411 on 67 - 1.22.25
January 22, 2025
Dear District 67 Community,
The Spirit of 67 Grant season is officially open, and we’re calling on YOU to help shape the future of our schools! The Spirit of 67 Foundation invites teachers, administrators, students, and parents to submit grant ideas that enrich and enhance the educational experience for every student at Everett, Cherokee, Sheridan, and Deer Path Middle School.
This year, we’re also engaging students in the grant process with a classroom activity. These activities encourage students to think creatively about what could make their school even better. Families are invited to build on these ideas together!
Print and Complete a Brainstorming Sheet:
K-2nd Grade: Draw and write your “cool school” idea HERE.
3rd-8th Grade: Write how to make school better HERE.
What would make our schools more inspiring, exciting, or beautiful? Whether it’s a creative classroom project, a new outdoor space, or an innovative learning tool, your ideas can help bring meaningful change.
Grant submissions are open now through February 13. Ready to make a difference? Visit our grants page to learn more about the process and get started.
Exciting News for Students:
If your child’s grant idea is chosen, they will be recognized in the morning announcements, featured in the school newsletter, and celebrated on social media!
Let’s work together—students, families, and educators—to make our schools the best they can be for every child, every day!
Sincerely,
Courtney Turner, President & Vanessa Nowlin, VP of Grants
Spirit of 67 Foundation
With mixed emotions, we share the news of District 67 Director of Teaching and Learning Vail Kieser’s planned departure.
“I have submitted my resignation letter, effective at the end of this academic year. I plan to put on my “mom hat” and focus on my family,” says Vail. “This is a bittersweet decision because I am leaving behind incredible people and deeply rewarding work. It has been an honor to serve the students, staff, and community of Lake Forest.”
Since joining District 67 in 2022, Vail has spearheaded a districtwide reading review, led the selection and implementation of our new Amplify English Language Arts curriculum, and launched our instructional coaching initiative. Her focus on collaboration, distributive leadership, and, most importantly, student outcomes has been ongoing and impactful.
We look forward to Vail's continued leadership this school year and remain committed to pursuing academic excellence in our instructional programs. Dr. Montgomery and our District 67 administrative team wish Vail the best in her next chapter and will keep our school community updated as we seek her replacement.
This year’s Spelling Bee at DPM was one for the books, lasting an extraordinary 45 rounds! For the first time in years, participants exhausted their entire study list, prompting judges to move to additional words to determine a winner.
Everett students immersed themselves in hands-on learning today at the interactive STEAM Museum! From exploring virtual reality to digging for fossils and uncovering the beauty of the Fibonacci Square, students engaged with exciting exhibits that brought science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life.
This traveling museum experience, made possible by the Spirit of 67 Foundation, started at Sheridan on Tuesday and will continue at Cherokee tomorrow.
Join us for Community Coffee on February 6 at 6:30 pm at the Gorton Center! It’s a casual chance to connect with Districts 67 and 115 board members and administrators.We’d love to see you there and hear what’s on your mind!
Date: February 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Nagel Room, Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest
Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115 invite the community to the first event in a powerful speaker series on belonging, featuring clinical psychologist and author Dr. Doug Bolton. This series will provide parents with valuable resources to support their children and transform school culture.
In our first event, Overscheduled and Overwhelmed: Fostering Resilience in a Culture of High Achievement, Dr. Bolton will debunk parenting myths and share research-based strategies to ease family pressures and promote wellness. Join us to gain fresh insights and tools for fostering connection and balance!
Date: February 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Boardroom, LFHS West Campus, 300 S. Waukegan Rd.
District 67 offers an early childhood behavioral and developmental screening for families with children aged 3–5 years old residing within District 67 school boundaries, free of charge.
The next one is February 4 with more dates to come! Appointments are required.
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!
CROYA Updates
- January 23 – Cooking Club at 4:00 pm
- January 28 – Middle School Meeting
- January 30 – Cooking Club at 4:00 pm
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.
January 30, 2025 | 7:00 pm
Join us for a hilarious evening sponsored by the D67 and D115 APT with author and social media star Chip Leighton (@the_leighton_show)! His stories on marriage and parenting teens will bring laughter, knowing nods, and tears to the audience member’s eyes.
Don’t miss his New York Times bestseller What Time is Noon. Enjoy the show, Q&A, and book signing—plus, share your funny texts for a chance to be featured! For details and tickets, visit gortoncenter.com.
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.
Choo-Choos & Chew-Chews at History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff
January 25, 2025 | 1:00 pm
In celebration of our returning holiday exhibit "Whistle-stop Wonderland," the History Center will be once again hosting three family-friendly hot chocolate parties for the holiday season!
Lake Forest Parks and Recreation - Superhero Soiree - Daddy Daughter Dance
February 1, 2025 | 6:00 pm
Step into a world of heroism and adventure at our Dynamic Duo Daddy-Daughter Superhero Soirée!
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. 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