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Superintendent's Column
As we turn the calendar to March, Lake Park kicks off a busy spring season filled with standardized assessments. On Tuesday, March 3, all grade 11 students will take the ACT plus writing exam. The Physical Education Department will begin the day for our Lancers with learning readiness activities designed to get students moving and maximize their cognitive potential. Buses will pick up students at their normal times and return students immediately upon the completion of testing. Please note this is a student non-attendance day for our seniors, and classes will operate on a regular schedule at East Campus.
Lake Park recently received new information from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that has prompted a change in our standardized testing plan. Rather than requiring more testing for grade 11 students, Lake Park will administer the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments to students in Freshman English (Written and Oral Communication) and Algebra 1 courses. The dates for Performance Based Assessment testing in March and End of Year Assessments in April correspond to ISBE directives.
Although the testing window will occur from March 9-27, students will be grouped and assessed during just a few days in this time frame. The first group of students will begin testing on Monday, March 9 when those enrolled in Freshman English (Written and Oral Communication) will take the PARCC English Language Arts 1 Exam. The English test will be proceeded by the PARCC assessment for students enrolled in Algebra 1. Students with accommodations will be tested March 16-20.
Students will receive notification about the exact dates and room locations during an upcoming presentation about PARCC testing and from teacher announcements in their math and English classrooms. Because Lake Park will be using the online version and completing the assessments on computers, students are not required to bring calculators.
Please be aware that the start and end times for the school day remain the same. Snacks will be offered during scheduled testing breaks, lunch will be provided in the cafeteria, and students will resume classes following testing. Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will not be impacted, unless they are enrolled in one of the courses noted above. Bus transportation schedules will remain consistent on testing days, and students will be able to participate in their routine after school activities.
We recognize the disruption this amount of testing causes to student learning and have provided testimony to ISBE about our shared concerns with districts throughout the state. Schools must be held to high standards and systems of accountability, but a realistic pace and scope of assessments needs to guide the State's model for assessment. Clearly, Lake Park must honor our educational obligation to PARCC testing or risk the loss of funding and other consequences, but we will actively continue to petition the State to seek alternatives that keep the best interests of students in mind.
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The Lake Park High School Community Relations Office publishes the LP Link bi-weekly to highlight the latest news at Lake Park. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Sherri Anderson, director of communications, at [email protected].
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Lancer Pride Shines in State Competitions Across Illinois
Lake Park will be making a splash this weekend at the Illinois State High School Association swimming and diving competition. Sophomore Boys Swimmer Eric Sgarbossa recently qualified for the IHSA State Meet in the 100 Yard Breast Stroke at the York Sectional. Eric will compete on Friday and Saturday at New Trier High School. The Lancers Boys Swimming program is coached by Head Coach Dan Witteveen, and Assistant Coaches Alex Gazzano and Chris Ytzen.
Congratulations to the girls bowling team on capturing the IHSA Sectional Title and finishing 14th place overall at the IHSA State Bowling Finals in Rockford. Junior Kaitlyn Keith advanced as an individual and finished in 6th place. The team is coached by Joe Regilio and Lancer grad Theresa Wimberly.
Junior wrestler Jackson Schoen recently competed at the 145 pound weight level at the IHSA State Meet hosted at the University of Illinois. He was joined by head coach Anthony Cirrincione.
Freshman Girls Gymnast Kelly Zehnder competed at the IHSA State Meet held at Palatine High School. The gymnastics coaching staff includes Lancer for Life Head Coach Jake Luketin, and assistant coaches Ginny Doran, Alyssa Grzegorzewski, and Lancer for Life Kayla Goodwin.
Lake Park Competitive Cheerleading Squad qualified for the IHSA State Meet at the Rolling Meadows Sectional and competed at the IHSA State prelims and finals in Bloomington. Lake Park Cheer is coached by Head Coach Steve Quaglia, and assistant coaches Olivia Wolicki and Lancer for Life Ashley Binneboese.
Finally, even though archery is not an IHSA recognized sport, Lake Park student athlete Sam Burke deserves recognition for earning first place honors in the Illinois Target Archery Association Indoor State Championships. Sam's category is Olympic Recurve, Cadet Male, and he will be competing in the USA Archery Indoor Nationals.
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West Campus Prepares for March 3 ACT Exam
On Tuesday, March 3, Lake Park will administer the ACT plus writing exam.
Senior students are not required to participate in the ACT this year, so this is a non-attendance day for grade 12. Read the senior parent letter and view the schedule modification.
ACT is a mandatory assessment required for all grade 11 students in Illinois. Juniors should plan to arrive at the regular start time of 7:22 a.m. Buses will pick up students at their normal times and return students immediately upon the completion of testing. ACT prohibits student admission to the test after 8:00 a.m., so students arriving late must take the make-up ACT on Tuesday, March 17. Read the junior parent letter and view the schedule modification.
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Class of 2015 Graduation Announcements
Commencement will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 26 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Preparations for diplomas are underway to ensure that student names are spelled correctly according to legal birth certificates. Please check the Home Access Center (HAC) to verify the spelling of your student's name. This represents the only opportunity to submit a correction, and the deadline for updates is next Tuesday, March 3. If the information listed is incorrect, contact West Campus Registrar Rhonda Buchweitz by calling (630) 295-5340 or emailing [email protected].
Seniors are encouraged to apply for a variety of scholarships that are listed on the district website. Families are reminded to review the upcoming deadlines and take advantage of these opportunities.
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National Merit Finalists Named
Lake Park is proud to announce that three seniors have been named National Merit Finalists. Congratulations to Natalie Banas, Giovanni Basso and Katarina Martucci who will continue to compete for some 8,200 National Merit Scholarships that will be offered in the spring.
More than 1.5 million students nationwide entered the Merit Program as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. High scorers were designated as finalists by scoring in the top one-half of one percent among students taking the PSAT.
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7th Annual Women of Promise Tea Inspires Students
On February 19, 40 Lake Park staff members - and female students who they personally invited - participated in the Women of Promise Tea. Since 2008, the annual event has been empowering young women by identifying students who demonstrate potential to contribute to the community. The Lake Park mentors and students were seated at an assigned table with a female community leader and participated in a three-course tea service, complete with formal tablecloths and china.
This year's special guest and motivational speaker was Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) who conveyed powerful messages to spark students' talents for leadership. Through the Women of Promise Tea, teenage girls learn valuable communication skills and gain a feeling of confidence. They gain knowledge about how to converse with adults and peers outside their own social circles. During this transitional stage of life, the young women also learn that they have an adult in their life whom they can trust and turn to when faced with obstacles. This bond is something that both staff members and students have come to treasure.
This event would not be possible without the help of generous donations, retired staff members, the support of Lake Park staff, and math teacher and curriculum leader Jessica Foster who is the founder of this special event.
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater Takes the Stage
Approximately 600 sophomore students enrolled in World Literature classes had a unique opportunity to watch the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's (CST) interpretation of Macbeth on February 19.
The 75-minute abridged adaptation of William Shakespeare's original play aligns with an upcoming tragedy unit in which the students will be studying Macbeth.
CST is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare's genius for storytelling, language and empathy for the human condition. With a crew of eight and a 20 foot-long box truck, the production transformed the East Campus Dice Auditorium with high-caliber staging and design, giving students the experience of a fully realized professional performance. CST cast members hosted a Q&A following the performance.
The experience provided students with visuals, faces and interpretations they can now build upon when they read the play, thereby helping to enrich classroom discussion.
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Art Department Students Receive Accolades
Senior Neema Samawi was awarded 2 Silver Keys and 6 Honorable mentions at the Scholastic Art Awards of 2015. This a great honor for any student participating in this juried art exhibit. Lake Park students also recognized at the exhibit were the following: Photography: Alexsis Nieves (Junior) and Christian Balbarin (Sophomore), Drawing: Qaim Naqvi (Junior) and Savannah Marshall (Senior) and Painting: Kelsey Ballard (Junior). Art Department faculty member Dan Lobraco facilitated Lake Park's participation in the 2015 Illinois High School Art Exhibition which included collecting, preparing and submitting work to this prestigious juried art exhibit.
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Bring Your Luck for Texas Hold'em Poker
Help support the Lake Park Athletic Boosters at the upcoming Texas Hold'em Poker Fundraiser on Saturday, March 14 from 2:00 p.m. to midnight at Brunswick Zone, 1100 W. Lake Street in Roselle. The event includes Single and Multi-Table Poker Tournaments and a Black Jack Table. All proceeds will benefit the booster club.
Athletic Booster Club Seeks Volunteers
Lake Park is proud to be one of the few high schools that do not require athletes to pay a fee to play their sport. The Athletic Booster Club helps out all sports teams by providing extras such as additional equipment, programs, training for coaches, scholarships, etc. The Athletic Boosters relies heavily on parent volunteers. The following chair positions are open for the 2015-16 school year:
* Membership
* Sponsorship
* Marketing
* School Store
* Spirit Wear
* Outdoor Concessions-West campus
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact Katie Pall at (630) 893-8142.
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Community Connection 
Upcoming Parent Workshops
The Glenbard Parent Series: (GPS) Navigating Healthy Families, presents "Parenting with the Brain in Mind: Understanding Teen's Emotions, Relationships and Decisions" with renown clinical psychologist and bestselling author Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center (MAC) , 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.
Come hear about the radical changes taking place in the brain of an adolescent. In her genuine, practical, and humorous way, Dr. Bryson will take her knowledge of cutting-edge science and discuss the basics of what is happening in the brain during adolescence, which can explain why teens act and think the way they do. And, more importantly, Dr. Bryson will describe the important role that parents play in the development and construction of our teens' brains, in shaping their adult brains to be mentally healthy and ready for meaningful connections with others. Participants will learn how the brain works, how to better approach discipline, and how to help kids deal with everyday struggles. Parents who attend this event will ultimately better connect with the teens they care about and also be better equipped to make decisions that will help children thrive-relationally, academically, emotionally, and intellectually.
League of Women Voters to Host "Meet & Greet"
The League of Women Voters� of Roselle/Bloomingdale will sponsor a "Meet and Greet" on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Lake Park West Campus student cafeteria for candidates running in the April consolidated election.
The "Meet and Greet" is an opportunity for voters to learn more about the credentials and platforms of candidates in local elections. The event will include candidates from the College of DuPage District 502; School Boards for Districts 108, 12, 13, and 20; Roselle Park District Commissioner; Roselle Library Trustee; Bloomingdale Library Trustee; Roselle Village Trustee and Bloomingdale Village Trustee. Twenty four candidates are scheduled to attend.
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Hoops for Heart 3-on-3 Tourney Makes a Slam Dunk
Lake Park's annual fundraiser and awareness campaign on behalf of the American Heart Association was another great success! Districtwide, $15,481.31 was raised, marking the second highest total in the event's history. Congratulations to the Physical Education staff for their leadership in organizing this successful fundraiser, which included a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with concessions, as well as t-shirt and bracelet sales during the month of February.
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AP Test Registration Now Open Online
 Advanced Placement testing will occur from May 4 to May 15. New this school year, Lake Park is pleased to offer online AP test registration and payment. To register, visit the registration link that will remain open until the end of the day (11:59 pm) on Friday, March 27. Registration ends after March 27.
The College Board has established this year's fee of $91 per test. For those who prefer to pay by check, complete your registration online but bring in or mail your check to Mrs. Sheila Finstein in the main office at West Campus. Please make checks payable to "Lake Park High School" and provide your student's ID number in the memo line.
Once your child has registered, download a copy of the 2014-2015 Bulletin for AP Students and Parents. The College Board developed this bulletin to help parents and students become familiar with the procedures involved with AP testing, important dates, and grade reporting. A hard copy of this publication is available from Mrs. Finstein at West, and from Mrs. Anne Coppola in the main office at East.
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Lake Park Memorial Garden Update
Last fall, the Lake Park Educational Foundation Board of Trustees announced a school/community effort to fund and build a Memorial Garden at West Campus to honor deceased Lake Park students, faculty, staff, and friends. The anticipated cost to create and install the Memorial Garden is $35,000, but thanks to Lake Park maintenance staff members providing the labor and ARCON Architects, Inc. for donating design services, the remaining anticipated cost is approximately $25,000.
Lake Park staff, families, and community members have rallied to support the fundraising efforts. As of this week, $18,715.75 has been raised! In addition, Shemin Nurseries has agreed to donate some of the plant materials. To date, all three memorial benches, all three decorative lighting pieces, two of the seven flowering trees, and additional major donations have been received. (Note: all donors to the memorial garden will be recognized at the completion of the project.)
There is still time to join this worthwhile effort in creating a legacy for Lake Park:
(1) Become a Founding Donor by underwriting the cost of a flowering tree or landscape plantings. Donors contributing $200 or more will receive an 8"x8" inscribed brick.
(2) Purchase a commemorative brick.
Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin once the weather gets warmer and the ground thaws. Mark your calendars for the Memorial Garden dedication ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
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LPEF to Award 25 Scholarships Totaling $21,500 
The Lake Park High School Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the availability of 25 scholarships totaling $21,500 that are available for seniors in the Class of 2015. New scholarships this year include the Itasca Lions Club Scholarship, Barclay Family Scholarship and the LPPE Scholarship.
View a list of the scholarships available.
Students and parents are encouraged to download the information packet that provides a listing of the scholarship offerings, individual criteria and supporting materials to be completed for consideration.
Students must attach a completed Common Scholarship Application, essay, and appropriate supporting materials for each scholarship to the Career Center at West Campus by Thursday, March 12.
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Support LPHS with a Market Day Order
Introducing fresh produce: three assortment options (Family Produce, Gourmet Produce and Organic Produce) to fit your lifestyle!
Bonus Days are back with 11 desserts to choose from -- the more desserts purchased, the more Lake Park earns with a potential of earning up to 45 percent. Why not try the new Peach Supreme Pie today!
FREE - get a four pack of ChicNSteakes with a $90 online purchase (Promo Code: MARBONUS)
Frequent Buyer - Make two purchases of $40 between February and April, then place a third order of $40 in May and receive a FREE set of collapsible storage bowls at your May sale pick-up.
Ordering from Market Day is easier than ever:
Return completed order form to either Lake Park campus.
Go online to www.marketday.com and enter account #11062.
Shop mobile at www.marketday.com or call Market Day at (877) 632-7753
Orders can be placed on the internet up to 11:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20.
If you would like to be on the mailing list or volunteer to help on pick-up days, contact Maria Roberti, [email protected] or call (630) 893-2139.
Order Pick-up Date: Wednesday, March 25
Pick-up Time: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: LPHS West Campus Hallway outside the cafeteria by the football field (Door #18)
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February 27 Institute Day (Student non-attendance)
March 2 Casimir Pulaski Day (Student non-attendance)
March 3 ACT Exam for Juniors / Senior non-attendance day
March 9-27 PARCC Testing
March 13 End of Third Quarter
March 18 SMART Day Schedule
March 23 Board of Education Meeting
March 30 Spring Intermission Begins
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