411 on 67 - 8.30.23
Dear District 67 Families:
Last Wednesday, all four of our school buildings opened their doors to welcome back our students and staff for a new school year. The first day back is one of my favorite milestones and I always spend it in the buildings visiting classrooms, talking to students and teachers, and witnessing precious moments like drop-off hugs and interactions between our learners and their new classmates. It's a day that represents the best of school - hope, a fresh start, and a place where everyone can thrive. That feeling is unrivaled and I wish that I could bottle it up.
Our team and I are incredibly excited to see the Strategic Plan come to life this year and capture the six Portrait of a Learner competencies - adaptability, citizenship, confidence, communication, critical thinking, and empathy. We can't wait to see what 2023-2024 brings, and if the first day of school was any indication, District 67 truly is ready to thrive!
The safety of our students remains our top priority. Please consider these guidelines when discussing scooter and bicycle safety with your students:
- Wear a helmet.
- Look both ways before riding through any kind of intersection.
- Watch out for potential hazards at crossings and elsewhere, including vehicles and wet/slippery, changing, or uneven terrain.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they are seen.
- Avoid distractions. Do not use electronic devices, including ear buds, headphones or phones, while operating your scooter.
- Be respectful of others around you. Remember, you should sound the bell attached to your scooter or announce yourself when passing a pedestrian.
- To avoid collisions with pedestrians, please walk scooters and bikes in the Central Business District of Lake Forest.
For more information on scooter and other student vehicle safety, please visit the following resources:
We are grateful to the District 67 Board of Education for their support, and to the Spirit of 67 Foundation for underwriting the playground equipment we see here. Through their generous grant, the Spirit allowed us to thoughtfully reimagine this space, including updated climbing frames, the replacement of wood chips with a soft fall ground surface, and the addition of a swing set! We are so excited for your youngest learners to enjoy this new and more accessible space.
- What brought you to Lake Forest School Districts 67 and 115?
- As a recently retired law enforcement officer with 32 years of public service, thousands of hours of training, and a lifetime of experience, I couldn't just retire and not share my knowledge, skills, and ideas to keep our schools safe with best practices. Many school districts are creating safety director positions but few have the resources to address a multitude of safety concerns. Districts 67 and 115 understood the need to work with a safety professional who understands priorities and budget accordingly with a transformational leadership team.
- What are your goals for the 2023-2024 school year?
- Goal #1 is to ensure our buildings are secure and safety protocols are followed. Goal #2 is to work with the community to align around best safety practices, create a sense of belonging and community for everyone in Districts 67 and 115, and ensure resources are available to deal with safety issues.
- Tell us more about yourself. What do you like to do in your free time and do you have any favorite hobbies?
- I have been married for 30 years to my wife Kris and we have three children and a dog. I golf, bowl, and like a good game of cornhole. I am a veteran of the Air Force who served during peacetime and member of VFW Post # 9284. I am a consumer of ice cream and it is my greatest weakness, all kinds and flavors.
Race to ReNew 5K and Fun Run
Be a part of the Race to ReNew 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, September 30, 2023. It all happens at the West Lake Forest High School Campus. Race the grass LFHS Cross Country team course, then get the K-8 kids out for the Fun Run.
300 S. Waukegan Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045