411 on 67 - Back to School 8.7.23

August 7, 2023

Dear District 67 Families, Students, and Staff:

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year in District 67!

I hope you and your family have had a great mix of playtime and downtime this summer. Our family never likes to see summer end, but we are ready to hit the ground running. Our District 67 teachers, staff, and administrators are ready to hit the ground running, too.

With the Portrait of a Learner as a backdrop, our newly-adopted Amplify English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, and five-year strategic plan in place, we have spent the summer developing metrics that will allow us to measure our progress in the years ahead.

Our goal is to give District 67 students the academic framework and support they need to progress in the new school year and thrive in future life.

We understand that embarking on a new school year brings its own unique blend of excitement and uncertainty. Even after years as an educator, the mixed anticipation of a new school year remains. Each year, I am reminded that the best antidote to uncertainty is just jumping in.

As we prepare for 2023-2024, I encourage you to take an active role. Families, I hope you will engage with your children's learning experiences - and with us - as your building and District 67 administrators, faculty, and staff. Students (I say this to my own children), embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Jump in!

Let’s get ready to learn, get ready to grow, and get ready to thrive!

Sincerely,

Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Superintendent

At the iPad Swap and Pickup, students new to the District (grades 2-8) will pick up their District-issued iPad, and incoming 5th graders will swap the District-issued iPad they used at their elementary school for a new one to use at Deer Path Middle School.

• Friday, August 18, 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM OR
• Tuesday, August 22, 3::00 PM - 5:00 PM

Students New to the District - Grades 2-8

You are invited to pick up your District issued iPad. New students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade will receive their District issued iPads during the first two weeks of school.

Incoming 5th Grade Students

Students attending 5th grade at DPM are required to bring back their District-issued iPad to swap for a new iPad. Students will receive a new keyboard case with a new iPad. Make sure to upload anything from your camera roll to Google photos before you come and bring the following items with you. There will be a fee charged for any item not returned. Please use this link for additional information.

Bus routes will be emailed to parents/guardians before the start of the school year, and will be securely accessible throughout the school year by clicking the bus icon on each student's District-issued iPad. Bus routes are set by our transportation provider, Olson Transportation, and District 67. To aid in the efficiency of routes and ensure that students are transported to school in a timely manner, the majority of the stops are corner stops.

Routes are subject to minor time changes due to adding or deleting riders, so please check routes often during the first few days of school.

All District 67 students attending school during the lunch period eat in the school lunchroom under supervision. Students may bring their lunch from home or purchase a lunch. The lunch program begins on the first full day of school and is in operation each full day school is in session. Quest Food Services manages the daily operations, including the preparation of all food, staffing, and service. For additional information, please visit the Food Service page of the website.

Menus:

• Cherokee - August
• Cherokee - September
• Everett - August
• Everett - September
• Sheridan - August
• Sheridan - September
• DPM - August
• DPM - September

If you did not purchase supplies through the APT-sponsored school supply program, please refer to the latest lists below to purchase items for the upcoming school year.

• Cherokee
• Everett
• Sheridan
• DPM

A physical exam recorded on the Certificate of Child Health Examination form must be completed within one year prior to kindergarten, sixth grade, and for new students entering the District from another state or country. All immunizations must be completed and up to date according to the schedule of the Illinois Department of Public Health. The exam must be completed within one year of entering school at the required grade.

All children entering kindergarten, second, and sixth grade are required to have a dental examination. A vision examination is required for all students entering kindergarten or an Illinois public school for the first time.

For more information, please review the State of Illinois Health Requirements. You may also find this information and required forms by visiting the Health Services webpage. Health forms must be submitted to your student's school nurse.

Medication at School

District 67 policy authorizes the administration of “only those medications which are necessary to maintain a student in school and must be given during school hours or school activities.” With few exceptions, medications given at school, prescription or non-prescription, must be accompanied by a written authorization signed by a licensed prescriber and a parent/guardian.

If your child requires medication during the 2023-2024 school year, please have your physician complete the District 67 Medication Authorization form. Medicine cannot be given at school without this form on file.

Click Here for the School Medication Authorization Form.

For additional Back to School Information, please visit the website!

Each school will host a walk through of their building on Tuesday, August 22 at the times listed below. All students and parents/guardians are welcome to meet teachers and administrators, and drop off school supplies. The walk through is only a short period of time, so please organize school supplies before arriving for the walk through

• Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan - Grades 1-4 only: 8:00 - 8:45 am
• Deer Path Middle School - Grades 5-8: 9:30 - 11:00 am

For additional school events, please check the News and Events section of this newsletter or your school website.

From L to R: Alice LeVert (Vice President), Monica Yaun, Mark Remus, Megan Engelberg, Annie Geraghty Helms (President), Emily Bernahl (Secretary), and Carl Kirar

D67/D115 Joint Special Meeting - August 15, 2023

• Special Meeting Agenda will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 67 Board of Education website.

D67 Regular Meeting - August 29, 2023

• Regular Meeting Agenda and the livestream link will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 67 Board of Education website.

• August 29, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• September 26, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• October 24, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• November 14, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• December 12, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• February 27, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• March 19, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• April 16, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• May 14, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• June 18, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.

As part of its ongoing efforts to increase transparency and provide opportunities for engagement, the District 67 Board of Education operates established committees to focus on some of our highest priority areas in the District. The committees consist of Board and community members who have volunteered their time, talents, and knowledge to help strengthen educational programs and meet several times a year and report to the Board of Education on their recommendations for consideration and action. Thank you to the community members who have applied over the summer to serve on the Finance and Operations and Education Committees. Notifications will be sent to those asked to serve during the month of August. The Board committees that are open to the public (both through public participation and through membership on the committee) include:

• Education Committee
• Purpose: The purpose of the District 67 Education Committee is to provide a forum for vetting and discussing major educational initiatives within District 67, provide representative feedback, insight, and direction to the District 67 Administration related to curriculum, instruction, technology, assessment, and District goals, and provide feedback, insight, and direction to the District 67 Board as a whole regarding current and/or future educational initiatives.
• Chair: Monica Yaun
• 23-24 Meeting Dates: September 15, 2023, October 5, 2023, November 9, 2023, February 8, 2024, and April 11, 2024
  
  

• Finance and Operations Committee
• Purpose: The Finance and Operations Committee provides oversight to the two areas of Finance and Operations. The Committee provides guidance to management on the financing of strategic initiatives and District goals. The Committee’s activities are best described as providing oversight on financial and operational issues and serving in an advisory role to the staff and the full Board. Some specific activities of the committee are reviewing the District’s financial condition and the proposed budget, receiving updates of adopted budgets, discussing District objectives, goals, and financial policies, reviewing the proposed tax levy, discussing student fees, reviewing financing strategies including the use of long term debt/bonds, and reviewing the external audit.
• Chair: Carl Kirar
• 23-24 Meeting Dates: August 10, 2023, September 14, 2023, October 12, 2023, November 2, 2023, November 30, 2023, January 25, 2024, February 15, 2024, March 7, 2024, April 4, 2024, May 2, 2024, and June 6, 2024
  
  
• Policy Committee
• Purpose: The District 67 Board Policy Committee reviews and updates (as needed) existing Board policies to ensure compliance with Illinois State law, and alignment to other District 67 Board and Administration policies and practices, provides an effective forum for vetting, proposing, and discussing suggested/ recommended changes to existing Board policies as well as suggested/recommended new Board policies; provides feedback, insight, and direction to the District 67 Board as a whole regarding changes to existing policies and/or suggested new policies, and annually reviews and updates (as needed) the District 67 Board Operating Procedures Manual.
• Chair: Annie Geraghty Helms
• 23-24 Meeting Dates: TBD

To view the full Board-approved calendar for the 2023-2024 school year, please click HERE.

Did you know that you can sync the District 67 and individual school calendars to your phone? Click on the button below and scroll to the bottom for instructions so you don't miss a thing!

We are pleased to report that the accessibility and new addition work is well underway at Cherokee Elementary School. Both on time and on budget, the work is anticipated to be completed by the end of December.

The Sheridan Elementary School playground will be completed by August 23 just in time for our Sheridan Sharks to take advantage of their new outdoor play space!

Prior to the end of the school year, we shared the initial design rendering with DPM students to solicit their feedback. The majority of students were overall pleased with the open and spacious design options and appreciated the addition of a outdoor space as well. Based on their feedback, we have modified the rendering to the image shown above.

We are fortunate to be able to undertake this project throughout the 2023-2024 school year thanks to the generosity of the Spirit of 67 Foundation, which has agreed to share in the purchase of all furniture!

We are aiming for the majority of this design refresh to take place in December and the goal is to complete the work prior to students' return from Winter Break. Over the next few years, the District will begin to complete the long-term facility planning process for the DPM cafeteria.

We are thrilled to share that 130 staff members and administrators have attended Amplify professional development sessions this summer to help secure their understanding of our new K-8 ELA curriculum. In addition to Amplify staff leading trainings, our own staff also hosted some professional development sessions focused on the science of reading. In total 180, staff members attended some type of formal professional learning over the summer that deepened their knowledge around the science of reading.

Our curriculum materials have arrived, our staff is ready, and now we anxiously await the arrival of all of our students on August 23!

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Molly Escobar was approved as the Student Services Coordinator, effective July 1. Dr. Escobar was previously the School Psychologist at Deer Path Middle School for the last five years. She is excited to join the team and is looking forward to working with our students and our community. Dr. Escobar can be reached via mescobar@lfschools.net or by phone at (847) 234-1135.

We are thrilled to share that our very own Cherokee Elementary School Principal, Dr. Kate Cavanaugh, is featured in the August 2023 issue of School Administrator, from The School Superintendents Association (AASA). In partnership with TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 (Dr. Kurt Schneider) and the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, Kate's contribution, "Actions That Moved Us Closer to Inclusion" is available to read here.

Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115 are recognized for their innovative instructional practices and educational programs. Our faculty and staff are talented professionals who are passionate about the work of developing academic excellence and preparing students for the changing needs of our dynamic world.

To learn more about how you can join our team with competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and benefits, visit https://www.applitrack.com/lfsd/onlineapp/default.aspx

Thank you to our families and community members who visited our HR team at their booth at the Lake Forest Days carnival! We enjoyed meeting you all and connecting about employment opportunities in our Districts.

We were also thrilled to participate in the annual parade! Our cheerful students, staff, and families all had a wonderful time marching, handing out treats, and celebrating the start of a new school year!

Members of our community with an interest in food allergies and sensitivities have been fast at work since May reviewing and updating District 67 and District 115 anaphylaxis guidelines.

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction from exposure to allergens that is rapid in onset and can cause death. Common allergens include animal dander, fish, latex, milk, shellfish, tree nuts, sesame, eggs, insect venom, medications, peanuts, soy, and wheat. It is the policy of the Illinois State Board of Education, according to Public Act 102-0413, that each school district must have an anaphylaxis policy. These policies must also be reviewed and reevaluated every three years and be updated to reflect any necessary and appropriate revisions.

The updated District 67 and District 115 anaphylaxis and food allergies guidelines including a pilot-program snack list identifying acceptable allergen-free classroom food items will be shared with the community later this month. These guidelines are intended to help maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for all students and staff in our buildings.

Our sincere gratitude goes to childhood allergy expert, educator, and Lake Forest resident Denise Bunning, and to those parents, guardians, staff members, and District nurses who have partnered on this important work over the summer months.

Thursday, September 14 at the Gorton Center

The APT (Association of Parents and Teachers) & the Spirit of 67 Foundation invite all parents to attend a kick-off meeting on Thursday, September 14 at the Gorton Community Center, 400 E Illinois. Join us for coffee at 9:00 am, and for the meeting from 9:30 -11:00 am. Our guest speaker is Matthew Dewar, Ed.D., is a LFHS teacher, professional health educator, speaker, and author researching and applying the science of stress optimization and biofeedback for enhanced health and performance. Dr. Dewar will speak to us as parents, teachers, and leaders about how our responses to stress and adversity are instructive to the children and young adults under our guidance and in our care. Through the practice of mindful attention and through the development of healthy and sustainable stress-management skills, we can build resilience in ourselves, our families, and our communities. A great way to start the school year!

Enjoy the rare opportunity to peek into four magnificent Lake Forest homes and gardens, known for their architectural and/or historical significance, each showcasing grants implemented in the Lake Forest schools. All proceeds from this event go toward enriching, educational and cultural experiences for the students, parents, faculty, and staff of Lake Forest School District 67 that might not otherwise be provided.

Please join us for a memorable day of food, beverages, and merriment at each showcased home.

Sponsorships and program book advertisements are currently available for sale at HomeTour2023.givesmart.com. Ticket sales will begin soon - stay tuned!

If you are interested in volunteering for this special event, please contact our Home Tour Volunteer Manager, Jennifer Adams, at jennadams033@gmail.com.

The start of the school year is almost here and your APT has a lot of fun events in store for your school! Mark your calendars for these activities that will kick-off the school year!

• New Family Night - Wednesday, August 16, 5:30pm at Cherokee School. *this event is for families new to Cherokee with incoming 1st-4th graders.*

• Kindergarten Playdate - Thursday, August 17 at 3:30pm on the Cherokee playground

• Kindergarten Playdate - Monday, August 28 at 9:30am (after walk-through) at Waveland Park

• Kindergarten Parents BooHoo Coffee - Thursday, August 31 at 8:00am on Cherokee Playground

• Back-to-School Family Picnic - Friday, September 15 from 4:30-6:30pm on Cherokee Playground

• First Cherokee APT Meeting - Wednesday, September 20 at 9:30am in the IRC

• Everett New Family Playdate at Everett Park - August 17 at 5:00pm

• All School Flag Ceremony with Kindergarten Clap-in - August 31 at 8:00am

• All School Welcome Back Picnic at Everett Park - September 7 at 5:30pm

• Everett APT’s First meeting at Everett Park - September 20 at 5:30pm, speaker TBA

• New Family Coffee & Tour - Thursday, August 17, 9:15am at Sheridan School

• Kindergarten Playdate - Monday, August 28, 9:30am (after walk-through) at West Park

• Kindergarten Parents BooHoo Coffee - Thursday, August 31, 8:00am Sheridan Playground

• Back to School Bash - Friday, September 8, 5:30-7:00pm at Sheridan School

• September Sheridan APT Meeting - Wednesday, September 20, 9:00am in the IRC

• Join us for the New Parent Welcome and Coffee at West Park on September 15, 9:30-11:00am. Meet other new parents, school APT and newcomers representatives. We will meet in the pavilion. Parking available near the tennis courts.

• Keep an eye out for DPM Spirit Wear information coming soon! Links to online ordering will be shared closer to the start of the school year.

• Interested in being a room parent this year? Email: elizabethcwells@gmail.com to be connected to the room parent coordinator for your student’s grade.

• Join us for the September APT Meeting - Tuesday, September 19, 9:00 am coffee, 9:30a.m. meeting, Haskins. All are welcome!

The City of Lake Forest is conducting a community-wide survey to gather insights from Lake Forest residents! Please take the time to share your valuable feedback to help the City prioritize future programs and services. The survey covers a range of topics, including community services, safety measures, infrastructure, recreational facilities, and beyond. Learn more and take the Lake Forest Community-Wide Survey at www.cityoflakeforest.com/survey.

While electric-powered scooters are a fun way to travel, they can be dangerous. The Lake Forest Police Department has a few reminders for parents and guardians to share with their children about how to safely ride an e-scooter in Lake Forest:

• Walk your scooters in the Central Business District. To avoid collisions with pedestrians, please walk scooters and bikes in the Central Business District.
• Be aware and focus on your environment. Do not use electronic devices, including ear buds, headphones or phones, while operating your scooter.
• Be respectful of others around you. Remember, you should sound the bell attached to your scooter or announce yourself when passing a pedestrian.
• Be alert. Watch out for potential hazards. Watch out for hazards at intersections, when turning and at crosswalks, including vehicles and wet/slippery, changing, or uneven terrain.

Mark your calendars for the Community Safety Series: Partnering with LFPD, LBPD, D115 & D67. These presentations will take place at CROYA, 400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest.

• September 13th, 9:30 -11am Topic: What is the role of SRO (Security Resource Officer)

• October 11th, 9:30 - 11am Topic: Internet Crimes Against Children

• November 8th, 9:30 - 11am Topic: Active Shooting Scenarios

We are so excited to kick off our 7th year of Brad’s Bookworms, Congressman Schneider’s initiative devoted to the importance of encouraging children to read. The development of literacy skills among children is one of the most important lessons children learn in and out of school not only for personal development but for the doors literacy opens as well. Even more important is maintaining those skills. Congressman Schneider understands the need for children to continue reading over the summer and at home as well as you do, so he is excited to announce that this year, from July 1st until December 12th, children in grades K-5 in the district are welcome to participate in Brad’s Bookworms!

Participants are asked to read ten books and log their progress with help from their parents, siblings, grandparents or other guardians. Those who succeed in completing their logs will be invited, along with their families, to a ceremony with Congressman Schneider celebrating their accomplishment! Participants are also invited to enter bookmark designs into a contest where the winner’s bookmark will be distributed to other students completing the program.

Linked here is the page where guardians may notify our office of their child or student’s completion of the program with all their child’s registrations, permission slips, log sheets and bookmark contest entries: Brad’s Bookworms. Please reach out to me, Ari Botbol, with any questions at ari.botbol@mail.house.gov.