Friday FanScout - October 23, 2026

Dear Lake Forest High School Family,

It's Friday! With Parent-Teacher Conferences happening today, it makes for a whirlwind day for our faculty--the five minute virtual conferences begin and end in a lickety-split. We have a caring community of professional educators, and five minutes certainly can pose a challenge in showing you.I hope that those of you participating got more insight into class and how your student is progressing.

Yesterday, we hosted the Village of Lake Bluff's 250th Committee's guest presenter, Seth Kaller. Mr. Kaller is a document expert, and he spent the entire day with students or community members giving talks and sharing several important historical documents that he brought to display. My favorite part? Hearing the questions generated by students who were curious about not only the documents, but his journey to becoming a document expert. You can see the wheels turning as they are trying to figure out what opportunities and pathways may exist for them in the very-near future.

A special thank you to our Village of Lake Bluff family for allowing us to host and being fantastic partners in this event. We are always strongest together.

Wishing you a lovely fall weekend!

💙💛Erin

These concerns emerged in certain areas of Lake Forest High School during a period of unusually warm, humid weather that contributed to condensation and elevated moisture conditions in the building.

What We Learned
The original concern involved one classroom and ultimately prompted the broader environmental review that followed. After the classroom received a deep cleaning and visual assessment, it was returned to use while environmental testing results were still pending.

When the finalized results indicated elevated mold spore levels, we immediately closed that classroom and all adjacent rooms throughout the hallway. Those spaces remained closed while comprehensive mitigation, additional deep cleaning, and follow-up testing were completed. They were not reopened until test results indicated they could safely return to use.

That experience informed a more conservative approach moving forward. Since then, when questions have arisen, we have expanded testing, completed follow-up testing, and, in some cases, undertaken precautionary cleaning or mitigation even when testing levels did not require it. We recognize that some members of our school community are particularly sensitive to mold and environmental allergens.

Strengthening Our Procedures

Going forward, we will continue to conduct environmental testing whenever moisture or mold concerns arise. A space will be closed when testing results or the recommendation of our environmental professionals indicate that closure is appropriate. In those circumstances, we will await final testing results and professional review before returning the space to use.

Custodial and maintenance staff have received additional training to help identify signs of moisture and mold, and we have increased our attention to conditions above ceilings, including condensation associated with HVAC piping. We will also conduct independent indoor air quality assessments as an additional precaution.

Investing in Our Facility
Many of the spaces involved are already scheduled for renovation as part of our ongoing facilities improvements. These projects will allow us to address aging infrastructure while continuing to modernize classrooms and learning spaces.

Our beautiful Lake Forest High School facility is more than 90 years old, and caring for a building of this age requires continued attention, investment, and stewardship. We are incredibly grateful for the community's support of our facilities work and the investments that allow us to preserve this historic building while improving it for future generations of students.

Thank You
I also want to thank our students, staff, and families for their patience and flexibility throughout this process. We recognize that relocations, testing, deep cleaning, and mitigation created disruptions, and we appreciate your partnership as we worked through these concerns carefully and thoughtfully.

The final environmental report is available in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2.

The original message is available here.

The reopening message is available here.

Below are upcoming District 115 events. Some dates may be subject to change. For our most up-to-date District calendar, please visit our LF Schools Calendar Page or the Lake Forest Community High School Calendar Page.

• October 28
• 8:00 am Scout Way Awards at LFHS East Campus (Library Classroom)
• October 29
• 7:00 pm Halloween Band Concert
• October 31
• Happy Halloween 🎃👻
• November 3
• No School for Students and Staff
• November 4 & 5
• Portrait Retake Day
• November 4
• 7:30 pm Orchestra Concert
• November 5
• 9:00 am APT Parent Meeting/Q&A with Dr. Lenart
• November 9
• 4:00 pm PALS Board Meeting (Room 109 East Campus)
• 7:00 pm Applause Board Meeting (Room 109 East Campus)
• November 10
• 9:15 am LFHS Foundation General Board Meeting (Room 109 East Campus)
• November 11
• 1:00 pm Veterans Day Assembly
• November 14
• PreACT 8 (LFHS East Campus)
• November 19 - 21
• 7:00 pm Freshman/Sophomore Play "The Curious Savage"
• November 27
• 3:00 pm LF Tree Lighting

We have updated our system to expand our use of the PowerSchool Parent Portal for digitally posting report cards, transcripts and standardized assessment reports. Please note that parents will no longer receive copies of these reports via email.

You will use the PowerSchool Parent Portal to access your student's Progress Reports. These are located in the Student Reports section of the Parent Portal.

The new District 67 and District 115 FAQ brings together information on timely topics and questions we’re hearing from families and community members. It is not meant to answer every question. Instead, the FAQ serves as a touchpoint for the topics currently in the community conversation. We remain committed to sharing timely, accurate, and transparent information.

Watch Superintendent Dr. Matthew L. Montgomery’s introduction and visit the FAQ to learn more.

Every year, one of the great honors of my job is nominating Tenth District high school students for military academy service. If you or your student is interested in military academy service, check my website for complete details.

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. For more information, please review the page of Frequently Asked Questions for those seeking a Military Academy Nomination.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA)
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA)
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) does not require a Congressional nomination for appointment. Up to ten individuals may be nominated for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, please complete the form online.

Each service academy operates under its own admissions guidelines, so receiving a nomination from our office is just one step in the larger process. After submitting a complete nomination packet, applicants will be scheduled for an interview with our Service Academy Nomination Board in November, and all materials are reviewed carefully to ensure candidates meet the academic, medical, and physical standards required by the academies.

The deadline to apply is October 31st.

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages students to learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills by coding their own application or “app” for any digital device.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students who live or attend school in the Tenth District, regardless of skill level. Students can choose to participate individually or as part of a team of up to four students, if two of the team members meet eligibility requirements.

To enter, participants must upload a video showcasing their app and an explanation of what they learned throughout the app-making process.

Deadline to register: October 26th.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Finance Committee
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Recording | Superintendent's Report | President's Report

• Tuesday, November 10, 2026
• Thursday, December 10, 2026
• Tuesday, February 9, 2027
• Tuesday, March 9, 2027
• Tuesday, April 6, 2027
• Tuesday, May 11, 2027
• Tuesday, June 8, 2027

Agendas will be posted prior to the meeting on the District 115 Board of Education Meeting Dates and Materials page.

Ever thought of giving your own TED talk? TEDxLFHS 2026 can be your chance! What’s your passion, and what’s your story? Whatever it is, we want to hear it! Click the link below to learn more and apply to take the stage. Applications are DUE BY OCT. 25TH. The event itself takes place on December 9th.

Students and staff at LFHS now have more ways to pay for meals and snacks, with cashless payment terminals available in two cafeteria lines and at The Grind. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards can be used at the new terminals, while cash will continue to be accepted.

The addition of cashless payment options builds on the district’s broader transition to cashless payments for sporting events, student activities, and performing arts.

Ruth Walgreen, Emma LeGrand, and Giada Kirar will be attending the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State while Jason Slover will be attending the American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State next summer. There they will learn leadership skills, responsible citizenship and character development. LFHS will be well represented!

Is there some reading you need to do where you would like some assistance? We are here to help!

Sign up for an appointment in the Reading Lab using this link: bit.ly/lfhsreadinglab

The Lake Forest High School Foundation is seeking volunteers for our Spring Luncheon Committee! You don’t need to take on the whole event—we’re dividing planning into smaller roles so you can contribute your time and talents in a way that works for you.

* Venue & Hospitality: Coordinate with the venue, menu selection, and event logistics.
• Florals: Coordinate table arrangements and connect with local florists for auction donations.
• Registration: Help with registration, seating, and the online auction.
• Speaker & Program: Coordinate with speakers, develop the program, and assist on event day.
• Auction: Solicit donations from local businesses, families, and community members; organize and display items.
• Day-Before/Day-Of: Help organize items, check-in, event breakdown, and next-day auction item pickup/distribution.

Invite a friend! It’s a great way to support LFHS, learn what’s happening at school, and meet other high school parents.

Contact Carla Ojha at lfhsfoundation@gmail.com.

Join us on Thursday, November 5, at 9:00 AM at Croya for the Monthly LFHS APT Meeting - open to all parents/guardians. Featured Topic: Q&A with Dr. Lenart. Updates from Joe Blanchette, the new D115/D67 safety and security director and Amanda Alpert Knight, our new alumni coordinator.

Join us for our Veterans Day Assembly on Wednesday, November 11 from 1:00 to 1:45 pm. Teachers are welcome to bring their entire class, and individual students attending on their own will be excused from class as long as they check in and stay for the assembly. Students are also able to participate in the Veterans Day Art contest - a variety of mediums are accepted. All artwork and submissions are due by October 30.

Eat at the LB Chipotle on Tuesday, November 10 (5-9 pm) and help support Applause, the booster org for the music department! Dine in or carry out. Just show the flyer or give the code when ordering: GHEJFBN. Thank you!

10/28: High School Meeting: Halloween Spooktacular! 7-8pm at CROYA

Want to volunteer? Join us for service!
10/24: Another Way Halloween Party at CROYA 6-9pm
10/25: Camp Hope Halloween Party at CROYA 12-2pm

Check Out CROYA's Top 10 for October! https://myemail.constantcontact.com/CROYA-News---OCTOBER-2026.html?soid=1102697249162&aid=o5o8zKLOwRQ

Have you updated your alumni profile with the LFHS Alumni Association? Please take a moment to update your information and check out all the great alumni resources, including reunion information, volunteer opportunities and more!

https://lfhs.lakeforestschools.org/alumni12/lfhs-alumni

Be sure to visit the alumni website for reunion details, and please share this with your fellow alumni!

Questions? Email lfhsalumni@lfschools.net.

We hope to see you back at LFHS for Homecoming!

Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Glassman Symposium Reception and Poster Session

Friday, October 30 | 4:30-7 p.m.

Engage with students during an opening reception, then take the opportunity to review posters and exhibits featuring original student/faculty research conducted at Lake Forest College, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and several other Chicago area research universities.

Learn more and register

Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Exhibit Opening Reception of Sonic Revolutions: The Photography of Paul Natkin

Thursday, November 12 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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.

Learn more and register

Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Band and Orchestra Concert

Friday, December 4 | 7-9 p.m.

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.

Learn more and register

Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run is on Saturday October 24, 2026. The 5K starts @ 8AM and the Fun Run starts @ 9:15AM. Our 5K course is a certified course (USATF- IL-14092-JW) that travels along the beautiful tree lined streets of east Lake Bluff down to the bluff overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan. Don't forget to bring the kids as the 1 Mile Fun Run begins shortly after the 5K and is a family favorite with K-8th grade bragging rights on the line. Stick around for post race refreshments, camaraderie, and awards after each race!

Join our audience of parents/caregivers, students, school staff, mental health professionals, youth organizations and the community at large to learn about issues facing today's youth, adolescents and young adults.

Lake Forest Community High School

District 115 Board of Education

Choir Newsletter - October

Band Notes - October