The Lake Forest High School Board of Education sent the following update to parents and guardians of LFHS students on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 16:
School is in Session Monday, September 17!
September 16, 2012
Many thanks to all who attended today’s parent information meeting. We collected questions at the close of the meeting and have incorporated many of them in today’s communication. Other questions will be answered over the course of the next few communications.
Will school reopen on Monday, September 17?
Yes. We will be opening school Monday as a mandatory student attendance day. A full day of instructional programming will be offered to our students.
Will you take attendance, will buses run, and lunch be offered?
Yes to all. Attendance will be taken and students who don’t attend will be counted absent; buses will run on the regular schedule, and lunch will be offered. Remind your student they will need to show their student ID. There will be organized entry for students to campus, in the front – front doors will be open and in the back students should enter through the commons.
Will a quality program be in place?
Yes. Like always, LFHS will have high-quality offerings ready for your student. After extensive development by our administrative team, over 50 student leaders vetted the plan with our administration and concluded it would be great. We also reviewed our schedule and offerings with community leaders. They were very excited about the plans and programs.
How will my student know where to go each day?
Each day students will be handed a “passport” that will include their daily schedule. Separate programming has been planned for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Will these days count as school days?
We have done our homework about what constitutes a school day and anticipate that the day will count.
Why aren’t we just closing school and waiting for the end of the strike?
Community feedback on this issue has been emphatic – our parents expect us to open school.
Why are parents being asked to have their students cross a picket line?
This school belongs to the community and its children. Once on campus, school will be and feel like school for students. It is a very safe and orderly environment – with some great programming in place to inspire your student.
What will the security measures be for this week?
We will have our regular and night-time security staff on hand, as well as our resource officer and the Lake Forest Police will be available. We will monitor cameras and all but two entrances will be locked. Howe Security will also assist day and night to ensure safety.
Can students park their cars in the student lot?
Yes. Seniors will be allowed to park in the student lot.
Can students leave campus?
Seniors are allowed to leave campus with parental permission. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors will not be permitted to leave campus.
Will the school have substitute teachers teaching all the classes?
We will have substitute teachers and administrators oversee instruction, with some outside professional guest speakers. Volunteers will serve in a support role to our administrative teams.
How long can this innovative programming continue?
We are trying to do what no one has ever done before. Simply put: we’re working very hard to provide meaningful experiences and instruction for your children and will do it as long as we feel that it is worthwhile and meaningful for your student.
How will classes be made up? AP? Driver’s Ed?
We are looking at a variety of options, contingent upon the duration of the strike.
Will there be college representatives visiting?
Yes. In fact, we’ve gone out of our way to bring in more than usual to take advantage of the opportunity. Many students have made good use of these sessions already.
How do students sign up for college presentations?
Check in at the College Resource Center – College Visit Schedule.
Can seniors be excused from these days to make college visits?
Yes they can. Just obtain permission from the attendance office.
What about help for my student with the college process?
The support staff in Student Services will be available in Room 104 throughout the day to assist with questions regarding the college process. Questions and concerns regarding the college application process can be answered in Room 104 or by calling 847-582-7365. Additional support with the application process will be available for students in the library.
Will the resource center be open?
Yes. The resource center will be staffed for students needing academic support.
What are the plans for students with special needs?
A plan is in place to address their needs. Most instructional options will be inclusive and available to all students. Additionally, the programs will be differentiated if needed. There will be alternative options available in the rooms the special education students typically occupy. The instructional teaching assistants that work everyday with our students with special needs will be in working with the students they know best. Along with qualified substitutes, the teaching assistants will guide and assist students throughout the day.
Will Learning Resource Center (LRC) be open?
Yes, the LRC will be open using qualified substitute teachers. Students can use these resources throughout the course of the day. If you are concerned about your child’s IEP, contact Dr. Julie Cooley at jcooley@lfschools.net.
Will early bird classes be held?
No. All classes begin at 7:50 am, except for the 8th grade math class, which will begin at its regular time.
Will the bus run to the tech. campus?
Yes – just as usual.
Will nurses be present to take care of student medical needs?
Yes. With the help of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, we have arranged for nurses to be on site.
Will clubs continue to meet?
If sponsors are present, then the clubs will operate as always. Check where you normally do to see if meeting times are scheduled for your student’s club or activity.
Will the band practice and play at upcoming games?
Regretfully, the band will not practice or play at games at this time.
Will the Junior and Senior play practice continue?
Yes. The show must go on! Practices will be posted as usual.
Will athletics continue?
Yes. In fact, because we will be having school, many contests may now resume. Please check the Athletics homepage daily to see if and when the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has approved contests.
Will there be regular practices for all sports and all levels if we send our students to school this week?
Practices will be held whenever possible, in as many sports as possible, provided there is a certified coach available to safely supervise and instruct the practices.
How will I know if my son/daughter has practice on a given day?
Be sure and check the Athletics homepage for a daily practice schedule. Please check carefully for your son/daughter’s particular sport and level.
Will shuttle buses run to West Campus after school for sports?
Yes, we will run shuttles as we usually do after school.
If my student doesn’t come to school can they participate in athletics?
No, students must attend school to participate in athletics.
Why are some sports/levels practicing/competing and others are not?
We can only authorize practice/competition in sports/levels where the student-athletes can be properly and safely supervised and instructed by Illinois High School Association approved and certified coaches.
What about Homecoming and Spirit Week?
Students are organizing this and doing a very good job of it. A complete list of activities will be posted on the Athletics homepage. Don’t forget this week includes Spirit dress up days: Monday – mad about plaid; Tuesday – preppy; Wednesday – 80′s; Thursday – class distinction (Freshmen: Neon, Sophomores: Superheros, Juniors: USA, Seniors: Toga; Friday: blue and gold. Also, homecoming shirts will be sold during the lunch periods.
How can I learn more about the status of negotiations?
A contract update video is posted on the homepage www.lfhs.orgfor your review. Daily updates will be sent to individuals who have subscribed to the LFHS E-Newsletter. If you haven’t subscribed, please visit our homepage www.lfhs.org and sign up. Also check our homepage daily for the most current school information.
We thank you for your patience and attention to this important matter. Be assured we will continue to keep you informed and we remain focused on doing what is best for our students.
Sincerely,
Lake Forest Community High School District 115
Board of Education
