BULLDOG BULLETIN

Dear Bulldog Families,

I am incredibly grateful for our wonderful community and the impressive turnout at our Open House yesterday evening. Thank you for taking the time to come out and support our school and celebrate the hard work of our students!

At the start of this school year, we focused on the importance of reaching our potential. As you walked through the halls during Open House, you may have noticed students reflecting on the potential they have already reached as Bulldogs, while also sharing their hopes and aspirations for the future. We are so proud of our students and the effort they demonstrate each day in their learning and growth.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to our PTO for hosting another successful Scholastic Book Fair. Students enjoyed the opportunity to browse and purchase new books throughout the week. I am truly grateful for the organization, communication, and dedication of our PTO Book Fair team, who work so hard to make this experience enjoyable for everyone.

During Open House, we also took time to celebrate our Governor’s Blue Ribbon recognition. The evening included a special performance by several of our 4th grade orchestra students and a presentation from Dr. Gallt and myself. The note below highlights some of the points I shared during the celebration, including my deep appreciation for the strong partnerships that make the Sarah Adams community so special.

Earning the Governor’s Blue Ribbon is an incredible accomplishment for our school, and I am truly proud to be a Bulldog!

Fondly,

Dr. Colleen Conway

📌 March 23-March 27: Spring Break, no school

📌 April 3: District closed, no school

📌 April 6: District closed, no school

Registration for the 2026–2027 school year will open for all grade levels beginning March 2. We encourage families to complete registration as early as possible, as early registration helps our school plan staffing, class placements, and resources to best support students for the upcoming year. Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete registration promptly and for helping us prepare for another successful school year at Sarah Adams!

In February of last year, we learned that our school had been nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Award. A team of staff members came together to collaborate on the extensive application, working through several essays that highlighted the many things that make our school so special. We submitted everything in April and then began the long wait!

In the fall, we were excited to learn that we had achieved Blue Ribbon status at the national level. Soon after, we were informed that recognition of the award would be coordinated through each state.

In October, Dr. Zarr and I were invited to meet with Governor Pritzker along with leaders from the other 27 award-winning schools, where the inaugural Governor’s Blue Ribbon Award was announced. We were thrilled to know that our work would be recognized at the state level as well!

Last week, Dr. Gallt, Dr. Zarr, and I traveled to Springfield, where we had the opportunity to visit the Governor’s Mansion and meet again with Governor Pritzker and State Superintendent Tony Sanders. During that visit, all 28 schools received their official Blue Ribbon plaques, it was an honor to be part of such a special event!

This entire experience is something I never imagined would be within reach. It is only possible because of the strong partnership we share within our school community—between staff, families, and students!

To celebrate this achievement, we have enjoyed several special events this week, including a kickoff assembly with Buddy the Bulldog, spirit days, and friendship bracelet activities between Buddy Classrooms. When you visit classrooms during Open House you may have viewed a video highlighting students and staff sharing why they are proud to be Bulldogs and how they are working toward reaching their greatest potential—our theme for the year.

To our incredible staff—thank you. It is truly an honor to work alongside you each day. I am grateful for your dedication to our students and for the joy you bring to our school.

To our families—thank you for your partnership. Your collaboration is essential to the success of every student!

And to our students—how lucky I am to be your principal. Thank you for showing your Bulldog Best, being your authentic selves, and making Sarah Adams such a special place.

This is the time of year where our staff will begin the process of student/teacher assignments for the 2026– 2027 school year. The entire staff plays a role in this process, as we work to place each of the children into the very best setting. We consider learning styles, student personalities, girl/boy ratio, class size, and student academic strengths and needs, all while striving for a heterogeneous class make-up (full range of abilities).

If you would like to share something about your child’s learning style or personality that would help us with this placement process, please submit your letter to Dr. Conway no later than Friday, April 17, 2026. We trust that you will rely on our professional judgment, as we group each of the children with the idea of creating the best learning environment possible for everyone. With that being said, requesting particular teachers will not be accepted.

As summer approaches, District 95 will once again be offering a variety of Summer Semester programs for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, including Extended School Year (ESY).

Summer Semester Course Offerings

Please click the links below to access further information about the summer semester and the programs that will be offered. If you are having trouble viewing any of these resources or need translations, please contact Todd Jakowitsch at todd.jakowitsch@lz95.org or (847) 540-4929.

• K - 8 Summer Semester Course Guide

• LZHS Summer Semester Course Guide

Summer Semester Registration

Summer Semester 2026 registration will open on Monday, March 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and run through Friday, April 10, 2026 for in-district families. Families who are not residents of District 95 will be able to register for a limited number of courses at the high school level from April 27, 2026 - May 15, 2026.

Registration will be conducted exclusively through ParentVue, accessible via the district website (www.lz95.org) including for non-District 95 families.

Discover something truly unique while supporting local businesses! Join us at the Lake County Spring Transition Market on April 24, 2026, and explore a variety of products and experiences created by talented transition entrepreneurs in our community.

Be sure to stop by the Young Adult Center booth, where you can enjoy delicious taste tests and purchase a selection of flavorful dried dips and marinades—perfect for adding something special to your next meal or gifting to someone you love.

Shop local, connect with the community, and celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurship of Lake County’s transition businesses. We can’t wait to see you there!

District 95 will host the Options Fair on April 16 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Lake Zurich High School. The Options Fair provides individuals with disabilities and their families an opportunity to connect with community agencies and essential resources that support future planning.

Additional information is available on the flyer linked HERE.