Design:
Kym Abrams Design
Photography: Visual Image
Photography and Colin Peters
Why Lake Forest?
A shared commitment to students, academic rigor, and expansive opportunities in our schools deliver a personalized approach to learning.
Dear Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood Community:
Welcome to our summer edition of Insight, a quarterly showcase of the learning and growth happening in Districts 67 and 115. Throughout this issue, you will hear from our inspiring students as they share their experiences and perspectives.
As a superintendent, engaging with our community is a priority for me. A recent conversation with local business leaders and realtors centered on the unique appeal of our districts and what attracts residents to our area. The question was asked, “Why Lake Forest? What sets our schools apart?”
The answer is simple: A Lake Forest public school education gives students the foundation they need to achieve their fullest potential. What truly sets us apart is the support and involvement of our community. It is this collective commitment of caregivers, community members, and staff that nurtures each and every student’s capacity. We have the academic rigor, curriculum, resources, and opportunities of larger schools, with a personalized approach that allows us to meet our students wherever they are in their learning journey.
94%
OF LAKE FOREST RESIDENTS SAY SCHOOLS WERE VERY OR SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT IN CHOOSING TO LIVE IN THE AREA.
Source: 2023 City of Lake Forest Community Survey
The question “Why Lake Forest?” was one that my wife and I pondered deeply when we decided to move our family from our Ohio home to pursue living and leading in these communities. While the fear of the unknown was certainly present at first, it quickly dissipated as we all experienced firsthand what it means to live in this hard-working and uniquely caring community. I often say we are blessed beyond belief to raise our children in this real-life “Norman Rockwell painting.”
In this issue, we’ll share how we are preparing our students for college, career, and life. You’ll read about specific ways we are transforming our learning spaces into environments where growth, exploration, and personal development are seamlessly integrated. We include updates from our board leaders and administrators, but it is the many student voices included in these pages that truly shine.
Sincerely,
Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D. Superintendent
Students Reflect on Kindness
“Our school is filled with kind people, which gets me excited to come to school and makes me want to be kind to others in return. A little kindness spreads a long way; it will always bring a smile to their face, and it will make you feel good, too!”
—Lucy, 4th grade, Everett
Students Reflect on Academic Rigor and Personalized Approach
“I like how big our new Transitions classrooms are, and the new TVs. I have a locker to put my stuff in, and a new cafeteria to eat lunch with my friends. In Transitions, I work on my skills and learn to be more independent. After I graduate, I want to keep working at my job at Lake Bluff Elementary School.”
—Emerson, Transitions student on the recent renovation
“I wasn’t too excited about losing sleep for SAT prep, but it was worth it. The Thursday morning course boosted my scores and confidence. It’s more than practice. I learned test-taking tips and strategies to tackle tricky questions.”
—Bella, LFHS Class of 2024, on the SAT prep course
“STEM at DPM prepared me for LFHS and allowed me to explore my fascination with technology through projects from animation to game development. I’ll always remember this one lesson from Mr. Pollina about the importance of admitting when you’re wrong and telling the truth so you can improve your outcome.”
—Vedh, LFHS Class of 2027, on the STEM program
“I took Algebra 1 at DPM before coming to LFHS because my teacher recommended it. My teachers set me up for success by always believing in me. I enjoy attending LFHS and am taking a wide range of classes and using Personal Learning Time (PLT). I’m looking forward to my future and keeping my mind and options open.”
—Isabella, LFHS Class of 2027, on Algebra 1 at DPM
“I always try to find differences in people and compliment them for it. Many people at school are going through different things (some good, some bad), but this teaches us that we should be more empathetic and kind than we even think is necessary.”
—Anna, 4th grade, Everett
“Empathy is understanding someone’s feelings because you’ve been there too. No matter how small an act of generosity is, it can make a big difference in the world.”
—Sloane, 4th grade, Everett
Promise Made, Promise Kept
The 2023 voter-approved referendum construction is officially underway in District 115, with the Enabling Phase beginning this summer.
All work funded through the project will address at least one of the following focus areas—Maintenance & Infrastructure, Safety & Security, Labs, Classrooms & Technology, ADA Accessibility, and Student Support Spaces—in an effort to create a healthier, safer, and more secure high school that operates efficiently, maintains academic excellence, improves access, and protects property values.
Lower Tax Collections Secured
Through District 115’s AAA bond rating, better-than-estimated bond sales were secured, translating to direct savings for residents. The initial budget projection would cost homeowners $474 per year for a $500,000 home and $974 for a $1 million home. With the actual sale of the bonds, resident tax bills will be lower at $423 per year for a $500,000 home and $870 for a $1 million home.
More Tax Savings Ahead
A further decrease in property taxes is scheduled in 2027 when the bonds from a 2006 issue are paid in full. This will translate to a reduction in taxes amounting to $202 per year for a $500,000 home and $414 for a $1 million home.
Cost-Savings in Real-Time
Bids from the Enabling Phase (beginning in Summer 2024) came in about $1 million lower than expected. The District is committed to making responsible decisions to maintain the quality and upkeep required by the historic 90-year-old facility. With a secure contingency fund, D115 is prepared for unanticipated site or market conditions.
Enabling Phase: Entering Construction
The “Enabling Phase” includes immediate safety and security updates and preparation work to move classrooms and students, so that future relocations and redesigns can occur with limited impact on the current flow of learning for students and staff.
On Time and Under Budget: Cherokee Projects Complete
Thank You, Spirit of 67!
A generous donation from the Spirit of 67 purchased new tables, chairs, and soft seating for the Deer Path Middle School cafeterias, providing students with comfortable and modern furnishings to enjoy for years to come!
The two-story addition at Cherokee Elementary was initiated to enhance ADA access and provide adequate spaces for students with disabilities to receive services.
The teachers identified a science and STEM lab, along with a collaboration space large enough to accommodate more than one class at a time, as the biggest needs for the building. Thanks to wise purchasing decisions and the cost-saving efforts of the Business Office and Facilities team, the project is estimated to come under budget by $407,000.
What’s Next in D67 Facilties?
The 10-Year Health and Life Safety Survey, a requirement under Illinois State Law, must be updated by October 2024. Assessments are underway by a licensed architect. The plan will review current health and safety protocols and outline options for planned enhancements to ensure our facilities continue to meet the highest standards in building safety, environmental quality, emergency preparedness, health services, and accessibility.
Students Reflect on the Cherokee Renovation
“I think it’s a better learning environment. We’ve done five new experiments in the new area – we did a cloud experiment, comparing regular and storm clouds, and hung up QR codes to scan and learn different things about storms.”
—Archer, 3rd grade, Cherokee
“The flex learning space is a comfortable place to hang out and chill. In our English Language Arts unit on light and sound, we got to spend some of our time there. It’s really fun at Cherokee.”
—Cressida, 3rd grade, Cherokee
Another Year of Clean Financial Audits
Dear Residents of Districts 67 and 115,
Since my last update in Insight, we have completed our annual independent financial audit process for Districts 67 and 115 for the 2022-23 fiscal year. I am proud to report clean and unmodified audits for both districts. This is the result of thoughtful and intentional fiscal management and oversight by our dedicated boards of education, finance, and operations committees.
The graphics on this page illustrate the 2023-2024 operating budget in action. It’s important to know where our funding comes from and how it is utilized to deliver the programs and services our students need and our community values.
While District 67 and District 115 are separate and operate independently with some shared services, several factors are true for both districts.
1. Both are funded primarily by property taxes, receiving more than 90% of their operating revenue directly from local sources.
2.The delivery of classroom instruction and support services comprises the vast majority of expenditures in both districts.
3. The Boards of Education in District 67 and District 115 take their fiscal oversight responsibilities very seriously. Both districts follow a rigorous budget review and fiscal reporting process that is open and available to the public. This ensures that funds are utilized in line with board priorities.
Clean audits and constant fiscal oversight ensure that we steward the public dollars dedicated to our schools with integrity and fidelity. District 67 and 115 budgets, audits, approved recommendations, and other relevant financial documents are available for review on our district website.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Hermes Chief
Chief OperatingOfficer/CSBO District 67 and District 115
Source:
DOES THE MONEY GO?
Local property taxes are collected in two installments (June and September) and makes up 88.1% of the district’s local operating funds. Other local revenue consists of investment earnings, food service, facility rentals, and other student-based revenue such as registration and transportation fees.
What is Amplify?
Amplify is an English Language Arts curriculum that was recently adopted by District 67 after a thorough review and pilot in order to enhance the quality of District 67 reading, writing, and vocabulary instruction.
“I feel like I’m learning more and paying more attention now. I liked the Mysteries and Investigations unit about the yellow fever outbreak in Cuba and how scientists worked to solve it. I’m looking forward to reading more books; it’s enjoyable and helps calm my stress.”
—David, 6th grade, DPM
“Latin is one of the highlights of my day. Not only is the class fun, but the new curriculum is amazing. The new textbooks go beyond vocabulary, and we learn the history of Rome. Mrs. Gargano and Ms. Boseovski make sure the content isn’t intimidating. I work hard at it, but that’s because I like it and I’m motivated—it’s surprisingly fun and even helps with English class, too!”
—Owen, 7th grade, DPM
“I’m asking all of these new and good questions. It’s helping me grow my brain, and I’m reading better and faster. My favorite units were Student Inventors because we got to invent something of our own and Medieval Times because we went on a field trip and learned lots of new words.”
—Atticus, 4th grade, Everett
Coaching Enhances Classroom Experiences for Students and Staff
Using data and real-time support, coaches partner with teachers to deliver engaging lessons and personal attention.
Instructional coaches are proving to be fundamental to enhancing teaching practices and student outcomes. These coaches do not hold administrative roles; instead, they act as catalysts for effective, data-driven instruction and continuous, job-embedded teacher professional development. Through this model, the staff is transforming teaching dynamics and student engagement lesson by lesson.
student independence and critical thinking. “I don’t just provide answers; I create environments where students and teachers discover and apply solutions collaboratively,” Barry notes.
His work includes guiding teachers in integrating effective teaching strategies with data and personalized support. “Seeing educators grow in their skills and confidence and observing students’ excitement and engagement as they master new skills is incredibly rewarding,” he adds.
Denise Galatsianos, a literacy coach who collaborates across multiple schools, adds, “Teachers manage their day-to-day instruction. As a coach, I get to be an extension of that work and act as a collaborator and consultant in the classroom with teachers so we can make data-informed adjustments to best target student achievement.”
She says the District 67 staff walk the walk as lifelong learners, and supporting them is a joy, but the real magic is when she gets to see the sparkle in a student’s eye when they proudly share their work.
“I was writing an essay and had a blank page. I asked a teacher-helper (coach) to help me, and they asked me a question that helped me think of something to write about. I am sure the teachers are grateful for Mrs. Hannemann’s when she’s there.”
—Mikaela, 4th grade, Sheridan
work.
Michael Barry, a Deer Path Middle coach for 7th and 8th grade, describes his role in fostering
The instructional
The instructional coaching model in District 67 supports teachers and deeply influences student achievement by translating complex educational data into actionable strategies and maintaining a clear focus on the district’s strategic objectives. Coaches have played an important role in the Portrait of a Learner, the strategic plan, and school improvement plans (SIP).
Academics
Front & Center
Student interests drive academic course offerings and support for college and career readiness as LFHS tackles Strategic Plan Goal 1A.
GOAL
1OBJECTIVE A
LFHS will refine and extend college and career pathways programming, curriculum, and instruction.
Every student will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to cultivate academic growth and success.
STRATEGIES
Create and implement a college and career ready assessment framework
Monitor the overall impact of college and career pathways programs and learning experiences
Examine and use school data to develop and implement focused growth plans for students who are not making expected progress
Seek out appropriate and meaningful opportunities to invite students and community members to co-build community engagement and civic action programs
Students Reflect on College & Career Readiness
“AP courses have made me feel comfortable and prepared to pursue engineering, pre-med, or business. Access to collegelevel courses and the support of LFHS staff like my counselor, Mr. Panfill, are a privilege, and I feel really fortunate.”
—Eleanor, LFHS Class of 2024
LFHS offers exciting electives that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. “Our annual Course Proposal process provides a way to regularly enhance our curriculum by adding, revising, or deleting courses,” explained Stephen Dunn, Instructional Director of Social Studies & World Language. “We are always interested in offering courses that appeal to students because they are challenging and relevant. We were one of the first high schools in the country to offer AP Seminar and students continue to enroll in the course in high numbers which is something that I am very proud of.”
The LFHS course catalog includes innovative options such as Teaching Aide (TA) Leadership, New Media, and the Business Incubator program, where students gain relevant skills and meaningful exposure to employment and leadership skills.
“Students are earning more than a grade when they take these courses,” added Dr. Patrick Sassen, LFHS Associate Principal. “These experiences have often been the tipping point for students to get into competitive collegiate programs and land in desirable careers.”
An expanding dual credit program at LFHS offers students tangible proof they are ready for their next steps. Partnering with esteemed institutions like Loyola University and the College of Lake County, students can choose from five collegecredit courses which saves families money and gives students a head start on their college journeys.
Success is more than just academics. D115 aims to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of college and their chosen careers, equipped with the tools and experiences needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“For years, I’ve known I want to become a nurse! Mrs. Gatta’s Anatomy and Physiology class and the Lake County Tech Campus have been so impactful in preparing me – even teaching me practical skills like CPR and taking vitals through clinical hours at the Fire Department and Emergency Room.”
—Oluwadamilola,
LFHS Class of 2024
“LFHS has helped me narrow down my next steps and taught me many important executive functioning and goal-setting skills, which will help me make it through Pre-Med and Medical School to become an Obstetrician. I’m fascinated by the body’s capabilities and want to support people in their healthcare journey.”
—Sofia, LFHS Class of 2024
115 Activities Develop Readiness
2024 Class President on Community and One Lake Forest
“The Debate Team, Junior State of America, and Theater have grown my speaking skills and elevated my confidence, which have undoubtedly given me the skills I need to achieve my goals. I hope to attend law school after majoring in English at Butler University.”
—Ana, LFHS Class of 2024
“With such a broad spectrum of students in our school, finding a place to belong can admittedly be a difficult task. Our student body’s commitment to the One Lake Forest statement isn’t just about finding where someone belongs; it’s about creating the place where people belong.”
Lake —Fritz,
—Fritz, LFHS Class of 2024
High Expectations + Limitless Possibilities
To Our Community:
On behalf of your District 67 and District 115 Boards of Education, we congratulate our students, faculty, and staff on a wonderful year of learning!
We are grateful for the community’s continued involvement in our schools and support for the upward trajectory of every student’s learning journey. Year after year, our districts remain in the upper echelon of educational institutions, both locally and nationally, because of our shared belief in the power of education to transform futures.
resources they need to pursue academic excellence with a close eye on finances. Each board has goals for our respective districts spanning multiple years, with a singular focus on student outcomes. All 14 District 67 and 115 Board members remain open and available to residents to discuss our schools and the limitless possibilities for the children of our school community.
In service,
Our boards are working to ensure that Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood students have the instruction and
New Gardening Initiative
The Spring Shop in Market Square hosted by new District 67 and 115 parent-led Gardening 2 Grow, featured studentmade gifts, homemade treats, and seedlings with the proceeds going to support the District 67 gardening clubs and the DPM Green Team.
District 67 8/23 8/20 8/21 8/26 8/27-28 8/29
John Noble President, D115 Board of Education
AI in Education
District leaders and Lake Forest College discussed integrating AI into education and its ethical dilemmas, resulting in a fruitful dialogue on future-ready education for Districts 67 and 115.
KEY SCHOOL DATES
CH, DPM, EV, SH School Walk-Throughs
First Day of Student Attendance – Grades 1-8
Early Childhood Walk-throughs
Kindergarten Walk-Through, First Day of Student Attendance – Early Childhood
First Day of Student Attendance – Kindergarten Staggered Start
First Day of Student Attendance – All Kindergarten
CH, EV, SH Parent Information Night
No School – Labor Day
DPM Back-to-School Night
No School – Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Full Day of School – Parent-Teacher Conferences
No Student Attendance – Parent-Teacher Conferences
No School – Election Day
No Student Attendance – Institute Day
No School – Thanksgiving Break
No School – Winter Break
Mark Remus President, D67 Board of Education
Investing in the Future
After a year of hard work, Business Incubator students presented their innovative ideas to investors and judges at the annual LFHS Foundation Pitch Night.
Freshman Orientation
First Day of Student Attendance
One Acts (RMA)
No School – Labor Day
Open House
Homecoming Football Game
No School – Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Fall Play: One Stoplight Town (RMA)
Great FULL Market at Beacon Place
Choir Concert (RMA)
No Student Attendance
Parent-Teacher Conferences
No School
Orchestra Concert (RMA)
No School – Election Day
Veterans Day Assembly (RMA)
Frosh/Soph Play: The Alibis (Little Theater)
Thanksgiving Break
Instrumental Concert / Spaghetti Dinner / Choral Concert (RMA)
No School – Winter Break