North Shore 112 Monthly

• Important April dates and registration reminders
• District recognitions for students and staff
• SmartSocial webinars and online safety resources for families
• Board news, April observances, and community events
• Family resources, including BPAC and mental health support
• Dual Language Task Force updates

• 4/07: BOE Committee of the Whole Meeting
• 4/08: Parent/Guardian AI Information Night
• 4/14: Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting
• 4/18: Art in Bloom Kickoff Event (at Indian Trail)
• 4/21: BOE Regular Meeting

2025-2026 Calendar: The last day of school will now be Friday, June 5, due to the emergency closure on Friday, January 23. This change will be presented for official approval at an upcoming Board meeting. District website calendar page.

2027-2028 Calendar: We are currently developing the 2027-2028 school calendar. A draft will be presented at the regular Board meeting on April 21, with approval expected this spring.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open for all grades. All students, including returning students, must be registered. Visit www.nssd112.org/registration to learn more and start the process.

For dual language: There is still space available in the Dual Language Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Families with an incoming kindergarten student can indicate their interest in the program during the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact Enrique Castro, director of multilingual learners, at ecastro@nssd112.org.

If you have any questions about registration, please email parentportal@nssd112.org or call 224-765-3052.

Big congratulations to Luc Sever, an 8th grader at Edgewood, for being named Illinois State Champion in Track II of the Presidential AI Challenge!

The challenge invites students to use AI to tackle real community problems, and Track II recognizes students who build and demonstrate a working solution. Luc’s project, “Personalized News,” uses AI to tailor news content based on a reader’s interests and reading level. He also worked through technical challenges, debugged carefully, and made thoughtful choices around data privacy and source attribution.

Luc’s state title advances him to the regional level of the Presidential AI Challenge, where he will have the opportunity to compete for a chance to move on to the national stage.

Congratulations to the District 112 teachers and staff nominated for Lake County Educator of the Year recognition!

• Kathy Anaya
• Holly Colin
• Amy Cornelius-King
• Eunice Paniagua
• Andi Simon
• Leslie Tangman
• Helen Weiss
• Ana Maria Yoss

We are proud to see them honored for the meaningful work they do each day in our schools. They will be recognized at a May event alongside educators from across Lake County.

For the second year in a row, Braeside was recognized with the iRead trophy for the annual reading event organized by the 112 Education Foundation. Students logged an impressive average of 1,131 reading minutes per student, reflecting a strong commitment to reading across the school community.

Congratulations to Braeside on this outstanding achievement!

All District 112 families are invited to kick off the third annual Art in Bloom on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Indian Trail Elementary School. The event will feature a scavenger hunt, hands-on art activities and a drawing workshop with local artist Jonathan Plotkin before families explore student artwork displayed throughout the Highland Park Business District through Friday, May 8. Organized by the 112 Education Foundation, the District 112 PTO Presidents Council, District 112 art teachers and the Highland Park Public Library, Art in Bloom is a celebration of student creativity across District 112.

North Shore School District 112 is partnering with SmartSocial for the 2025-2026 school year, giving your family free access to resources that help keep kids safe and successful online. This is a go-to hub for staying informed about AI, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, video games, and online challenges, while also helping you build stronger connections with your child.

Coming up this month are live webinars (that are also kid-friendly). Can't make it live? Watch any past event on your own time.

You can register for each event by clicking on the date:

• Raising Kids in a Video Game World (April 7 @ 6 p.m., April 21 @ 6 p.m.)
• Roblox & Minecraft Safety Night: Understand the REAL Dangers & Guide Your Child with Confidence (April 14 @ 6 p.m.)
• When Screens Turn Mean: Combat Online Bullying & Support Positive Student Behavior (April 15 @ 6 p.m.)
• The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics (April 22 @ 6 p.m.)

Register with our district’s SmartSocial account to unlock these valuable resources

(if asked for a district zip code, please use 60040)

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on Tuesday, April 21 at Northwood Middle School. It will begin at 7 p.m. You can find an agenda and livestream link on our website.

At its March 16 regular meeting, the Board heard a recommendation to adopt TCI as a new middle school social studies resource beginning in 2026-2027, received updates on the Sherwood and Oak Terrace playground projects and Oak Terrace outdoor recreation planning, and approved a new district policy on artificial intelligence. The superintendent’s report also highlighted student wrestlers who qualified for state and a recent 8th-grade service-learning trip to the Dominican Republic. Read the full meeting recap for more details.

The Month of the Military Child is observed every April to recognize and honor the children of military service members for their courage, resilience and sacrifice. These children face unique challenges, such as frequent moves, parental deployments, and the stress associated with the uncertainties of military life. Despite these challenges, military children often show remarkable adaptability and strength. Discover more about the Month of the Military Child by visiting the Department of Defense's official website.

NSSD112 holds tremendous pride in our military community and deeply values the privilege to support the families who dedicate themselves to serving our nation. We look forward to recognizing students from military families later this month!

April is National Poetry Month! Celebrate with us on Sunday, April 12 with Highland Park's Poet Laureate, Laura Joyce-Hubbard, and the authors of Leaf Town Forever, Kathleen & Beth Rooney. Join us at 1 p.m. at Ravinia Elementary School for a special reading and activity. A children's book written in haiku, Leaf Town Forever tells the story of a Midwestern "town" created with leaves, sticks, and children's imaginations. After reading the story, Beth and Kathleen will guide children to write their own haiku and create a drawing to commemorate a place that is special to them. The program is free, but registration is appreciated.

Autism Acceptance Month is observed every April and is dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. The month aims to promote understanding and acceptance of people with autism, advocate for their rights and inclusion in society, and highlight the need for research and policy development to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The campaign also seeks to dispel myths and misconceptions about autism, emphasizing the diversity and potential of individuals with ASD. The goal is to create a more inclusive world for everyone with autism. Learn more from the Autism Society of America.

Arab American Heritage Month is observed annually in April in the United States to celebrate the rich history, contributions, and culture of Arab Americans. This month-long observance recognizes the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals of Arab descent in various fields such as science, education, politics, business, and the arts. It is a time to acknowledge and appreciate the significant impact that Arab Americans have had on the fabric of American society, as well as to address common misconceptions and stereotypes about Arab culture and heritage. Arab American Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultural traditions and rich heritage of Arab Americans, while also fostering inclusivity and respect for all cultural backgrounds.

K-2 Resources:

• The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story (YouTube)

3rd-5th Resources:

• The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid (YouTube)

6th-8th Resources:

• Overview of the Arab World (PDF slides)
• Arab Americans: Customs, Cultures and Traditions (PDF Slides)
• Arab Americans: Professions, Education, and Achievements (PDF slides)

BPAC brings together parents, guardians, staff, and community members to support English Learner students by sharing resources, giving input on programs, and building connections across our schools. Parents of dual language students at Northwood, Red Oak, Oak Terrace, and children receiving English Language services at any NSSD 112 school are automatically members.

Upcoming meetings:

• Tuesday, April 14, 2026 – Oak Terrace School

Meetings begin at 7 p.m., are conducted in Spanish with translation provided, and childcare is available. To learn more, visit www.nssd112.org/BPAC.

If your child has been struggling lately — school feels harder, emotions feel bigger, or something just feels off — Cartwheel, our virtual mental health partner, is here to help.

• Appointments with a licensed therapist within days
• Virtual, flexible scheduling — evenings and weekends available
• Available in English, Spanish, and other languages
• Free with Medicaid; most private insurance accepted

Cartwheel also offers parent guidance sessions — a chance for you to talk through what you're seeing and get some support.

You don't need a referral or a crisis to reach out. Get started by filling out this simple interest form.

For questions, contact your child’s school or Dr. Holly Colin, assistant superintendent for student services, at hcolin@nssd112.org.

ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students, staff and community in finding local mental-health and substance use related treatment. The service complements the district's existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in triage, appointment setting, and follow-up care.

Families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:

• Contact a member of your school's student services team (social workers, psychologists) or your school principal
• Visit https://referralgps.com/find-help/NSSD112 to search for treatment resources

Safe2Help offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. It is available 24/7 and offers students a safe outlet to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. It can be accessed via a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com).

• Call: 844-4-SAFEIL
• Text: SAFE2 (72332)
• Email: help@safe2helpil.com

Need help finding local resources for housing, food, utilities, health care or family support? 211 Lake County connects residents to free, confidential help 24 hours a day by phone, text or online. Powered by United Way of Lake County, 211 is a simple way to find trusted services right here in our community.

People can reach 211 Lake County in three simple ways:

• Call: Dial 211 or 1-855-677-5253.
• Text: Text your ZIP code to 898-211.
• Online: Visit 211lakecounty.org to search by need or location.

Help is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day in multiple languages.

The Highwood Library and Community Center offers free programs, resources and services for all ages. From literacy support to cultural events, it’s a welcoming space for learning and connection. Explore upcoming programs at highwoodlibrary.org/events.

The Highland Park Public Library offers books, digital resources, events and programs for all ages. Highland Park residents enjoy full borrowing privileges, and the library is a welcoming place for reading, learning and community connection. Explore upcoming programs at hplibrary.org/events.

The Dual Language Task Force subcommittees continue to move their work forward, and the full task force will reconvene on April 16 to review that work in preparation for a report to the Board in May.

• Student Success Subcommittee: In February, the Board approved the Dual Language Task Force Student Success Subcommittee’s unanimous recommendation to partner with Paridad Consulting for a 24-week, third-party evaluation of District 112’s K-5 dual language program. The evaluation will provide actionable recommendations to help inform planning for the K-5 consolidation at Oak Terrace School in 2027-2028. Paridad's work on this evaluation is already underway.
  
  
• Family Engagement Subcommittee: On February 7, February 19, and February 24, the Family Engagement Subcommittee hosted three family engagement events for Oak Terrace and Red Oak families. Students participated in a building scavenger hunt, while families had time to share feedback on the new playground and other facility needs at Oak Terrace. Families also enjoyed games and activities in the gym, with support from the PTOs and BPAC, who were on site to meet families and share information. The subcommittee is also supporting a survey now underway among PK-5 dual language families to gather additional input as planning continues.
  
  
• Facilities and Operations Subcommittee: In March, the Facilities and Operations Subcommittee reviewed a gap analysis from Wight & Company to help identify what Oak Terrace will need to serve as the future home of the K-5 Dual Language Program. Members also reviewed priorities for conceptual interior design plans, including furniture, shared learning spaces, branding, and overall design direction, and saw early renderings. The group was also updated on the Oak Terrace playground recommendation and the additional study of the blacktop and swing area that were shared with the Board on March 16.

The district's food service program serves students at Edgewood, Northwood, Oak Terrace, Ravinia and Red Oak.

Families at Edgewood, Northwood, Oak Terrace, Ravinia and Red Oak can explore interactive menus provided by OrganicLife. These online menus, available in English and Spanish, make it easy to view breakfast and lunch options, check nutritional information, see allergen details, and even filter or print menus.

You can find a link to the interactive online menus, as well as printable menus, at www.nssd112.org/menus. Families can find step-by-step instructions for OrganicLife’s interactive menus on our website, as well.

If you have any questions related to food service, please contact our district’s food service manager, Ms. Georgette Franco, at gfranco@nssd112.org.

Families can now use a new online form to report food service issues so they can be addressed quickly. The form will be monitored throughout the year. Urgent needs should still be directed to your school. Access the form at www.nssd112.org/food-concern.

District 112 offers the FirstView bus tracking app to give bus-riding families real-time information and peace of mind during the school day. With FirstView, you can securely monitor your child’s bus location, see estimated arrival times, and receive notifications about delays or schedule changes.

Learn more and get started with FirstView on our website.

The app is managed by FirstView and not by North Shore School District 112. If you require support with the app, please email support@myfirstview.com.

For non-urgent but still important concerns, families can use our new transportation concern form to notify the district. This form helps ensure we follow up on all issues and maintain a clear chain of communication. It is monitored regularly.

Infinite Campus is the district’s secure online portal where parents/guardians can access their child’s grades, attendance, schedules, school fees and more.

• Access your Infinite Campus account
• Learn how to reset your Infinite Campus password

ParentSquare is North Shore School District 112's primary communication tool. It is used by the district office and schools to send emails, text messages and phone calls to parents/guardians, staff members and the community.

Every parent/guardian who is in the district's database already has a ParentSquare account and is set to receive notifications via email, phone call and text message. However, by accessing your ParentSquare account, you will have more control over how you receive notifications.

Access your ParentSquare account at parentsquare.com/signin.

If you are accessing your account for the first time:

• Visit parentsquare.com/signin, use the email address that we have on file for you, then click on "Forgot password." After completing the process of resetting your password, you will be able to access your account.
• Or you can access your account with the "Sign in with Google" option, if your Gmail account is the email we have on file for you.

Having an issue with your student's device? Need assistance with district software, such as Infinite Campus? Submit a support ticket and a member of our tech team will reach out as soon as possible.

Contact the NSSD112 Tech Department

Our staff works hard to create schools where students want to learn and teachers want to teach. High-quality materials and technology give our staff and students the tools needed to be innovative and highly engaged. As a member of District 112, you’ll be working to advance yourself as well as fulfill a long legacy of District 112 being the home of pioneering educators, dedicated staff, and innovative instructional practices. Visit careers.nssd112.org to learn more!

VIEW OUR OPEN POSITIONS

Address: 445 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040

Phone: 224-765-3000

Website: nssd112.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nssd112

Instagram: instagram.com/nssd112

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nssd112

Contact Us: nssd112.org/contact

If you have any questions about the newsletter, please contact Ben Finfer at bfinfer@nssd112.org.