411 on 67 - 5.1.24

May 1, 2024

Dear District 67 and District 115 School Community,

As we celebrate National School Principal Appreciation Day, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the pivotal role our principals play in the life of our schools in District 67 and District 115. They truly are the epicenter of our school communities, embodying the values of leadership, compassion, and dedication every day.

Our principals serve as the direct conduit of support to our staff, students, and the wider community. They wear many hats, from academicians to after-school activators, problem solvers to mentors, from cheerleaders to confidants. Their impact reaches far beyond the walls of their offices; it resonates in every classroom, every hallway, and every interaction within our schools.

As an educational leader, I can honestly say that being a principal was one of my favorite roles. It allowed me to stay close enough to the classroom to make a difference daily, witness the magic of learning firsthand, and be surrounded by the boundless energy and enthusiasm of young people.

As a new principal, I vividly remember my first steps into the middle school lunchroom. I was terrified, unsure of what to expect. But before I knew it, I felt right at home. The warmth of the students, the dedication of the staff, and the sense of community embraced me, reassuring me that I was exactly where I needed to be. I wish that same sense of belonging and purpose for our District 67 and District 115 principals.

Today, as we celebrate our principals, I’d like to take a moment to thank each one of them… Ms. Susan Milsk at Sheridan Elementary School, Dr. Kate Cavanaugh at Cherokee Elementary School, Dr. Renee Fitzsimmons at Everett Elementary School, Mrs. Megan Eigenrauch and Mr. Sam Paulsen at Deer Path Middle School, and Dr. Erin Lenart at Lake Forest Community High School. Please join me in expressing our gratitude for their unwavering commitment, tireless leadership, and endless passion for education.

Our District 67 and 115 principals are the heart and soul of our schools, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them leading the way.

All my best,

Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Superintendent

• May 2
• DPM MAP Testing
• May 3
• DPM MAP Testing
• DPM All Community Service Hours Due
• Sheridan Spring Sing
• May 8
• 4:00 pm DPM Spring Orchestra and Pops Concert in Peck Gym
• May 10
• Everett Spring Sing
• May 14
• 7:00 pm District 67 Board of Education Meeting at West Campus
• May 15
• 7:00 pm DPM Choir Concert in DPM Auditorium
• May 16
• 7:00 pm Bandextravaganza at DPM
• May 17
• Cherokee Spring Sing

For more information on your school's events, please see your school's calendar:

• Cherokee
• Everett
• Sheridan
• DPM

• May 14, 2024 - Regular Meeting
  

• June 18, 2024 - Regular Meeting

Agendas will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 67 Board of Education website.

• Agenda 4.23.24
• Recording
• Superintendent's Report 4.23.24
• President's Report 4.23.24

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.

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Sterpin has been elected as a Region Representative for the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education. Her dedication to supporting students with special needs and advocating for inclusive education has earned her this well-deserved recognition.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Sterpin on this significant achievement! We look forward to seeing her continued contributions and impact in the field of special education.

As you are aware, all 2nd through 4th grade students at Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan Elementary School receive Spanish instruction multiple times per week as part of their specials rotations. Historically, Cherokee has also offered Mandarin instruction for five days a week starting in Kindergarten. If you are an Everett or Sheridan family, you’ve had the opportunity to request a permissive transfer to Cherokee to enroll in Mandarin.

What’s Changing?

For the 24-25 school year, all Spanish instruction will remain the same. However, Mandarin will no longer be offered in Kindergarten. Other notes:

• Current students in Kindergarten Mandarin will receive 5 days of Mandarin instruction as first-graders, while 2nd through 4th grade Mandarin students will mirror the amount of other world language instruction.

What if I Want My Child to Take Mandarin?

You are still welcome to request a permissive transfer. All students will automatically take Spanish as their world language starting in second grade unless families request a permissive transfer or utilize the form below to request Mandarin (starting in second grade).

As a reminder, the opportunity to take Mandarin, starting in second grade, is open to all District 67 schools and will only be offered at Cherokee Elementary School. Bus transportation will not be provided for permissive transfers.

• Everett and Sheridan families: To request a permissive transfer and have your child enrolled in the Mandarin program beginning in 2nd grade, see the information located HERE. Due by July 1, 2024.

• Cherokee families: To request Mandarin as your child’s world language instead of Spanish beginning in 2nd grade, please fill out the form located HERE. Due by July 1, 2024.

On Tuesday, April 23, the District 67 Board of Education, and the members of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council were invited to join the inaugural “Learning Walk” at Everett. Learning Walks provide a firsthand look at the work being done in our classrooms to achieve our educational goals and related metrics. Small groups were guided by our Director of Teaching and Learning, Instructional Coaches, Everett's principal, and other administrators to observe how students engage with content and respond to teaching structures, identify specific strengths in classroom environments, and look for trends to inform future support.

The Learning Walk was followed by a debrief session with Everett teachers and students, allowing attendees the opportunity to reflect on what they witnessed within the classrooms, and the impact on student engagement. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with one Advisory Council member, with no children in the District, sharing that the visit “restored his faith in public education.”

The next Learning Walk will take place at Sheridan on May 16.

What is a Concussion?

Concussions are a type of brain injury that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the way the brain normally works. A concussion may result from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

Concussion Symptoms:

Typical symptoms of a concussion may include any of the following:

Prevalence of Concussions

Concussions are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), “During the last decade, emergency department visits for sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among youth, including concussions, increased by 62%.” Although much has been written about sports-related concussions, students may sustain concussions in other school-related activities as well (e.g., during physical education classes, on playgrounds, while attending field trips, tripping/falling incidences, etc. as well as outside of school activities that may affect their ability to function).

Per District 67 Board of Education policy titled Student Athlete Concussions and Head Injuries (7:305), Lake Forest School District 67 engaged the Concussion Oversight Committee to update our guidelines to ensure a program that outlines concussion assessment and management. The purpose of the guidelines are to improve post-injury treatment and outcomes and prevent long-term post-concussion symptoms for every concussed student.

The deadline to register for summer school is approaching soon. Sign your child up for summer classes by May 3, 2024!

Our 2024 Summer Offerings are designed to provide targeted instruction in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Classes take place in the morning at Everett School, 1111 Everett School Road. Please follow the link below for specifics on dates and times.

Thanks to a grant from the Spirit of 67 Foundation, students at DPM were able to collaborate with five-time Grammy-nominated, singer-songwriter, Justin Roberts. Known for such hits as Pop Fly, Meltdown, and Recess, the popular children's music star composed melodies to accompany original lyrics written by seventh-graders in their Health and Wellness class. Mentoring them throughout the songwriting process, Roberts joined students last week at DPM to record their tracks, and will present them with finished songs as part of a listening party.

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

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!

• Middle School Meetings are Tuesdays from 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
• Middle School Cooking Club takes place on Thursdays from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• CROYA’s 2024 Battle of the Bands is here!! Join us from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm on Friday, May 10 at CROYA for the best high school rock bands in the area! Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online, at the door, or through a participating band.

Follow us on Instagram (@croyalflb) or find us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

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!

There's a lot of information coming in from Lake Forest High School, 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
• LFHS Foundation Spring Luncheon

Hey, D67 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:

Gorton Center Movie: Star Wars Empire Strikes Back

May 2, 2024, 7:00 pm

Deerpath Community Park Showcase

May 4, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

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

LFBA Golf Outing

May 17, 2024, 1:00 pm

Sign up for Summer Camp!

• Gorton Center Summer Camps

• Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls
• Summer Solved with Steve & Kate’s Camp!
• Sewing Day Camp 2024

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