DPM Newsletter - 4.25.25

• Spring MAP Testing Next Week
• ABC Countdown Begins
• G2G Garden Market
• **REPEAT** Love For Livy - Hope Rally Concert

District 67 News and Events

• Mandarin Followup Message

• Spring MAP Testing Begins Monday

• Tick Talk: Stay Safe This Spring & Summer
  

• A Look Ahead on Lunch

• You're Invited to a Family Event Blooming With Fun: G2G Garden Market

• APT Spring Food Drive Starts May 12

• Action Item for 8th Grade Parents: Brava Palooza Permission Form
• Last call for Teacher Appreciation Week Contributions

• The Spirit of 67 Paddle Event Is Only Two Weeks Away

• "Luck of the Bid" Buy-In Parties Are Still Happening Through May 7

• Today Is The Last Day For Your Donation To Count Towards This Year’s Crosstown Competition!

Lake Forest High School News

• Buy Tickets for the LFHS Musical "Cinderella"

• Future Scouts Night with LFHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse

• Inspiring Success in Math and Beyond at LFHS

• LFHS Senior Albert Jie Earns National Merit Honor

• Help Name the LFPD’s New Comfort Dog

• CROYA News

• Lake Forest Open Lands - Celebrate Earth

• Hope Rally - A Benefit Concert for Olivia Rubek

• Virtual FAN Event: Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential

• Lake Forest Open Lands - Cattails and Kiddies

• Safe Sitter Babysitting Class

Dear DPM Families,

We are so proud of our students for rising to the occasion for the IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) a few weeks ago. We are in the homestretch of our Spring assessments, which means it's now time to prepare our students for the upcoming Spring MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing. As we have shared in the past, these assessments provide valuable insights into your child's academic growth over the course of the year and help us tailor instruction to meet their individual needs.

We need your continued support to ensure our middle schoolers keep shining bright! Please follow the same helpful tips from earlier in the year on how you can best support their success from home, ensuring they feel confident and ready to show what they know on Tuesday and Wednesday.

1. Fully Charged iPad - Ensure your student’s iPad is fully charged the night before the test. A charged device is crucial for accessing the digital testing platform and completing the test without technical interruptions. Consider setting a reminder to plug it in before bedtime.

2. A Good Night's Sleep - Rest is vital for optimal performance. Encourage your student to get a full night’s sleep, aiming for at least 8 hours. A well-rested mind is more alert, focused, and capable of handling the demands of the MAP test.

3. Nutritious Breakfast - Start the day with a healthy, balanced breakfast. Foods rich in protein, whole grains, and fruits can provide sustained energy and improve concentration. Avoid sugary foods that might cause energy crashes later in the day.

4. Arrive at School on Time - Punctuality is key. Ensure your student arrives at school on time to avoid any added stress. Being early allows them to settle in, relax, and mentally prepare for the assessment, which promptly starts at 8:35am each testing date.

Have a wonderful long weekend,

Dr. Michelle Shinn, 5/6 Principal

Mr. Sam Paulsen, 7/8 Principal

Monday, April 28

• ABC Countdown - Bears/Bulls/Blackhawks Day

Tuesday, April 29

• ABC Countdown - College Day

• Spring MAP Testing - Reading

Wednesday, April 30

• ABC Countdown - Disney Day

• Spring MAP Testing - Math

Thursday, May 1

• ABC Countdown - Every Color Day

• Spring MAP Make Ups Begin

• FastBridge / SAEBRS Screeners Begin

Friday, May 2

• ABC Countdown - Favorite Stuffed Animal Day

• Deadline for 8th Grade Community Service Hours

Please check out our DPM Calendar on the website for more details.

It's that time of year again! It's time to start counting down until summer! The ABC Countdown will be posted on the Schoology Calendar for students with each day represented by a letter starting with A all of the way to Z on the last day of school. Here's a sneak peek at next week:

For K-Day on Friday, May 9th, we're celebrating the adorableness of Kindergarten pictures! Please feel free to drop ONE picture of your child when they were in Kindergarten to their grade level in THIS shared Google folder. No need to worry about names. The pictures will play ADORABLY on a loop in the cafeterias.

Please consider attending Garden 2 Grow’s Garden Market on Saturday, May 10th from 9:00am-12:00pm in Market Square. Deer Path’s own Green Team will be there supporting the event and we would love for our DPM families to join them in the festivities.

Saturday April 26th from 7-10 pm

Located at The Farm System in Lake Bluff

921 Sherwood Dr, Lake Bluff

Olivia Rubeck, a 5th grader at DPM, was diagnosed with leukemia in September 2023. One month into her treatment she suffered two cardiac arrests which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Please consider contributing to the upcoming concert benefit for the Love for Livy foundation. Ticket sales will help with Olivia’s brain injury treatments from the Neurosolution Center of Austin. Money raised at past events have helped the Rubeck’s purchase a hyperbaric chamber to also help in her brain injury recovery.

At last week’s Lake Forest Community High School District 115 Board of Education meeting, it was announced that LFHS will begin phasing out its Mandarin Chinese World Language program in the 2026–2027 school year, due to low and declining enrollment and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Since that announcement, District 67 and 115 board members and administrators have heard from students and families advocating passionately for the Mandarin program. We are truly grateful to everyone who took the time to reach out and share their thoughts, experiences, and hopes for the future.

At District 67, the Mandarin program will continue as planned. At Lake Forest High School, the phase-out will proceed on the announced timeline. LFHS will continue to offer well-established and academically rigorous programs in Spanish, French, and Latin. Many students earn the Seal of Biliteracy in these languages, and LFHS students consistently perform well above the national average on associated AP exams. Currently, approximately 95% of World Language students at LFHS are enrolled in Spanish, French, or Latin.

If you have a question about your student’s World Language pathway, please reach out to your principal.

District 67 students in grades 2-8 will take the Spring NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test from April 28 - May 9.

Please make sure your student brings a fully charged iPad to school every day while testing.

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 and is an indicator for how a student has progressed in their learning throughout the school year. The District utilizes the MAP data to inform instructional planning for individuals and groups of students, measure growth from year-to-year, and plan future interventions.

Thank you for your partnership and support in achieving our academic goals.

With more time spent outside during the warmer months, it’s important to stay mindful of ticks. Take a moment to review prevention tips and treatment options from the Illinois Department of Public Health to help keep your student safe and itch-free.

Lunch Menu from April 28 - May 2

April 28
1 – Bosco Sticks with Seasoned Green Beans
2 – Rotini Marinara

April 29 - Tasty Tuesday: Yogurt and Berries
1 – Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
2 – Sweet Potato Broccoli Stir Fry
Served with Stir Fry Vegetables and Seasoned White Rice

April 30
1 – Cheese Pizza Slice
2 – Pepperoni Pizza Slice
Served with Steamed Carrots and Cinnamon Goldfish Crackers

May 1
1 – Cheese Pizza Slice
2 – Pepperoni Pizza Slice
With Side Caesar Salad

May 2
1 – Beef Nacho Supreme
2 – Cheese Nachos
With Refried Beans and Churro

Enjoy crafts, entertainment, and hands-on learning for all ages, plus plenty of great shopping.

You'll find items created by District 67 garden club students and other local vendors. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique gift, just in time for Mother’s Day!

Date: May 10

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Market Square, Lake Forest

All items may be dropped off in the bins at either of the front entrances or in the cafeteria next Monday - Friday.

Donation Items by Grade:

• 5th: Hearty Soup Cups/Tuna
• 6th: Rice/Black Beans
• 7th: SPAM/Canned Corn
• 8th: Canned Chicken/Canned Mixed Vegetables

If anyone is able to donate plastic bins to please contact Carrie Cole - 847-334-2691.

If you and or your students can help to help pack up the food at DPM Friday, May 16, the volunteer link for the 2025 Spring Food Drive Sorting is coming soon. We would really appreciate any time that you may have!

LAST CALL for Teacher Appreciation Week Contributions!

Any amount welcome! Venmo @ Kristin-McCain-1 (7951 last four) or Zelle 773-383-7951.

We want to offer multiple ways to help out the DPM teachers for the week (5-5 to 5-9), so we are offering in kind donations on the Red Carpet Dessert Day! Love to bake or even better love to support local shops like Bent Fork or Sweets?

Lastly, if you missed my friend Cilla Stoll’s talk at our last DPM meeting of the year I challenge you to be present this last month of school. The calendar is overflowing. Spring sports, spring concerts, spring graduation and everything under the sun, but be grateful you’re here for it. Life changes in the blink of an eye and we all have something “extra” on our plates most are unaware of, so give yourself the grace to breathe and even if only for a brief moment in the day turn gf distractions.

A special thanks to Sandi Fotopoulos for being amazing! Thx for being a great VP!

Cheers,

Kristin McCain, DPM APT President

Kristinmccain@gmail.com or text 773-383-7951

Time and tickets are running out for the Spirit of 67 Spring Paddle Event. Tournament team spots are completely SOLD OUT! Spectator and VIP tickets are still available, but not for long! So come out and support your friends, neighbors and District 67 students and staff!

Plus, you will enjoy an unforgettable evening of food, raffles, boutique shopping, and friendly competition at the Lake Forest Club.

Purchase tickets now before it is too late!

ALL Buy-In Party tickets are now $33 Each. The more students participate the more FUN and more money raised for grants for YOUR school. So, jump, play, sing along, decorate and feel good about your support!

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Cinderella by Rodgers and Hammerstein

April 24, 25, 7:00 pm and April 26 3:00 pm, The Raymond Moore Theater

Directed by Kelly MacBlane and John Wanninger

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It's Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”

Seating is reserved. Doors open will open 30 minutes before showtime.

May 2 | 6:45 pm

Come support the LFHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team as they take on Evanston High School at Varsity Field! (300 S. Waukegan Rd.)

Youth lacrosse players and fans are invited to wear their club jerseys or favorite lax gear and join in the fun. At halftime, youth players will be welcomed onto the field to be recognized. The evening also features a T-shirt toss and food from LaPlancha Loca. Don’t miss this fun community event celebrating our future Scouts!

We’re proud to celebrate some of our Lake Forest High School students who are heading to State competitions this spring. It's an exciting reminder of what’s possible as students grow through our schools.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), coached by Kelly Dexter:
Charlie Melin (10th in Economics), JR Engelland (6th in Securities & Investments), and Nationals qualifiers Parker Collister (1st in Introduction to Business Concepts), Tanishtha Chandra (1st in Accounting I), and JR Engelland.

Science Olympiad, coached by Lena Kopecky and Niki Collins:
Matthew Kim and Emmie Brown earned bids to the Illinois Individual State Tournament with top-five finishes in Chemistry Lab, Anatomy & Physiology, and Ecology.

Math Team, coached by Lauren Aguina, Steve Aronson, Paul Goldstein, and Andrea Lemke:
The team placed Second overall in the North Suburban Math League, with standout achievements in multiple categories. Carolyn Stach was honored with the John Benson Award for Outstanding Math Student.

Senior Albert Jie has been awarded a prestigious National Merit Pfizer Inc. Scholarship as part of the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Selected for his outstanding academic performance and career interest in biomedicine, Albert is one of just 830 students nationwide to earn a corporate-sponsored award. His achievement reflects years of hard work and excellence in both academics and leadership. Congratulations, Albert!

This five-week-old male St. Bernard puppy will serve as the Lake Forest Police Department's trained comfort dog. He will accompany LFPD Social Worker Lauren Perez on mental health-related calls, which make up a growing portion of the services the department provides.

Upcoming CROYA Events

• Girls Night In
  Friday, April 25 · 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  All 7th/8th grade girls are welcome! No sign-up required.

• Human Whack-a-Mole
  Tuesday, April 29 · 3:35 – 5:30 pm
  Open to all 7th/8th grade students. A separate permission slip is required.

Click Here to View CROYA's April Top 10

Waiver Reminder
All students need a completed waiver to participate in CROYA programs. Find the waiver at croya.com.

Lake Forest Open Lands - Celebrate Earth

April 26 | 10:00 am

Join us in celebrating our amazing planet! Swing by to uncover the wonders of Lake Forest Open Lands and Mother Nature’s finest offerings.

Gorton Center Event - Andy Woodhull

April 26 | 7:00 pm

Get ready for a night of sharp, relatable comedy with Andy Woodhull!

Hope Rally - A Benefit Concert for Olivia Rubek

April 26 | 7:00 - 10:00 pm

Join us for a special concert to support Olivia’s brain injury treatments at the Neurosolution Center of Austin.

Virtual FAN Event: Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential

April 28 | 7:00 pm

We're excited for the upcoming online FAN event, featuring Cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman Ph.D., and bestselling author Susan Cain.

Lake Forest Open Lands - Cattails and Kiddies

May 2 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm

This year, our kids will enjoy outdoor activities, nature walks, and s’mores by a campfire at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve.

May 2 | 4:30 - 7:30 pm and May 3 | 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

he Safe Sitter program is a medically accurate childcare curriculum designed to prepare 11- 13 year old children to be safe and nurturing babysitters. Our instructors will teach important life skills- business, medical, and safe habits- in this high quality course.