WINTER 2024
What’s Inside
PERMIT NO. 329
SUPERINTENDENT’S LETTER
Community Connections
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DISTRICT 67
Thriving in the Classroom
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PORTRAIT OF A LEARNER
Bringing Portrait Competencies to Life
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DISTRICT 115
It’s a Great Day to be a Scout
10 Follow us
DISTRICT 67
DISTRICT 115
Photography: VIP Photography
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Design: Kym Abrams Design
lakeforestschools.org
Managing District Resources
OR FIND US ONLINE
Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Address 4
FACILITIES & FINANCE
Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115 300 South Waukegan Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
PAID LAKE FOREST, IL
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE
PRSRT STD
Your Source for Good News in Districts 67 & 115
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
LETTER FROM THE D67 AND D115 BOARD PRESIDENTS
Committed to Students, Community, and Results
Creating Dialogue and Collaboration
Dear Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood Community: The 2023-2024 school year is off and running! This issue of Insight showcases the vibrant activities and events in District 67 and District 115 during our first semester, alongside details of expert staff leading the way in curriculum and instruction. We hope you’ll enjoy these stories and feel a deep sense of pride in our local schools.
Facilities and Finance News It is our commitment to our community members, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood to maintain transparency and visibility into District finance and facility operations. On pages 4 and 5, we invite you to learn more about the next steps and timeline for the District 115 Referendum, ongoing District 67 facilities work, exciting news about District 115’s credit rating, and the addition of a new Shared Services Director of Safety and Security for both Districts.
New Metrics for Measuring Our Progress
To Our District 67 and 115 Community:
Our Districts have worked diligently to prepare fiveyear strategic plans that establish the key priority areas upon which we will focus our attention and resources in the years to come. They are academic excellence, community engagement, and financial and facilities management. As the saying goes, “What gets measured gets done.” You can read more about the metrics we are now using In District 67 and District 115 to track our progress on pages 7 and 11.
As the Presidents of the District 67 and 115 Boards of Education, we take our roles of leadership and oversight seriously and understand the profound impact our decisions can have on the lives of students, families, teachers, and the broader community. So that we continue to best represent the interests of all Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood residents, our two boards are increasing our focus on community engagement.
Portrait Stories I hope you’ll take time to read our Portrait of a Learner stories on pages 8 and 9. Our students are embracing the opportunity to learn about the competencies identified by our communities as essential to future life. Alongside our continued focus on academic rigor, skills like critical thinking, communication, empathy, adaptability, citizenship, and confidence are explored in our classrooms on a daily basis. This issue’s student stories bring these experiences to life. The strength and impact of our schools relies on everyone who calls Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, or Knollwood home.
by your Board Presidents Join Us for our Next Joint Board JANUARY of Education Community Coffee and Dr. Montgomery, 6:30pm at the Gorton Center increased Board member participation at parent organization meetings and school events, participation on local podcasts, and our school and community spotlight presentations at the beginning of each District 67 and District 115 Board of Education meeting.
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Our goal is to create an environment of authentic collaboration in which every student has an opportunity to succeed. Your active participation is not only welcome but essential to achieving meaningful connections between our Boards and the community we serve.
Education is a collaborative effort and we believe that an informed and engaged community is the cornerstone of thriving school districts. The direct involvement of our community in the creation of our Portrait of a Learner vision, the development of five-year strategic plans with We look forward to continuing our local outreach in the measures of success for Districts 67 and 115, and ongoing school year ahead! facilities planning in both districts make it possible for us to reflect the values and priorities of our community in future plans for our schools. John Noble President, D115 Board of Education When we actively seek your feedback, listen to your
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concerns, and understand your aspirations, we can make better decisions. Representing you effectively requires ongoing dialogue. We are committed to creating opportunities for open communication. Some of these include our new Community Coffees, co-hosted
Anne Geraghty Helms President, D67 Board of Education
Sincerely,
LFHS ALUMNI: BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D. Superintendent
Scouts for a Lifetime Homecoming 2023 Celebration All LFHS alumni were invited to pose for a group picture on September 22 at the LFHS Varsity Football Homecoming Game at Varsity Field. Go, Scouts!
Mark Your Calendar for LET’S TALK: Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Reunions Galore! Galore! Between June and November of 2023, 7 LFHS classes reunited including the classes of ‘03, ‘01, ‘93, ‘88, ‘83, ‘73, and ‘68! The class of ‘12 even had an impromptu reunion at a friend’s wedding.
We invite Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood community members to join us for our upcoming LET’S TALK conversation series on artificial intelligence (AI). Join us for insightful discussions on the implications of AI on education and the workplace now and in the future.
Weekend activities included get-togethers at 28 Mile, Chief’s, Duffer’s, Gorton Center, attendance at LFHS Football games, a lecture at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, and LFHS East Campus building tours. Welcome home, Scouts!
JANUARY
23
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7:00-8:30pm Educating for a Future with AI LFHS West Campus Board Room 300 South Waukegan Road Lake Forest
FEBRUARY
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7:00-8:30pm A Look Ahead: AI and Industry Co-Hosted with Fast Company LFHS West Campus Board Room 300 South Waukegan Road Lake Forest
Sara D. Mahler
1958
Skoo Walker
1982
Kristen Buck Chun
1987
Vanessa Saran Nowlin
2002
Biff Thiele
1967
Kraig Moreland
1983
Tracy O’Mara Peacock
1990
Whitney Draegert
2004
David Johnson
1968
Karen Herrmann Cacioppo 1984
Alana Nero Hender
1992
Nick Childs
2009
Diane Sorenson
1970
Jennifer McGregor
1986
Julie Chantler Crouch
1993
Julia Zureikat Childs
2013
Debi Kiddle
1974
John Noble
1986
Brooke Bayley Rolek
1993
Sarah Considine
2019
Alumni Ambassadors The purpose of LFHS Alumni Relations is to inspire LFHS alumni to connect with each other and current LFHS students in support of Lake Forest High School, past, present, and future. LFHS is grateful to our dedicated new LFHS Alumni Ambassadors who communicate and connect with fellow alumni, collaborate with District staff to create engagement opportunities, and attend and volunteer at alumni-related events. 3
District 115
FROM THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER /CSBO
Investing in Quality Education Dear Community Members of Districts 67 and 115: We deeply respect the value our community places on our schools and the sound fiscal management of the resources entrusted to our school districts. The trust and support of our community is paramount to us, and we believe that transparent communication is key to maintaining this trust. To honor our commitment to keeping our taxpayers informed, we publish and publicly share annual budgets and financial reports, compensation information, vendor bids, contracts, and other noteworthy fiscal changes that may affect our financial standings or facility conditions. We do this during Board of Education meetings, in our publications, during gatherings with parent groups, community coffees, media interviews, and on our website. Our goal is to clearly explain how and why we allocate our financial resources and make decisions about District operations and facilities. We actively engage the community in our decision-making through public participation on the D67 and D115 Education Committees, Finance and Operations Committees, the D115 Capital Projects Advisory Committee, and through annual Budget Hearings every September. We value the input of our community and believe that your participation is essential to shaping the future of our Districts and better serving our students, staff, and families. As we look ahead to 2024, our Districts will continue to evaluate critical budget considerations including staffing levels, facilities planning in District 67, and of course, the start of District 115 referendum work. We are committed to sharing regular updates with you as we make decisions to maintain the Districts’ strong financial positions and future possibilities. Thank you for your generous support of our schools. Sincerely,
District 115 Awarded AAA Bond Rating for 2023 We are proud to share that Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings, a renowned credit rating agency known for its influential financial research and analysis, has awarded District 115 the prestigious AAA rating for both existing and new debt. District 67 is also rated AAA by Moody’s. We are one of only 20 school districts in Illinois to achieve this esteemed recognition. These ratings ensure the ability to secure lower interest rates when issuing debt, thereby saving taxpayer dollars.
“ My first priority is to ensure that our buildings are secure in both Districts and that safety protocols are followed. I am enjoying the opportunity to develop best practices among our students and staff and am pleased with our progress thus far.”
originally estimated
2023 BOND ISSUE TAX IMPACT*
On October 11, Lake Forest Community High School District 115 completed the successful sale of its AAA-rated General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2023, with total proceeds of $105,700,000, authorized by voters during the April 4, 2023 election. The highly competitive sale included 11 interested investors. The winning bidder was Bank of America Securities, submitting a bid with the lowest true interest cost of 4.355% (including cost of issuance). The annual debt service, to be repaid over 20 years, is approximately $21,000,000 less than the initially estimated for taxpayers during the referendum education effort. LEARN MORE
$1M
fair market value of $1,000,000 home
$870/yr per year
* The tax impact of the 2023 bond issue on a home with a fair market value of $1,000,000 will now be $870 per year, $104 less than the $974 originally estimated.
To stay up to date on all things Referendum, visit our webpage by scanning the QR code. SCAN QR CODE
Capital Projects Advisory Committee Continues Collaboration The D115 Capital Projects Advisory Committee has met three times over the past months since April. SEPTEMBER INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS
AUGUST MEETING 1
Overview of Project Phases and Committee Philosophy and Expertise Discussion
Committee Members Meet Individually with the District Superintendent to Discuss Priorities
OCTOBER MEETING 2
Overview of Historic East-Side Window Options: Full Restoration Decision Made
DECEMBER MEETING 3
Overview of Alternative Energy, Sustainability, and Resiliency Options with LFHS Students and External Experts (pictured above)
— Charles “Chuck” Walsh, Director of Safety and Security
Dr. Jennifer Hermes Chief Operating Officer/CSBO
Enabling Phase $6,863,867 SEP-DEC 2023
Construction Documentation + Detailed Drawings
Cherokee Construction Ready for Wrap-Up! As we near the end of 2023, Cherokee Elementary School students and staff are getting ready to explore the new addition and ADA ramp currently under construction. Construction crews have been hard at work on the roof, brick veneer, installation of electrical, mechanical systems, and interior wall framing. Flexible furniture is on its way to complete the beautiful, new space!
JUNE–OCT 2023
Schematic Design & Design Development
Sheridan Students Swing Into a New School Year
— Carl Kirar, Chair of the Finance and Operations Committee, District 67
FEB 2024
JUNE 2024
Bid Packages Due
JAN 2024
Bid Packages Advertised Publicly
What Happens Next?
Phase 2 Construction Begins MAR 2024
BOE Approves Bid Packages
PHASE 1: JULY 2025–JUNE 2027
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Main Construction $55,395,641
In August, students, staff, and community representatives gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Sheridan Elementary School to celebrate the grand opening of the newly revamped early childhood playground. Through a generous grant, the Spirit of 67 Foundation allowed D67 to thoughtfully reimagine this space, including updated climbing frames, the replacement of wood chips with a soft fall ground surface, and the addition of a swing set.
“ Transparency and financial prudence are at the core of our commitment. Every financial decision made in District 67 reflects our dedication to providing high-quality education while being responsible stewards of our community’s resources.”
D1 15 REFERENDUM CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
PREPARATION: JUNE 2023–JUNE 2025
District 67
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$974 originally estimated
Successful Sale of General Obligation School Bonds
New Shared Services Director of Safety and Security Named The safety and welfare of our students and staff are our highest priority in Districts 67 and 115. The Boards of Education hired Charles Walsh as the new Shared Services Director of Safety and Security, beginning July 1. Mr. Walsh is responsible for the oversight of safety programs in all District 67 and 115 schools and buildings. He also ensures compliance with building protocols, provides training, implements procedures to prevent and deter violence, and serves as a liaison with first responders. Mr. Walsh retired earlier in 2023 as the Police Chief of Elk Grove Village with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement.
$104 less $974
PHASE 2: JULY 2027+
Construction Closeout
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ONGOING
Furnishings, Fixtures, and Equipment
* Includes initial projects completed as foundational work before additional construction can take place such as the Glass Commons security vestibule, stairs, UV filters and heaters for the pool, and specific science labs and department offices.
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FROM THE DISTRICT 67 DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
From Curriculum to Classroom Dear District 67 Community, The importance of early literacy cannot be overstated— it is foundational to school success. Reading opens doors to knowledge and imagination in all subjects and passions. We’re committed to enhancing literacy in our District 67 schools and will continue to foster growth daily. Last year, the Board of Education voted to Amplify, a new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. Since then, our entire D67 staff has trained at various levels to implement this new instruction beginning on day one of the 2023-2024 school year. Literacy is now woven into every aspect of learning in our schools. Families can join us in this effort to nurture literacy! Here are three ways: 1. Stay involved with what your child is learning; take a peek at the caregiver letters from your child’s classroom teacher for information on the content as well as conversation starters with your child. 2. Check out the recent virtual parent night recordings to learn more about the intentional design of our new resources for ELA. You can find links on the Teaching and Learning page of our District 67 website or by scanning the QR code with your phone. 3. Foster open communication with your child’s teacher to promote our essential partnership.
Over the past two years, we have devoted a lot of attention to literacy, yet we would be remiss to not also applaud the intentional work being done in the area of mathematics as well. We are very proud of the work that has gone into the implementation of the new Illustrative Math and Big Ideas curriculum at Deer Path Middle School. We are only in our second year and have already seen countless examples of how this rigorous resource has benefited our students. Across all knowledge areas, regardless of the resource, staff has been engaged in data analysis work to ensure we are providing the right support for our students. We are thrilled to work with such dedicated staff that are energized to ensure high levels of student success! We acknowledge this isn’t just an internal shift. We’re actively involving parents, from curriculum review to virtual and in-person conferences and parent/guardian update meetings. It is our job to do all we can to prepare our students to be avid readers and support families who desire to partner in that effort. Meaningful change takes time. It might take a year or two before we see the full results of our efforts— but we’re confident that the benefits of aligning our curriculum and resources and training our staff will be substantial and enduring. Sincerely,
Vail Kieser Director of Teaching and Learning
SCAN QR CODE FOR RECORDINGS
D67 2023-2028 STRATEGIC PL AN
Mapping Our Journey to Growth The District 67 Strategic Plan is a comprehensive roadmap that sets the direction for the District’s growth over the next five years. Developed through a partnership of educators, students, families, and community members, this plan reflects our collective vision for every student, identifies educational priorities, and guides our work toward achieving these aspirations.
Student Success Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives
District 67 now has a four-tiered approach to ensure all efforts achieve the community’s vision and values for our students and schools. The Strategic Plan is anchored in the Portrait of a Learner vision, and the District’s mission to inspire and empower all students to maximize their growth as learners and as individuals.
67 Metrics, Academic Outcomes, and Financial Measures
Academic growth and the individual success of student learners are at the heart of the District 67 Strategic Plan. We seek to fulfill our vision as an innovative learning community that educates without boundaries – where all students cultivate their minds, create enduring connections, and discover their passions.
School Improvement Plans (SIP)
FALL 2023
Timeline Strategic Plan Adopted
Metrics and Measures Adopted, School Improvement Plans Written for 2023-2024
GOAL 1
GOAL 2
GOAL 3
Cultivating Excellence in Learners
Empowering Communities
Transformative and Equitable Resources
SPRING 2022
Portrait of a Learner Adopted
SPRING 2023
District 67 Strategic Plan
Provide a rigorous, engaging, and supportive education where all learners thrive.
Create a genuine sense of belonging in the school community, partner closely with the local community, and develop contributing citizens in the global community.
Develop sustainable and innovative facilities and resources, distributed in an intentional, fiscally responsible manner, to transform learning experiences and opportunities and attract, develop, and retain the highest quality staff.
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3 District 67 Elementary Schools Get Spooky for Halloween Our Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan Associations of Parents and Teachers (APTs) collaborated with our District 67 principals and staff to plan Halloween parties for all our Cheetahs, Eagles, and Sharks. In addition to cute costumes, highlights also included fortune tellers, quiet spooky-fun areas, haunted hallways, DJs, and a photo booth! Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who made these parties memorable for our students.
Deer Path Middle School Spotlights Bravery At DPM’s opening day assemblies, staff introduced students to the DPM theme for the 2023-2024 school year: “It’s a Great Day to Be Brave.” The middle school years are filled with opportunities for students to get out of their comfort zone, develop confidence, and find opportunities to be brave. Several DPM students presented at the September Board of Education meeting, talking about what being brave means to them.
GOALS
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STRATEGIES METRICS
Cherokee Elementary School Hospital Opens for Business Ms. Dombai’s first-grade students completed their unit about the human body! They learned about the systems of the human body, the functions of major organs, and the keys to good health. How did these future M.D.s celebrate “graduating” from Cherokee Medical School? With games of Operation of course!
OBJECTIVES LEARN MORE
To read the full strategic plan and learn more about our measurements for success, visit our website by scanning the QR code. SCAN QR CODE
confidence 67
Deer Path Middle School held the first annual Adventure Days, an exciting new fall tradition thanks to a Spirit of 67 Foundation grant! Students traveled to Boundless Adventures in Wisconsin with their advisories to participate in activities designed to foster group belonging and build confidence including an aerial challenge course, zip lines, ax throwing, geocaching and orienteering, and nature hikes.
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At LFHS, building student confidence is a team endeavor. One of the places we see our Scouts taking initiative and overcoming obstacles is in the Math Resource Center (MRC). At the MRC, teachers and student peers volunteer their time to help Scouts who seek support with homework, test preparation, and understanding challenging concepts.
adaptability
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Thanks to the Spirit of 67 Foundation, Deer Path Middle School students learned about the importance of resilience, leadership, and giving back at their Community Service Kick-Off Assembly with a special guest speaker, Commander Rebecca Dowling Calder, a retired Naval Officer and first female pilot to graduate from the elite U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).
Did you know that more than 85% of LFHS students are engaged in school activities? That is, due, in part, to the work and adaptability of our student leaders. Several Scouts attended the Illinois Directors of Student Activities (IDSA) Student Leadership Workshop at Lyons Township High School in October. This opportunity for students from across the state focused on a wide range of leadership skills including team-building, communication, evaluation, appropriate risk-taking, and getting involved in a positive way.
115 critical thinking Two groups of Cherokee Elementary School fourth-graders placed 5th and 9th in the Illinois Stock Market Game (SMG). The SMG equips students with valuable academic and life skills such as critical thinking, math, economics, and personal finance, and introduces young people to saving and investing through a simulation of the stock and bond markets with their own virtual $100,000 investment portfolio!
50 LFHS students participated in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 in November which consisted of 25-question, 75-minute, multiple-choice examinations in high school mathematics. The AMC is a series of examinations and curriculum materials that build problem-solving, critical thinking skills and mathematical knowledge in high school students and is one of the most prestigious high school math competitions in the world.
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eer Path Middle School eighth graders embarked on the D annual DPM Washington, D.C. trip in November. For many students, this opportunity was their first time away from home. In addition to learning about U.S. history and the legislature, they also experience growth in personal responsibility and communication. Students asked thoughtful questions during presentations and sought to understand differing perspectives and new concepts through conversation.
Congratulations to Ryder Gamrath, Milana Yanev, Simon Pasquesi, Elise Rafiani, Ava Bleck, Jillian Duer, Chip Bailey, Grace Donovan, Kayden Prieto, and Ford Davie! These New Media students recently traveled to New York City to participate in the All-American High School Film Festival. While in the Big Apple, they learned from top industry professionals and met with mentors including LFHS alumni Lain Kienzle (‘10) and Tim Wong (‘11), and took a look behind the scenes in the control room for the live broadcast of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360.
115 empathy Our Sheridan Elementary School second graders continue to practice empathy through their buddy time with the Sheridan Early Childhood Community of Learners preschoolers. These buddies pair up during class to read, play, and have fun together!
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67 Just in time for Thanksgiving, LFHS Sociology students in Ms. Collier’s class helped load the truck at Fill a Heart 4 Kids and pack Thanksgiving break food boxes! Their class donated $350 and over 50 boxes of cereal and pasta and on that day alone, Fill a Heart 4 Kids was distributing 250 Thanksgiving break food boxes to local students in need.
citizenship In October, Everett Elementary School students celebrated Unity Day by wearing their favorite orange-colored clothing! Unity Day is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month with the goal of promoting kindness, acceptance, citizenship, and inclusion to prevent bullying.
Nora Petty, Tim Rukavina, Claire Gerber, and Caroline Gerber had the honor of participating in the Lake County Honor Flight #23, where they had the privilege of meeting several U.S. Armed Forces veterans, including those who served during Desert Storm, veterans from the Air Force Combat, and a distinguished veteran who had received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat zone. The opportunity to accompany these heroes provided a unique perspective on the sacrifices, citizenship, and bravery of those who have served our country.
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FROM THE L AKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
D115 NEW FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PL AN
Together We Shine
Charting Our Course
Dear LFHS Community, At LFHS, we seek to ensure every student’s potential is not only discovered but shines. This isn’t just about the curriculum we offer—it’s about our collective experiences, explorations, and the unity we foster, all grounded in the values of the ONE Lake Forest statement. Guided by our strategic plan goals and objectives, we are zeroing in on pivotal areas identified through feedback from our educators and students. Those areas of focus are social-emotional security and academic excellence through learning-focused environments where students and staff are engaged, respected, and show evidence of growth.
This journey isn’t about changing who we are—it’s about building on our strengths and the qualities that have always made LFHS stand out. Every classroom I step into and every conversation I have reinforces why being a part of the Scout family is something special. At the heart of every interaction is a deep commitment to learn, grow, and flourish. Our dedicated staff plays a pivotal role in preparing students to navigate the world beyond our walls. We shine brighter when families and the broader community join with us. Already this year, we have welcomed alumni, business partners, and experts into LFHS through homecoming activities, our business incubator, and classroom instruction. I encourage our community to continue to engage with our students, staff, and school. It is great to be a Scout, and I am honored to get a front-row seat to our students’ growth every day. Your proud principal,
Charting Our Course to Success Lake Forest Community High School District 115 Strategic Plan 2023-2028
The Lake Forest Community High School Strategic Plan articulates our community’s aspirations for every student, sets our educational priorities, and focuses our work over the next five years. Through the partnership of educators, students, families, and community members, this plan strengthens the LFHS mission: the passion to learn, the insight to know oneself, and the courage to make a difference.
The academic growth and success of all students is the primary goal of Lake Forest High School. Our Strategic Plan emphasizes building systems and programs centered on readying students to succeed in college or their post-high school career.
Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives 115 Metrics, Academic Outcomes, and Financial Measures
District 115, now has an actionable and measurable three-tiered approach to ensure that all efforts achieve the community’s vision and values for our LFHS Scouts. The Strategic Plan is anchored in the Portrait of a Learner vision, and the One Lake Forest High School Statement.
School Innovation and Improvement Plans (SIP)
To read the full strategic plan and learn more about the metrics, visit our website by scanning the QR code. SCAN QR CODE
Timeline Dr. Erin Lenart Principal
SPRING 2022
Portrait of a Learner Adopted
SPRING 2023
Strategic Plan Adopted
District 115 Strategic Plan
3 10 32 14 GOALS
FALL 2023
Metrics and Measures Adopted, School Innovation and Improvement Plans for 2023-2024
OBJECTIVES
STRATEGIES
METRICS
Celebrating the Holidays in Scout Style The LFHS Holiday Brass and Alumni joined with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra Brass to open the Lake Forest Tree Lighting festivities in November!
Full Hearts Thanks to the support of our school community, our 2023 Great FULL Market at Beacon Place was a huge success! Over 300 people attended our third annual free farmers market and fall family festival for residents of Waukegan. Thanks to the generous support of District 65, 67, and 115 communities, families were able to shop for fresh produce, dry goods, canned foods, and hygiene products free of charge while children enjoyed student-led crafts, games of loteria, hot chocolate, and fresh churros. Our sincere thanks to the more than 80 student and family volunteers, and to our food service partner, Quest Food Management Services, who donated more than 4,200 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables and hundreds of pounds of rice, beans, bread, and tortillas.
A Wrinkle in Time Showcases Student Creativity The LFHS fall play A Wrinkle in Time, directed by Mrs. Sara Dreiling and student-directed by Taylor Ross, followed the plot of the childhood classic book and featured Nora Sharman, Henry Laufenberg, and Kallista Schneiderman, among other talented student actors. In speaking with The Forest Scout, “My favorite part about theater is the show day,” Sharman said. “The excitement is immeasurable…I just love being onstage with the energy from the audience.”
GOAL 1
GOAL 2
GOAL 3
Every student will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to cultivate academic growth and success.
Every student will establish healthy and collaborative relationships to support academic growth and wellness.
Every student will have a school environment, facilities, and resources to support safety, academic growth, and wellness.
LFHS National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Announced
Apple MacBooks Support Student Learning
The mission of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor the most academically talented students of the United States. Congratulations to our six LFHS National Merit Scholarship Program Semi-Finalists: Charles Baksht, Ashwin Joshi, Connor Koefelda, Austin Okada, Alexa Richer, and Sadie Strong! The accomplishments of these exceptional seniors are a testament to their hard work and dedication.
In an effort to bring LFHS to a higher technology standard and improve classroom efficiency, all Scout teachers and students are now using Apple MacBooks. Apple TVs have been installed in every classroom, and new teacher companion devices have been issued. LFHS student summer employees worked alongside the District Technology department to set up the devices for their classmates in time for the first day of the 2023-2024 school year. 11
NEWS WORTH CELEBRATING
Full Speed Ahead
Break a Leg!
Congratulations to Landon Milz who won the DriveSmart Chevy Camaro #91 Paint Scheme design contest and had his design put on a real-life race car, driven by Kyle Weatherman at the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Playoff race. Landon headed to Texas to see his design come to life on the race track and learn about the business side of NASCAR, even staying in the Pit Stand during the race!
Taylor Ross (left) and Lucy Mulloy (right) have been selected for the Illinois Theatre Association’s 48th Annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) ensemble! Lucy is one of only six students chosen to work on electrical, lighting design, and special effects. Taylor is one of only a handful selected as an actor.
Early Childhood Program Spaces Still Available! With registration opening on January 16, there’s still time now to enroll our youngest students in the District 67 Community of Learners Early Childhood Program! Scan the QR code to learn more and register. ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
Ages: 3–5 AM Program: M–F 8:30–11AM PM Program: M–F 12-2:30PM 5:1 Staff-to-Student Ratio Blended Inclusion Model
ENROLL
Subscribe to D67 and D115 News with AllAccess! Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115 are committed to providing ongoing, real-time, transparent information to our school community members and stakeholders who may not have students currently enrolled in one of our schools. By subscribing, you will receive email updates from the District and Board of Education, as well as the latest stories featuring student and staff activities, programs available to the public, financial updates and other general news. To sign up for AllAccess, scan the QR code, email communications@lfschools.net, or call us at 847.604.7421.
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K E Y S C H O O L DAT E S
District 67
12/22 12/22-1/9 1/15 1/16 1/17-1/18 1/18 1/24 1/30 2/8 2/13 2/16 2/19 3/1 3/7 3/8 3/14-3/15 3/22-3/31
Sheridan Winter Sing (K-4)
Winter Break MLK Jr. Holiday: No School Middle School Choir Festival DPM 5th/6th Grade Music Performance for Parents
Scout Experience for Incoming 9th Graders DPM Spelling Bee DPM and LFHS String Fling Orchestra Festival DPM, LBMS, and LFHS Jazz Concert DPM 6/7/8 Band/Choir Concert
Tri-District Institute Day: No School President’s Day Holiday: No School No Student Attendance: Parent-Teacher Conferences DPM 5/6 Grade Star Awards DPM 7/8 Grade Star Awards Brainstormers Musical Performance Spring Break
SCAN QR CODE
District 115
12/18-12/21 12/22-1/9 1/15 1/18 1/20 1/26 1/30 2/1-2/3 2/8 2/16 2/19 2/22-2/24 3/7 3/13 3/15 3/17 3/18 3/22-3/31
Final Exams Winter Break MLK Jr. Holiday: No School Scout Experience for Incoming 9th Graders Winter Formal LFHS Foundation Grant Application Deadline Deer Path and LFHS String Fling Orchestra Festival Winter Theater Performance: Barefoot in the Park DPM, LBMS, and LFHS Jazz Concert Tri-District Institute Day: No School President’s Day Holiday: No School APT Talent Show 2023 Band Concert Choir Concert LFHS Foundation Grant Day Lake Forest Civic Orchestra Collaboration Performance with LFHS Choirs - Vivaldi Gloria Orchestra Concert Spring Break