ZB Parent Bulletin

Spring is here, and we are in the final quarter of the 2024-25 school year! It is critical that we finish strong and encourage our students to attend school every day while staying focused on their coursework and graduation. I am incredibly proud of our ZB students for their outstanding achievements both inside and outside the classroom. Students are excelling in athletics, performing arts, NJROTC competitions, and academics. We have much to celebrate as we enter the final weeks of the school year!

The district Assessment Day will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. As with every school day, Attendance Matters! Please ensure your student is present and on time for test day. Juniors will take the ACT, while 9th and 10th graders will take the PreACT. Seniors will not attend on assessment day but should use this time for post-secondary planning, college visits, or academic APEX recovery if needed for graduation. Students will have access to a hot breakfast and a cold lunch and will be dismissed early. Further details regarding the testing schedule are available on the ZB website.

As we enter the fourth quarter, please take time to discuss grades with your student and ensure they are on track to finish the year strong. For students who want to get ahead or need to recover credits, the district will once again offer summer school. Two sessions will be available:

• Session 1: June 2 – June 23, 2025

• Session 2: June 24 – July 15, 2025

Summer school information and registration timelines will be posted on the ZB website. Stay connected through email, bulletins, the website, and ZB social media for updates on upcoming end-of-year events and celebrations!

As always, I look forward to creating more great days for our students and staff!

In partnership,

Bonnie Felske

ZBTHS Principal

APRIL

• Tuesday, 4/15/25 - ACT Assessment Day

(Freshmen/Sophomore Approximate Release @11:15 AM, Junior Approximate Release @ 12:15 PM, Seniors not in attendance for independent 721 Planning Day)

• Friday, 4/18/25 - School Holiday - No School
• Monday, 4/21/25 - School Holiday - No Students
• Wednesday, 4/30/25 - D126 Senior Honors Program - 6:00 PM - Performing Arts Center

MAY

• Saturday, 5/3/25 - PROM - 6:00 PM - Hotel Gurnee (formerly Holiday Inn-Gurnee)
• Tuesday, 5/6/25 - D126 Community Scholarship Ceremony - 6:30 PM - Performing Arts Center
• Tuesday, 5/13/25 - Kiwanis Awards - 6:00 PM - Performing Arts Center
• Thursday, 5/15/25 - Last Day and Graduation practice for Seniors
• Sunday, 5/18/25 - ZB Graduation - 3:00 PM - Athletic Field (weather permitting)
• Tuesday, 5/20/25 - Final Exams
• Wednesday, 5/21/25 - Final Exams
• Thursday, 5/22/25 - Final Exams
• Friday, 5/23/25 - Teacher Institute Day - No School

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, a new electronic device policy will be in place to minimize distractions and enhance student learning.

📌 Key Points of the Policy:

• During instructional time and advisory, students may not use electronic devices, including phones, smartwatches, and headsets.

• All devices must be silenced and stored out of sight for the entire class period.

This policy is designed to support a focused learning environment. We appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing these expectations with your student.

To support a positive and structured learning environment, all students will receive a Student Handbook at the start of the school year. This handbook outlines important school rules, expectations, and policies to ensure everyone is informed and prepared for success.

📌 Key Information:

• The handbook will cover attendance, behavior expectations, dress code, electronic device policies, and more.

• Students are expected to review the handbook and follow all school guidelines.

• Parents/guardians are encouraged to read through the handbook with their student to stay informed.

By making sure every student understands the rules, we can create a safe and respectful school environment for all.

We are excited to announce upcoming construction to renovate and improve our Band, Choir, Art classrooms, and Library! These upgrades will enhance learning spaces and provide better resources for our students.

📌 Important Information:

• The 220 hallway will be closed during construction.

• Access to the Band, Choir, Art classrooms, and Library will be affected.

• Students and staff will be provided alternative routes to reach nearby areas.

• Temporary classroom and library locations will be shared as we get closer to the start of construction.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we know there will be slight challenges as we work to improve our school’s facilities.

The official school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year has been approved and is now available for families to review.

📌 Key Dates:

• August 14, 2025 – First Day of School

• December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 – Winter Break

• March 23-27, 2026 – Spring Break

• May 17, 2026 – Graduation

• May 21, 2026 – Last Day of Student Attendance (Pending Emergency Days)

The full calendar includes important dates for holidays, early dismissals, assessments, and parent-teacher conferences. For a detailed view of the calendar, please visit the district website

Parents, as a reminder no outside food delivers should be made during the school day to students per ZBTHS school policy. This policy can be found on page 68 of the student handbook.

Students are not permitted to have food delivered from local restaurants, Door Dash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, etc. at any time during the day. These items will be confiscated upon arrival.

All students receive for free breakfast and lunch everyday.

As a reminder, here are the additional cafeteria expectations:

1. Students may be in the cafeteria only during their scheduled lunch period.

2. Students must wear their ID card during their lunch period.

3. Cafeteria supervisors are in charge. Student conduct must be acceptable to cafeteria supervisors. If not, appropriate action will be taken. This includes the right to assign the student to a specific table or seat.

4. Throwing of food/objects is prohibited and may result in suspension. Do not move chairs or tables around. Do not move from one table to another.

5. Students may purchase food, eat in either cafeteria or visit the bookstore during their lunch period. Please dispose of trash in the containers provided. Food must not be taken from the cafeteria.

6. Students are to remain in the cafeteria until the bell rings for dismissal.

If an emergency situation should arise, please contact your student's dean to discuss the situation. You may reach the dean's directly by calling (847) 731-9300 and selecting option #1, then option #2.

Students who have off-campus lunch on Fridays may not bring food back into the building for themselves or any other student.

This policy can be found on the permission slips signed by both student and parent at the beginning of the school year. If found in violation, this privilege will be revoked.

Senior year is full of important events and deadlines! To ensure you don’t miss any updates for the Class of 2025, please visit the ZB website and click on "Principal's Annoucements" for the latest information.

We encourage all parents and seniors to check regularly so you don’t miss out on these special moments!

Let’s make senior year a success! 🎓

We are excited to announce that prom is just around the corner! Dress to impress and step into a night of elegance, fun, and unforgettable memories! Scan the QR codes for the official invitation, guest form, photo order form, and event guidelines.