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March 16th, 2026

March 16th,  2026
March 16th, 2026
As we move into the spring season at Middle School North, we have many important updates and opportunities to share with our families. In this newsletter, you will find information about upcoming ISA Testing for 8th graders, information on district resources and events, our latest Portrait of a Graduate shadow day, a few messages from the PTO, and so much more! I am wishing everyone a restful and hopefully warmer Spring Break. ~Mrs. Crowley
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Sportsmanship Award Winner Sasha!

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Conference Bowling Tournament

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Marshall State Champ

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Important Dates

March 23rd-March 27th: Spring Break

March 31st-April: 8th Grade ISA Assessments

Friday, April 3rd: No School

Monday, April 6th: No School

April 17th and 18th: MSN Spring Play

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Give a High Five to an MSN Staff Member!

Over the past two weeks, we have delivered 15 High Fives to staff members. The smiles these recognitions brought were uplifting not only for the recipients, but for our entire school community.


Our staff work hard every day to support our students. As part of our ongoing efforts to recognize their dedication, we’ve created the Middle School North High Five Recognition Program—a simple way for you to let our staff know that their efforts are seen and appreciated! Each High Five will be personally delivered to the staff member by our leadership team. Every month, all High Fives will be entered into a drawing, and one staff member will receive a small token of appreciation. Messages of appreciation can remain anonymous. To send a High Five, fill out the Google Form.

Middle School North Recognized Among Lake County’s Best!

We are proud to share that Middle School North has been recognized by Chicago Parent as one of the Best Public Middle Schools in Lake County for 2025! This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and families who work together every day to create a strong learning community. To check us out in the news, see here: https://www.chicagoparent.com/local-schools/lake-countys-best-public-middle-schools-for-2025-79408/

Save the Date: Options Fair

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.

8th Grade Illinois Science Assessment

All 8th-grade families received a notification from Aubrey Allen regrading our upcoming Illinois Science Assessment. We will test on the following days:


Tuesday, March 31st: ISA Test 1

Wednesday, April 1st: ISA Test 2

Thursday, April 2nd: ISA Test 3


Daily schedules for testing dates are below.


Some important reminders for the testing days:

  • Students should have corded earbuds. Bluetooth headphones are not allowed for this test. Please know that we will have a limited number of extras, so it is encouraged that students come with their own.

  • Discuss the importance of these tests with your student, emphasizing the value of their effort and the opportunity to show what they have learned.

  • Remind them that the test is a snapshot in time of their learning and to focus on doing their best.

  • Encourage them to take their time and not rush through the test, as the allotted session time is designed to be sufficient.

  • Stress the importance of a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast on test days.

  • Reinforce a positive mindset towards testing and remind them that their value is not defined by test scores.

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SAVE THE DATE: Lake County Spring Transition Market – April 24, 2026

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!

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K-8 Summer Semester

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.

A Message About Figits

As we continue supporting students who use fidgets as a regulation tool, I wanted to share a few general guidelines to help keep their use effective and appropriate in the classroom.


Fidgets should be school appropriate, meaning they are small, not distracting or messy, and self-contained. Fidgets should also be used individually and not shared with other students. Please remember that teachers can refuse certain fidgets if they become disruptive to the learning environment. If a particular item is distracting or not being used appropriately, you are encouraged to redirect the student to use a different fidget or remove the item as needed.


Fidgets can sometimes be included as an accommodation within a 504 Plan or IEP, so we want to make sure we are supporting students who benefit from them while also maintaining an appropriate learning environment. The goal of fidgets is to support focus and regulation without interfering with instruction or the learning of others.


Thank you for your continued support of our students!

Distinguished Wolfpack Member

All volunteer hours must be entered by May 1st!

A Message from our PTO: 8th Grade Dance Donations Needed

To help make the 8th Grade Dance, “An Evening Under the Stars,” on May 15, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. a special and memorable evening for our students, we are gratefully accepting donations of supplies and decorations. Contributions will help us create a fun atmosphere and provide refreshments and activities for the student.

If you are able to help, please review the suggested donation items below or consider contributing an item from our wish list. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated and help make this celebration possible for our 8th graders.

Donations are needed by April 17. Items can be dropped off at Middle School North, or you may contact me directly to make arrangements. Click the link to sign up!

A Message from the PTO: Dance Volunteers needed!

We are looking for volunteers to help make the 8th Grade Dance, “An Evening Under the Stars,” a special and memorable evening for our students. The dance will take place on May 15, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 p.m., and we are seeking a few volunteers to assist throughout the evening with tasks such as check-in, supervision, and light set-up or clean-up.

Your time and support help ensure the event runs smoothly and safely for everyone. Please review the volunteer opportunities below and sign up if you are available to help.

Thank you for supporting our 8th graders! Click the link to sign up!

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Portrait of a Graduate Shadow Day: Raiden Lewis

In February, we had the opportunity to highlight another outstanding Middle School North student through our Portrait of a Graduate Shadow Day experience. During these visits, a member of our staff shadows a student for the day to observe how the five characteristics of a District 95 graduate, Effective Communicator, Global Citizen, Advocate for Self & Others, Future Ready, and Growth-Oriented, come to life throughout a typical school day.

This month, Vicky Vargo shadowed Raiden Lewis, observing his learning experiences across multiple classes and noting the many ways Raiden and his classmates demonstrated the qualities outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate.


A Day of Learning and Leadership

Raiden’s day began in ELA with Ms. Kubiak, where students were preparing to take an assessment. The classroom environment reflected strong routines and clear expectations. Students demonstrated active listening and responsibility for their learning as they quickly prepared themselves for the test. The class ran smoothly because students knew exactly what to do before, during, and after the assessment, demonstrating strong academic preparedness and self-management skills.


During Band with Mr. Muehling, the room came alive with energy and purpose. As students entered, they immediately retrieved their instruments, found their seats, and opened their music to the correct page. With a simple tap of the conductor’s stand, rehearsal began. While the process may have appeared complex to an observer, the students’ self-accountability, active listening, perseverance, and respect for one another were evident. The pride students take in their fine arts program and the mutual respect between students and their teacher were clear.


In Social Studies with Mr. Peisert, the class began with a discussion connected to a recent figure skating exhibition performance by Ilia Malinin, bringing real world culture into the classroom. Students then participated in a gallery walk, evaluating and voting on posters that should be displayed. The activity encouraged curiosity, cultural awareness, and thoughtful discussion, highlighting how students engage with ideas and perspectives in meaningful ways.


During Math with Ms. Gleyzer, students worked collaboratively to solve linear equations. They moved around the classroom and engaged with different peers to deepen their understanding. This environment fostered the ability to problem solve and work collaboratively, both key elements of preparing students for future academic and career pathways.


At lunch, students demonstrated responsibility for their shared space. Many helped clean up and ensured the cafeteria remained orderly. This reflected students understanding expectations and showing respect for their community.


In Science with Ms. Bindon, students experienced a new seating arrangement designed to empower them to advocate for themselves and others. Students were reminded that if a seating arrangement made them uncomfortable or did not support their learning, they were encouraged to speak up. This approach reinforces student voice and the importance of creating learning environments where all students feel supported.


During Spanish, even with a substitute teacher, routines and expectations remained strong. Students accessed a recorded assignment from Ms. Marino, listened carefully, and typed their responses. The lesson allowed students to demonstrate understanding in multiple ways, showing that learning can happen through a variety of modalities, not just reading and writing.


Raiden’s day concluded in Music, where the flexible use of space allowed students to move throughout the room and collaborate in groups. The design of the classroom encouraged interaction, creativity, and teamwork.


Portrait of a Graduate in Action

Throughout the day, it was clear that Raiden and his classmates consistently demonstrated the qualities that define a District 95 graduate.


A special thank you to Vicky Vargo for taking the time to observe and reflect on Raiden’s day, and to the many teachers who create learning environments where our students can grow as effective communicators, global citizens, advocates for themselves and others, future-ready learners, and growth-oriented individuals.

Brooke Crowley
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