Welcome Matteson School Family to the 2022-2023 school year!  Mrs. Houston is the new principal of Matteson School and she is excited to join you this fall.

Mrs. Houston’s career in Matteson School District 162 began 26 years ago.  She has worked with students in grades Kindergarten through Eighth.  Mrs. Houston was a classroom teacher for 17 years at Matteson School. She has also worked as a school Library Media Specialist and Assistant Principal.  Over the years, Mrs. Houston has enjoyed developing relationships with the students and families of Matteson School District 162.

Mrs. Houston  lives in the community with her family.  Her husband, Don Houston, is also an educator.  They have three wonderful children, Jaden, Jaryn and Jorian.  All of them are proud graduates of Matteson School District 162!  In her spare time, she enjoys going for walks, riding her bike, and her favorite is reading books.

Mrs. Houston looks forward to continuing to build relationships with students, families and community members. She believes that together we can maximize every students' potential to become college and career ready, as well as, life long learners.  Excellence is the Expectation, and that is what we will strive for every day!

Welcome Matteson School Family to the 2022-2023 School year!  My name is Jorge Valdez, and I am excited to join you this fall as the new Assistant Principal.

I am entering my 16th year working in education. I spent my first 12 years teaching Physical Education in Joliet Public School District 86. I then began my administrative journey in Cicero School District 99. I was the Dean of Students for 1 year and then became the Assistant Principal, where I served for the last 2 years. 

I am excited to begin working with the students, families and staff here at Matteson School, where Excellence is the Expectation! I am ready to help our Eagles SOAR to new heights!

My wife, Jen Valdez, is also an educator. We have three amazing young children, Lucas, Aubrey and Riley. Lucas will be a 6th grader, Aubrey is going into 3rd grade and Riley will be a 1st grader! In my spare time, I love coaching my children and visiting new places with my family. 

I look forward to working closely to build positive relationships with the students, families, staff and community members in order to form true partnerships in our student's education. 

It is my distinct pleasure to continue as a member of the stellar, award-winning school district 162 where a legendary educator, Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, serves as Superintendent of Schools.  I am honored to continue working with the students, families, and staff of Matteson Elementary as the Consulting Principal.  As a retired Chicago public schools principal, former assistant principal and teacher, I know that children are the greatest asset of any society.  With that thought in mind, I devoted over 25 years of my life to teaching and nurturing children.  Nothing brings more joy than seeing a former student excel in life and come back to their elementary school to say thank you.  This has happened on several occasions and everyone’s spirit was renewed as we continued working to make a difference in the lives of children.  Since coming on board, I have found extremely dedicated and caring administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students joining forces to provide a wonderful, student-centered environment for teaching and learning. 

My background includes working in the pediatric department of a major medical center in Chicago and I also have experience working with various youth organizations and a mentoring foundation dedicated to furthering the educational opportunities of children.   My present assignment includes working with the students at Matteson School to ensure that they are present at school each and every day.  Excellence is our Expectation, and I look forward to helping our students achieve more. 

Together we can, Together we will...Achieve Excellence!”

Ms. Grant takes pride in making sure our students and families are taken care of at the Matteson.  If you need anything then please do not hesitate to contact her!