411 on 67 - 11.29.23

November 29, 2023

Dear District 67 Families and Staff:

As you may recall, every three years, the Illinois State Board of Education asks school districts throughout the state to update their anaphylaxis response plans. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can happen after someone is exposed to something they’re allergic to, such as food, medicine, or an insect sting. Last spring, we invited members of the community to volunteer to serve on our District 67 and District 115 Anaphylaxis Response Committee. I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to our committee volunteers for updating our Anaphylaxis Response Plan with great thought and care. You may find our latest Anaphylaxis Response Plan here.

Within the updated plan is a recommendation regarding PreK-8 classroom snacks. Earlier this fall (August 23-October 6), we implemented a districtwide pilot of a new, low-allergen classroom snack list. Following that pilot and a review of survey data from parents and faculty, I have determined that effective January 16, 2024, District 67 classroom snacks must be nut-free and tree-nut-free. Classrooms with known allergies to certain foods may have additional snack restrictions specified in a student’s 504 plan to ensure a safe learning environment.

With a focus on wellness, food will no longer be permitted at District 67 classroom parties such as Valentine's Day, Halloween, and the Holiday party. Students may not bring food or candy to give as gifts or share with other students (such as with Valentine’s cards, Halloween candy, or holiday gifts). These celebrations will instead center around the celebratory classroom activities taking place. Frozen Fruit Bars from the following brands (DeeBees Frozen Fruit Bars, DeeBees Italian Ice, Good Pop Frozen Bars) will be provided for Field Day and other occasions outside the classroom, per principal discretion. Because winter/holiday parties will take place before the new snack policy becomes effective on January 16, 2024, it is recommended that these party foods adhere to the current snack list. This decision is ultimately up to the discretion of each building principal.

I want to thank our parents, guardians, and staff for your patience as we have worked through this process. The simple act of being mindful of food allergies and our snack list reflects our shared commitment to the well-being of every child under our care.

Sincerely,

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Matthew L. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Superintendent

District 67 Upcoming Dates

December 4

12:20 pm - 1:00 pm DPM 7th Grade Madrigal Performance
1:00 pm - 1:30 DPM 8th Grade Madrigal Performance

December 5

9:30 am - 11:00 am Spirit Executive Committee Meeting

December 8

Everett Winter Sing

December 12

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm D67 Board of Education Meeting

Upcoming District 67 Board of Education Meetings

December 12, 2023 - Regular Meeting
February 27, 2024 - Regular Meeting
March 19, 2024 - Regular Meeting

Agendas will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 67 Board of Education website.

Highlights From the November 14, 2023 Regular Meeting

Agenda - 11.14.23
Recording
Superintendent's Report 11.14.23
Joint Special Meeting Agenda 11.14.23
School Spotlight: Everett Elementary School - Watch Below!

New Guest Access System for Building Visitors

The new guest access system for Districts 67 and 115 allows visitors to check in at a kiosk in their school building and present identification to front desk staff. Visitors will be screened and asked to leave their identification with the front desk while they are on school property.

The purpose of this new access system allows school staff to know who is currently on the premises and who has completed their visit. The staff will collect an identification card or another identifying item and return it to the visitor upon checkout. With your cooperation, we will continue to maintain the safest learning environment possible.

Congrats DPM Mandarin Dragon Dance Team!

Exciting news from DPM: our Mandarin Dragon Dance Team wowed at Deerfield High, showcasing talent and dedication. Kudos to DPM students, parents, admin, and Spirit of 67 for making this success possible. Next stop: Chicago Annual Lunar New Year Parade on February 18th! 🐉🎉

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Welcome Our New D67 Staff Members!

Join us as we welcome our next three new additions to the Cherokee Elementary School and District 67 family - Jackie Mowery, Julie Wade, and Makayla Golden!

⭐ Jackie Mowery - School Psychologist

“District 67 is doing a lot of great things! Just a few include a focus on integrating research to practice, hiring and retaining kind and passionate staff members (some of whom I've worked with before), and having substantial community support! Let's not forget about the kids! The kids I've met thus far are so fun and excited about being in school. It makes my job that much more exciting every day!”

⭐ Julie Wade - Kindergarten Teacher

“I am a proud member of the Lake Forest community and its schools. The educators in D67 are passionate about teaching and learning, and I’m so excited to be joining the team!”

⭐ Makayla Golden - Teaching Assistant

“I just recently graduated from Western Illinois University! I went to school for Secondary English Education. When applying for jobs, I applied for anything that interested me to get my career started! I worked at a daycare throughout college, so I figured an elementary school would be right up my alley! I am so excited to be working in D67 and begin my life post graduation! 8 cannot wait to see where this opportunity takes me!”

Welcome to District 67! We are fortunate to have you. 💚

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Follow District 67 on Social Media

The District utilizes Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Follow us to learn more about celebrations, student achievements, and District news!

D67 Instagram

D67 Facebook

CROYA News

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CROYA’s Poinsettia pick up is Friday, December 1 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Saturday, December 2 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

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Click here to read the November Top 10!
Follow us on Instagram (@croyalflb) or find us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Lake Forest Varsity Cheer Mini-Clinic

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Get your pom poms future Scouts, and sign up for the LFHS Varsity Cheer Mini-Clinic! Spots are filling up quickly, so sign up now!

Date: Friday, December 15, 2023

Location: Cafeteria/Competition Gym

Time: Check-in at 4:30 pm

Fee: $55 Pre-registration. $60 At the door

Maximum Clinic Limit: 100 Participants

*Registration/Waiver* must be completed to participate

Participants will receive a t-shirt, bow, and pizza/water
Participants will learn a routine to perform at Halftime of the Varsity Boys Basketball Game
Game Starts at 7:00 pm
Participants will meet their parents immediately following halftime in the LFHS Lower Commons
Questions? Email Coach Vargas at dvargas@lfschools.net

Sign-Up for Varsity Cheer Mini-Clinic

Early Childhood Screening December 12

District 67 offers an early childhood behavioral and developmental screening for families with children aged 3–5 years old residing within District 67 school boundaries, free of charge. The next one is December 12 with more dates to come! Appointments are required. Please sign your child up for a session using this link.