Dear District 115 Families:

With a new school year underway, it is important for our families to feel connected to the safety and security plans across our District. Mr. Chuck Walsh, Director of Safety, has now spent almost three full months in our District and provides important guidance below.

Sincerely,

Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Dear Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood Parents and Guardians:

The safety and welfare of our students and staff are our highest priority. In the unlikely event of an emergency, it is important to note that our District has distinct plans, and school administrators and personnel are trained to respond quickly and appropriately.

Throughout the year, we practice safety drills to help our students and staff know what to do in various types of emergencies. The goals of safety drills are to improve our ability to protect students, save lives, and reduce injuries in the event of a crisis. When conducting drills we work closely with our local authorities to implement the best possible safety practices (105 ILCS 128).

Definition of Terms

There are several key terms that are used in cases of emergency. For information purposes, I have included two terms below that are less commonly used in school settings and often confused:

• Shelter-In-Place: This is used if there is a potential, external threat. In this example, all doors are secure and there will be no exit or entry without police involvement; however, classroom activities might proceed as scheduled.

• Lockdown: This term is used if there is an internal threat. Students and staff will remain silent and in their classrooms until released by local authorities.

Testing Our Notification Systems
Later this month, we will also test our emergency communication systems. In the near future, and in coordination with our D67 and D115 school principals, we will send a TEST BrightArrow emergency message. This test message will be directed to your emergency contact preferences (any combination of email, phone, and/or text), using the information provided during online registration that is on file with the school district.

For Parents and Guardians
Please check your BrightArrow notification settings by following the BrightArrow Instructions to log onto the BrightArrow Website. If your contact information is NOT correct, please notify your school office immediately. If you have students in both Districts, please ensure your information is updated in both districts accordingly.

For Faculty and Staff

Faculty and Staff are asked to review and update your information in Alio as necessary.

Finally

The purpose of this communication is simply to test and verify that our District 67 and District 115 emergency communications systems are working and able to notify you during an actual emergency. The efficacy of the test will be based, in part, upon the quality of contact information we have on file. Thank you for your support of our continued commitment to keeping the safety and security of our schools at the forefront of our work. Please contact me with questions.

All my best,

Chuck Walsh

Director of Safety

Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115

The HR Team will be coming to you!

Please see the updated schedule to be aware of when the team will be in the HR office at LFHS.

Please note that your leave balances in Alio reflect your final status for the 22-23 school year. The allocations for 23-24 are available for use immediately. You will be notified once they are updated. Please remember that absences typically show up in Alio within two weeks so it is recommended that you keep a live track of your balances and cross check with Alio periodically.

Northeastern Illinois University is holding a virtual information session on October 3, 2023! NEIU will be starting a University Center cohort in January 2024 for teachers interested in earning:

• Reading Teacher Endorsement (6 courses) or,

• MA in Literacy Education with a Reading Specialist License

Earlier in the year, we introduced a new way to login to Frontline! If you have been having trouble accessing Frontline, you can access the guide here or you can follow the steps below.

Note: You will not need a username or password when logging in.

2. If prompted, select your lfschools email account. If not, enter your lfschools email address and select "Look up organization sign in page."

Note: If you are entering your lfschools email address, you may be directed to Google's sign in page where you will have to enter your email address and password.

To qualify for a first semester lane change, submit a Lane Change Request in Frontline Professional Growth (formerly My Learning Plan) by September 30th. Official transcripts are required only if you have completed an advanced degree. Please submit official transcripts to Shelly Charo, Benefits Specialist, by September 30th. Lane changes shall be effective at the beginning of the school term.

As you may know, a new coronavirus variant, EG.5, now accounts for the largest proportion of COVID infections in the U.S. and is dominating news cycles. As we start the 2023-2024 school year, please continue to practice habits that maintain the health of our school communities. If you are ill, enter your sick days in Aesop and follow your doctor’s orders. If you test positive for COVID we recommend that you follow the Lake County Health Department guidelines to isolate for 5 days from the onset of symptoms and to mask for 5 days upon your return to work.

Mark Essenfield from TCG will be hosting the Quarterly Investment Review Meeting. Mark will review market data and will review the performance of funds over the past quarters. The meeting will be held virtually on the following dates below along with the quarter we will be reviewing:

• September 20, 2023 at 4pm - Quarter 2 review

• November 15, 2023 at 4pm - Quarter 3 review

• February 21, 2024 at 4pm - Quarter 4 review

• May 15, 2024 at 4pm - Quarter 1 review
  
  

If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Shelly Charo at mcharo@lfschools.net for the link to the meeting.

• EAP Overview Video - Passcode: iFh1zAH$

• Cultural Myths in Media: Fact or Fiction-September 13th, 2023, 1:30 pm EDT – 2:30 pm EDT | Registration (gotowebinar.com)
• Coach your Child to Manage their Emotions: September 20, 2023, 12:00 pm EDT – 12:45 pm EDT | Registration (gotowebinar.com)
• Empowering Your Influence: October 11th, 2023, 1:30 pm EDT – 2:30 pm EDT | Registration (gotowebinar.com)

For those unable to attend, recorded versions will be uploaded to our webinar library - Webinars | AllOne Health®.

As we are starting off the new school year, we ask that you take some time to ensure that your beneficiaries have been updated! There are a number of people who have not completed this yet. Here is some helpful information to help you get this completed:

• Benefits Solver: Follow the Designation of Beneficiary form instructions on how to update your beneficiaries on Benefits Solver.
• IMRF: Complete the Designation of Beneficiary form or complete the online form through your Member Access account.
• TRS: Follow these instructions on how to update your beneficiaries on TRS’s website.
• 403b/457b: Complete the Designation of Beneficiary Form and submit to TCG

Communications Specialist

• Bio - Hi! I’m Samantha, I just graduated from Miami University and I’m so excited to be working at Lake Forest! I love anything creative; reading, writing, drawing, video editing, and I’m happy to be doing what I’m passionate about at work.
• Fun Fact - I hope to write a book one day!
• Responsibilities - Manage the LF Schools website, create content for newsletters and other communications
• Email: sgalati@lfschools.net

Any questions always feel free to email us at humanresources@lfschools.net for any HR related questions or payroll@lfschools.net for any Business related questions.

Based on your feedback, Quest Food Services has made the following enhancements to their food service program for staff:

• “Staff only” cashier line (station to the left) so staff does not have to wait in line and does not have to feel bad about cutting students.
• Coffee available in the Wedge from 7am – 3pm as sometimes you need a cup in the afternoon to keep you going.
• Menus can be found at www.fdmealplanner.com > Search Lake Forest High School.
• Thursday “Staff Meals” will continue and we will have action stations once a month.
• Variety of vegetarian and gluten friendly options.
• Soup daily (starting in September).
• Enhanced salad bar with variety of proteins, vegetables and grains.

Please use this link for additional information. If you have any additional feedback, questions, or concerns, please reach out the the new Quest Food Service Director, Jay Herr. Jay’s email is jherr@lfschools.net and his phone number is 847-582-7771.

The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) has released the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program that includes more than 300 projects designed to maintain the more than 900 lane-miles of county highways, increase driver and pedestrian safety, improve mobility and reduce carbon emissions. This program is updated annually to show the projects that are planned in the current year and the next five years. Read more about it here. You can also view their interactive dashboard to see the projects LCDOT will be working on that might impact your commute.

• September 18-20: Freshman/Sophomore Play Auditions

• September 22: Homecoming Varsity Football Game at 7:30pm

• September 23: Homecoming Dance at 7:00pm

• September 27: Virtual Jr. Parent Seminar 7:00 PM

• October 9: No School Columbus Day

• October 10, 2023 - Regular Meeting
• November 7, 2023 - Regular Meeting
• December 5, 2023 - Regular Meeting

Agendas will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 115 Board of Education website.

• Budget Hearing Agenda - September 12, 2023

• Agenda - September 12, 2023
• Recording
• Superintendent's Report
• President's Report

A special thanks to staff from the Committee Representing Our Young Adults (CROYA) for presenting during the Impact Spotlight portion of the meeting! You can learn more about CROYA here.

Come one, come all, to the Scout Carnival! Homecoming 2023 is going to be a wild ride this year with Window Painting, Spirit Week, the Pep Rally, the Homecoming Game on Friday at 7:30pm and the Homecoming Dance at 7:00pm next Saturday. For more information read the graphic below and don't forget to buy tickets!

“Lake Forest knows it can run the ball effectively with senior Graham Garrigan and junior Marty Hippel.” We are so excited to share that two of our Scout football players were featured by the Chicago Tribune! Learn more about our students’ contributions to their team and their season so far by clicking the link below and go Scouts!

Join us in welcoming the next two new additions to the D115 team - Stefanie Cahill and Alex Mann! We are fortunate to count you both as new Scouts. #ScoutNation

⭐ Stefanie Cahill - IEP Facilitator

Fun Fact about Stefanie: “I love to travel to new places, I am a dog mama, and I am a huge Swiftie.”

⭐ Alex Mann - Business Education Teacher

Fun Fact about Alex: “I love to cook and I love being outdoors, especially fishing and being in the mountains or on water. I am a graduate of LFHS class of 2002.”

We currently have two open opportunities for athletic employment at LFHS. If you or anyone you know is interested, please apply!

• Lifeguards - Must be American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified

• Pay: Starts at $13/hr
  

• Boys and Girls Community Education Basketball Coaches (5th-8th Grade)

• Commitment: Two weekday practices; games are generally on weekends, but occasionally a weekday game will occur

Wall of Excellence Reveal
The Boosters presented the 2023-2024 mural highlighting the selected Scouts from the Class of 2023 at the first home football game on September 1. Class of 2023 OSAA winners and finalists, department award winners, memorial award winners, and student leaders, are featured on The Wall. Congratulations to the individuals depicted on the 2023-2024 Wall of Excellence:

*Denotes (*OSAA Award Winner) - Each year, Boosters recognizes four senior athletes with the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award. These students have demonstrated excellence through their athletic performance, leadership, spirit and sportsmanship as an athlete at LFHS. Four $1,000 awards are given to two outstanding female and two outstanding male athletes.

REMINDER - The Boosters Store

Stop in during our regular school year hours: Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00am - 3:00pm

Become a Booster
What’s the best way to support ALL of our Scouts athletes? Become a Booster member today!
Already a Booster member? Upgrade to the Blue or Gold membership level and enjoy perks like free admission to any regular-season athletic event for the whole family!

The LFHS Foundation partnered with Lake Forest High School to create the Business Incubator in Fall 2014. This Junior level Honors course offers students a unique opportunity to become true entrepreneurs by creating and developing their own product or service. Students are coached and mentored by real entrepreneurs and business experts from our community and beyond. The course culminates in Pitch Night, a “Shark-Tank” style presentation where student teams present their innovative ideas to a Board of Directors for the chance to earn funding for their businesses.

Mentors and Coaches are needed for the Business Incubator! Mentors work with the BI team throughout the year to create and fine tune their business. Coaches are needed to teach marketing financials, valuation, law, and ideation. For more information visit our website. Interested volunteers can apply by completing the BI Volunteer Form below.

Thursday, September 28, 10am - 2pm

The Spirit of 67 invites all District 115 families and community members to kick off the fall social season by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of five of the finest homes and gardens in Lake Forest! EVENT TICKETS are now available for purchase using the link below.

The Spirit is thrilled to offer several raffles including beautiful tablescapes, unique art and home goods from local artisans, and an extraordinary VACATION PACKAGE. Raffle tickets will be available after September 6. The Spirit is also seeking volunteers. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the homes and gardens on the tour before or after your shift. Plus, each volunteer will receive a discounted ticket price, a swag bag, and a chance to win an incredible raffle prize. If you're interested, please fill out this SURVEY.

All proceeds from this event go towards enriching, educational and cultural experiences for the students, parents, faculty, and staff of Lake Forest School District 67.

The District utilizes Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Follow us to learn more about celebrations, student achievements, and District news!

School districts in Illinois are required by ISBE to update anaphylaxis and food allergy guidelines every three years. Last spring, we invited community members, staff, and administrators from District 67 and District 115 to participate on the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergies Response Plan Committee. Beginning in May and throughout the summer, a group of 20-30 met three times to review and revise the document. We are sharing the near-final draft of the handbook, HERE.

For District 115, the most notable changes emerging from this effort are twofold:

1. Peanut and tree-nut free classrooms
2. The increased availability of undesignated epinephrine injectors (epi-pens) in Lake Forest High School.

Below are the major highlights specific to the high school setting:

Lake Forest High School Classroom Avoidance Measures

• Classrooms should not be used as a lunchroom to the maximum extent possible.

• If snacks are allowed in the classroom, all classrooms will be peanut and tree-nut free.

• Students should not bring food to share with their classmates in the classroom.

• Teachers should not provide food as a reward in the classroom if students with life-threatening allergies are in the class. All desks should be wiped down at the end of the class period when food or snacks are consumed.

• Classroom curriculum should be adapted to substitute non-food items to the maximum extent possible.

• Curriculum materials should be reviewed for sources of the common big nine allergens and the big nine allergens should be avoided (i.e., allergens are sometimes found in counting aids, science projects, seasonal activities such as garden projects, art materials, etc.) to the maximum extent possible.

• Students and teachers are encouraged to wipe surfaces such as desks, lab equipment, computer keyboards and musical instruments after food is eaten in the classrooms.

Further information is available in this District 115 anaphylaxis and food allergy response summary.

Please contact Dr. Jenny Sterpin (jsterpin@lfschools.net) with questions. Thank you!

• September LFHS Choir Newsletter
• TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 Weekly Newsletter

Sign up for a leadership training program for adults with developmental disabilities, parents of children under the age of 22 with developmental disabilities, adults siblings of people with developmental disabilities, legal guardians, and Supporters in Supported Decision-Making Agreements for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Please join the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in collaboration with the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative for a virtual listening session on September 20 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. about mental health screening of students in schools. This session is for parents, guardians, caregivers, community members and school personnel. Spanish Language Interpretation will be included. Those seeking more information about the initiative can learn more here. Should you have any questions about this initiative, please contact mentalhealth@isbe.net. Please click below to sign up and you will be emailed a zoom link closer to the date.

Register for the Listening Session

Please join us for an evening of conversation about our most important natural resource, the Great Lakes! Speakers include Scott Sowa, The Nature Conservancy's Juli Plant Grainger Great Lakes Director, Joel Brammeier, CEO & President of The Alliance for the Great Lakes, and economist John Austin from The Brookings Institution and University of Michigan. Register at northshorecivicclub.org. All who attend will be automatically registered for a Patagonia Gear Giveaway!

Be a part of the Race to ReNew 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, September 30, 2023. It all happens at the West Lake Forest High School Campus. Race the grass LFHS Cross Country team course, then get the K-8 kids out for the Fun Run.

Please use this link for more information, and to sign up!