Honoring the past, celebrating the present, building the future

our Facilities Master Plan Oversight Committee to maintain and preserve our historic high school. The truth is, behind the stunning walls of 88-year-old LFHS are maintenance and infrastructure needs that are disrupting learning and cannot be addressed within our current budget. The April 4, 2023 referendum budget includes plumbing, electrical, roofing, windows, lighting, HVAC systems, improvements to safety and security, ADA compliance, and aging labs and classrooms. Read more on page 6 and 7.

Finally, I am pleased to report significant developments in our District 67 and District 115 five-year strategic planning process. Our writing and design teams completed their work in February and we will present the final plans to each Board of Education in March. My gratitude goes to the dozens of teachers, staff, students, and community members who have contributed to this work. In combination with our Portrait of a Learner, these plans will guide nearly everything we do moving forward.

Your involvement and participation remain essential to achieving our goals.

Sincerely, Superintendent

DISTRICT 67 PRESCHOOL Registration Now Open

The blended preschool program at Sheridan Elementary accepts both typically-developing students and students with support needs, ages 3-5. In addition to learning the foundational skills for kindergarten readiness, students will develop social skills critical for collaborative learning.

A special co-teaching model provides all students in the program access to an early childhood teacher and a speech pathologist. This allows all children to accelerate their communication skills, a core aspect of early literacy. There are currently three morning classes for 3- to 4-year-olds and three afternoon classes for 4- to 5-year-olds.

The Class of 2002 celebrated its 20th reunion over the Thanksgiving holiday at the Lake Forest Club. Celebrating the double-decade milestone and the holidays with fellow Scouts was a wonderful time!

Alumni Spotlight

While only one year apart at LFHS, Jeff and Joe did not cross paths much back then, but became good friends later in life. These days, you can find them at Duffer’s Pub, a family-friendly eatery in Lake Forest where they have married their appreciation of sport and food in the town they continue to call home.

Newer alumni spoke to students about life after high school, the college experience, and careers. Thank you to members of the LFHS classes of ‘14, ‘18, ‘20, ‘21, and ‘22!

Retired from the City of North Chicago

What is your favorite LFHS memory?

“Not necessarily my favorite memory, but a memory that sticks with me always is the days following September 11, 2001. Everyone came together as one and really showed support for one another and our country.”

“Following September 11, 2001, the unity of our school was very cool. Everyone came together; it didn’t matter what group of friends you had.”

How do you feel LFHS prepared you for the future?

“ The teachers at Lake Forest are the tip of the spear. Dr. HGantt helped guide me through school and keep me on the right path. His advice will live with me forever. I wish I had the chance to tell him that.”

“Well, I married my high school sweetheart! And the teachers there pushed me to find the right path for ME. The LFHS Business Program helped to put me on that path.”

Why do you think so many LFHS alumni choose to return to Lake Forest to raise families and own local businesses?

“Lake Forest is an amazing place to live and raise a family. I have seen the worst of the worst in this world working as a firefighter and I am thankful every single day that I have the opportunity to give my family a wonderful life here. When you leave after high school and you head off to college or to follow your dreams, you find that growing up here was a blessing.”

“ While it may not be a very small town, it has a special, hometown feel and a rich history. While most people who go away to college and find their closest friends there, many people who go to LFHS seem to find their closest friends in high school.”

Action! Students on the Stage

Between the freshman and sophomore November play “Rhinoceros,” and the January adaptation of “Wild Dust,” LFHS students captured their audience’s attention this winter season. Students worked diligently to research previous adaptations and create visually engaging sets to bring their performances to life.