11-19-2025

Greetings District 128 Community,

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to share a few thoughts on how fortunate we are to be part of our incredible communities. Thanksgiving invites us to pause and appreciate the people and partnerships that help our students, staff and schools thrive—and for me, that begins with our entire district community.

As Superintendent, I am thankful for the trust and support you place in our district. This partnership shows up in so many ways: through your presence at our arts performances, athletic competitions, and school events; through the countless volunteers who share time and talents; through the encouragement you give our students; and through the simple and powerful act of staying engaged with our schools.

A core belief in District 128 is that every student deserves to be seen, known, and supported as an individual. Your involvement and engagement reinforce the message that each student matters, that their unique strengths and stories are valued, and that their personal journeys are supported by an entire community who believes in them.

This Thanksgiving, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your continued support and trust. Thank you for standing with District 128, for supporting our educators and staff, and for helping us ensure that each student is recognized and encouraged.

On behalf of our District 128 team, I wish our entire district community an enjoyable and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Marc Schaffer, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Community High School District 128

On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., Community High School District 128 will conduct its annual test of the District’s emergency notification system. At that time, all D128 parents will be sent a phone call, email and text message from the District stating that it is a test of the emergency notification system.

If you do not receive any of the test messages on Nov. 19, please contact your student’s LST to ensure that your contact information is updated.

Please note: In the case of an emergency or weather-related closing, information will also be shared on D128 social media, websites, and through the Emergency Closing Center that is announced on local TV and radio stations.

While D128 attempts to coordinate “snow days” with its feeder elementary districts, not all of the elementary feeder districts are able to conduct remote learning days. This means that some of the districts will always use a “snow day” option, while others will have the ability to shift to remote learning on inclement weather days. D128 has two emergency days built into its school calendar. Should both emergency days be used, any additional school days impacted by an emergency situation or weather conditions that would normally result in a “snow day” will become remote learning days.

Each year, District 128 shares its remote learning plan and procedures with students and families in case an emergency or severe weather event occurs that would require the cancellation of in-person school. As a reminder, D128 builds two emergency days into its annual calendar. Should an emergency or weather event necessitate the cancellation of school for a day, District 128 would utilize an emergency day and not require students to participate in e-learning. If, however, the two school emergency days are utilized and a third emergency day occurs, then the District 128 e-learning plan would be implemented for all students.

The following outlines procedures in the event that an e-learning day is necessary. e-Learning days will be announced no later than 7:00 am on that day.

Review with Students

• Early in the semester, teachers will review their e-learning expectations with students in class

Access to Student Lessons Online

• Students will access online learning lessons through their teacher’s Google Classroom site.

• Teachers will develop e-learning activities that align with the course curriculum, enhance or extend learning, and require approximately 45 minutes of course-related student learning

• Teachers will post the e-learning day expectations to Google Classroom no later than 8:00 a.m. on the e-learning day

Communication and Support with Students

• All D128 staff will monitor and respond to student email inquiries between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

• Teachers may offer synchronous learning opportunities on e-learning days during their scheduled class period.

• Non-classroom educators will be accessible for student collaboration and consultation between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Student Requirements

• All students must submit their e-learning attendance by filling out a Google form that will be sent to them by the school. This form must be completed by 4 pm or a student will be marked absent from e-learning.

• Students must complete all e-learning assignments and are strongly encouraged to work on class assignments during the teacher contact window (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) so that teacher support can be provided to a student who needs assistance. If students choose to conduct their work outside of the teacher contact window, teacher support will be unavailable.

• Teachers will determine evidence of completion of students’ e-learning activities as appropriate to the expectations of the course.

Meeting the Needs of All Students

• Students with special needs will receive their directions for confirming attendance, accessing instructional activities, and completing their e-learning activities similarly to their peers in all of their classes

• IEP and 504 Accommodation Plan teams will ensure that student plans take into consideration and devise individualized accommodation plans and specific assistive technology needs for e-learning instructional days, including access to special services staff members as appropriate to meet the student’s special education needs for that day within a designated window (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

We're hiring! Below is a list of current open positions in District 128. Apply to be a part of our amazing district--or share with your friends and family who may be interested.

Certified Staff Positions

English Department Chair at VHHS (26-27 school year)

Student Activities Director at LHS (26-27 school year)

Social Worker for Leave of Absence at LHS (starting in January)

Educational Support Professional Positions

Accounts Payable & Student Activities Specialist at District Office

Campus Safety (part-time) at VHHS

Science Tutor (part-time) at VHHS

Special Services Aides (3 positions) at VHHS

Special Services Aides to cover leaves at VHHS

Daily Substitute Teachers

Various Student Activities Advisor and Athletic Coaching positions at LHS and VHHS

All of these positions are posted online. Candidates need to apply online.

We're excited to announce the launch of D128 Voices, our new monthly podcast that brings you stories and conversations from across District 128! In our debut episode, Superintendent​ Marc Schaffer welcomes Director of Equity and Inclusion Larry Varn, VHHS Senior Ginger Perry and LHS Junior Riley Henderson to the podcast to share their experiences while attending the first D128 DARING Ed Tour. In October, 45 students participated in the first tour that took them through Maryland and Washington, DC, blending college exploration, cultural immersion and shared reflection.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Podbean and more.

We hope you like what you hear, and we can't wait to bring you more inspiring voices each month.

Headed to Chicago this weekend? Check out the LHS Marching Wildcats as part of the 34th annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® that kicks off the 2025 holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 22. The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. with activities in Lights Festival Lane, including complimentary Wintrust photos with Santa, and culminates in a spectacular Saturday evening tree–lighting parade at 5:30 p.m. down North Michigan Avenue led by Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort. For more information, visit the event website.

Can't make it? Check out the TV re-broadcast on ABC-7 at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, and streaming throughout the holiday season.

Senior residents of D128 are invited to attend the annual Dinner and Holiday Concert at LHS on Dec. 9. Dinner will be served at 4:00 p.m., followed by a performance of the Holiday Music Festival at 5:00. The event is free to D128 residents, but seats must be reserved. To reserve your seat, call 847-327-SHOW (7469). A maximum of two seats may be reserved. Your name will be added to our reservation list and you may check in upon arrival. No physical tickets will be given.

It has been a great Fall for our District 128 Special Olympics Team! Over 30 athletes are competing this year and they are off to a great start.

Flag Football

The athletes competed in Flag Football this year for the first time and after some successful games against local teams they headed to the regional tournament at NIU in Dekalb, where they took 3rd place in their division! Team members pictured (above, bottom right): Ben Pedersen, Xavier Granados, Haziel Morales, Libby Karston, Charlie Sampson and John Doherty.

Bowling

Fifteen athletes compete at the regional tournament in Addison in August and four of those athletes--Addison Potter, John Doherty, Matthew Elman and Joel Smith-- qualified for the sectional tournament which was held at the Cherry Bowl in Rockford on Oct. 25. Addison Potter (pictured above, top right)won Gold and advanced to State on Dec.6 in Decatur. John, Matt and Joel each took home the Bronze medal.

Floor Hockey

Our Floor Hockey Team took a 3-1 record from the regular season into the State Floor Hockey Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park. The team finished 3rd in its division and received the Bronze medal.

Team members pictured above (top, left) ; Libby Karston, John Doherty, Eddie Beecher, Artem Filonenko, Xavier Granados, Noah Hewitt, Charlie Steele, Matthew Elman and Rishi Arun

Coaches This Fall - Andy Compton, Sean Kelly, Vince Deluca and Jeff Morello.

Unified Soccer

Our Unified Soccer Team took an undefeated season this Fall into the sectional at VHHS on Wednesday, Oct. 15. After defeating Hoffman Estates Orange 8-2 the team headed into the championship game with momentum. Unfortunately, after a hard-fought, suspense-filled game, the Storm lost to Hoffman Estates Blue 1-0 and finished 2nd at the sectional. Team members pictured above (top, left) with the VHHS boys soccer team are: Charlie Sampson, Noah Hewitt, Xavier Granados, Haziel Morales, Liana Fuhrman, Ben Pedersen, Ben Brumer, Steely Jeffs, Elsie Sheridan, Amelia Balos, Addyson Noyes, Hannah Scott, Hannah Parker and Anai Botello Coaches: Vince Deluca, Andy Compton, Chase Miller and Sean Kelly.

The Storm heads into the Winter season with some serious momentum. Basketball and snowshoeing here they come!

Thank you to everyone who supported our Foundation for Learning’s BIG EVENT on Nov. 8. The evening was a huge success, raising over $40,000 that will enable the Foundation to continue its mission of supporting our students and staff through its Students in Need Fund, student scholarships, and staff DARING Innovation Grants.