411 on 67 - 1.8.25
January 8, 2025
Dear District 67 Community,
On Monday, we were pleased to welcome your students back to our buildings as we mark a new calendar year and all of its promise. As we welcome 2025 in District 67, I am particularly excited about a new Belonging initiative led by Dr.Jenny Sterpin.
District 67 families have expressed an interest in receiving additional information and resources on student well-being, belonging, and behavior management. In response, we are pleased to share the following:
This week, Dr. Sterpin will introduce a new column called The Magic of Belonging that will run once per month in our District 67 Friday newsletters. January’s issue highlights the CHAMPS framework. District 67 has embraced the CHAMPS framework for classroom behavior management for teachers. Many of these techniques are relevant for families, as well.
District 67 will host a three-part speaker series on the power of belonging with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Doug Bolton. This series will explore how cultivating belonging transforms school culture and strengthens engagement. Those presentations will be held in person on:
February 5, 6:30 pm: Overscheduled and Overwhelmed: Fostering Resilience in a Culture of High Achievement
April 3, 6:30 pm: A Book talk hosted by Dr. Montgmoerny on Dr. Bolton’s new book, Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation (This book will be released by Penguin Random House on March 17, 2025)
May 13, 6:30 pm: Supporting our Children in Their Hardest Moments: Understanding Emotional Regulation
Details to follow.
Last year, District 67 staff and community members were invited to apply for the District 67 Parent-Teacher Advisory and Behavior Intervention Committee, a standing board committee that assists in developing student discipline policies and procedures and disseminating student conduct information. This committee will meet three times this school year. An update from their November meeting may be found here.
Our appreciation goes to those volunteers:Ms. Mauren Lee, Parent at Deer Path Middle School
Ms. Kathy Slater, Parent at Sheridan School
Ms. Hilary Humer, Speech Pathologist at Everett School
Ms. Carly Harvey, Parent at Deer Path Middle School and School Administrator
Mr. Ryan Weidman, Parent at Everett School and Deer Path Middle School
Ms. Nicola Coletto, Parent at Cherokee and Sheridan Schools
Mr. Anthony Polina, Deer Path Middle School Teacher
Dr. Jenny Sterpin, Executive Director of Special Education, Compliance & Grant Management
Supporting your students in their educational journey is an ongoing partnership with you. We are pleased to share these resources as we continue our work together. I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Sterpin for her leadership in this vital effort.
This vibrant event promises unforgettable experiences, including an engaging DPM dragon dance and an electrifying Kung Fu performance.
Guests can also enjoy interactive stations featuring activities such as paper cutting, origami, dragon dance lessons, Chinese games, and much more!
The Secretary of State’s Organ/Tissue Donor Awareness Student Poster Contest invites Illinois students (grades K-12) to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation through their artwork. This contest educates youth about the state’s donor registry, helping them make informed decisions when eligible to register at ages 16-17.
Entries, divided into four categories (grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12), must be postmarked by January 31, 2025, to the address on the entry form. Winners will be notified and invited to a ceremony at the Capitol in Springfield, with their artwork featured on LifeGoesOn.com and displayed at DMVs, libraries, and hospitals statewide.
Learn More About the Organ/Tissue Donor Awareness Student Poster Contest HERE
January 30, 31, & February 1, 2025 | 7:00 pm | The Little Theater
Directed by Sara Dreiling
Join us for Babette's Feast, an adaptation of Isak Dinesen’s classic tale that explores grace, forgiveness, and the power of community. When Babette, a mysterious French refugee, sacrifices everything to host a lavish dinner, her guests experience a profound transformation, discovering the beauty of generosity and connection.
Seating is reserved, and doors open at 6:30 pm. Don’t miss this rich and moving theatrical event!
Nominations are now being solicited for the following District 67 APT Executive Board positions to serve during the 2025-2027 school years.
APT Executive Board President
APT Executive Board Recording Secretary
APT President, DPM School
APT President, Cherokee School
APT President, Everett School
Please note that nominees MUST have prior experience serving on an APT Board (or as a Room Parent) in order to be considered. See the Nomination Form for descriptions of the positions being nominated.
If you would like to nominate someone (including yourself), you may do so in one of the following ways:
Download the 2025-27 APT Nomination Form HERE or from the District website.
Complete the form and email it to mtaubensee@me.com
Complete the form and mail/drop off to Michelle Taubensee, 330 Scott Street, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Contact Michelle Taubensee via email at mtaubensee@me.com or by calling or texting 630-217-3269 to submit possible candidate names.
FINAL DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025.
Questions? Contact Michelle Taubensee, Executive APT VP & APT Nominating Committee Chair, at the email address or phone number listed above.
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions!
CROYA Updates
January 9, 2025 – Cooking Club, 4:00 pm
January 14, 2025 – Middle School Meeting
January 16, 2025 – Cooking Club, 4:00 pm
January 17, 2025 – Crumbl Club, 4:00 pm
January 20, 2025 – MLK Jr. Day Service Project, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at CROYA
January 21, 2025 – Laser Tag for 7th & 8th Grade Students, 4:00 pm at CROYA
Mark Your Calendars:
Saturday, February 1, 2025 – The Heart of CROYA Fundraiser, 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Students, families, and our community is invited as we celebrate and support our programs and work toward a goal of $75,000 to renovate our (over) 20-year-old kitchen. Enjoy food, drinks, live music, and fun activities at this meaningful event. Our kitchen is at the heart of everything we do, just like in your family home!
Waiver Reminder
All students need a completed waiver to participate in CROYA programs. Find the waiver at croya.com.
The Second City - Gorton Center Event
January 18, 2025 I 7:30 pm
Back by popular demand, The Second City is coming to Gorton! Famous for their legendary improvisation, the iconic Chicago theater makes America laugh at pop culture, headlines, scandals, and trends. No need to trek down to the city, Gorton is bringing the fun to Lake Forest! Enjoy dinner in town, then stroll over to Gorton for the show.
- Family Campfire at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
- January 17, 2025 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- School’s Out! at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
- Monday, January 20, 2025 | 9:30 am - 11:00 am or 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Lake Forest Civic Orchestra Ode to Joy: Beethoven Symphony Number 9 "Be Part of B9"
January 19, 2025 | 4:00 pm
The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at the James Lumber Performing Arts Center in Grayslake, Illinois!
Winterfest - Gorton Center Event
January 24-25, 2025
Gorton Center presents Mountainfilm on Tour January 24 & 25, paired with Winterfest, an après-ski themed event featuring live acoustic music, craft beers, and food trucks. Cozy up in your best après-ski attire, enjoy drinks by the fire, and connect with friends in the Stuart Room ski lodge. Winterfest starts Friday at 6:00 pm (films at 7:00 pm) and continues Saturday from 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm. For details and tickets, visit gortoncenter.org.
Mini-Klondike Derby - Scouts BSA Troop 48
February 2, 2025 | 1:00 pm
Scouts BSA Troop 48 of Lake Forest is hosting its 6th annual "Mini-Klondike Derby" event at Northcroft Park on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm. This fun, free outdoor event is open to elementary and middle school youth (grades K-8) accompanied by a parent. RSVP is required.
"I and You" at Citadel Theatre
I and You is an ode to youth, life, love and the strange beauty of human connectedness . Buy your tickets for February 21 - March 23, 2025
Bandits Spring Lacrosse for Girls is OPEN!
We are your community youth lacrosse program. Come and join the fun! All skill levels are welcomed. For more information or to join, visit us today at www.banditslacrosseclub.org