carrying on the deep traditions for which Monroe was named. The ideas of commitment, sacrifice, citizenship, patriotism, courage and integrity will continue to be taught and reinforced.
     A little information about me. I grew up in Plainfield, and am currently living there with my wife Susan and our 3 daughters, Morgan (24 yrs.) and Lauren ( 21 yrs.) and Madilyn (18 yrs.).  I attended Joliet Catholic High School and received a football scholarship to attend Valparaiso University for my undergraduate degree in education. While teaching in Plainfield I earned my master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lewis University. I also teach some graduate level classes at Aurora University. 
     When I have free time I love to be with my “girls” and be with my family. I also enjoy golfing, grilling, exercising, reading and watching sports. I hope this information has helped you to get to know me better and I look forward to meeting and talking to all of you at school or out in the community. I hope that your experience at Monroe will be a positive and the students will learn, grow and be ready to excel in high school.

Sincerely,

Bryan Buck, Principal

Eagle Families:

My name is Anthony Crespo, it is with great pride and excitement I write this to you.  I am honored to serve the students, staff, and the community of Monroe Middle School as your Assistant Principal. Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful teachers, staff members, and students.  During these interactions, it is abundantly clear that Monroe Middle School is a family with dedicated professionals devoted to educating the whole child.

For 17 years I have had the privilege to serve students and their families in public education. I have served as a physical education teacher, head basketball coach, dean of students, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal.   My mission is to place students first within my educational career and become a supportive role in providing positive educational experiences for all. I am grounded in a strong belief in unity, together we are better.  This belief is founded on the importance of positive relationships, trust, communication, equitable and restorative practices, and meaningful collaboration.  

On a personal note, my wife and I have been residents of Wheaton for 9 years.  My wife is a teacher here in the district, and we have three children who attend District 200 schools.  As a family, we have seen and experienced the dedication of those serving our students.  It is with great joy, we are happy to join them and serve the community in which we reside!  

Throughout the year, if you have any questions or would like the opportunity to partner in enriching the educational experiences for our students, please do not hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to meeting you in person and becoming a part of the Eagle Nation! 

Sincerely,  

Anthony Crespo, M.Ed.