Mrs. Molly Schaefer-Principal

Mrs. Schaefer has been in education for 29 years. She has worked in Waukegan her entire career, teaching English and working as a school administrator. She has served as the Principal of John R Lewis Middle School for the past 6 years. Mrs. Schaefer obtained her BA in English and Secondary Education at Illinois State University, and her M.A. in Education Leadership from Lewis University.  Mrs. Schaefer believes all students can learn and that education is the key to opening opportunities. She resides in Waukegan with her husband, daughters, and cats. She enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and learning new things.  

Ms. Melissa DeWitt- Assistant Principal

Ms. DeWitt has worked in education since 2009.  During her time in Waukegan, she has served as a special education teacher, WIN trainer, and a member of the culture and climate committee at Lyon Magnet Elementary School. Ms. DeWitt obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. She also has two masters degrees: a  Special Education Master’s from National Louis University, and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Ms. DeWitt has worked as a Future and Aspiring Leader (FAAL) summer school administrator at John Lewis Middle School prior to becoming Assistant Principal. When not at work, Miss DeWitt loves to cook, bake, listen to music, and spend time with her family and friends.

Ms. Karen Cano- Assistant Principal

Karen Cano has worked for Waukegan Public Schools for 6 years as a bilingual teacher and coach at John Lewis Middle School. Ms. Cano began her career as a high school Spanish teacher in Milton, Wisconsin. She later transitioned into teaching language and literature at an alternative high school in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Karen Cano earned a Bachelor in Science of Education in Spanish and English Education from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and a Master of Science in Education in Educational Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin. Before becoming an Assistant Principal at John Lewis Middle School, she supported and coached teachers in her role as the Dual Language Instructional Coach. In her free time she enjoys singing with her church choir in Waukegan and spending time with her husband and dogs.