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The Sequoit Weekly
Week of February 16th 2025
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Important Upcoming Dates
This Week and Beyond
February 17th
- HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL
February 20th
- Board of Education Meeting @LCHS 6:30 pm
February 27th
- Semester 2 Grade Checkpoint 1 of 3
Infinite Campus Tips (NEW)
Check out our D117 Infinite Campus Parent University for a library of Infinite Campus tips.
Connections Magazine (New)
Free ACT Practice Test (2nd Week)
We are excited to share that Antioch Community High School has partnered with Compass Education Group to offer an at-home, timed, computer-proctored ACT practice test at no cost. This test matches the current digital version of the ACT and includes the required science test, contributing to the Composite score. This test typically costs $50 to sign up for, but through this link is free. You must register using the included link by Monday, February 24th at 2 pm to take advantage of this free ACT opportunity.
DATE & TIME
The at-home, computer-proctored ACT practice test is available anytime from Thursday, February 28th, to Sunday, March 16th. Please note that the registration deadline is Monday, February 24th, at 2 PM Central.
We look forward to seeing our students take advantage of this opportunity!
Trades and Military Expo @ Stevenson High School (NEW)
Coming up in just a few weeks is the Stevenson High School Career Ready, Trades and Military Expo on Wednesday, March 5 from 4:00pm-6:30pm. See the attachment below for a list of organizations attending.
Collegepalooza 2025 coming March 11
District 117's counseling teams at Antioch and Lakes are excited to jointly host the third annual Collegepalooza on March 11 at Lakes Community High School. A full list of session descriptions will be available closer to the event date. Mark your calendar and we hope to see you there!
Senior Families: Understanding your Financial Aid award letter
Did your child complete a financial aid application for college and now you're wondering about their eligibility and the required follow up steps? Join us for a YouTube Live session where ISAC's Parent Outreach Coordinator, Claudia Aly, will discuss financial aid offers, also known as award letters, and explain what they are and when to expect them.
This session will provide guidance on understanding the different types of financial aid your student may qualify for, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Whether your child has already submitted their financial aid application or you’re just starting to explore options, this is a great opportunity to ask questions.
Here is the link to ISAC’s YouTube channel where the event details and link to join can be found: https://www.youtube.com/@ISACvid/streams.
College Funding Coach recording
If you missed our webinar with the College Funding Coach group last week, you can view the recording here until April 11th.
Antioch Community High School Little Known Secrets of Paying for College Webinar February 13th
If you choose to watch the recording, you can complete the Parent Survey to gain access to the Parent Mini Vault collection of financial planning tools that are discussed during the presentation.
Spring Student Surveys (2nd Week)
Students will be asked to participate in a social learning survey during 2nd period on February 24, 2025. A modified bell schedule for February 24 will be used to provide time for administration.
On March 17 students will be asked to complete anonymous school environment and equity-and-inclusion surveys. This year D117 has applied for permission to use the data collected through these surveys in place of an additional survey that students have been asked to complete in the past called 5Essentials. We're excited to preserve more instructional time by consolidating how many surveys we ask students to complete.
You can read the district letter regarding these surveys, including an opportunity for parent opt-out (DUE FEB 18), here: Panorama family letter -- Spring 2025 student surveys.
Survey for Parents/Guardians (NEW)
District 117 families,
Our schools are dedicated to continuous improvement, and we value input from students, staff, and families to guide our efforts. We invite parents, guardians, and caregivers to share their feedback on what District 117 is doing well and where we can improve.
Please take a few moments to complete the Family Survey coming out later this week. The survey is anonymous, consists of 33 questions, and takes about 11 minutes to complete, with a few additional demographic questions at the end.
Your participation is essential in helping us better understand and serve the needs of our District 117 community. Thank you for your time and valuable input!
Summer School registration now open (2nd Week)
D117 Students and Guardians,
Hello! Registration for D117 Summer School 2025 is open. As a reminder, registration closes on April 4th! The options offered are various credit-bearing courses, bridge courses to assist with transitioning to higher-level coursework, credit recovery, and Summer Freshman Academy. Shared here (https://tinyurl.com/57sn5kxz) is the Summer School Brochure. For clarity, the last page of the brochure contains the information and links to the registration form. If you have any questions, please reach out to your counselor or respective building Summer School Principal.
Sincerely,
Megan Troyer, ACHS Summer School Principal (847-395-9127 and megan.troyer@chsd117.org)
Curt Onstad, LCHS Summer School Principal (847-838-7623 and curt.onstad@chsd117.org)
Local Scholarship Application for Seniors Now Open (2nd Week)
Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025. No late submissions accepted.
Families can review the list of available local scholarships here.
CLC Apprenticeship Awareness Spring Break Program (2nd Week)
Students 9-12 who are interested in pursuing a CLC Apprenticeship Program after graduation are invited to a Spring Break Preview! The program will run from March 24 - 27, 9am-12pm in the areas of Business, Early Childhood Education, Horticulture, Information Technology, and Manufacturing. A stipend will be provided for students who complete the program. Applications open on Wednesday, February 12 and limited spots are available. Interested students can contact our Post-High School Counselor, Ms. McCracken, at kelly.mccracken@chsd117.org OR the D117 CLC Navigator, Mr. Noote, at patrick.noote@chsd117.org to ensure they receive the registration form right away and complete it asap. Slots fill up quickly!
Senior Families - Have you completed the FAFSA yet? (NEW)
Seniors in the Class of 2025 are required to complete the FAFSA, Alternative Application, or opt-out as a graduation requirement. See below for another upcoming FAFSA support opportunity or contact ACHS Post-Secondary Counselor Ms. Kelly McCracken at kelly.mccracken@chsd117.org or 847-838-7763 for support.
Attendance Matters (2nd Week)
Sequoit Pride Online Spirit Shop
The Sequoit Pride Booster Club has an on-line store. Help support activities and experiences for our students by purchasing some spirit wear. You can access the store by using this link.
Support for families experiencing housing insecurity (3rd Week)
Are you or another ACHS family experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity?
The federal McKinney-Vento Act helps protect the rights of students whose families are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. You can review those rights with the Illinois State Board of Education Housing Insecurity Fact Sheet and read more at isbe.net/Pages/Homeless.aspx.
You can reference ISBE's parent questionnaire if you want to consider if your student may be eligible for services.
Reach out to ACHS's McKinney-Vento liaison, Assistant Principal for Student Services Scott Leverentz (scott.leverentz@chsd117.org or 847-838-7767) with any questions.
Worried about having a dress or suit for Prom? (2nd Week)
Students who would like to attend Prom but are worried about having the right apparel should check out the 2025 Pop Up Prom Experience the weekend of March 8th and 9th coordinated by Mothers Trust Foundation with support from Zengeler Cleaners, College of Lake County, and the University Center of Lake County.
Parent Webinar: Reducing Risks, Building Trust: Substance Use Guide (2nd Week)
Compass Health Center is excited to continue their three-part series: Parent and Family University, and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Join us for our [virtual] session on February 19th: Reducing Risks, Building Trust: Substance Use Guidance for Families. This event offers practical, expert-led strategies for families to navigate mental health challenges and foster healthier habits.
Why You Should Attend:
Expert Advice: Learn practical strategies for mental health, substance use, and screen habits from Compass clinicians.
Actionable Tools: Get easy-to-apply tips to support your family’s well-being.
Build Trust: Strengthen communication and trust with your loved ones.
Convenient & Virtual: Join us from home at your convenience.
Sequoit Athletics (NEW)
ACHS Activities (NEW)
Pics From Around Campus (NEW)
LAB Community Service at Feed My Starving Children
LAB Community Service at Feed My Starving Children
Blues In The Schools
ACHS student, David, jams with the band
Useful Links and Documents
Important Phone Numbers
Main Office:
847-395-1421
Attendance:
847-838-7187
Dean's Office:
847-838-9492
Nurses Office:
847-395-9176 (phone)
847-701-4828 (fax)
Student Services:
847-395-9492
College & Career Center:
847-838-7763