Cherokee Newsletter - 5.3.24
May 3, 2024
A Message from the Principal
Dear Cherokee Families,
I wanted to let everyone know that the Staff Communique was sent out in error to all parents due to a distribution system error. Sorry for any confusion.
I can’t believe we are in the final month of the school year! Our Cherokee Cheetahs have been showing citizenship as they have donated to the APT food drive, the Fill a Heart for Kids all school service project, and they have been helping one another at school.
As a staff, we are looking forward to the fun of Staff Appreciation Week. We are so grateful to the APT for making this such a special time for everyone. We will also be celebrating our wonderful Nurse Flaherty, on Nurse’s Day next Monday. We all benefit from her care! She will be finishing her final month and then heading into retirement. We wish her the very best in the next chapter of her life!
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Dr. Cavanaugh
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Cherokee Cheetahs will be doing an all school service project as a part of our final theme of service/citizenship. We will be partnering with Fill a Heart for Kids, which is an organization that provides homeless, at risk, and foster children food, critical necessities, life skills & educational support to empower & Build Brighter Futures 4 Kids! Please consider making a donation to Fill a Heart for Kids. Donations can be made via credit card (using the QR code on the flier), cash, or checks made out to Cherokee Activity Account. Our goal is to raise enough money for 300 baskets! Please see the flier below for more details about our service project. The student will be putting the baskets together for children in need.
Fourth Grade News:
Next week kicks off our gentle transition for fourth graders to their next chapter in middle school, starting with Buddy Day on Monday! Fourth graders will spend the morning at DPM to get a first-hand look at 5th grade. On Wednesday, orchestra students will join the students from Everett, Sheridan, and Deer Path Middle School for the annual spring concert. We have listened to them advance their musical skills all year and are so proud of what they have accomplished!
4th Grade Families - View Your DPM School Supply List Below!
Erin’s Law Lesson:
As part of our personal protection and safety curriculum, students in will participate in a lesson aligned with Erin’s Law (105 ILCS 5/10-23.13) in an effort to raise awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse. The mandate reinforces the importance of empowering children in keeping their bodies safe. Erin’s Law is designed to accomplish the following:
Increase educator and parent awareness of child sexual abuse;
Provide educators and parents with valuable information regarding the signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse;
Deliver age-appropriate lessons that empower children in recognizing safe and unsafe touches and what they can do if something inappropriate or uncomfortable happens;
Teach children empowerment actions such as Say “NO”, Get Away, Tell a Trusted Adult; and
Remind teachers of their legal requirement to report all suspected abuse cases to the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
For students in Kindergarten- 4th grade lessons will be co-taught by Ms. Pangilinan and Dr. Ramos on May 20th in their wellness classes. The lesson will not include examples of sexual abuse, nor will it include explicit terminology. We understand this is a sensitive topic and handle it carefully with information that is developmentally appropriate to the age of the students. If you would like specific information about the lesson or to learn more about the topic, please reach out to your building social worker or school psychologist.
Requests to Opt-Out: If you prefer that your child opt-out of this prevention education session, please email your child’s teacher.
Resources for Parents:
Parent Information: Parents Protect!
Erin Merryn: The Story Behind the Law
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois
Local Resource (Gurnee)- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center
Nurse's Note:
This is a reminder that all Kindergarten and Second Grade students are required by the State of Illinois to have a dental exam. An IDPH Proof of Dental Examination form must be on file in your School Nurse's office by May 15th, 2024. May 15th is approaching fast and there are still many forms missing. Please click IDPH Proof of Dental Exam form for a copy of the form. If you have already turned in your child's Dental form please disregard this message.
Thank you,
Nurse Judy
Mark Your Calendars
Board of Education Seeks New Member - District 67
District 67 Board of Education announced the resignation of Mrs. Alice LeVert, effective April 30. The Board is grateful to Mrs. LeVert, who has served since 2017, for her contributions to the District and wish her well in her newly elected position on the Lake Forest City Council.
Following the Illinois School Code, the responsibility for filling the vacant position now rests with the remaining board members. They have a 60-day window from Mrs. LeVert's resignation date to accomplish this task. Failure to fill the position within this timeframe will shift the responsibility to the Regional Superintendent of Schools.
The Board encourages all interested and qualified individuals that wish to serve on the Board to submit an application. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Once the Board of Education has reviewed the applications, selected candidates will be interviewed, and an appointee will be installed at the District 67 Board Meeting on June 18, 2024.
NEW Walk Your Wheels Video From the City of Lake Forest
Walk your wheels applies to everyone, Lake Forest! Riders must dismount and walk their devices within the Central Business District boundaries to avoid a fine of up to $300 per offense. Last year, Lake Forest City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of recreational powered devices (electric scooters, electric bikes, etc.) on sidewalks in the Central Business District.
View the Walk Your Wheels Video from the City of Lake Forest Below!
This Weekend in the City of Lake Forest
Come to the Deerpath Community Park Showcase tomorrow! Please see more information and the invitation by clicking on the link below. Thank you!
Deerpath Community Park Showcase
May 4, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Applications Open for 2024-2025 Parent-Teacher Behavior Intervention Committee
District 67 is currently updating the Student Handbook in partnership with the Parent-Teacher Behavior Intervention Committee. This committee comprises District 67 parents, teachers, and administrators, and focuses on reviewing policies and procedures regarding behavior management, student rights, responsibilities, and consequences, in alignment with Board policy. We invite your participation. Applications are now open until 5:00 pm, May 8, 2024, for those wishing to serve on the 2024-2025 Parent-Teacher Behavior Intervention Committee. Please contact Dr. Jenny Sterpin (jsterpin@lfschools.net) with questions.
Spring MAP Testing
District 67 students in grades 2-8 will take the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) during April 29 - May 10. MAP is a Common Core-aligned, adaptive, computer-based assessment. This nationally normed assessment is designed to measure growth over time in the areas of reading and math. The district utilizes the achievement and growth data from MAP to inform instructional planning for individuals and groups of students; and measure growth from year-to-year.
You're Invited to Our Next LET'S TALK AI Community Conversation
Please join us at the Gorton Center for a watch party featuring the Family Action Network Presentation “Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)” with Sal Khan, Author, and CEO of Khan Academy and Angela Duckworth, American Academic and Psychologist.
This virtual presentation will be followed by a community conversation moderated by our Superintendent Dr. Matthew L. Montgomery and Dr. Davis Schneiderman, Executive Director of the Krebs Center for the Humanities at Lake Forest College.
Sit back, relax with some popcorn, and learn something new!
Date: May 20, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: John and Nancy Hughes Theater 400 E. Illinois Road
APT News and Events
Staff Appreciation Week
Our Staff Appreciation Events Team has been busy planning a wonderful week for our staff, beginning on Monday, May 6th! We are asking for parent contributions in any amount to help us make this week extra special for our amazing staff who work so hard every single day. Please send contributions to Natalie Windle via Venmo (@Natalie-Windle-2)
Another way to contribute is to sign up to bring in items for our Rainbow Snack Day on Tuesday, May 7. Please see the sign-up below: Thank you so much for your generosity!
Please stop by Cherokee on Sunday, May 5 between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to chalk the walk to kick off our staff appreciation week! Notes of thankfulness and kindness to our staff would be greatly appreciated! Chalk will be provided! Thanks so much! Muffins in the Morning
4th Grade Celebration & Clapout
It’s hard to believe that planning is already underway for our annual celebration for our 4th graders! Time sure does fly! Please see the flier below and look for it in your child’s take home folder.
Please also mark your calendars for the All School 4th grade Family Social at Everett on Wednesday, May 29 at 4:30 pm!
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS:
Week of May 6 - Staff Appreciation Week
Friday, May 10 - MUFFINS IN THE MORNING - 7:15 am -7:45 am
Wednesday, May 29 - All School 4th Grade Family Social at Everett School - 4:30 pm - 5:30pm
Friday, May 31 - Field Day!
Tuesday, June 4 - 4th Grade Celebration & Clap-out
Get Your School Supply Boxes for Next Year!
The APT will be organizing the school supply boxes again for next year for grades K-4. The ordering is ready to go! Click on the link below or use the QR code located on the flier. Be sure to choose the grade your child will be in for the 2024-2025 school year.
Have a great weekend!
Gillian Goodfriend
Cherokee APT President 2022-2024
(773) 294-8131
Spirit News and Events
It's Just Another Manic May
It's hard to believe that the school year is winding down for our District 67 students! It feels like we kicked off the new school year just yesterday.
While everyone else is winding down, the Spirit of 67 is kicking it into gear in preparation for the Home & Garden Tour in September. It will be here before we know it!
Things to remember as June quickly approaches:
Mark your calendar for our 20th Home and Garden Tour on September 26!
We are seeking volunteers to join us in creating another memorable and successful Home & Garden Tour. For more information, please contact Kirstin Carruthers - kirstincarruthers67@gmail.com
Remember to make your annual donation to the Spirit of 67 when registering your child for the 2024/2025 school year!
Were you looking for a specific educational or enriching experience or opportunity for your child that is not already in place? Consider writing a grant for the 2025/2026 school year! Start planning now for submission in early 2025.
We are grateful to our District 67 families and faculty for their support throughout the year!
Our Mission
It shall be the mission of the Spirit of 67 Foundation to raise funds and acquire resources to provide enriching, educational and cultural experiences for the students, parents,
faculty and staff of Lake Forest School District 67 that might not otherwise be provided.
This Weekend - Gardening 2 Grow Spring Garden Fair
Please join the District 67 Garden Clubs and the DPM Green Team for a fun-filled morning full of spring fair activities. Shop for items grown, made, or crafted by District 67 students. Pick up some seedlings to start your own garden, some special gifts for Mother’s Day, and perhaps some homemade dog treats. Activities include face painting, making upcycled floral crafts and playing yard games.
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Market Square
Save the Date to March in the Lake Forest Day Parade!
District 67 and District 115 Lake Forest Community High School are participating in this year's Lake Forest Day parade on August 7.
We invite all students, families, and alumni to join the fun by walking in the parade with your principal. School spirit wear is encouraged!
Lake Forest High School News
There's a lot of information coming in from Lake Forest High School to you, and we want you to be informed on upcoming events, the referendum and more. Take a look at what's featured and click the button below for more information!
- LFHS Alumni Announces Employment and Mentoring Opportunities
Community Events
Loan & the Repo Men Headlining Benefit Concert for Lake Forest American Legion
Rock out with the Repo Men on May 11!
Gorton Center Event: Mother Daughter Innovation Event
May 11, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
May 17, 2024, 1:00 pm
25th Annual First Responders Expo
Show first responders some love Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Gurnee Mills!