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Cherokee Newsletter - 10.2.26

Cherokee Newsletter - 10.2.26
CherokeeNewsletter - 10.2.26

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October 2, 2026

Table of Contents Table of Contents

Building News

  • Picture Order Information
  • Visiting Author Information - Oct 7th
  • Cherokee Boo & Boogie!


Need to Know

  • D67 Bus Route Information
  • MySchoolQuest Lunch Menu

  • D67 Board of Education Meetings and Materials

  • Grades K-4 Parent Teacher Conferences

  • Health Requirements Reminder

  • The Crosstown Challenge is Back!

  • Parking Changes for Tonight's LFHS Homecoming Football Games

  • Introducing Budget at a Glance


Nice to Know

  • Sign Up for COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: See It to Be It
  • LFHS Fall Play: The Outsiders
  • You're Invited: Lake Bluff's The Promise of Liberty Event
  • Parent Resource: GPS
  • Community Events

A Message from the Principal A Message from the Principal

Happy October, Cherokee!


We are excited to begin a new monthly focus on belonging and helping our students understand how small acts of kindness -- like greeting others, including someone, and showing we care—help everyone feel like they belong at Cherokee.


Enjoy all of the sunshine weekend, and have a wonderful weekend with your families!


Warmly,

Kim

Our Building News Our Building News

Week at a Glance...

Monday, October 5

  • 10:30-11:30am Fire Drill (With Fire Department)
  • 1:45 - Early Release for Students

Tuesday, October 6

  • 8:10-8:40am Orchestra (Adams) - Flex Space


Wednesday, October 7

  • 8:10-8:40am Orchestra (Freeland) - Flex Space
  • Visiting Author to Cherokee - see more information below!
  • 1:00-2:30pm Open Lands (3rd Grade/Gregory)
  • 2:50-3:50pm Brainstormers - Acting , Singing, and Dancing - Flex Space


Thursday, October 8

  • 8:10-8:40am Orchestra (Barrett) - Flex Space
  • 9:00-10:30am Open Lands (3rd Grade/Reed)
  • 1:00-2:30pm Open Lands (3rd Grade/Breezee)


Friday, October 9

  • 8:40-2:30pm Bus Evacuation Drill
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Picture Ordering Information - VIP Photography

Your yearbook portrait days took place on September 25th. All photos will be posted online for you to view and order. Look for an email sent to you by “Visual Image Photography” or go to vipis.com. (A student ID number may be required.) All orders are delivered directly home. For assistance email support@vipis.com

Visiting Author Information - thank you APT and Spirit of 67!

On Wednesday, October 7th, we are hosting this year’s Visiting Author, Dori Hillestad Butler. She is the author of many popular chapter books and will be meeting with every grade level throughout the day to share her love of storytelling. We are grateful to the APT and Spirit of 67 Foundation for bringing this favorite event to Cherokee each year.

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Snow Day Packets

Snow Day Packets (should we ever need them) will be coming home with students on Tuesday. Please keep the packet in a safe spot at home in case we ever need to use it during the school year. That’s all you need to do for now! Please reach out if you have any questions.

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👻 BOO & BOOGIE IS COMING TO CHEROKEE! 🕷️🎃

Get your dancing shoes and costumes ready! Cherokee’s annual after-school Halloween party is back as the Boo & Boogie! We’re heading outside to the Cherokee playground on Friday, October 23rd, from 5:00–6:00 PM, and we can’t wait to boogie with you!


We have tons of fun planned—and a few big changes to keep in mind for this year’s event…


Why the Changes?

To ensure all our students stay safe and well-supported, District 67 leadership now requires a parent or guardian to be present at elementary after-school events. This new standard applies across all D67 elementary schools. We truly appreciate your understanding and support as we adjust together!


What’s Changed?

  • Unified Event Time: All grades will now attend at the same time (5:00–6:00 PM).

  • Adult Supervision Required: Every student must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Household Limits: An attending parent/guardian may supervise:

    • Children from their own household, plus

    • Children from one additional household.

  • Registration Responsibility: Parents must register and pay for their own child(ren)—even if another adult is accompanying them. You’ll simply specify the supervising adult during registration.

Register Your Child For Boo & Boogie!

Tickets and Registration:

  • Online Only: Registration and payment must be completed online in advance (no cash or checks accepted).

  • Pricing: $12.00 per student (with a maximum family cap of $25.00).

  • Supervising Adult Info: You’ll be asked to name the adult attending with your child during sign-up.

  • Deadline: Registration closes promptly at 3:00 PM on October 21st.

  • Check-in: Takes place at the entrance upon arrival. NO tickets will be sold at the door.


That’s it—now you’re ready to party!


What HASN’T Changed?

All the spooktacular fun you love is still here!

  • Spooky Halloween Decor

  • DJ & Dance Floor

  • Fun Photo Booth

  • Crafts & Sensory Activities

  • …and much more!


Costumes are highly encouraged!


Please note: This event is for current Cherokee students only (no non-Cherokee siblings, please).


Need Assistance?

  • Registration or Payment Support: Please contact Natalia Martinez at nmartinez@lfschools.net.

  • General Questions: Reach out to Cherokee APT President, Linda Hall:

    • 847-347-5667

    • linda.beth.hall@gmail.com

Temporary Change of Transportation Form

Need to Know Need to Know

D67 Bus Route Information
Visit MySchoolQuest Lunch Menu Here

📗 D67 Board of Education Meetings and Materials 📗

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Education Committee
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Livestream | Superintendent's Report
Budget Hearing: Agenda | Livestream

Lake Forest District 67 Regular School Board Meeting - 9/22/26
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Grades K-4 Parent Teacher Conferences

Conferences for Grades EC-4 will be in-person or virtual. If you need to secure a virtual K-4 conference, please book your appointment slot first and then email your classroom teacher, who will provide the Google Meet link.


The conference booking window runs from Monday, October 5 at 7:00 pm until Friday, October 16 at 2:00 pm. Your login credentials will be emailed home on Monday, October 5 in the morning.

Register for Parent Teacher Conferences Starting October 5 at 7:00 pm
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Health Requirements Reminder

Kindergarten Students (K)

  • Physical Exam and Updated Immunization Record on Illinois Form completed by October 15 of the current school year

  • Dental Exam on Illinois Form dated between November 15, 2025 - May 15, 2027

  • Eye Exam on Illinois Form completed by October 15 of the current school year


Second Grade Students (2nd)

  • Dental Exam on Illinois Form dated between November 2025 - May 15, 2027


Students New to District 67

  • Physical Exam and Updated Immunization Record on Illinois Form completed by October 15 of the current school year

  • Dental Exam on Illinois Form dated between November 15, 2025 - May 15, 2027

  • Eye Exam on Illinois Form completed by October 15 of the current school year


Religious/Medical Exemptions: If your child does not receive immunizations for religious reasons, a parent and health care provider must complete the “Illinois Certificate of Religious Exemption to Required Immunizations and/or Examinations” form prior to the first day of school.

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The Crosstown Challenge is Back!

Get ready for a little friendly D67 competition! From October 4 through December 31, Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan will go head-to-head in the Crosstown Challenge to see which school can rally the highest percentage of families to support the Spirit of ’67.


The best part? It’s not about how much you give, it’s about participation. Every family who donates counts toward their school’s total, and every gift helps Spirit of ’67 bring innovative classroom experiences, enrichment opportunities, technology, and special programs to students across District 67.


Last year, Sheridan claimed the crown—but can they make it two in a row, or will Cherokee or Everett swoop in and take the title?


If you haven’t made your annual Spirit of ’67 gift yet, now is the perfect time. Support our students, boost your school’s participation, and let the friendly rivalry begin!

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Parking Changes for Tonight’s LFHS Homecoming Football Games

It’s Homecoming 2026 Game Night at LFHS! The Scouts host Lake Zurich High School at Varsity Field, with JV kicking off at 5:00 p.m. and Varsity at 7:30 p.m.


Limited Campus Parking

Due to the rain this week, parking on the lawn will be unavailable. Available campus parking will be prioritized for guests requiring accessible parking, visiting and home administration, game workers, officials, and LFHS Boosters Gold members.


Park at Christ Church Lake Forest and Use the Shuttle

Fans are encouraged to carpool and park at nearby Christ Church of Lake Forest, which is generously making its parking lot available for our fans and guests. Christ Church is located at 100 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Shuttles provided by LFHS District 115 will run between Christ Church and Varsity Field before and after the game.


Thanks to our fans for your flexibility, and to Christ Church for being such a great neighbor. We look forward to seeing you at Varsity Field tonight to cheer on our teams.


🟡🔵 GO SCOUTS! 🟡🔵

Buy LFHS Scouts vs. Lake Zurich Bears Tickets Here
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Introducing Budget at a Glance

The Lake Forest School District 67 Board of Education approved the 2026–2027 District 67 budget last night during its September meeting.


We are pleased to share the 2026–2027 Budget at a Glance, a new digital publication designed to provide our community with a clear, accessible look at how District 67 plans for and manages its financial resources.

Developing the budget is a year-round process that includes staff input, careful review by administrators and the Board of Education, and ongoing financial monitoring. Our Budget at a Glance provides an overview of our revenue and expenditures, the role of staffing in our budget, our capital investments, and the processes that guide our financial planning and decision-making.


For additional financial information, including annual budgets, financial reports, contracts, and other resources, please visit the Financial Information page on our website. A recording of the September 22, 2026, District 67 Board meeting is available here.

Click Here for the 2026-2027 Budget at a Glance

Nice to Know Nice to Know

Sign Up for "COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: See It to Be It"

Real Careers. Real Stories. Real Possibilities.

What if sharing your career story could help a student imagine a future they hadn’t considered?

Community Connections: See It To Be It launch
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LFHS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: See It to Be It brings parents, guardians, alumni, and community members into the school to share their careers, experiences, talents, and stories with students. The inaugural event will take place Wednesday, October 14, with freshmen and sophomores participating in conversational sessions with people from a wide range of fields and backgrounds.


The morning is designed to give every grade level time to explore what comes next, while our juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT. Seniors will have the opportunity to mentor younger students, participate in community service, work on college applications and essays, extend a college visit, or join a COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS session.


Tell Your Story

You don’t need to be an expert presenter or prepare a formal presentation. Participants simply share what they do, how they got there, what they’ve learned along the way, and what they wish they had known as a high school student. Community members will participate in up to three 35-minute sessions between 10:05 am and 12:10 pm


Whether you work in business, healthcare, the media, arts, technology, public service, the trades, entrepreneurship, or another field, your experience could help a Scout see a path they may not have considered.


Learn more about COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: See It to Be It. If you’re interested in sharing your story with students, sign up to participate.

Volunteer to Tell Your Career Story and Learn More
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Stay Gold: The Outsiders Oct. 15-17

A rumble, a lot of hair gel, a sunset worth talking about, and a story that readers have loved for almost sixty years. LFHS Theater is bringing S.E. Hinton's unforgettable story to life, so grab your friends, round up your family, and get ready for a night you won't forget.


Whether you've read the book over and over or you're meeting Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally for the first time, this show will stay with you long after the lights go down.

Purchase Your Tickets For "The Outsiders"

🔴⚪🔵 You're Invited: Lake Bluff's The Promise of Liberty Event 🔴⚪🔵

The Lake Bluff History Museum and Lake Bluff 250 Committee invite the community to “The Promise of Liberty” on Thursday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in the Raymond Moore Auditorium at LFHS.


The program will feature Seth Kaller, a leading expert on historic American documents, who will present early printings and replicas of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.


As part of the educational experience, 8th-grade and high school students will attend a daytime presentation with Kaller, giving them an opportunity to engage with these historic primary sources and learn more about the ideas and principles behind them.


Admission is free, but advance reservations are required.

Parent Resource: GPS

This school year, we’re continuing to connect families with helpful resources, tools, and learning opportunities to support students at every age and stage.


One resource available to our community is the GPS Parent Series, a free parenting education and family support network that has served families for more than 30 years. GPS brings nationally recognized speakers and experts to parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, with topics focused on raising and supporting children and young adults from infancy through age 25.


Programs are completely free, and no registration is required. Families can participate in upcoming programs or explore past presentations, clips, and Q&A sessions on the GPS Parent Series YouTube channel.

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Dr. Katie Rose Pryal

October 7

Your Kid Belongs Here: Insights on Parenting Neurodiverse Children

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Stephanie Malia Krauss with Dr. Tony Wagner

October 8

Next Steps: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World of Work

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Jennifer Breheny Wallace with Dr. Lisa Damour

October 13

Mattering: The Tension Between a “Never Enough” Mentality, Purpose, and Student Well-being

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Erika Williams and Amairany Arzeta

October 15

B-PAC in Spanish: Thriving in High School and Beyond: Navigating College Admissions

Community Events Community Events

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Blackhawks Try Hockey for Free 2026

The Blackhawks, in partnership with AHAI (Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois) and USA Hockey, are hosting "Try Hockey for Free" events on Saturday, October 3, at 25 community ice rinks across the Blackhawks network of rink partners! "Try Hockey for Free" is designed to help kids overcome the initial barriers to the sport and get them excited to come back for more.
Learn More
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Wednesday Afternoons with Mr. V

Wednesdays, September 30 - November 18

Attention kids! This fall, join award-winning music educator and composer Bill Vaananen for 8 educational and inspirational Wednesday afternoon sessions of exciting songs and activities. Classes will wrap singing and movement into a tapestry of history, geography, and adventure!

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Gorton Center Class: Comics Lab

Thursdays from October 1 - November 5

Bring your ideas to life in Comics Lab! This supportive six-week class gives students the space to start or continue their comics journey.

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Upcoming Community Events at Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Community Sports Day

Saturday, October 10 | 11:00 am–4:00 pm

Spend this special day cheering on the Foresters. Watch our men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball teams, receive a spirited Forester Athletics giveaway, and enjoy family friendly activities and refreshments.

Learn more and register


Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Glassman Symposium Reception and Poster Session

Friday, October 30 | 4:30–7:00 pm

Engage with students during an opening reception, then take the opportunity to review posters and exhibits featuring original student/faculty research conducted at Lake Forest College, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and several other Chicago area research universities.

Learn more and register


Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Exhibit Opening Reception of Sonic Revolutions: The Photography of Paul Natkin

Thursday, November 12 | 5:30–7:30 pm

Enjoy an incredible exhibit featuring the works of rock and roll photographer Paul Natkin and his collection of live performance photography. View the photographs, speak with the artist, and interact with the students who helped curate the exhibit.

Learn more and register


Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Band and Orchestra Concert

Friday, December 4 | 7:00–9:00 pm

Start your weekend with a spirited Forester reception followed by an evening performance of student music at the Gorton Center, featuring a special collaboration between the College’s band and orchestra ensemble.

Learn more and register

Ms. Kim Rutan
Principal
Cherokee Elementary School

475 E. Cherokee Rd.

Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

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