North Shore 112 Monthly

• Learn about our new Strategic Change Agenda
• Registration reminder
• Art in Bloom kickoff event details
• Board of Education information, including the upcoming organizational meeting
• New administrators approved for the 2025-2026 school year
• Mental health events and resources for parents/guardians
• And more!

• 4/08: BOE Committee of the Whole - 7 p.m. at Northwood
• 4/17: Early Release (No Early Childhood)
• 4/18: No School
• 4/22: BOE Organizational Meeting - 6 p.m. at Northwood
• 4/22: BOE Regular Meeting - 7 p.m. at Northwood
• 4/26: Art in Bloom Kickoff - 10 a.m. at Indian Trail
• 4/29: Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting - 6:30 p.m. at Northwood

We’re excited to share the next chapter for North Shore School District 112! In March, the Board of Education approved a new Strategic Change Agenda, a plan shaped by the voices of more than 200 parents, staff, students and community members. The agenda sets a clear path for our future, focused on student success, well-being and strong relationships.

If you are unable to view the video here, you can also find it on our Vimeo page

Video in Spanish (Created with the help of artificial intelligence)

North Shore School District 112 is a transformative learning organization where curiosity inspires minds, innovation shapes the future, and students, staff, and families engage to create a kind and connected community that is committed to excellence.

Our vision is to be a thriving, inclusive, learning community where each student is empowered to reach their full potential and achieve their greatest aspirations. By utilizing evidence-based practices, innovations in teaching and learning, and personalized support, we create an environment where each student learns, grows, and achieves academic excellence. We nurture resilience and foster meaningful relationships, while developing transformative leaders, engaged learners, and responsible citizens who are inspired and equipped to make a positive impact.

• Compassion
• Connection
• Equity
• Growth
• Integrity
• Safety

• Goal Area One: Focus on Student Success and Well-being
• Goal Area Two: Develop Relationships and Partnerships
• Goal Area Three: Focus on Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Quality Staff by Using Resources Strategically, Responsibly, and Flexibly

The approval of the Strategic Change Agenda is just the beginning. With the goal areas now in place, district and school leaders will develop specific, measurable goals to bring the plan to life. We will share these goals on our website to promote transparency and accountability, and provide updates as the work progresses.

Learn more: www.nssd112.org/strategic-agenda

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open for all grades, including kindergarten. This is a change from previous years when registration opened on May 1. All students, including returning students, must be registered.

Registering as early as possible helps us plan for staffing and other logistics, ensuring we have the right resources and support in place for the upcoming school year.

If you have any questions about registration, please email parentportal@nssd112.org or call 224-765-3052.

Read the Art in Bloom flyer in Spanish

An election for the North Shore School District 112 Board of Education was held on April 1. Results will remain unofficial until the Lake County Clerk certifies them on April 21.

On April 8 at 7 p.m., the board will conduct a Committee of the Whole meeting at Northwood Middle School. It will include a safety and security update from Solvei Jurmu, and an update on the transition of special education programs to Ravinia from Dr. Holly Colin. AGENDA

• Reception for Retiring Board Members at 5:30 p.m. - We will honor outgoing board members Alex Brunk and Dan Jenks for their years of dedicated service to North Shore School District 112.
  
  
• Organizational Meeting at 6 p.m. - Before the start of the regular meeting, the board will hold its organizational meeting. During this meeting, newly elected board members from the April 1 election will be sworn in, and the board will select its officers — president, vice president and secretary — for the upcoming term.
  
  
• Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. - The next regular Board of Education meeting is Tuesday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at Northwood Middle School (945 North Avenue). A link for the livestream feed of the meeting will be available at nssd112.org. Meeting agendas can also be found on our website (posted at least 48 hours prior to a meeting).

The board explored new middle school curriculum resources, honored outstanding staff and students, and approved key leadership appointments for the 2025-2026 school year.

Read the full recap for more details.

Following board approval in March, Jenny Lagunas will serve as the next principal of Oak Terrace, Elizabeth Leverentz will become the new student services coordinator, and Anthony Swope will take over as principal of Edgewood. All three will begin their new roles on July 1, 2025.

Learn more about all three educators.

At the January meeting, the board approved a calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. The first day for K-8 will be Thursday, August 21, 2025. You can find all the details by visiting the calendar page on our website.

The Month of the Military Child is observed every April to recognize and honor the children of military service members for their courage, resilience and sacrifice. These children face unique challenges, such as frequent moves, parental deployments, and the stress associated with the uncertainties of military life. Despite these challenges, military children often show remarkable adaptability and strength. Discover more about the Month of the Military Child by visiting the Department of Defense's official website.

NSSD112 holds tremendous pride in our military community and deeply values the privilege to support the families who dedicate themselves to serving our nation. We look forward to recognizing students from military families later this month!

Autism Acceptance Month is observed every April and is dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. The month aims to promote understanding and acceptance of people with autism, advocate for their rights and inclusion in society, and highlight the need for research and policy development to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The campaign also seeks to dispel myths and misconceptions about autism, emphasizing the diversity and potential of individuals with ASD. The goal is to create a more inclusive world for everyone with autism.

Arab American Heritage Month is observed annually in April in the United States to celebrate the rich history, contributions, and culture of Arab Americans. This month-long observance recognizes the diverse backgrounds and achievements of individuals of Arab descent in various fields such as science, education, politics, business, and the arts. It is a time to acknowledge and appreciate the significant impact that Arab Americans have had on the fabric of American society, as well as to address common misconceptions and stereotypes about Arab culture and heritage. Arab American Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultural traditions and rich heritage of Arab Americans, while also fostering inclusivity and respect for all cultural backgrounds.

K-2 Resources:

• The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story (YouTube)

3rd-5th Resources:

• The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid (YouTube)

6th-8th Resources:

• Overview of the Arab World (PDF slides)
• Arab Americans: Customs, Cultures and Traditions (PDF Slides)
• Arab Americans: Professions, Education, and Achievements (PDF slides)

In this section, you will find events and programs for parents/guardians and students. You can also find more information about these and other parent/guardian resources on our website.

• Eliza Chat Informational Webinar (April 8, virtual)
  We’re excited to introduce Eliza Chat, a new pilot program offering AI-powered mental health support for 13- and 14-year-old students. Eliza Chat provides a confidential, judgment-free space for students to discuss concerns like stress, anxiety, relationships and self-esteem. Parents and guardians are invited to learn more during a webinar on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (The session will be recorded.) No registration is required.
  
  Visit www.nssd112.org/ElizaChat to join.

• Cartwheel Care April Webinar (April 9, virtual)
  Connection, Co-Regulation, and Coping Skills: Helping Kids and Teens Navigate Big Feelings
  

  Sometimes, big feelings can take over a household. Sometimes they're our kids' feelings, and sometimes they're our own! Join Cartwheel and Janine Halloran, LMHC for a webinar to learn practical tips on how to help kids and teens cope with big feelings.

  
  By starting from a foundation of connection and co-regulation, Janine will provide strategies you can teach your kids (and yourself) for noticing, welcoming, and neutralizing big emotions before they take over the household. REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR
  
  

• Deerfield Parent Network Event (April 9 at Deerfield High School)
  The Friendship Dilemma: Navigating Social Dynamics and Change

  Parents are invited to an evening with Zen Parenting Radio hosts Cathy Cassani Adams and Todd Adams for The Friendship Dilemma: Navigating Social Dynamics and Change on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 7:30–9:00 p.m. at Deerfield High School. This event is hosted by the Deerfield Parent Network in partnership with Districts 109, 113 and 112.

  
  This engaging presentation will explore how friendships evolve, how to support children through social changes, and how to navigate the emotions that come with loss and transition. The speakers will also discuss maintaining dignity and empathy in both children's and adults' relationships. REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

Cartwheel is a national mental health provider for students/adolescents. They provide rapid access to care for students by providing them access to a licensed clinician within seven days of referral (virtually). Clinicians are available during school hours, after school, nights, weekends, and breaks. Additionally, Cartwheel offers the ability for psychiatric evaluations and medicine management.

To learn more about Cartwheel, please reach out to your child's school or to Dr. Holly Colin, assistant superintendent for student services, at hcolin@nssd112.org.

ParentGuidance.org is a free online resource that offers parents and guardians support and guidance on various mental health and parenting topics. The platform provides expert-led courses, coaching, and tools to help parents navigate challenges related to child behavior, emotional health and family dynamics.

Explore the April newsletter from ParentGuidance.org:

• April Newsletter (English)
• April Newsletter (Spanish)

Parent Coaching is a FREE resource where you can meet with a coach to get personalized support for any challenges you or your child may be facing. Take advantage of this resource created by therapists to support you and your loved ones. Click here to register: https://cookcenter.info/coaching

ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students, staff and community in finding local mental-health and substance use related treatment. The service complements the district's existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in triage, appointment setting, and follow up care.

Families may access ReferralGPS in two ways:

• Contact a member of your school's student services team (social workers, psychologists) or your school principal
• Visit https://referralgps.com/find-help/NSSD112 to search for treatment resources

Safe2Help offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. It is available 24/7 and offers students a safe outlet to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. It can be accessed via a free app, text/phone, and website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com).

• Call: 844-4-SAFEIL
• Text: SAFE2 (72332)
• Email: help@safe2helpil.com

TrueNorth is a special education cooperative that partners with local schools and districts, including District 112, to provide comprehensive support services for students with diverse learning needs. Learn more at www.truenorth804.org.

Helping kids navigate peer pressure is an important part of supporting their growth and well-being. Community – The Anti-Drug (CTAD) shares four key ways caregivers can empower their children to resist negative influences, along with practical drug and alcohol refusal tips. Explore their latest newsletter to learn more about CTAD and their efforts to support youth.

• CTAD Newsletter in English
• CTAD Newsletter in Spanish

Congratulations to Braeside Elementary School for winning this year's iRead competition! Together, 231 readers logged an impressive 255,973 minutes. iRead, organized annually by the 112 Education Foundation, encourages a love of reading across our schools.

Thank you to all of our readers for taking part!

Founded in 1995 and celebrating its 30th anniversary, the 112 Foundation is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to enriching and enhancing educational opportunities for all students in North Shore School District 112. Since it operates separately from the district and doesn’t receive tax revenue, the Foundation relies on community support and fundraising to bring innovative programs to D112 schools.

Parents should be aware of popular apps that may pose risks to children, including anonymous messaging, location sharing and access to inappropriate content. Regularly checking devices, reviewing downloaded apps, and using parental controls can help keep children safe. Ongoing conversations about responsible social media use and online safety are also important for protecting children from potential dangers.

Below is a list of apps parents should know (Click the image to view a larger version).

As you know, the district has been exploring how generative artificial intelligence can enhance learning, teaching, and productivity. We currently have ongoing pilots with Magic School AI and School AI. You’re welcome to explore both platforms anytime using the links below:

• Magic School AI
• School AI

If you’d like to engage further and explore the reasoning behind our use of these tools, check out a new assistant created by Dr. Lubelfeld.

• PlayLab AI: https://www.playlab.ai/project/cm6kvdue009o1l64h6pya357o

Having an issue with your student's device? Need assistance with district software, such as Infinite Campus? Submit a support ticket and a member of our tech team will reach out as soon as possible.

Our staff works hard to create schools where students want to learn and teachers want to teach. High-quality materials and technology give our staff and students the tools needed to be innovative and highly engaged. As a member of District 112, you’ll be working to advance yourself as well as fulfill a long legacy of District 112 being the home of pioneering educators, dedicated staff, and innovative instructional practices. Visit careers.nssd112.org to learn more!

North Shore School District 112 is seeking full-time special education paraprofessionals (1:1) to support individual students across various schools. These roles involve working closely with certified staff to assist students with academic, functional, and physical needs, implementing IEPs, and providing behavioral support. Responsibilities include offering direct supervision, assisting with daily tasks, and participating in professional development. Candidates must hold a state paraprofessional or substitute license. These positions offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and IMRF retirement. Apply or learn more

North Shore School District 112 is looking for multiple registered nurses to join our team in supporting student health and well-being. Nurses play a vital role in maintaining health records, conducting vision and hearing screenings, providing first aid, assisting with health instruction, and helping ensure compliance with health-related laws. We are seeking licensed R.N.s in Illinois who love working with children, have strong communication skills, and are committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment. These are full-time positions with excellent benefits. Apply or learn more

Address: 445 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040

Phone: 224-765-3000

Website: nssd112.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nssd112

Instagram: instagram.com/nssd112

Twitter: @nssd112

Contact Us: nssd112.org/contact

If you have any questions about the newsletter, please contact Ben Finfer at bfinfer@nssd112.org.