Marketing & Communications Committee
Plans, recommends and implements communications policies and marketing programs that promote South Loop Elementary School and its goals. Facilitates effective communication among parents, teachers, staff, and the community. Meets 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Main Building unless otherwise posted.
Committee Meeting Dates
 JULY 20, 2011 |
JAN 25, 2012 |
| SEPT 21, 2011 |
FEB 15, 2012 |
| OCT 19, 2011 |
MAR 21, 2012 |
| NOV 16, 2011 | APR 18, 2012 |
| DEC 13, 2011 | MAY 16, 2012 |
Current Initiatives
- Revamp of School Branding
- Design and Development of New Website
- Enhanced Email Blast
- Spirit Wear Update & Promotion of Land's End Fundraiser
Committee Members
Jacqueline Toepfer, Chair: As committee chair, Jacqueline is responsible for assembling a team of subject matter experts to carry out the strategy, goals, and initiatives of the committee. In her first year as Chair, she directed an effort to develop a marketing strategy and update our school branding. As she embarks on her second year as Chair, she will direct efforts to use technology to improve communications between school, home and community, including development of a new school website, and streamlining the use of email.
Jacqueline is employed as Director of Technical Support for Autonomy, an HP company, where she is responsible for global technical support for records management solutions. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Marquette University and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she graduated with honors. She is also serving in her 4th year on the Local School council, and as a parent of an 8th grader, has been active in the school in a variety of ways for almost 9 years.
Alexia Vanek: Alexia is a dedicated graphic designer and web developer with over thirteen years experience in the design world. As founder and president of Fabutron, she has created web sites and marketing materials for a diverse array of clients. Alexia, a parent of a SLES 1st grader and a South Loop neighbor, has graciously volunteered her time and energy to redesign and develop our school website. Her energy, creatively and technical acumen have been a tremendous asset to our committee and our school, as she has laid a strong foundation for our web presence.
Jennifer Baxtrom: Jennifer is employed as Director of Marketing Information Services for KPMG LLP, a big four accounting firm. She has been working in marketing for the last twenty years on the agency side and the client side focused on database marketing; both direct to consumer and business-to-business. A parent of a South Loop School student and a South Loop Neighbor, Jennifer is currently serving in her second year as a member of the committee. During our first year, she was instrumental in helping the committee to revamp its strategic vision, mission and branding.
Jennifer James: Jennifer is a freelance graphic designer and photographer with 15 years of marketing communications experience. She brings to the committee her background in corporate and product branding and interactive design and development as well as a general love of all things design to every project. An avid photographer, she also has extensive experience as a commercial and portrait photographer, often providing both photography and design services to her clients.
Jennifer is a graduate of the School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan. She has lived in the South Loop for 7 years and shares her home with her husband, 2-year-old son (future SLS student!) and a cat and dog – just to keep things interesting.
Vivian Lee: Vivian is a professional photographer with 18+ years of experience in photo editing, editorial photography, publishing and communications. She is currently an instructor at the Chicago Photography Center. In her first year as a South Loop Parent, Vivian volunteered her time to chair the yearbook production team as well as several other FIG activities. In this, her second year as a South Loop Parent, she has volunteered to serve as a member of this committee where her photography skills will be put to good use for updating and maintaining our school website. In addition, she will continue her role in chairing the yearbook and the book fair at the branch building. Vivan is also a room parent for Mrs. Harder's classroom.
Julie Murphy: Julie is an attorney with the firm of Moltzen & Murphy, Ltd, and a graduate of the Chicago-Kent School of Law. Julie is currently serving her second year as Community Representative on our South Loop School. As a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee her focus is on community outreach, to help the school connect with South Loop neighbors and businesses.
Lindsay Nichols, Committee Secretary: Lindsay is a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago, where she obtained a Masters of Arts degree in Applied Social Psychology. She is employed as a Senior Research Analyst at the market research company, Synovate. Lindsay is a native of South Florida but moved to Chicago to pursue her graduate school. While not currently a member of our school neighborhood, nor a school parent, she has volunteered her time to our school based on her interest in improving public schools in our city.
