Piloting Success

Dear Lake Forest District 67 Families:

At the beginning of this school year, I had the pleasure of joining District 67 as the Director of Teaching and Learning. In this role, I bring experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, middle school assistant principal, and an elementary school principal. Not to mention, I am the proud mom of two elementary-aged children and am reminded on a daily basis about the important work we do in education. As parents, we all want to see our children succeed and grow into well rounded citizens. As educators, we share that same goal.

Following the release of the Illinois State Report Card, Dr. Montgomery noted that “we have room for academic improvement and the work to get us there is well underway.” As data was shared with staff, I saw passionate and driven educators ready to embrace change that would positively impact students. Our administrators and staff across the District agree that we need to take our instructional practices to new heights. This year alone, we’ve implemented a new math resource at the middle school level that fosters more critical thinking and problem solving. Additionally, we are developing an instructional coaching program that will give more access to ongoing professional learning opportunities for our staff. Most notably, we are in the final stages of our reading curriculum review.

Although change is a process and will take time, we have been thoughtful about balancing immediate next steps with long-term planning. Through our partnership with the Regional Office of Education and researching best practices, we are piloting three new reading and writing curriculum resources in all four buildings. I’d like to thank our teachers for their commitment to this process and support of the pilot. All of these intentional steps will lead to a positive outcome for our students. We have a huge opportunity ahead and I look forward to sharing more about my final resource recommendation to the Board of Education in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Vail Kieser District 67 Director of Teaching and Learning

A Winterful Season for Science

As part of a unit on weather and seasons, Sheridan kindergarteners practiced their meteorology skills by measuring the volume of snow, observing cloud changes, and learning about weather tools.

History Comes Alive at Everett

Everett fourth graders completed a book report project after reading a “Who Was” book about historical figures who lived during the American Revolution. Each student created a poster synthesizing the information that they learned to share with their classmates during a gallery walk and presentation.

Citizenship Explored on D.C. Trip

148 DPM students journeyed to the nation’s capital in November to learn about the U.S. government. Students were immersed in history when they visited landmark spots like the Smithsonian Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, and National Mall monuments.

Winter Sing Returns to the Stage

Elementary students at Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan gave spirited performances in December, featuring a variety of genres. One number was even choreographed with flashlights! The musical variety and energetic return to the stage were delightful.

P-R-O-U-D DPM Spelling Bee 2023

Students cheered on their classmates during the annual DPM Spelling Bee in January. Students on the stage signed up weeks before and impressed the audience with their spelling prowess. Congratulations to champion Karmen and runner-up, Nicole!

Today’s Readers, Tomorrow’s Leaders

Cherokee second graders celebrated a stirring Reader’s Theater performance of “The Ugly Duckling!” Reader’s theater is a strategy for developing reading fluency. Students read parts of a story aloud in small groups which enhance their reading skills and confidence by giving then a reason to read aloud and collaborate with their peers.

Adaptable

“I really wanted to read to my little brother and his preschool friends. I thought they would like it because they couldn’t read by themselves yet in school and I could because I’m bigger and have learned. I had 20 Sharkbites saved up and chose for my prize to be to read to the preschool class. It was really fun and used a book from my classroom that I could read.”

Eleanore Akemann Sheridan Elementary School 2nd Grader

Communicator

“I was really excited to join the Debate Team. I was nervous for my first debate but being on the team has shown me that I have a voice and that people will listen to my opinion if I communicate it.”

Alice Carruthers Deer Path Middle School 5th Grader

“Going on the 8th Grade Washington, DC trip helped me develop a better sense of confidence and responsibility. Over the course of the trip, I was able to become better at knowing when it’s time to have fun and when it’s time to be respectful. I felt confident about being responsible when going to new places and doing new things.”

Carter Savage Deer Path Middle School 8th Grader

Communicator

“LFHS athletics has brought so much to my life. I remember being a freshman surrounded by upperclassmen who seemed stronger, faster, and better. I strived to be just like them at every practice. Volleyball has given me some of the most important role models to become confident in my abilities on and off the court. I began to realize believing in yourself was the key to being successful.”

Courtney Hvostik

Lake Forest High School Senior