LP Link
October 2, 2015 
In This Issue
Superintendent's Column
2016-17 Announcement
Make a Difference Day
Homecoming 2015
College Bound Athletes
Health Requirements
Community Connection
Children's Play
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Social Studies Movie Night
Lancer Nation Yard Signs
Safe Surfing Workshop
Save the Date
Spirit of Excellence
Important Dates
 
Superintendent's 
Column 
 
Dr. Lynne Panega
 
In September, I had the privilege of sharing with you the new administrative restructuring plan effective during the 2016-17 school year. Following this week's Board of Education meeting, I am pleased to announce that the final decision has been made regarding the administrative team. Our school community congratulates Jessica Foster, Math Department Curriculum Leader, for her appointment as the East Campus Associate Principal. She joined Lake Park in 2005 and brings 10 years of classroom experience to the newly created position. This exciting year of transition ahead will help prepare our colleagues for their new roles and responsibilities that begin July 1, 2016.
 
 
The administration will execute an initial contract to verify the 55 families who are red-flagged in the system. Additional services could be added to pursue homeless verification or in the future to check all enrolled students. The process will take approximately two weeks to complete and could yield financial benefits that protect the taxpayers in our district.
 
During my report to the Board, I provided an update about the recent release of the State of Illinois PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) results and expressed concerns regarding the credibility and validity of the preliminary data:
 
* The premature release of incomplete PARCC results compromises the credibility of the State's assessment system and further erodes confidence in public schools.

* The validity and reliability of the PARCC assessment has been compromised given the two different platforms, technical issues, and upcoming changes to the assessment structure in 2016.

* The PARCC 2015 results are an inaccurate representation of student achievement.

*The PARCC performance levels are inaccurate and misrepresent student competencies.

District and school level data has not been provided in a timely manner; therefore, will have very limited, if any, impact on student learning.

Along with area high school superintendents, an invitation has been extended to meet with Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith to express joint concerns and dialogue about future considerations of the PARCC assessment.
 
As always, I will continue to share more information with our stakeholders as it becomes available.
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The Lake Park High School Community Relations Office publishes the LP Link bi-weekly during the school year 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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2016-17 Administrative Changes Welcome Familiar Leaders
Congratulations to Lake Park's newly appointed administrators
for 2016-17 (L-R): Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jim Roberts; East Campus Associate Principal Jessica Foster; West Campus Associate Principal Tim Noverini; and
Lake Park Principal John Gouriotis.
During the August 24, 2015 Board of Education meeting, members appointed three positions as part of an administrative restructuring plan for the 2016-17 school year. Lake Park recently concluded a district wide interview process with five internal candidates to fill the remaining vacancy for an Associate Principal.
 
Based on the administrative recommendation, the Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Jessica Foster, current Math Department Curriculum Leader, as Associate Principal of East Campus.
 
The opportunity to promote educational leaders from within reflects a high level of confidence and continues to shape an important culture of familiarity. The newly named administrators will assume their responsibilities on July 1, 2016.
Lancer Nation Unites This Weekend for a Day of Service  
Over 400 Lancers are committed to giving back on Saturday, October 3 and will be sporting a sea of navy and white at Lake Park High School and other volunteer sites throughout the community. The idea behind the inaugural "Make a Difference Day" is simple: involve as many students, teams, groups and clubs as possible in our community at the same time.  

The event kicks off with breakfast at 8:00 a.m, service projects from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and snacks and ice cream upon students returning to West Campus.

Transportation will be provided to and from all projects, which include activities such as:
* helping at Phil's Friends
* volunteering at the Itasca Oktoberfast 5K
* clean-up at the Army Trail Nature Center
* creating sleeping pads for homeless
* working in the yards of senior residents
* writing letters to the troops
* visiting with residents at nursing facilities
* working with local libraries
* collecting food and personal care items
* creating dog toys for local shelters

Special thanks to Director of Student Activities Dominic Manola and World Languages teacher Scott Flett for organizing this philanthropic effort.
Celebrating "Around the World" October 5-10
Lancer Nation is excited for Homecoming Week to begin on Monday, October 5!  

Refer to the Homecoming webpage for important information regarding Homecoming activities, spirit days, dance tickets and appropriate attire. Note that tickets at the discounted rate and non-Lake Park guest tickets must be purchased during lunch periods by Thursday, October 8.  
College-Bound Athlete Information Night
Students and their families are invited to attend a college-bound athlete information night on Monday, October 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the West Campus Auditorium. Topics to be covered include: NCAA & NAIA eligibility and academic requirements, time commitments, recruiting and expectations for college athletes.

Join us for an evening dedicated to helping students prepare for post-secondary educational and athletic options. 
Speakers include:
  • Andrea Miller - math teacher, 3-sport college athlete, former collegiate Graduate Assistant, two time Academic All-American in softball, 19 seasons coaching
  • Mike Mucha - school counselor, coach and former college athlete
  • Gabriel Rivera - track & field coach, University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Joe Ziemba - school counselor, coach and former college athlete

Important Health Requirements: Oct. 14 Deadline

Meningitis Vaccination Required for Seniors
Parents with students in 12th grade and those eligible to remain in school beyond grade 12 are required by a new Illinois health mandate to show proof of their student having received the meningitis vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are required unless the first dose was administered after the age of 16, in which case only one dose is required. Students must show proof of having received the vaccination by Wednesday, October 14 in order to remain in school. Students who have not shown proof of appropriate vaccinations will be excluded from attending any classes beginning on Thursday, October 15. For more information, visit the School Nurse page on the district website or call the West Campus health office at (630) 295-5335.  

Freshmen and Transfer Student Physicals Due
Freshman and transfer student physicals and immunization records are due on Wednesday, October 14. According to the State of Illinois requirements, any freshmen who have not submitted their physical and immunization records to the school nurse by this date will not be able to attend classes until that requirement is completed and the information is received. If you have questions about what information is required, contact the East Campus school nurse at (630) 295-5236.  
Community Connection: Voice of Democracy Contest
The Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW's) premier scholarship program since 1947. Each year, almost 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2.1 million in scholarships and incentives. Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the Post, district, state and national level.

The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program to provide students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles. Students compete by writing and recording a 3-5 minute audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year's theme is: "My Vision for America."

Itasca VFW Post 5167 encourages Lake Park students to enter the Voice of Democracy contest for a chance to win prize money: $300 for first place, $125 for second place, and $75 for third place. Read the contest requirements and complete an entry by Sunday, November 1 for consideration.
Theatre Season Opens with Children's Fairy Tale
The 2015-16 theatre season debuts with the delightful Scandinavian fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon. The curtain rises at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 7 at the East Campus Dice Auditorium. Admission is free; tickets are available at the door or by pre-ordering at [email protected].  

The show was chosen due to its ability to provide larger than life characters such as Trolls and Bears. Director Seth Hible decided to use the Broadway performance of The Lion King, directed by Julie Taymor as his influence. In Taymor's production she uses larger than life masks and puppets to create the "pride-land" animal characters. Lake Park is using the same techniques to make its supernatural trolls, gargoyles and bears. In addition, the play has been double cast to allow for more student participation. Each cast will perform one public performance and two student performances. 
Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Lake Park will host parent-teacher conferences on Thursday, October 22 (5:00 to 8:30 p.m.) and Friday, October 23 (7:30 a.m. to 12 noon) at both campuses. These conferences allow parents/guardians an opportunity to meet with teachers on an individual basis. Parents are encouraged to meet as many teachers as possible. 

Please note that students will follow a regular bell schedule with full-day attendance on Thursday, October 22; however, students will not attend school on Friday, October 23.
 
The electronic conference scheduler will be available beginning Friday, October 9 at 6:00 a.m.  
Scheduling information, including step-by-step instructions, was mailed to parents this week. 
Social Studies Movie Night Series Premieres October 14
Make plans to attend the the first screening in the "Social Studies Movie Night" series on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the West Campus Auditorium. Students, families and community members are invited to this free opportunity to enjoy a historical-based film.   

The first movie for viewing is "National Treasure" starring Nicolas Cage. The focal point of this introductory film will be the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence in the formation of an "American Identity" - or how the Declaration influenced what it means to "be American." 

Look for more movies throughout the school year rotating between West Campus and East Campus. Movie-goers in attendance on October 14 will have the opportunity to vote on the next film (from a list of 3 provided)!
There's Still Time to Show Your Lancer Pride
Lake Park is still selling custom school spirit yard signs handmade by students who are members of the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Organization. The money that is raised will help fund the Lancer Nation student section and other school spirit initiatives.

Lancer Nation Yard Signs are made with one post for a cost of $25 (multiple signs can be purchased at a discount for households with more than one Lancer). Signs are 4.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. Each sign reads "HOME OF A LANCER" and each post is used to express the activities in which a Lancer student is involved. For Lancers who are involved in more than one activity or sport, additional posts can be purchased for $10 each.

View more information about custom ordering and help us cover the LP community with Lancer pride! Questions can be directed to Kara Roll or Lauren Gorey.
Safe Surfing: Internet Safety for Parents
As technology and the Internet increasingly become part of daily life, the Northwest Area Curriculum Council has partnered with the Roselle and Bloomingdale police departments to host this event. While being online can open up a new world of opportunities and productivity, there are also significant risks that parents and students should know. Parents are invited to attend this session on Wednesday, October 14 to learn more about the opportunities and risks of being online and get practical advice for protecting children in the 21st Century, web-connect age in which we live. The event will be hosted at 6:30 p.m. in the East Campus Auditorium.
Save the Date for Upcoming Lake Park Events
Best Pizza in Lancerland: November 5
The Lake Park Choral Parent Association will once again be hosting the "Best Pizza in Lancerland" on Thursday, November 5 in the Lake Park East Campus cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. Get ready to taste the best pizza in Lancerland. Admission ($5) will be charged at the door for tasters over 5 years of age. Look for more information to follow!

Night of Fine Dining & Theatre: December 11
The Lake Park Educational Foundation invites you to an evening of culinary samplings and theatre. The excitement begins on Friday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m. at East Campus with an elegant winter taste testing menu, prepared by our culinary students. The LP Jazz Combo and LP choral groups will provide holiday entertainment while guests shop for unique holiday gifts at the event's silent auction. After dinner, guests will be treated to one of the most beloved holiday shows of all time - "It's a Wonderful Life."  This event is anticipated to sell out, so reserve your seats early! Tickets are $35 per person. Make your online reservation today or download the invitation and pay by check.
Distinguished Alumni Nominations Sought
Spirit of Excellence Logo
Each year, as part of its Spirit of Excellence Program, the Lake Park Educational Foundation recognizes Lake Park graduates who have distinguished themselves by virtue of their accomplishments in life. If you know of a Lake Park alum who deserves to be considered for Distinguished Alumni recognition, please complete the Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form and return it to the Foundation's Executive Director, Jennifer Jungel, by November 30, 2015. If you would like to nominate an alum but do not have all the information to complete the form, provide Jennifer Jungel with as much information as you can and the Foundation will try to locate the individual you nominate.
Important Dates
Oct 3             Make a Difference Day
Oct 5-10        Homecoming Week
Oct 12           Student Non-Attendance; Offices closed (Columbus Day) 
Oct 14           Meningitis Vaccination Deadline for Seniors / Physicals Due for Freshmen
Oct 14           Social Studies Movie Night
Oct 21           SMART Day Schedule
Oct 22           Parent-Teacher Conferences
Oct 26           Board of Education Meeting 

View the 2015-2016 academic calendar.