10-15-2025

Dear District 128 Families and Community Members:

As I reflect on my first 100 days as superintendent of Community High School District 128, I am filled with excitement and optimism. From the very first day, I have been impressed by the incredible pride and dedication that define our district. It is clear that District 128 is not just a place where students come to learn—it is a vibrant community where families, students, and staff come together with a shared commitment to excellence and growth. This spirit is what makes our schools truly special, and it motivates me every day to serve you and our students to the very best of my ability.

Over these first few months, I have had the privilege of visiting classrooms, attending student performances, athletic events, and community gatherings. Each experience has shown me just how incredible our school district is. I have been inspired by the creativity in our classrooms, the enthusiasm on the athletic fields, and the sheer talent of our students in the arts and within their curricular clubs and programs. These moments have reinforced that we have a strong foundation on which to build, and I am excited to continue working closely with all of you as we strive to make District 128 an even stronger and more successful community.

During recent listening sessions, you shared valuable feedback that is helping us shape the future of District 128. Here are some of the key themes that stood out:

• Clear and Transparent Communication: Families appreciate open and timely updates, and many expressed a desire for even more clarity around district decisions.

• Strong Academic Support: There is enthusiasm for providing all students with the tools and tutoring they need to succeed and thrive in a rigorous academic environment. Families also highlighted the importance of expanding concurrent enrollment opportunities, enhancing career exploration programs, and offering clear guidance on post-secondary pathways to help students make informed decisions about their futures.

  Focus on Mental Health and Well-being: There was an emphasis on the importance of balanced mental health support that includes families and promotes student resilience.

  Commitment to Equity: There is a strong desire in ensuring all students have equal access to resources, programs, and extracurricular activities.

  Welcoming and Inclusive School Culture: Families value an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and recognized and appreciated for their unique qualities.

  Community Collaboration: You expressed excitement about working together more closely to foster school pride and build a stronger, more connected community.

I am inspired by the strength and spirit of our school community. Looking ahead, I am committed to leading with a clear vision that embraces innovation and excellence. Together, we will build on our strengths while boldly addressing challenges—ensuring every student is equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. We will continue to foster a culture of respect, expand learning beyond the classroom, and deepen our collaboration with families and community partners. The future of District 128 is bright, and by working hand in hand, we will create a dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive and become a leader of tomorrow.

Thank you for your partnership and ongoing support. I look forward to many more celebrations and successes ahead.

With gratitude,
Dr. Marc

Superintendent

Community High School District 128

The D128 Calendar Committee has started reviewing the 2026–2027 school year calendar and is beginning the planning process for the 2027–2028 calendar. As part of this work, we’re seeking input from staff, students, and parents/guardians to help guide our priorities in developing future calendars.

Your voice matters! Please take a moment to share your feedback—this brief survey takes less than two minutes to complete. Please visit this link to complete the survey by Oct. 22, 2025.

The D128 Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the VHHS Library. Watch for the meeting posting on Friday that will include agendas, related items and a link to the live stream.

We're hiring! Below is a list of current open positions in District 128. Apply to be a part of our amazing district--or share with your friends and family who may be interested.

Certified Staff Positions
Career Technical Education Department Chair at VHHS (26-27 school year)

English Department Chair at VHHS (26-27 school year)

Social Studies Teacher at VHHS (start date of Nov. 11, 2025)

Educational Support Professional Positions

Campus Safety (part-time) at VHHS

Registered Nurse (part-time) at Transition Pathways

Resource Aide (part-time) at LHS

Science Tutor (part-time) at VHHS

Special Services Aides (3 positions) at VHHS

Special Services Aides to cover leaves at VHHS

Daily Substitute Teachers

Various Student Activities Advisor and Athletic Coaching positions at LHS and VHHS

All of these positions are posted online. Candidates need to apply online.

The D128 DARING Ed Tour is an incredible new opportunity for our students. In alignment with the district’s DARING mission and our strategic plan’s focus on developing student opportunities to explore multiple paths of postsecondary success, promoting equity and inclusion, and prioritizing student wellbeing, DARING Ed Tours provide educational travel experiences that immerse our high school students in transformative opportunities tied to service, college and career exploration, and/or cultural enrichment.

This initiative ensures that all D128 students, regardless of background or involvement in school programs, have the chance to explore the world through experiences designed to enrich both academic and personal growth.

The first DARING Ed Tour took 45 students on an unforgettable journey through Maryland and Washington, D.C., blending college exploration, cultural immersion, and shared reflection. After a long but lively bus ride, the group began at Loyola University of Maryland, then joined the excitement of Morgan State University’s Homecoming before ending the night with bowling, arcade games, and pizza.

The following day included a visit to Johns Hopkins University, followed by a spirited football game at Bowie State University versus Virginia State University.

Students then spent an inspiring day in Washington, D.C., beginning at Howard University, where they learned about notable alumni such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. They visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, a powerful and reflective experience that left a lasting impression on all. The group also stopped at Ben’s Chili Bowl, explored the National Mall at sunset, and enjoyed an evening stroll along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

The group returned home safely, grateful for the experiences, friendships, and insights gained along the way. Throughout the journey, students represented District 128 with curiosity, respect, and pride—living out the district’s DARING mission to dream boldly, learn deeply, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Over the next few years, D128 will continue to develop multiple DARING Ed Tours that appeal to a wide variety of student interests, goals, and opportunities. These tours are part of our district’s comprehensive spectrum of opportunities to explore multiple paths.

We recognize that recent events in our country and community related to immigration have caused​ feelings of uncertainty and concern for some of our students and families. Please know that the safety, well-being, and sense of belonging of every student in D128 remain our top priorities. Our schools are welcoming environments where every student is valued and supported. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe space where all students can learn, grow, and thrive​ without fear.

To that end, we also want to share the January 2025 Guidance: Illinois Laws Governing Law Enforcement Interactions with Immigrant Communities. This guidance, updated this year by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, provides essential information for school parents, particularly those from immigrant communities.

We're excited to announce the launch of D128 Voices, our new monthly podcast that brings you stories and conversations from across District 128! In our debut episode, Superintendent​ Marc Schaffer welcomes Director of College and Career Readiness Ben Rodriguez, ​L​HS Senior Emma Thompson, and VHHS Junior Vaidehi Matkar to talk about their experiences in the Pathways Program and how it's helping D128 students become career-ready.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Podbean and more.

We hope you like what you hear, and we can't wait to bring you more inspiring voices each month.

LHS presents Les Miserables

Tickets on sale now for Performances Oct. 23-26. Visit the SeatYourself website to purchase tickets.

VHHS Presents Seussical the Musical

Seussical the Musical Tickets on sale now online for performances Oct. 23, Oct. 25, and Nov. 1 and 2.

Senior residents of D128 are invited to attend the annual Fall Dinner and Show at VHHS on Oct. 30. Dinner will be served at 4:00 p.m., followed by a performance of Seussical at 5:00. The event is free to D128 residents, but seats must be reserved. To reserve your seat, call 847-327-SHOW (7469) or scan the QR Code. A maximum of two seats may be reserved. Your name will be added to our reservation list and you may check in upon arrival. No physical tickets will be given.

The D128 Foundation for Learning will host its annual BIG EVENT --Denim and Diamonds--on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at Austin's Fuel Room in Libertyville. Join the D128 Foundation for Learning for a casual, fun evening featuring:

• SIDEWAYS - an LHS alumni/parent band
• Annual Alumni Achievement Award Presentation
• Silent auction
• Students in Need fundraising
• 50/50 raffle
• The amazing emcees for the evening - Drew Russell (VHHS) and Kevin O'Neill (LHS)

All proceeds benefit the students of LHS, VHHS and Transition Pathways through DARING Innovation Grants, Students in Need, and Senior Scholarships.

Purchase your tickets at special earlybird pricing of just $75 through Oct. 25. Regular ticket price of $90 goes into effect Oct. 26.

The North Suburban Wind Ensemble will present its Fall Concert Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the LHS Auditorium. Admission is free. The band, under the direction of Don Shupe and Randy Sundell, will perform:

• Commando March -- Samuel Barber
• Niagara Falls -- Michael Daugherty
• Symphonic Dance #3 "Fiesta" -- Clifton Williams
• Pictures at an Exhibition -- Doest Mussorgsky/Boyd