The North Shore Weekend, April 16th, 2022

FIND US ONLINE: DailyNorthShore.com

SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022

SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Future Christian Heritage Academy Head of School Joe Torgerson reflects on the meaning of Easter P30

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Saturday, Partly cloudy, high 46 Saturday night, Partly cloudy, low 32 Sunday, Partly cloudy, 30% chance of rain in the afternoon, high 44

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INDEX

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS SECTION 9 learning in The in-person classroom experience made all the difference during the pandemic for North Shore private school students

26 catching up and early

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Dr. Matthew Pietrafetta of test preparation company Academic Approach shares advice for parents

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LIFESTYLE & ARTS 28 north shore foodie This Easter-themed recipe features eggs, a long-standing symbol of Spring, in a different way

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'Tis the season—the weekend, really —to be hopeful, says future Christian Heritage Academy Head of School Joe Torgerson

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PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

LEARNING IN NORTH SHORE PRIVATE SCHOOLS CREDIT THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE IN-PERSON CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES TO STUDENT SUCCESS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Data about the learning loss that students suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to come in, and the results are startling. Worldwide, studies are showing significant levels of learning

loss at all grade levels. A key contributor was the disruption of classroom learning and the introduction of remote teaching.

One exception to the trend is private schools, which had the flexibility to continue in-person classroom learning once lockdown ended, albeit with protective measures in place such as distancing and masking. This week,

The North Shore Weekend caught up with private school administrators across the North Shore to get their perspectives on the emotional, mental, and academic health of students.

“I think one of the advantages that independent schools had during the whole pandemic was they are smaller and were able to be really flexible and

really nimble,” says Tom Flemma, Head of School at North Shore Country Day School (NSCDS) in Winnetka. “Almost all of them have been open. For us, besides safety being the highest priority, the next highest priority was to maintain and protect as much of our overall program as possible.”

Continued on PG 10

P R E M I E R P R I VAT E S C H O O L S LEARNING IN

From PG 9

Flemma says the “governing principle” at NSCDS was to keep school open as much as possible at all age levels.

“It still isn't exactly the same as before, and every change is hard on teachers and students and administrators and parents,” Flemma says. “There have been enough changes to the way that they learn, and the way that their days are structured, that it’s still been hard on lots of people. But academically, the kids are right where they need to be.”

For Alex Sheridan, Director of Enrollment, Marketing, and Financial Aid at Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS), navigating the past two years has been a community effort.

“I don't think anyone is taking the opportunity to be at LFCDS for granted.

I think everyone knows the role that the community played in helping guide us through,” Sheridan says. “Every community dealt with the pandemic in its own way, but because the kids were in school, we were fortunate.”

Sheridan says learning loss was not a

to help its students ride out the COVID-19 storm than Fusion Academy in Evanston.

Fusion provides individualized learning for students with a 1:1 teacher to student ratio, a model that can be especially effective during times of disruption. For Fusion’s Head of School Chrissy Dale, she’s just as concerned about the mental and emotional health of her students.

“It's timely because I've been meeting with a lot of professionals in the mental health space recently and a lot more collaboration is happening,” Dale says. “The conversation that I had with mental health professionals last week really indicated that the academic piece was a concern, and the gaps should be studied long-term with what they look like,” she says. “What was interesting was not only the social and social emotional piece impacting mental health, but just normal stages of development.”

Dale says she is seeing an influx of new students coming to Fusion in part out of parental concern for their mental and emotional health. Kids have been impacted by hours and hours sitting in a room by themselves trying to learn remotely.

“I think they are coming in because

Students at Lake Forest Country Day School come from 37 zip codes, representing communities from Chicago to Wisconsin.

yet to see any drop off in scores.

“Fortunately, Sacred Heart remained face-to-face through the whole height of life of the pandemic and so the learning continued,” Webb says. “We’ve seen normal and good progress in the scores this year, so I'm pleased.”

Webb says she credits the teachers and the smaller environment of the school so

the teachers can provide extra time for students. That gives students who may have experienced a drop off in learning the time to catch up. And while some activities had to be suspended for social distancing reasons, she is happy to see a return to normalcy.

“The kids are back into groups learning in an environment where its exploratory and discovery and it feels good,” she says.

Fusion Academy offers one-on-one teaching for students that is tailored to their educational needs and strengths.

significant issue for current students, but the school is seeing some challenges with new students coming in—especially those who spent a lengthy time in remote learning situations.

“We recognize the applicant profile looks a little bit different now than it did two years ago and that's not because of the applicant, it’s because of the circumstances that they've been in and been forced to deal with,” he says. “But there’s no specific or articulated plan beyond what we already do, which is to provide a program that's highly individualized and highly differentiated to begin with.”

Perhaps no school was better positioned

10

they're more concerned about the mental health and the social-emotional needs, because that particular challenge is at the top of their list—especially if their child is struggling.,” says Dale. “Anxiety and depression are the two that are presenting the most challenges. I think they're grateful for Fusion, to have a safe place to land and just a really strong support network of teachers and a lot of individual attention.”

Sacred Heart School in Winnetka will soon conduct its third round of testing of its students since the beginning the pandemic, and Principal Margaret Webb says she has Continued on PG 12

The all-boys Northridge Preparatory School in Niles offers a wide range of sports and club activities for students.

| SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Where greatness takes root.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

www.lfcds.org/admission 847.617.6151 THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022 |

11

P R E M I E R P R I VAT E S C H O O L S LEARNING IN

From PG 10

“We just held a big STEM fair where they worked in groups, collaboratively producing a product. Then we had the community come in and walk through and look at the STEM fair products. It was great to be able to show off that nothing had really skipped a beat.”

Tony Frank, Head of School at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School in Deerfield, says a priority for the school was to help students feel like they were back to “normal” and to provide an environment that was conducive for that.

“We really want to help students regain that sense of the lost normal. That said, from what we’re reading and learning, we see the lingering effects,” Frank says.

“I would broaden that to say it's not just students; it's the whole world that’s kind of being reordered—the economy, our politics, and now the international scene.”

And as much as Frank says he wants to see a return to normal, he’s not expecting a mirror of life before the pandemic.

“I think normal is being redefined everywhere and we don't know what normal looks like anymore,” he says. “That's very disorienting for the whole species, but certainly plays out in schools.”

Frank adds that often school is the one place where students can feel stability with the social connections they can make and the routines of classroom life.

“It's very much like when students are struggling at home if there’s a loss or a divorce. The best thing for kids is to keep

Students at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School in Deerfield celebrate their accomplishments at graduation.

the programs in place to help incoming students who have fallen behind get caught up.

“We might find some who are a year be-

School of St. Mary in Lake Forest offers a robust STEAM program where creativity and critical thinking are valued over following prescribed instruction.

coming to school because as much normal as we can maintain from here at school, it's good for students,” Frank says. “Families benefit from schools helping their kids maintain a sense of normal for at least part of the day.”

As with other private schools, Northridge Preparatory School in Niles has

12

hind where they otherwise could have been, but we were able to accommodate that in our schedule,” says Niall Fagan, Headmaster of Northridge Prep. “We've done some summer camps and other things to bring students up to speed.”

The issue of integrating new students might be the biggest challenge for schools

as more parents look for options that meet behind. the emotional and academic needs of their “We've remained pretty steady with children. smaller class sizes, more personal attention, “We had increased enrollments because and more emphasis on social-emotional of people not wanting their children to wellness because that's really important,” learn online, especially with the younger Thompson says. “Our hopes are that parchildren. It's one thing to have a high ents will see there’s another way to educate schooler learn online, but it's another thing their children.” to have a kindergartner doing school remotely,” says Kathy Thompson, Assistant Principal at School of St. Mary in Lake Forest. “We had kids apply to school that had been online a year-and-half before they got here, and their skill sets were just not there.

It's like they missed two years of their lives.”

But Thompson says that School of St. Mary and other schools like it are uniquely positioned to Principal Margaret Webb of Sacred Heart School in Winnetka says help the kids recent data indicates that her students are on track with little drop off who have fallen

| SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022

in learning during the pandemic.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022 |

13

LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

FUSION ACADEMY

WEBSITE: fusionacademy.com/campuses/chicago-lake-forest/ NUMBER OF STUDENTS: Each campus serves between 50 and 100 students GRADES: 6th-12th TUITION: Customized per student

WEBSITE: lfcds.org NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 400 GRADES: Age 2 to Grade 8 TUITION: $5,400-$34,330

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mark Ostap, Head of School at Fusion Lake Forest, Chrissy Dale, Head of School at Fusion Evanston

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Joy Hurd, Head of School RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None

ADMISSIONS: The LFCDS admission process seeks to identify students and families who will contribute to and benefit from a program and community that develops the whole child. Applicants are invited to tour campus and participate in a shadow visit.

CONTACT: Alex Sheridan, Director of Enrollment, Marketing & Financial Aid

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A

ADMISSIONS: Use the following link to connect with an Admissions Consultant: fusionacademy.com/connect-with-us/ CONTACT: Chaisley Reeves, 855-333-7075 EMAIL: Connect@fusionacademy.com

EMAIL: admission@lfcds.org

ABOUT US: For over 130 years, LFCDS has provided a program that is rich in tradition. With a commitment to progressive education embedded in that identity, our students benefit from a learning experience that spans the pedagogical spectrum. We strive, intentionally, to maintain equilibrium between academic and social-emotional development.

ACADEMICS: A blended approach to learning allows LFCDS to subscribe to best practice while offering a curriculum that meets each child where they are. Small by design, with classes between 12 to 15 students and 7:1 student-teacher ratio across the school, size enables LFCDS the ability to individualize and differentiate based on student interest and need.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: The LFCDS program builds participation in the arts and athletics directly into the school day. Students participate in visual arts and music at every grade level, and drama is added for students in the Upper School (Grade 5-8). The athletic program is also a requirement for Upper School students, who are able to participate on three different teams during the course of the year. Teams meet at the end of the school day before dismissal, which not only gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and hone their sense of sportsmanship, but also to appreciate the value of participation and inclusion.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: You can’t talk about LFCDS without talking about its culture and sense of community. There is a rare spirit that lives across the school’s 33-acre campus and 40,000 sq. foot building that has often been described as a warm hug. Relationships amongst students, parents, and teachers live at the center of the LFCDS experience and campus serves as a second home for families across the community.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: LFCDS has families representing 37 different zip codes, including families who commute to campus from Chicago and from Wisconsin.

ABOUT US: Our Methodology: Love, Motivate, Teach. We meet students where they are and help them thrive from their unique beginning. While the majority of students entering Fusion have academic skills at or above grade level, many report previous struggles in school for various reasons. Through our thoughtfully designed approach, we see students change their understanding of themselves and the futures they have the power to create.

ACADEMICS: Fusion Academy students benefit from a curriculum that is individualized and customized to their unique learning needs. We offer over 250 core and elective courses at various levels. They are taught one-to-one, one student and one teacher per classroom, and provide students the opportunity to not only help them meet their specific academic goals, but also explore their unique interests and prepare them for whatever their next steps may be.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: We offer an array of classes in art, music, technology, and fitness. The student has a voice in the way the objectives of these classes are met. While so many schools today are cutting back on their enrichment offerings, Fusion continues to provide state-of-the-art equipment and studio spaces for students to develop their skills or explore their interests.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: The Homework Café has two separate areas—one designated for quiet, independent study, and one for students to socialize, work on less-focused assignments, and collaborate on projects. Our Social Homework Café® is a mixed-use space. You will often see students studying or reading independently, working collaboratively on projects, hanging out between classes, receiving support from the HC teachers, and playing games.

Our Homework Café more closely resembles a home’s living room than a typical school study area. With comfortable couches, pillows, and blankets, students can truly relax while they complete their work.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: We’ve seen over the years that homework can be the leading cause of stress in the family unit. And we know from experience that the struggle to get some kids to do homework can rip apart the emotional wellness in the family. We believe that teenagers should be able to have time to explore, play, and figure out the world around them--and not spend all their time doing busy work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We offer rolling enrollment so students can start any time of the year, even mid-semester. If your current school choice isn’t working and your student is struggling, connect with us. We’d love to help with supplemental tutoring/mentoring, or help you transfer schools easily.

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PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

A Great Place to

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NORTHRIDGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS

SCHOOL OF ST. MARY

WEBSITE: northridgeprep.org NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 330

WEBSITE: schoolofstmary.org

GRADES: 6 through 12

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TUITION: $11,000 (Middle School), $16,350 (High School)

GRADES: PreK 2-through 8th Grade

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Niall Fagan/ Headmaster

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RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic Independent School

ADMISSIONS: Building men of intellect and character is a team effort. We admit families, not just students. We look for families who share our values, and motivated young men. More information about the application process can be found on our website.

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Julie Brua, Ed.D. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

ADMISSIONS: Online applications open in November (see website) CONTACT: Mandy Castle, Director of Admissions

CONTACT: Director of Admissions: Joseph Egan (‘15)

EMAIL: mcastle@schoolofstmary.org

EMAIL: jegan@northridgeprep.org

ABOUT US: Our mission to build men of intellect and character who love God is focused on educating the whole person. Northridge is a partnership between parents and educators dedicated to raising noble young men that strive to live by the highest ideals in life.

ACADEMICS: Middle School is designed based on the needs of students to both learn facts and subject matter and to grow in habits of study, organization, and an optimistic view of life.

High School prepares students for college and builds men with a noble vision for life. Our Core + Elective model lays gives students flexibility and rigor suited to their God-given talents.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS: High School: Concert/Pep/Jazz Band, String Ensemble, and Acapella Choir, Theater Department with multiple performances.

Middle School: Band, Strings, and Choir, Theater Department with multiple performances.

ATHLETICS: Athletics are an integral part of the Northridge curriculum and play a significant role in shaping the character of our young men.

High School Offerings: Soccer, Golf, Cross Country, Basketball, Wrestling, Swimming (club), Baseball, Track and Field, Lacrosse (club), Tennis.

Middle School Offerings: Soccer, Golf, Cross Country, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Track and Field.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Northridge’s culture is rooted in relationships and role models.

Friendships are at the core of our approach and make Northridge a wonderful place.

We focus on high expectations rather than rules and allow students to be themselves.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: First class faculty, not just teachers, but mentors and role models to the young men at Northridge. We do not allow cell phones to be used on campus because numerous studies have demonstrated that smartphones and related electronics are frequently disruptive to the social development and learning environment for young men.

Recent graduates have been admitted to Ivy League schools and top private schools across the country. Gym class every day. Each student is assigned a mentor or “advisor” who meets with them on a weekly or monthly basis.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: #1 Best All-Boys High School in Illinois #3 Best Catholic High School in Illinois Top 50 Catholic High School in America

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OPEN MORNINGS: Call to schedule a tour or fill out the online inquiry form on our website.

CURRICULUM: From the youngest Primary Grade Center preschooler to the most mature 8th-grader at the Upper Grade Center, a School of St. Mary (SOSM) Crusader demonstrates genuine school pride, a sense of community, personal confidence, Catholic values, and a deep commitment to serving others. Since 1917, SOSM has remained committed to educating the whole child within and outside the classroom.

ENRICHMENT: Extracurricular activities allow students to further their education and focus on their non-academic interests, forming well-rounded individuals.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: The School of St. Mary partners with parents, parishioners, and staff to form a vibrant school community that engages, motivates, and supports students to be the best they can be! An active Parents Association and leadership team coordinates special events to engage students, build relationships, and broaden the community. Teachers pair Upper Grade Center students with buddies from our Primary Grade Center to mentor and assist them at school-related activities, including praying together at Mass, socializing at lunch, and sharing service projects.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: SOSM welcomed Dr. Julie Brua as our new principal beginning July 1, 2021. Dr. Brua brings 35 years of experience in the public-school setting and a passion for education.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Three-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award in the category of academic excellence. Only 38 private schools in the country have ever received this award three times..

• Two campuses provide age-appropriate learning as well as social-emotional well-being.

• Our 100-year history of traditions and adaptations.

• Small class sizes mean students get differentiated curriculum to reach their highest potential.

• A robust student services department with a Director of Student Services, learning disabilities teachers, a reading specialist, and a social worker to meet the needs of all students.

• Covering two-year-old preschool through 8th grade allows students to stay within SOSM Family for their elementary years. Allowing them to be known and nurtured as they grow into their true selves.

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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY

THE SCHOOL OF SAINTS FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

WEBSITE: nscds.org NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 545 GRADES: JK-12 TUITION: $22,910-$38,305

WEBSITE: faithhopeschool.org NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 265 GRADES: Pre-k (ages 3 and 4), K-8

HEAD TEACHER: Tom Flemma, Head of School RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: As part of the admission process, all families need to submit an application, fee and letters of recommendation, and participate in a student/parent interview. The application and information collected varies by the grade of the student’s entry.

TUITION: Varies

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Tom Meagher Ed.D., Principal

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish

CONTACT: Jason Giffen, Director of Admission and Financial Aid EMAIL: admissions@nscds.org

OPEN: Open House Registration - nscds.org/welcome In-person tours and visits by appointment only. Please contact admissions to schedule.

CURRICULUM: At North Shore Country Day, we take pride in offering a well-rounded, skills-based education to students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Students are asked to apply their knowledge through a range of assessments and projects, developing strong analytical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills. While our program is challenging and college preparatory in nature, an emphasis on co-curricular participation in the arts, athletics and service to others ensures students explore their full selves.

ENRICHMENT: By participating in arts, athletics and co-curricular activities, NSCD students gain poise and confidence, as well as forge lifelong friendships. Our lower school offers a number of after-school enrichment programs, and the middle and upper schools offer more than 35 student-led clubs. North Shore has always had a strong, diverse athletic program. Students play sports every school day throughout the year. Participation in athletics is required from sixth through 11th grades.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: NSCD boasts a school community founded out of the progressive education movement, guided by our mission and core values, and supported by generations of alumni, families, faculty and staff. We take tremendous pride in the community ethos and vibrant school culture we have cultivated for more than a century.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: Founded in 1919, NSCD was the visionary answer to a fundamental question: What matters most when educating a child? Since then, we have continually refined our answer to propel our educational model forward with purpose and passion, building a transformative JK-12 community on four essential pillars: Connecting, Challenging, Engaging and Exploring.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Student-centered education for 545 students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade; students are from more than 27 suburban communities and Chicago, and 35 percent are students of color; 8 to 1 student/teacher ratio and 2 to 54 college counselor/student ratio; $2.5 million in financial aid allocated to 20 percent of the student body.

Our school motto is "Live and Serve."

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ADMISSIONS: New families are invited to schedule a tour of the school and campus.

Inquiries and applications may be made via the school website. Enrollment for Fall 2022 is currently underway for all grade levels.

CONTACT: Linda Ransford, Marketing and Recruitment Manager EMAIL: office@faithhopeschool.org

ABOUT US: At Saints Faith, Hope and Charity, our vision is to enable our students to grow in heart, mind and soul. We do this by delivering an exceptional academic experience; grounded in faith. We offer a leading edge curriculum; as well as advanced classes for middle school, a Learning Lab to meet the needs of students of all learning levels, a school counselor, and full-time nurse.

ACADEMICS: Beginning in kindergarten, we follow the Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Reading, Writing, and Phonics, and the Wilson Reading System. Math classes are vertically aligned through all grades with a focus on students having the ability to master Algebra 1 prior to graduating. iReady Assessments are utilized to measure students’ academic attainment and growth. Faith is woven into each school day, and a school mass is celebrated once a week.

ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: We offer both Intramural sports and interscholastic sports in competition with other catholic schools. Sports include football, basketball, volleyball, track & field, and cross country. Our after school enrichment program provides options such as art, chess, drama and technology. We also offer students high quality music, art, and french language instruction.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: We're supported by an extremely dedicated and caring community of families; and we connect new families with current families in similar grades. Events such as daddy/daughter dances and mom/son bingo nights, May Crowning and hope ceremonies help to bring our community together.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: • Neighborhood and community-based environment.

• Engaging and challenging academics.

• Spiritual nourishment that supports the whole child.

• Families that connect closely with our school.

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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Not Just Another School Day AT N O R T H S H O R E C O U N T RY DAY, W E F O C U S O N W H AT M AT T E R S M O S T by developing critical thinkers, collaborative problem solvers and caring citizens of the world. Families of every background from across Chicagoland entrust us with their children’s education because here, every student is known, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

FA S T FAC T S F O U N D E D : 1919 M O T T O : “Live and Serve” G R A D E S : JK–12 ENROLLMENT:

Total enrollment—545 Upper School—220 Middle School—135 Lower School—190 Students of color—35% AV E R AG E C L A S S S I Z E : 14 S T U D E N T-T O -T E AC H E R R AT I O : 8 to 1 F I N A N C I A L A I D : $2.5 million in need-based financial aid to 20% of students

310 Green Bay Road Winnetka, IL 847.441.3313 admissions@nscds.org www.nscds.org/welcome

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PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

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ROCHELLE ZELL JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL

SACRED HEART SCHOOL

WEBSITE: www.rzjhs.org NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 150

WEBSITE: shwschool.org NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 215 GRADES: 3-year-old Preschool through 8th Grade TUITION: Between $6,900 - $8,000 depending on program DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mrs. Margaret Webb, Principal

GRADES: 9th-12th Grades

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Tony Frank, Head of School RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Jewish

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Submit an online application, along with supporting documentation (including transcripts and teacher recommendations). Incoming freshmen also need to take a placement test to determine a student’s high school readiness and to suggest appropriate course placement for freshman year.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: 3-year-old Preschool, 4-year-old Junior Kindergarten, and 5-year-old Kindergarten need to apply online quickly as these programs fill up.

Applications for 1st through 8th grade apply online and enjoy meeting with the principal.

CONTACT: Riv Lynch

EMAIL: rlynch@rzjhs.org

CONTACT: Mrs. Margaret Webb, Principal

OPEN MORNINGS: Family tours and student shadow days are scheduled based on RZJHS and family availability, between 8:30am to 4pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30am to 1:30pm on Fridays.

EMAIL: mwebb@shwschool.org

CURRICULUM: Rochelle Zell Jewish High School offers a college preparatory program that combines a rigorous general studies education with a comprehensive Jewish studies education, supplemented by strong athletic and fine arts programs and numerous extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities.

Subject areas are integrated to enable students to experience the secular world from the perspective of Jewish values and practices. Small classes and individualized instruction help each student find his or her own voice, solve problems creatively, cultivate respect for individual differences, and develop a deep dedication to learning. The learning environment emphasizes creativity and critical thinking in both general and Jewish studies classes. The ability to question is embraced and valued.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Life at Rochelle Zell is full of spirit and a tremendous sense of community. The school’s intimate environment enables Rochelle Zell students to develop friendships with grade-level peers as well as with older and younger students. There are also numerous opportunities for students to get involved socially through extracurricular clubs, athletics, and leadership programs.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: RZJHS stands out for its warm and welcoming community, the close relationships between teachers and students, and our commitment to the intellectual, spiritual and ethical growth of each student. Students at Rochelle Zell do not merely absorb the wisdom of others; they acquire their own wisdom.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: In 2001, a visionary group of leaders in Chicago set out to create a new high school that would combine the very best of the humanities, sciences, fine arts and Jewish studies together. They envisioned a place where students attending day schools could continue their Jewish education during the years that have the greatest impact on their Jewish identity.

Rochelle Zell has earned a national reputation for its commitment to academic excellence.

Every year, more Chicago-area families are discovering how Rochelle Zell’s outstanding faculty, integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum, vibrant community, and robust student life provides Jewish high school students with a unique opportunity to achieve their full potential.

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OPEN MORNINGS: Tours for the 2022-2023 school year can be scheduled online at www.shwschool.org or by calling (847) 446-0005.

CURRICULUM: Sacred Heart immerses children in an age-appropriate, comprehensive curriculum where students in PreK-8th grade discover the joys of learning. All students experience music, PE, library, STEAM, and Spanish as a part of the school day with fullycertified teachers. We guide students as they grow to develop kindness, compassion, and self-control. Our goal is to develop life-long learners who are well prepared to be successful in high school and beyond.

ENRICHMENT: Sacred Heart students thrive academically, but there is so much more to their day—we offer year-round, no-cut sports, a highly regarded drama program, numerous after-school enrichment programs (beginning in 3 year old Preschool) and a teacher-staffed Homework Lab.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Sacred Heart is a community where friendships for life are made amongst the children and the parents. We become a family who is always learning and growing together. We value our time together and believe that we are called to live the core values of love, service, perseverance, discovery, and engagement. The Root Beliefs of the entire community of Sacred Heart are: we believe that we are all made in the image and likeness of God & we accept challenges as opportunities. Everyone is important, has dignity, and contributes to the greater whole.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: Due to overwhelming demand, we’ve recently expanded our Junior Kindergarten program! Families have the option of either 1:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. dismissal as part of the robust JK program that prepares our students to succeed in our Kindergarten classes and beyond.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: As a National Blue Ribbon Award-winning school, Sacred Heart School continues its long tradition of educating children’s hearts and minds. Strong academics, meaningful service, and innovative technology are at the core of the Sacred Heart student experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Educating children’s hearts and minds in a faith-filled, Catholic community is our mission. We are proud of our growing school, successful students, and innovative faculty. To see what makes Sacred Heart School special, come for a private tour.

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

School Schoolof ofSt. St.Mary Mary AAARoman Roman Catholic School since 1917 RomanCatholic CatholicSchool Schoolsince since1917 1917

The The School School ofof St.St. Mary Mary is is committed toto the the development development ofof the the unique unique gifts gifts ofof each each child: child: The School of St. Mary is committed committed to the development of the unique gifts of each child: spiritual, spiritual, intellectual, intellectual, physical physical && emotional. spiritual, intellectual, physical & emotional. emotional.

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For For more more than than 100 100 years, years, the the School School ofof St.St. Mary Mary has has remained remained steadfast steadfast toto our our For more than 100 years, the School of St. Mary has remained steadfast to our motto: motto: ToTo Learn, Learn, ToTo Serve, Serve, ToTo Lead.

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www.schoolofstmary.org www.schoolofstmary.org www.schoolofstmary.org

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

(847) (847) 295-4830 295-4830 (847) 295-4830

SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022 |

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EDUCATING

hearts and minds What makes Sacred Heart School so special? High quality academics in a faith-filled, nurturing environment!

Schedule a private tour today to experience the Sacred Heart community.

Applications for Preschool, half or full day Junior Kindergarten (only a few spots left), & Kindergarten through 8th grade now open!

1095 GAGE STREET, WINNETKA WWW.SHWSCHOOL.ORG (847) 446-0005 24

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PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022 |

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P R E M I E R P R I VAT E S C H O O L S

CATCHING UP AND EARLY STARTS MATTHEW PIETRAFETTA, PH.D., CEO OF TEST PREPARATION AND TUTORING COMPANY ACADEMIC APPROACH, KNOWS ABOUT THE LEARNING NEEDS OF STUDENTS. HE HAS SOME ADVICE FOR PARENTS.

BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

When The North Shore Weekend talked with Matthew Pietrafetta last October, research on the impact of the pandemic on children’s learning was just starting to trickle in. A larger body of research is now available, and it confirms what we learned from the earlier studies. Globally, the pandemic slowed students’ learning, presenting important challenges for educators, parents, and students.

Academic Approach works with families and students to create customized learning plans to help prepare students for high

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school entrance exams, the ACT and SAT, and academic subjects in schools.

The company also partners with individual schools to share resources, testing, analysis, and training for teachers.

Pietrafetta says that scores for fall 2021 9th graders were the lowest he’s seen.

This points to the impact of learning delays these students experienced as 7th and 8th graders. As 9th graders, they are not as prepared as previous classes were.

“We’ll see a learning ripple across the next several years as we gather more data on impact. Yes, the pandemic is over, but the ramifications on student performance still need to be understood, and students are benefitting f rom Academic Approach’s support,” Pietrafetta says.

All of this begs the question: How will students who need to catch up best prepare for academics in school and standardized tests for admission into private high schools and colleges?

“There isn't going to be an average impact on students because classrooms consist of diverse learners and schools take diverse approaches to teaching,” Pietrafetta says. “So, you end up arriving at the obvious: there will be no one uniform finding, but there is evidence of impact on a variety of different types of students, and the impact varies by academic subject, by grade level, and by student.”

These differences present important

challenges for parents who wish to be proactive in filling any learning gaps for their children. This is especially true for parents whose children might need to test into a private high school or who have children who are starting to think about college. An added challenge is deciding when students should start prepping for the ACT and SAT. “When we look at our data over the years, there's a compelling finding: students who start early double their growth compared to late starters. For example, if a sophomore s t a r t s p re p p i n g a little bit in the spring and does some work over the summer, they show double the growth on junior year spring testing than students who wait to start prepping until the m id d le o f t h eir junior year.”

Pietrafetta says the disparity comes down to the researc h on

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cramming vs. spacing. Students feel pressure when they’re in a position of having to learn too much in a short period of time, whereas gradual, repetitive learning leads to better outcomes. It applies to students of all ages and to learning in general.

The research also relates to the “choking factor.” Pietrafetta says research shows that gradual repetition over time decreases anxiety during testing and maximizes memory and retrieval of both simple and complex concepts. He says it’s like developing muscle memory: performance becomes automatic.

“Given that we don't know where all the learning gaps are, we want to know sooner than later if the student does have some ground to make up, so we have the time to do it gradually, effectively, and without stress,” Pietrafetta says. Academic Approach is assessing a lot of students—in partnership with parents—to estimate where students stand, prioritize needs, and shape personalized learning plans to help them do just that.

“If we test early to determine what is needed, we can take a patient approach to preparation, mitigating stress and maximizing learning over time,” Pietrafetta says.

“Taking a thoughtful, gradual approach has always worked best, and, especially now, it is more relevant than ever.”

For more information, visit academicapproach.com/smarthighschoolnsw or call 847-250-9351.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022 |

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LIFESTYLE & ARTS

NORTH SHORE FOODIE

EGG LEMON SOUP WITH SPINACH AND MEATBALLS

BY MONICA KASS ROGERS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Eggs have been a symbol of Spring and rebirth for hundreds of years. For those who celebrate Easter, fridges fill with eggs by the dozen to decorate with children, and to put on festive tables. This beautiful soup is a lemony alternative to eggy standards. With my husband’s maternal grandparents being Greek and Armenian, we’ve enjoyed avgolemono (Greek chicken, egg and lemon soup) many ways. In our own home, we make this fortified version that has tiny meatballs and baby spinach stirred in, Italian Wedding Soup style.

If you’ve never made avgolemono at home, you’ll be amazed at the velvety lightness—nothing like the thick and pasty versions you may have encountered in diners. To make it, you’ll simply heat good quality chicken stock, whip egg whites to soft peaks, stir in yolks and lemon juice, and temper the mix with hot stock before whisking all together for a lovely pale-yellow finish.

The tiny meatballs are a blend of beef, pork, onion, parmesan, and parsley, baked up in the oven while you make the soup.

To complete, you’ll boil a bit of orzo, and quick-sauté fresh baby spinach. In the Spring, this is very good with a bit of sorrel instead of the spinach. Note: You can serve the avgolemono without the add-ins as a first course. This soup is best served right after you make it.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE MEATBALLS: • ½ pound ground pork • ½ pound ground beef • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan • ½ cup finely minced onion • ½ cup finely minced parsley • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp fresh-cracked black pepper • 1 large egg

FOR THE SOUP: • 8 cups good quality chicken stock • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp finely ground pepper • 4 large eggs, yolks and whites separated • Juice from 3 fresh lemons (Finely grate and reserve zest from one of the lemons) • 1 cup orzo, prepared according to package directions • 2 tsp olive oil • 6 cups baby spinach leaves • Salt and pepper to taste • Garnish: Fresh snipped parsley or dill, thin lemon slices

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

METHOD

Prepare orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

MAKE MEATBALLS: Preheat oven to 375°. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Shape into 40 very small meatballs. Place on parchment. Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from oven and keep warm.

In the bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg whites at medium high speed until soft peaks form. Continue beating a bit longer until peaks are firmer but not dry. With mixer on low speed, whisk in egg yolks and lemon juice. Remove 2 cups of hot stock from the soup pot. With mixer on low speed, slowly and continuously dribble the 2 cups of stock into the egg-lemon mixture, until all is mixed in.

Pour this tempered egg-stock mixture back into the soup pot. Turn heat to medium-low and whisk soup for 10

MAKE SOUP: In a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat, add stock and heat to boiling. Stir in salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and allow soup to simmer.

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minutes until it begins to thicken, and you have a velvety, light-yellow soup.

Remove from heat and cover.

Warm 2 tsp of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add baby spinach leaves and reserved lemon zest and stir until spinach has cooked down a bit but is still bright green.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Stir reserved orzo, meatballs and cooked spinach into soup.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately garnished with a sprinkling of parsley or dill, and thin slices of lemon.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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S U N D AY B R E A K FA S T

HOPE OF JOE CHRISTIAN HERITAGE ACADEMY MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL JOE TORGERSON LOOKS FORWARD TO HIS NEW POST—HEAD OF SCHOOL— AND REFLECTS ON THE MEANING OF EASTER.

BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Joe Torgerson was born in Hong Kong, moved to Taiwan at the age of 12, attended colleges in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Deerfield, worked and studied in Missouri, returned to Taiwan to work, and lived in Park Ridge for a spell before moving with his family to their current residence in Libertyville.

Got all that? Quiz to follow.

Where in the world does the 39-year-old Torgerson work today?

In Northfield, as the middle and upper school principal at Christian Heritage Academy (preschool-12th grade), which has been ranked the No. 1 Christian high school in Illinois by niche. com every year since 2018.

“This feels like home,” a smiling, no-longerperipatetic Torgerson says a little more than a week before Easter and about three months before taking on the role of head of school at CHA. “I’m surrounded by faculty and staff members who genuinely care about each other and for our students. Our teachers believe they are disciples of Jesus, and the founding commitment of our academy is to partner with parents and churches in the educational process.”

The mission of CHA—established as an independent school in 1984, with current representation of 55 communities and 145 church congregations—is to offer an exemplary education based on Biblical values to children of Christian families, equipping them to be lifetime followers of Jesus Christ.

What moves Torgerson at this time of the Christian calendar is the meaning of Easter. A son of missionaries Steve (an Evangelical Free Church pastor) and Merrilee, he remembers, as a boy living in Taiwan, waking up early on Easter in a beach town to watch the sunrise with other families.

“I also recall being outside and listening, noticing the beauty of nature around me,” Torgerson says. “I felt … renewed. Renewal is one of Easter’s essential messages. It’s powerful, as is love. Easter is rooted in love—God’s love. It’s a love that is foundational.

“Wrongdoing, interestingly, also has to be a part of any discussion about the meaning of Easter, because it’s what Lent is all about. We are broken.

“The world is broken,” he adds.

Renewal. Love. Wrongdoing.

There’s a fourth element at Easter’s core, Torgerson reveals.

“Hope,” he says. “The power of the Resurrection gives hope to all who believe in Jesus.

Conquering death means eternal life for His followers, that they would also triumph over

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death and join Him in Paradise.”

Torgerson shares three children—eighthgrader Ellie, sixth-grader Siri, and third-grader Clara—with his wife, nurse practitioner Kim, who met Joe when both were students at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Kim was a volleyball player, while Joe played soccer and majored in history. They got married in 2005 and lived in St. Louis for six years, where Joe (who had earned a master’s degree and teacher certification) taught English at Whitfield School, a private, college preparatory middle school and high school.

The couple moved to Taiwan, home of Morrison Academy, an international Christian school and Torgerson’s alma mater.

Torgerson taught at the Morrison Academy campus in Kaohsiung.

“That had been a plan of mine for years, to teach at an international school and work with kids who were experiencing things I had experienced in my youth,” says Torgerson, whose parents retired to Southern Minnesota recently after having lived in East Asia since 1983.

“For a while I was was confused, culturally, all those years ago. My thinking was, I’d be able to teach—a profession I love—and help others overcome the challenges of attending an international school.”

Torgerson, the student, suited up for Morrison Academy’s soccer teams as a cat-quick wing who loved to serve crosses on pitches and amassed way more assists than he did goals. Junior year he also performed as the music man in The Music Man musical, played the clarinet and piano, and sang in the choir.

Torgerson, the adult, and his family returned stateside after eight years in Taiwan.

Joe, thinking he might pursue a vocation as a pastor, took PhD courses at Trinity International University in Deerfield while serving Student Life

positions. He later chose not to attain a PhD. He then answered the call to become the middle and upper school principal at Christian Heritage Academy in 2021.

All three Torgerson children attend CHA.

I also recall being outside and listening, noticing the beauty of nature around me. I felt … renewed. Renewal is one of Easter’s essential messages. It’s powerful, as is love. Easter is rooted in love—God’s love. It’s a love that is foundational.

“Pre-pandemic, a robust parent culture existed here and contributed greatly to CHA’s firm foundation,” Torgerson says.

“But, that said, these last two years or so have been hard on all of us, our students and their families in particular.

“We intend to rebuild that parent culture, and I look forward to further developing the holistic student experience at Christian Heritage Academy—prioritizing not only what students know but helping them understand who they are in Jesus and how they can grow in mission and service to the world.”

A week before Spring Break in late March, most of CHA’s students left the 15-acre campus to either grow as leaders or enrich the lives of others as leaders. Middle school students helped various local philanthropic organizations; freshmen and sophomores attended a leadership retreat; and juniors and seniors travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to participate in a service project.

“Knowing, being, doing … all three are vitals parts of our holistic student experience,” Torgerson says. “We’ve been excellent in knowing and being. As head of school (effective July 1), I want to see more doing.

“As a school we need to look outward, not just inward.”

Joe Torgerson

| SATURDAY APRIL 16 | SUNDAY APRIL 17 2022

Christian Heritage Academy is located at 315 Waukegan Road in Northf ield. For more information, call 847-446-5252 or visit christianheritage.org.

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