411 on 115 - Back to School 8.7.23

August 7, 2023

Dear District 115 Lake Forest Community High School Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff:

It is with great excitement that I extend a warm welcome to each one of you as we embark on the 2023-2024 school year!

With the Portrait of a Learner as a backdrop, our ONE Lake Forest Community High School vision, and five-year District 115 strategic plan in place, we have spent the summer developing metrics that will allow us to measure our progress in the years ahead.

At Lake Forest High School, we stand firm in our belief that each student possesses an incredible capacity to learn and grow. We are a place for every ONE.

Our journey with each Scout begins by imparting knowledge through rigorous academics. Preparing our students for a rapidly changing global landscape also includes offering experiences that instill the ability to be thoughtful and courageous leaders.

As we welcome the new school year and the Class of 2027, I invite you to revisit our LFHS mission, to inspire the passion to learn, the insight to know oneself, and the courage to make a difference. It is our goal to create a nurturing environment that values each person’s unique experiences, insights, and contributions while delivering excellence in education.

I am excited to see our students, staff, and community come together at the start of a new school year. We look forward to welcoming our freshmen on August 22, and to our entire school convening as ONE on August 23.

Let’s make this an outstanding LFHS school year, grounded in learning, growth, and the power of ONE.

Go Scouts!

Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Lake Forest High School will hold a Welcome Night for families who are new to our school community on August 21 at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria at Lake Forest High School East Campus (1285 N. McKinley Rd.). If you have recently moved into the District, you will be invited to this event directly. If you have a question about the evening, please contact Mrs. Melanie Walsh (mwalsh@lfschools.net).

Students will attend Textbook Pickup in the Library, located at Lake Forest High School East Campus, 1285 N. McKinley Rd. at the times listed below according to the first initial of the student's last name.

A-L - Thursday, August 17
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

M - Z - Friday, August 18
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Expectations for this Event

• All students will pick up their schedule, textbooks, student ID, and MacBook. Students must retrieve their own MacBooks as it is necessary for them to login, setup, and be trained on the functions of the devices. District issued MacBooks will be required to access course materials, complete testing, and access our network. If you are unable to attend the above pick-up schedule, please contact Frank Lesniak to arrange an alternate time at flesniak@lfschools.net.
  
• Locker information will be included on your textbook pick-up schedule and access to lockers will be permitted.
  
• Students who have senior parking will be able to pick up their parking pass.

Please use this link for additional information.

Information regarding assessments, including PSAT, SAT, ACT, and College Board AP can be found on our website. Please use this link to view upcoming dates and additional information.

School Portrait Days will be held on September 6 & 7. Afterwards, you’ll be able to view your images, order packages and select your image for your yearbook (please remember to do so before it’s selected for you), all orders will be delivered to your home.

To view and order photos from Picture Day: You’ll receive an email when your images are ready to view online. Or, you can search for them at vipis.com shortly after photos are taken. If you need further assistance, contact VIP at support@vipis.com.

We are thrilled to share that Mr. Pete Nadler was approved as the Director of Special Education, effective July 1st. Pete was previously the Director of Student Services at Barrington CUSD 220. Pete is excited to join the team and is looking forward to working with our students and our community. Mr. Nadler can be reached via pnadler@lfschools.net or by phone at (847) 582-7708.

In addition to welcoming Mr. Nadler, we're equally excited to welcome Jonathan Silver, our new Dean of Students. He and Mrs. Laura Clegg will be working in partnership together while Mr. Frank Lesniak has assumed the role of Assistant Principal, Student Operations and will continue to work closely with the Dean's Office. Mr. Silver comes to Lake Forest from Oak Park River Forest High School D200 where he served as the Dean of Students for over 15 years. Mr. Silver can be reached via jsilver@lfschools.net or by phone at (847) 582-7362.

Did you know that you can sync the District 115 calendar to your phone? Click on the button below and scroll to the bottom for instructions so you don't miss a thing!

From L to R: David Burns, Marcus Schabacker, Jenny Zinser (Vice President), Sally Davis, Dewey Winebrenner, John Venson (Secretary), and John Noble, President

D115 Regular Meeting - August 8, 2023

• Regular Meeting Agenda and the livestream link will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 115 Board of Education website.

D67/D115 Joint Special Meeting - August 15, 2023

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

• August 8, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
  
• September 12, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• October 10, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• November 7, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• December 5, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
• February 13, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• March 12, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• April 2, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• May 7, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
• June 11, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.

As part of its ongoing efforts to increase transparency and provide opportunities for engagement, the District 115 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 Education Committee provides oversight to all major High School educational initiatives, new Programs, and makes recommendations on major topics to the Board of Education on matters related to curriculum and instruction. The Committee provides guidance to management on the accomplishment of educational strategic initiatives and student outcomes.
• Chair: John Venson
• 23-24 Meeting Dates: TBD
  
  

• 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.
• Chair: David Burns
• 23-24 Meeting Dates (all meetings held from 7:30-9:00am): July 18, 2023, September 28, 2023, November 13, 2023, February 29, 2024, and April 23, 2024
  
  
• Policy Committee
• Purpose: The Policy Committee reviews and updates (as needed) existing Board policies to ensure compliance with Illinois State law, and alignment to other District 115 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; and provides feedback, insight, and direction to the District 115 Board as a whole regarding changes to existing policies and/or suggested new policies.
• Chair: Sally Davis
• 23-24 Meeting Dates: TBD

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!

Congratulations to LFHS Counselor Brad Naughton who was recently honored by the Illinois School Counselor Association as the Illinois High School Counselor of the Year!

Mr. Naughton has worked at LFHS since 1994 and, in addition to supporting our students through counseling services, he has also coached Football, Baseball, Girls' Cross Country, and Girls' Track & Field.

Our very own Forest Scout covered some exciting news about Education Technology Specialist Mr. Jimmy Juliano back in the spring. Mr. Juliano's first novel, Dead Eleven, was finally released this summer with plans for a TV adaptation.

Lakshmi Ohja wrote, "Juliano began to share his short horror stories on Reddit about ten years ago to see how many upvotes he could get–and he ended up getting a lot...Juliano’s journey in writing and publishing his first novel has accomplished a lifelong dream of his. 'The most rewarding part is just being the culmination of it being something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to be an author ever since I was a kid.' said Juliano. He has already begun brainstorming for his next story, and hopes to be ready to pitch his next idea this summer."

You can see Mr. Juliano in person and get a signed copy of Dead Eleven on September 13th at 6pm at the Lake Forest Book Store!

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.

LFHS Theater is excited to announce the 2023-2024 Theater Season!

• Senior-Directed One Acts
• A Wrinkle in Time
• The Brightest Thing (or, The Squonk Play)
• Barefoot in the Park
• Mean Girls

Information regarding auditions and show dates will be shared in Schoology, and on the LFHS website!

All LFHS students are encouraged to participate, regardless of theater experience. The One Acts are put together in 10 days with auditions on Wednesday, August 16, rehearsals beginning Thursday, August 17, and a final performance on Saturday, August 26. We’re happy to work around conflicts, just make sure to list them on your audition form (see below). If you are unable to audition in person, you may record a 1-2 minute monologue and email it to sdreiling@lfschools.net by 4pm on Wednesday, August 16.

Auditions: Wednesday, August 16, 4-7pm, in the Raymond Moore Auditorium.

• Audition Form (complete before August 16): https://bit.ly/LFHSSDOA23

• No need to sign up for an audition slot or prepare a monologue in advance, just plan to stay for the full three hours.

Stage/Tech Crew: We’ll begin the week of August 21. If you’re interested in joining tech crew, contact Mr. Holmer at cholmer@lfschools.net

Performance: Saturday, August 26, 7PM, in the RMA. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door ($5 student tickets | $10 adult tickets)

Questions? Contact ITS advisor Sara Dreiling at sdreiling@lfschools.net.

• Back to School Band Notes

• Summer Edition Choir Newsletter

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