September 12th 2025

Dear Middle School North Families,

At North, our commitment is to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where every student can thrive. This month’s newsletter highlights several important updates: resources on firearm safety and secure storage, an update from the District 95 School Day Committee’s recent work, and details about our upcoming Camfel assembly.

~Mrs. Crowley

LZHS Students Support MSN MixINC Students

Fall Fun Lunch

Students providing each other feedback in ELA

Important Dates

September 12th-Safety Drill

September 18th-August BoE Awards at District Office, 6:15 pm

September 22-CAMFEL Voices Assembly

October 3rd-Picture Day Retakes

October 22nd-Navigate Lake: 8th grade Career Exploration Event

Camfel Voices Assembly

On Monday, September 22, our students will take part in the Voices assembly presented by Camfel Productions. This engaging program is designed to help students reflect on the choices they make and the impact their “voice” has on themselves and others.

Through inspiring stories and examples, students will be encouraged to:

Develop the inner confidence needed to resist pressure to get involved in destructive activities.
Consider how their voice can be used to give acceptance and appreciation to others.
Discern between positive and negative influences.
Accept themselves fully—both the traits they are proud of and the areas they continue to grow in.

We are excited to provide this opportunity for our students to think about the power of their words and actions in shaping both their own lives and the school community.

Firearm Safety & Safe Storage

All students and families deserve to feel safe, welcomed, and included in our school community. Preventing firearm violence is a shared responsibility, and one important step is safe firearm storage. The U.S. Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center offers the following guidance:

Store firearms safely: Keep firearms unloaded in a locked cabinet, safe, or storage case that children or unauthorized adults cannot access
Store ammunition separately: Lock ammunition in a separate, tamper-proof location
Use safety devices: Trigger locks and cable locks add another layer of security

Trigger locks clamp over the trigger to prevent it from being pressed (never install on a loaded firearm)
Cable locks thread through the barrel or action to block the firearm from firing

Families can locate free gun lock distribution centers using the Lake County Health Department tool found HERE.

School Day Committee Update

As was shared at the start of the year, District 95 is currently engaging in work to review school day structures at the middle and high school levels (primarily). An update was shared during the September 11th Teaching & Learning Committee meeting; for families who are interested, they can find further information from the presentation HERE.

Planned Absences and Student Work

When students are out for a planned absence (such as a family vacation), teachers are not expected to prepare all assignments in advance. Students will still be able to access materials already posted in our learning system, Canvas, while they are away.

Please note: The Canvas app will not function outside of the United States. Students should plan to check Canvas upon their return and connect with their teachers to make a plan for completing any missed work.

Resources for Families

There are times when families may need additional financial assistance - such as after a job loss or a death in the family. Through our relationships with generous community partners, District 95 has the ability to cover the costs of a wide range of family needs - including utility bills, groceries, clothing, gas, medical or mental health costs, and more.
Families in need can reach out to a member of the Student Services team (i.e., social worker, school psychologist, counselor) or an administrator at school for additional information. Families may also contact the Student Services Department directly at 847.540.7060 (or by emailing Gaby Mascote, gaby.mascote@lz95.org). We know that there are certain situations that can make it incredibly difficult for families to navigate, and we are here to assist!

XC @ MSN

Our Cross Country team has been really working hard and it is showing in our meets! Most recently both the girls & boys teams placed 1st at the Lakes Euro Challenge meet. With Braden Blackowicz placing 1st overall in the boys race. We have 1 more home meet (Oct. 7), if you want to come see them run at MSN. Other upcoming races include at Beese Park (Sept. 16 & Oct. 4), Hawthorn Invite (Sept. 19), and Cook Park (Sept. 25 & 29).

Spirit Wear Sale, Extended until 9/19