04-15-2026

Dear D128 Community:

As we head into the final segment of the school year, there is much to be excited about in District 128. I am especially energized by the amazing achievements of our students and our dedicated staff members who guide and support them. April and May are filled with many academic and athletic competitions, and several of our student groups are preparing to compete and perform at the state and national levels. Please join me in sending our best wishes to the following groups and their advisors participating in the following events:

• LHS Wind Ensemble selected to perform at this month’s College Band Directors National Association North Central Division Conference at University of Michigan

• LHS and VHHS Math Teams competing at State this month at University of Illinois

• VHHS U.S History Fair Students advancing to the state competition in Springfield

• LHS DECA members competing in this month’s International Career Development Conference in Atlanta

• LHS FCCLA members competing at the State competition in Springfield

• LHS and VHHS Science Olympiad competing at the State Competition at University of Illinois

• VHHS BPA competing at the National Competition in Nashville

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge our spring athletic programs and our fine arts departments. Whether on the field, the court, the track, or the stage, our students are showcasing incredible growth. We are fortunate to have such talented coaches and staff members who dedicate themselves to these programs. Their expertise and mentorship provide the foundation our students need to excel.

I wish our students the best and hope that they all finish the school year strong. To our parents and guardians, thank you for your continued partnership.

Marc Schaffer, Ed.D.

Community High School District 128

Episode 7 of D128 Voices highlights the District 128 Special Olympics Program. D128 Special Olympics Coordinator and Coach Andy Compton, and student-athletes Marko Pastar and Max Amjadi, join Superintendent Marc Schaffer to discuss the wide array of athletic opportunities for D128 Special Olympics athletes, the Unified Basketball team's recent state championship, and what it's like to be partners on the D128 Storm.

Find the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, including the D128 website.

Join us for an event for families and caregivers of adults and children with disabilities:

Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Warren Township Center, 17801 W. Washington St., Gurnee, IL

The Disability Services Forum will feature local organizations and representatives from Senator Edly-Allen’s office, State Representative Faver Dias, and State Representative Mason. Attendees can connect with panelists from residential agencies, day programs, legal services, ISC agencies, and more to learn about available resources.

Register at this link.

D128 families are invited to attend the D128 BPAC Cultural Celebration on May 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Vernon Hills High School cafeteria and foyer.

Experience the diverse cultures of our school community through performances, food, cultural showcases, and fun raffles with prizes — all while supporting Mano a Mano.

• All families are welcome!
• Free event
• Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
• Purchase raffle tickets — proceeds benefit Mano a Mano.

The LHS ECOS and LEAF clubs are happy to announce our Spring Native Plant Sale. They will be accepting pre-orders for over 60 native species of flowers, grasses, and sedges. Use this link to find plant sale details, along with other helpful planting and growing information about each species. We are proud to offer plants that are sourced from native plant nurseries in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Pre-orders are open now, and pick up for our main spring sale is on May 20 at LHS from 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Proceeds from our sales are reinvested in sustainability projects in and around our campus.

Thank you for your support!