411 on 115 - 9.11.24

Welcome to the Table of Contents! Please use the links below (or the bar on the side of the screen if you are on a computer) to jump to different stories.

• A Message From the Superintendent
• Safety Check with Chuck: Introducing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
  

• Upcoming Events for Lake Forest High School
  

• Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
  
• Highlights from September Meeting
  

• TONIGHT - FAN Event and Book Giveaway: 10 to 25 The Science of Motivating Young People
  
• Buy Your Tickets for Lake Forest High School's Homecoming Football Game
  
• Homecoming Events for LFHS ALUMNI
  
• LFHS Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
  
• League of Women Voters of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff to Host Voter Registration For National Voter Registration Day
  
• Apply to STEAM Scholarship
  
• Early Bird Pricing Through September 13 - Spirit of 67’s 20th Home and Garden Tour!
  

• CROYA
  
• Happy 50th Birthday, Gorton Center!
  
• Community Upcoming Events
  
• Resources
  

September 11, 2024

Dear Districts 67 & 115 Community,

At Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115, the safety and security of our students and staff is, and always will be, our highest priority. As previously communicated, Districts 67 and 115 undertook a comprehensive safety and security review of our buildings and grounds with a third party in 2022. A summary of their findings was shared during D67 and D115 Board of Education meetings. Since then, Director of Safety and Security, Chuck Walsh has taken proactive steps with school administration, staff, and community partners to foster a secure environment for all.

Security Upgrades Across the Districts
Over the past few years, we’ve made several key upgrades, including installing updated access control at all external entrances, comprehensive security camera improvements, an enhanced public address system, and more secure visitor screening and entry processes. These physical improvements, combined with the rollout of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)—which Mr. Walsh will detail below—are part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe space for learning.

School Resource Officers
We also rely on the strength of our community partnerships. Districts 67 and 115 work closely with local organizations, law enforcement, and first responders. Our Lake Forest Police Department School Resource Officers (SROs), trained specifically to work with youth, are a key part of these efforts. They serve not only as law enforcement but as mentors and educators, fostering trust and security at each of our schools.

Community Safety Series
Finally, I’d like to invite you to the Community Safety Series hosted by the APT this September and October. This important series will focus on critical topics, including the role of our SROs, active shooter scenarios, and internet crimes against children. Their next session is Monday, September 23, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at CROYA. I encourage all parents and guardians to attend and learn more about how we can work together to keep our schools and community safe.

We recognize the trust you place in us to protect your children, and we are committed to doing everything we can to fulfill that responsibility. Thank you for your continued partnership in this vital effort.

Sincerely,

Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Superintendent

At Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. To further enhance our emergency preparedness, we are implementing the I Love U Guys Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP)—a clear, action-based approach that provides a uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident, including weather events, accidents, as well as other internal or external potential threats.

The SRP uses simple, common language that everyone can understand, allowing for seamless communication and effective response. The five key actions of the SRP are:

• Hold: “In Your Room or Area.” Used when hallways need to be kept clear.

• Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors.” Protects people inside by securing the perimeter for an event taking place outside the school building.

• Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.” Secures individual rooms, keeping occupants safe and secure for a critical incident inside the school building.

• Evacuate: “To a Stated Location.” Moves people to a safer location.

• Shelter: States the hazard and the safety strategy, used for protection during threats like tornadoes or chemical spills.

To ensure that we’re all aligned in our response efforts, we have been working closely with the Lake Forest Police Department and our School Resource Officers (SROs). This partnership allows us to operate with a shared understanding and consistent approach during emergencies, ensuring that students, staff, and first responders are all on the same page and following a unified plan.

Our administrators, staff, and faculty have undergone SRP training, and we will soon begin conducting drills with students over the next few weeks. Principals will notify parents in advance of each planned drill, providing the date and time of the exercise, and offering the option for parents to opt-out their child if they wish.

We encourage parents and guardians to review the SRP handout and engage in conversations with their children about school safety. By working together, we can ensure a safer learning environment for all.

Below are District 115 Upcoming dates as of September 11. Some dates may be subject to change. For our most updated District calendar, please visit our LF Schools Calendar Page or the Lake Forest High School Calendar Page.

• September 11
• 7:00 pm LFHS and FAN Event: The Science of Motivating Young People in RMA
• September 12
• Band Day with 8th Grade at West Campus
• 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Counselors Meet with Freshmen
• 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Open House
• September 13
• Late Start
• September 16
• Fresh/Soph Play Auditions
  
• 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm PALS Meeting
• 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm LFHS Boosters Board Meeting in Library Classroom
• September 17
• Fresh/Soph Play Auditions
• September 23
• 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Community Safety Series: Active Shooter Scenarios at CROYA
• September 26
• 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Counseling Dept Virtual Junior Parent Presentations: College Kick Off
• September 27
• 7:00 pm LFHS Homecoming Football Game at West Campus
• September 28
• 7:00 pm Homecoming Dance

Agendas will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 67 Board of Education Meeting Dates and Materials page.

• Tuesday, October 15, 2024
  
• Tuesday, November 12, 2024
• Tuesday, December 10, 2024

LFHS-FAN PARTNERSHIP!

Hosted by the Family Action Network (FAN) and Lake Forest Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew L. Montgomery in Conversation with Author and Developmental Psychologist Dr. David Yeager about his Book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People

Date: September 11, 2024

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Raymond Moore Auditorium—Lake Forest High School, 1285 N. McKinley Rd., Lake Forest 60045

"There are many books about the challenges of relating to young people—but none like this one. Grounded in David Yeager's pioneering scientific research, 10-25 offers actionable advice and real-life storytelling that's beautifully written, comprehensive, and filled with warmth. This book is required reading for anyone who aspires to be a wise influence on the young people they care about.”
— Angela Duckworth, author of New York Times #1 Bestseller Grit

Join us for Homecoming weekend beginning with the Varsity Football game on Friday, September 27!

For all LFHS home athletic events in which a gate fee is charged, tickets must be purchased via www.GoFan.co and redeemed at the gate via mobile phone. CASH IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED.

You can use the following link to purchase your tickets in advance. GO SCOUTS!

Calling all Alumni! Join us at the Alumni tent for the Homecoming Football game on September 27 and a LFHS Building Tour on September 28! More information in the link below.

Lake Forest High School is proud to announce that six of its students have been named Semifinalists in the prestigious 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are among the top high school seniors in the country, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school students. They will now have the opportunity to compete for scholarships worth nearly $26 million, offered next spring.

Congratulations to the following National Merit Semifinalists:

These talented students have demonstrated exceptional academic ability and have taken the first step toward becoming Merit Scholar designees. We wish them the best as they continue in the competition!

The League of Women Voters of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Area is once again leading a community-wide effort supporting National Voter Registration Day (NVRD). The LWV LF/LB Area is collaborating with Lake Forest College, Lake Forest High School, Woodlands Academy, Lake Forest Place, Starbucks on Western, Lake Forest Library, City of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff Public Library, The Sheridan at Green Oaks, and Lake Bluff Farmers’ Market.

Times and public access vary by location. LWV Illinois also provides trusted and timely information via the Illinois Voter Guide. Our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard.

LWV LF/LB Voter Registration Drive Locations & Times

Open to the Public

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

• Lake Forest Library 11:00 am - 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Lake Bluff Public Library 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Starbucks on Western 9:00 am - 11:30 am
• Lake Forest City Hall 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Friday, September 20, 2024

• Lake Bluff Farmers’ Market 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

In the fall, students selected to participate in the STEAM Scholars program will have the opportunity to join Congressman Schneider on visits to four STEAM-related businesses and facilities during the 2024-2025 school year. On these visits, students will have the chance to participate in discussions with local employees, business owners, and educators, and learn more about the STEAM career opportunities in our backyard.

Get your tickets now for the Spirit of 67's 20th Home and Garden Tour on Thursday, September 26!

We’re thrilled to share that Everett, Cherokee, Sheridan, and DPM schools will each have their very own special home for our tour this year.

Here’s the fun twist: each home will be themed around an iconic John Hughes movie!

• Historic grants at each home will match the movie theme.

• Curated raffle baskets, each themed to match a specific movie, will be displayed at each home. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase online. Stay tuned for more details!

Stay tuned to our Instagram account to find out which iconic movie is associated with each school!

General Ticket Information

• Please purchase your tickets below

What is the Home & Garden Tour?
The Home & Garden Tour is the Spirit of 67 Foundation's major annual fundraiser. Guests will explore several of Lake Forest's most stunning homes and gardens, including the former residence of the legendary filmmaker John Hughes. Each home features unique designs by local restaurants, designers, and florists with homage to John Hughes and his legendary movies. Enjoy live music from District 67 musicians, see Spirit Grants in action, and experience a day filled with beautiful scenery and exciting raffle items.

Who Benefits from This Event?
Funds raised will support Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan Elementary Schools (grades K-4) and Deer Path Middle School (grades 5-8), providing enriching educational and cultural experiences for students.

How Can I Help or Volunteer?
Interested in volunteering? Please fill out this form: Home & Garden Tour Volunteer Form.

Sponsorships or Donations
For sponsorships or donations, please reach out to Spirit President Courtney Turner at treutelaar@gmail.com.

The District utilizes Instagram and Facebook. Follow us to learn more about celebrations, student achievements, and District news!

All students wanting to participate in CROYA programming must fill out the annual waiver! It can be found here.

The CROYA Van has started! It arrives at LFHS around 3:45 pm and drops off at CROYA for our after school hours (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm). All students must have a driving waiver to get on.

• September 18, 2024 – High School Meeting: Glow Capture the Flag! 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at CROYA
• September 25, 2024 – High School Meeting: Homecoming Party 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at CROYA

Peer Training – All high school students are encouraged to sign up for CROYA’s Peer Training. Once a week during their study hall (3rd-8th hour only). Sign-up here!

Have questions about CROYA High School programming? Email Catherine at LawniczakC@cityoflakeforest.com.

Join us for Gorton’s 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash, sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust, on September 14 & 15!

Saturday kicks off with Dog Day at 10:00 am, followed by live music, magic, games, and a concert by 90s alt-rock band Fastball at 8:00 pm. Enjoy face painting, raffles, food vendors, and more throughout the day! Click Here to see all Saturday Events.

Sunday starts with a calming sound bath at 10:00 am and a John Hughes Movie Festival at 2:00 pm with family-friendly films. Don’t miss out! Click Here to see all Sunday Events.

Hey, D115 Community! See all of our upcoming community events through the Community Events Page on our website. Here is a preview of what you'll see:

Friends of Lake Forest Library Annual September Book Sale

September 13-15!

Cirque-tacular

This dazzling evening of acrobats and aerialists will delight the whole family. Cirque-tacular is the most respected American Circus troupe performing today, featuring World Record Holders and Olympians on September 21!

Register Today for the Lake County 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's

The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's is ready for you! Join us at beautiful Independence Grove on Saturday, September 28!

• Safe 2 Help