12-17-2025

Dear D128 Community:

As the first half of the school year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and an enjoyable winter break. I am proud of our incredible and talented students and am deeply appreciative of our dedicated staff members who give so much of themselves to support our students and our schools each and every day.

I also want to extend a special thank you to our parents and community members who continue to be so engaged and supportive of our school district.

This break is a much-deserved time for rest and relaxation. However you choose to spend the break, may you find much joy and happiness! From the entire Community High School District 128 family, we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a successful start to the new year.

See you in 2026!

Warmly,

Marc Schaffer, Ed.D.

Community High School District 128

LHS Social Worker Emily Eichmeier has officially completed the process to become a Nationally Certified School Social Worker (NCSSW) through the School Social Work Association of America.

This is a significant professional accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, experience, and care she brings to our work every day. We are fortunate to work alongside her and proud of this achievement. Congratulations, Emily!

VHHS Science Teacher Amanda Molina has completed the process for receiving her National Board Certification as a Science Teacher in Biology. National Board Certified teachers are recognized for their dedication, perseverance and commitment to raising the bar of excellence and accelerating the learning of all students. Congratulations, Amanda!

The State of Illinois recommends that schools be screened for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose health risks if present in elevated levels. Community High School District 128 will conduct radon screenings of its schools and district office as part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for our students and staff.

The testing process is non-invasive and requires minimal disruption to the unit's operations. Short-term test kits will be placed by a certified professional from Radon Detection Specialists, Inc., and retrieved approximately 48 to 72 hours later.

The screenings will be conducted per the following schedule:

Transition Pathways and District Office - Jan. 13 -16, 2026

Libertyville High School - Jan. 20-23, 2026

Vernon Hills High School - Jan. 27 - 30, 2026

During this period, we will follow all recommended guidelines to ensure accurate results. Our screening will involve placing radon detectors in various locations throughout the school, which a certified laboratory will then analyze.

We will communicate the screening results to the community as soon as they are available. If elevated radon levels are detected, we will take appropriate action to mitigate any risks and ensure the safety of our students and staff.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the radon screening process, please email Mark Koopman, D128 Director of Buildings and Grounds.

Thank you for your continued support in making our schools safe for our students and staff.

Attention 11th Grade Families!

We are excited to announce that we will be offering a D128 ACT Test Prep program in February 2026. This four-week program is designed to help our 11th-grade students prepare for the upcoming state ACT, which they will take in early April. The curriculum for these sessions has been thoughtfully designed by LHS and VHHS teachers.

This is a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence and learn strategies going into the state ACT exam. A stronger ACT score can open doors to college admissions, scholarships, advanced coursework, and career pathways.

Program details are below:

Dates: All Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in February 2026

• Week 1: Feb. 3, 4, & 5

• Week 2: Feb. 10, 11, & 12

• Week 3: Feb. 17, 18, & 19

• Week 4: Feb. 24, 25, & 26

Time: 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Structure: One week per discipline (Students will have three sessions each in English, Math, Reading, and Science.)

Location: On campus (We will run this program at both LHS and VHHS.)

Price: $160 per student

• This includes all 12 sessions, plus an ACT book.

• Financial assistance may be available to students who qualify.

To sign up, please visit the appropriate webstore link below. Your payment through the webstore link serves as your sign-up. Payment is due by Jan. 9, 2026. Space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible.

• LHS sign-up

• VHHS sign-up

If you have any questions, please email Director of Data and Assessment Charlotte Eames.

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

Special Education Social Worker for the 2026-27 school year

Educational Support Professional Positions

Resource Library Aide (part-time) at VHHS

Science Tutor (part-time) at VHHS

Special Services Aides (three 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 that episode three of D128 Voices, our monthly podcast, is now available. In this episode, Superintendent​ Marc Schaffer welcomes D128 Foundation for Learning Chair Erica Rendall and Foundation Secretary Melissa Lenczycki to recap the recent BIG EVENT, share what’s next on the Foundation’s horizon, and explore how its initiatives continue to enrich the educational experiences of D128 students.

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.