411 on 115 10.25.22

I am thrilled to introduce a new communications tool with you - 411 on 115. This biweekly digital newsletter will hit your inbox every other Tuesday with important information that you need to know about our District. Check out our first issue below!

Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D

Superintendent

Many of you may have heard of a recent increase in “swatting” incidents, or reports of false shooters or mass-casualty events at school districts across the nation, including Illinois. This trend, exacerbated by Tik Tok, involves individuals calling law enforcement to report false incidents in order to disrupt the school day, prompt lockdowns, and provoke a law enforcement response. Although most of these threats have been fake, district administrators, staff, and law enforcement are required to take these threats seriously. These hoaxes are not new to me, having led through a "swatting" incident response in my previous school district in Ohio. I can attest to the negative impact it had - and trauma it created - across our entire school community.

As Dr. Lenart always says, “we are better when we are one.” I share this with you today in hope that you will engage your students in conversation about this disturbing trend. Each “swatting” incident diverts and strains critical law enforcement and emergency service resources away from other legitimate needs and upends communities. Such behavior has consequences and, in line with our Code of Conduct, we expect all Scouts to represent the very best of our community by not participating in any behavior that would threaten the safety of Lake Forest High School students, staff, and community.

Here are additional resources for your families to lean on when discussing this topic:

• Education Week: ‘Swatting’ Calls and Lockdowns: Tips for Schools to Ease the Anxiety and Disruption

• News 19 WLTX “Talking with High School Students About Hoaxes, Swatting” [VIDEO]

• District Administration: Active Shooter Hoaxes are Spreading Panic. Here’s How to Fight Back

Please note that in observation of Election Day, a new state holiday, there will be no school for students or staff on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

• Agenda will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 115 Board of Education website.
  
• Livestream Link
  
  

• Meeting Recording
  
• School Spotlight: English Department - Watch Below!

Project F_LL is a tri-district partnership between School Districts 65, 67, and 115. A committee made up of students, staff, and parent volunteers from these three Districts coordinate efforts to collect and distribute food or donations to address food insecurity and shortages in Lake County and the surrounding areas. If you would like to make a monetary donation to Project F_LL, all donations will be used to support these efforts through a variety of programs and events offered throughout the school year, including food drives and community markets.

On October 16, Districts 65, 67, and 115 co-hosted the second annual Great Full Market, a free farmers market and family festival for residents of Waukegan, with Beacon Place and Quest Food Management Services.

The Great Full Market provided members of the Waukegan community the opportunity to pick up fresh produce, dry goods such as beans and rice, and other pantry items, all at no cost. Families also enjoyed hot chocolate, churros, and activities including soccer, Lotería, face painting, and crafts led by Lake Forest and Lake Bluff students. This year, over 80 volunteers served over 500 people, distributing 8,000 pounds of fresh produce and dry goods, and hundreds of canned food items.

The number of Lake County residents suffering from hunger is 9% higher than prior to COVID-19, in 2019. According to Feeding America, approximately 27,130 residents, or 11.8% of the Lake County population are living with food insecurity. That equates to 1 in 8.5 Lake County residents.

• LFHS Band Notes - October 2022
• LFHS Choir Newsletter - October 2022
• Transition Center Newsletter - October 2022