DPM Newsletter - 11.6.26
Dear DPM Families,
We are thrilled and immensely proud to share that Deer Path Middle School (East and West) has earned Exemplary status on the 2026 Illinois School Report Card! Exemplary status is the highest designation awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education, placing our school among the top-performing schools in the state.
This milestone reflects the dedication, resilience, and collaborative spirit of our entire learning community.
- To our students: thank you for bringing your curiosity, hard work, and best effort to school every single day.
- To our parents and families: thank you for your steadfast partnership, encouragement, and support at home.
- And to our incredible faculty and staff: thank you for your continuous commitment to educational excellence, inspiring our students, and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Achieving this recognition is a true team effort, and we could not be more grateful for the community we share. Thank you for making Deer Path Middle School a place where our students grow, succeed, and thrive.
Have a wonderful Halloween weekend,
Dr. Michelle Shinn, 5/6 Principal
Mr. Sam Paulsen, 7/8 Principal
DPM Soccer Development Opportunity
Join Coach Julian for DPM Soccer Skills Club!
**REPEAT** G7 ELA Cultural Opportunity
Dr. Jerry Liu, born in the year the Chinese Cultural Revolution started, has generously offered to speak with our 7th grade ELA students about his experiences of the Revolution. We are eager to learn from him and build on our understanding from our first unit, in which we read Ji-li Jiang’s memoir, Red Scarf Girl. The first half of the presentation will be Dr. Liu sharing his story, and the second half will be pre-selected student questions. Given his schedule, this presentation will be on Monday, November 9, from 7:45-8:25 AM in the Haskins. You all are welcome to attend, too!
Please reach out to Nicole Karkazis, Kelly Maigler, or Meghan Winebrenner with any questions.
Now Accepting Spirit of 67 Grant Applications!
Have an idea that could enhance learning in D67? Spirit of 67 wants to hear it!
Grant applications for the 2027–28 school year are now open to parents, students, teachers, and administrators. Share your idea for enriching the educational experience across D67 schools, and stay tuned for selected grants to be announced during Grants Week.
The deadline to apply is January 28, 2027, at 3:00 p.m. CST.
The Crosstown Challenge is in Full Orbit!
We are one month into the Crosstown Challenge. Don't forget to help your school hit their participation goal. The first school to meet their participation goal will win a special ALL-SCHOOL prize!
LFHS Varsity Dance Team Pom Clinic
K-8th grade students are invited to the clinic to learn a short dance routine with the LFHS Varsity Dance Team and perform at halftime of the Varsity Boys' Basketball game.
The clinic will be held Saturday, December 19, 11 am to 1:45 pm, at the LFHS East Campus Cafeteria. Performance around 1:30 pm in the Competition Gym.
Registration opens this Saturday, November 7! Spaces fill quickly!
Statewide K-12 Student Art Show Comes to LFHS
he Illinois Art Education Association’s Statewide Student Art Show is on display at Gallery 300, located on the West Campus of Lake Forest High School, through November 18! The exhibition features just 45 works selected from K-12 student submissions across Illinois, including two pieces of artwork and a media arts project by Deer Path students.
Gallery 300, located at 300 S. Waukegan Road, is one of 12 locations statewide hosting the traveling exhibition over the next year.
CROYA News
CROYA's Middle School Meetings for 7th and 8th graders are every Tuesday from 4:00-4:30pm.
Cooking Club is every Thursday from 4:00-5:00pm
Now - CROYA's Poinsettia Sale has begun! Place an order at croyapoinsettia.com
Top 10: https://conta.cc/4rKKF8a
All students need a signed waiver to participate. You may find the waiver here or at CROYA.com
New E-Scooter and E-Bike Law Effective January 1, 2027
Beginning January 1, 2027, e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old and have a valid drivers license. Additional rules will apply to e-bikes, e-motos, and other devices.
With Governor JB Pritzker's signature on Senate Bill 3483, Illinois now has uniform, statewide standards governing high-speed micromobility devices, replacing a patchwork of local ordinances that left some of the fastest and most powerful devices largely unregulated.
November 10
How to Be Enough: Social Anxiety, Perfectionism, and How to Quiet Your Inner Critic
Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee Panel
November 12
Ukrainian, Russian & English: Navigating the American Educational System to Help your Child Thrive
November 17
Selecting and Paying for College: The Nuts, Bolts, and Secrets
Dr. Sheryl Gonzalez Ziegler with Catherine Price
November 18
Crucial Years: The Essential Guide to Mental Health and Modern Puberty in Children 6-12
November 7 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Enjoy a meaningful day of giving, with opportunities to volunteer, activities, entertainment, and light refreshments. The theme of Booksgiving 2026 is inspired by Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems.
Lake Forest Police vs Lake Forest Fire Chili Cook-off
November 7 | 12:00–2:00 pm
This will be the battle of all battles for bragging rights and the inaugural trophy! Come see/touch fire trucks and police cars, watch a live drone demonstration, meet Comfort Dog Winston, and see Officer Molinelli and her new K9 partner, Buzz, make their public debut together.
Free Community Wellness Art Classes November 10 2nd Tuesday every month! No experience is necessary, it's great for anyone who wants to tap into their creativity, age 11+
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Citadel Theatre
November 13 through December 13
Told as a lively 1940s radio broadcast, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play blends humor, nostalgia and heart into a timeless reminder that the choices we make can change everything.
November 15 | 3:00 pm
Register and join Bill Cook for a science lab comedy show to discover how everyday household items can unlock mind-blowing scientific principles!
42nd Annual Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration
November 27 | 3:00 pm
Enjoy kids’ activities, food and beverages, carolers, Lake Forest Dance Academy dancers, Santa Claus, and more.
Upcoming Community Events at Lake Forest College
Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: One World 2026 - A Cultural Journey
Tuesday, November 10 | 6:30–9:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of music, art, and dance celebrating cultures from around the globe while supporting the International Students Association. A community reception begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Gorton Center, followed by performances at 6:30 p.m. in the John and Nancy Hughes Theater.
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.
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.