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Superintendent's
As you may be aware and recall from my previous columns, the
Illinois State Board of Education announced early this year a major change in the college entrance exam for Illinois juniors resulting in a shift from the ACT to SAT. This change affects Lake Park's assessment plan for all juniors who will be tested this spring, and our freshmen and sophomores who are preparing for this important measure of academic readiness.
Since 2001, juniors have taken the ACT as part of the State of Illinois school accountability model and for purposes of college admissions. We have worked diligently to prepare our students for success, which is reflected in our above state average scores on the ACT. As we transition to the SAT, we remain committed to preparing all students for successful academic achievement, and access to higher education.
This week all juniors had the opportunity to prepare for the spring administration of the SAT by taking the PSAT-NMSQT, which mirrors the format, content, and skills required on the SAT. Additionally, students with qualifying scores on the PSAT-NMSQT may be recognized for National Merit consideration and scholarship opportunities. Lake Park funded this assessment experience and scholarship opportunity because we want our students to be as prepared as possible when the State's official assessment of college and career readiness is administered.
Likewise, Lake Park will be implementing assessment opportunities for our freshman and sophomore students in preparation for the SAT and as measures of academic growth over time. Since the SAT is the culminating assessment designed by the College Board, which includes a full suite of exams, all freshmen will take the PSAT 9 and sophomores will take the PSAT 10 later this spring. Prior to testing, families will receive information about this important day of assessment which will take place on
Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
In this edition of the
LP Link, read more about the SAT, how it compares to the ACT, and test preparation opportunities offered by Lake Park.
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The Lake Park High School Community Relations Office publishes the LP Link bi-weekly during the school year to highlight the latest news at Lake Park. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Sherri Anderson, director of communications, at [email protected].
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Recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month
Every October, schools and organizations across the country observe National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal: encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children of all ages.
This week the Stand for the Silent student club and sponsors
presented to eighth graders
at Medinah Middle School. The group of approximately 30 Lancers explained the purpose of Stand for the Silent, described forms of bullying, and delivered messages about how to help classmates.
They will also present to Peacock Middle School in Itasca on November 1. Follow Stand for the Silent on Twitter @LPSFTS.
This month our Lancer Way students at both campuses participated in the "
Kindness in Chalk" movement. Schools from around the country participated and chalked their walk-ups with positive quotes and pictures. The messages were meant to brighten and greet students and staff!
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Lancer Pride Shines in State Competitions
Congratulations to IHSA Girls Tennis State Qualifiers (L-R)
Nina Pasquini (10), Alexis Belmonte (11) and Nancy Cozzi (10). The Lancers will compete this weekend at the IHSA State Tournament held at the District 214 and District 211 tennis facilities.
The girls tennis program is led by Head Coach Ben Hussey, Assistant Coach Christian Pawlak, and Assistant Coach (former LP IHSA Tennis State Qualifier) Craig Cichowicz.
Congratulations also to Brooke Maloney (12) and Nicole Hansen (11), both of whom qualified for the IHSA Class 2A State Golf Tournament during the Schaumburg Sectional held at Schaumburg Golf Club.
The girls competed last Friday and Saturday at the Hickory Point Golf Club in Decatur. For Brooke, this was her first trip to the state tournament, while Nicole returned for the second time having also qualified her freshman year.
The girls golf program is led by Head Coach Jeff Henrikson and Assistant Coach James Chellson.
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SAT, ACT or both?
 Now that the State of Illinois has adopted the SAT as its measure of college and career readiness, families are considering the role of the ACT and SAT for college planning. Since both tests remain widely accepted throughout the nation by post-secondary institutions, students will need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking the ACT in addition to the state-funded SAT. We recommend that students discuss this decision with their counselors who understand the entrance requirements that particular colleges and universities may require. For those who have taken both exams, use the corresponding table to compare equivalent scores between the two tests. Meantime, Lake Park will prepare students for the entire suite of College Board assessments.
SAT Test Preparation - Similar to the ACT test preparation courses that Lake Park has offered in the past, students will have the opportunity to enroll in SAT test preparation courses that will take place after school and on Saturdays during the winter months. Lake Park test preparation courses have been popular and affordable options for our students as they can choose the most convenient schedule depending on their other commitments. Look for enrollment information on the district website and future LP Link editions.
College Board Assessments - Students will have authentic College Board assessment experiences that mirror the content, skills, format, and rigor of the SAT. More specifically, eighth grade students from the Class of 2021 will take the PSAT 8 as a part of their placement process. Likewise, their results will serve as the first in a series of scores that will be used to measure academic growth throughout high school. The same can be said of Lake Park freshmen and sophomores who will take the PSAT 9 and PSAT 10 respectively. These annual tests will be administered during the spring of each year, and results will be used to measure academic growth and provide students with feedback about their college and career readiness.
Personalized Performance Feedback - Students will be provided with feedback about their scores on each of the College Board assessments that they take throughout high school. Students and families can use the detailed score reports to adjust Lake Park course enrollment choices to reflect the academic needs of students, access individualized online tutorial services through Khan Academy, and guide college and career planning.
Professional Development - Faculty are participating in professional development workshops that will guide updates to our curricular and instructional practices. In other words, with the adoption of the SAT, lesson plans, assessments, and learning activities will reflect the style, content, and skills required by College Board assessments. In reality, this type of curricular work has been ongoing for years since our Advanced Placement courses, which have been thoroughly integrated in all departments, reflect the academic rigor of College Board courses and assessments.
Lake Park welcomes the opportunity to support all students in meeting these new assessment challenges and their college and career plans.
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Lancer Marching Band Community Night 
Still looking for plans tonight? In preparation for State competition, the
Lake Park Marching Band will host a Community Night on
Friday, October 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Campus stadium.
This event is free and open to the public. Invite your family and friends to help cheer on the Band. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by a performance of this year's show,
Cosmic Reflections, by our very own Lancer Marching Band at 7:00 p.m.
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Come and Taste the "Best Pizza in Lancerland"
The Lake Park Choral Parent Association will once again be hosting the "Best Pizza in Lancerland" on Thursday, November 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the East Campus cafeteria. The following Lancerland pizzerias will be participating:
* Cousins
* Giordanos
* Italian Pizza Kitchen
* Lou Malnati's
* Papa John's
* Pizzeria Antica
* Sarpinos
These pizzerias will compete in the following categories: Best Thin Crust Cheese, Best Thin Crust Topping, Best Specialty, and Best Pan/Stuffed/Deep Dish.
A panel of six judges from Lake Park's staff will determine the winners in each category based on the results of a blind taste test. In addition, all Lake Park students will be able to vote for their favorite pizzeria overall that will win the "Students' Choice Award."
Get ready to taste the "Best Pizza in Lancerland!" Admission of $5 will be charged at the door for tasters over 5 years old. Entertainment will be provided by members of the Lake Park Chorus. Beverages, ice cream, and a raffle will also be available for an additional charge. Families are encouraged to join their students for this fun-filled event.
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Freshman Football Lift-a-Thon Raises Funds, Awareness
Over the course of this season, Lake Park's freshman football team has been engaged in a service learning project about the nature and root causes of violence against women. In October, officially Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Lancers will host a Lift-a-Thon to benefit TEAM WINGS in Allstate's Purple Purse Foundation Challenge.
On
Monday, October 24, the first Monday of the off-season, the Lancers plan to lift one pound for every dollar donated in their name to the WINGS Program's Purple Purse campaign. For every $10 donated past $2,500, they plan to do one push-up. For every $5 past $5,000, they plan to do two sit-ups. The goal is to raise $10,000, which would require the team to collectively lift 10,000 pounds and complete 750 push-ups and 1,000 sit-ups, all in support of Team WINGS.
How can you help?
1. Support the social media effort by sharing the event flyer or retweeting/resharing/
favoriting.
2.
Click to donate and make a direct financial contribution towards the fundraising goal
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Winter Athletic Registration Available
Winter athletic registration is now open for the following sports and all student athletes must be registered prior to being permitted to tryout and/or practice:
Boys Bowling - October 24, 2016
Girls Basketball - October 31, 2016
Boys Basketball - November 7, 2016
Boys Wrestling - November 7, 2016
Girls Gymnastics - November 7, 2016
Girls Bowling - November 14, 2016
Boys Swimming - November 21, 2016
To register, use the username and login web pin mailed to the home with the school registration packet over the summer. After completing the registration, print your receipt and have your student athlete bring it to the coach on the first day of practice and/or tryouts. If you have questions regarding registration, email Connie Day-Adams or call (630) 295-5326.
In addition, a current physical that is less than 13 months old must be on file. To find out the date of the most recent physical on file, contact Mary McDonald (East Campus Nurse) or Renee Riggio (West Campus Nurse). Freshmen can use the same State of Illinois examination submitted at the start of the school year. Sophomores/Juniors/Seniors should use the IHSA physical.
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Deadline Nears for Voice of Democracy Contest
Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539 and Itasca VFW Post 5167 encourage Lake Park students to enter the Voice of Democracy contest for a chance to win prize money: $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. Read the contest requirements and complete an entry by Tuesday, November 1 for consideration.
The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program to provide students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles. Students compete by writing and recording a 3-5 minute audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year's theme is: "My Responsibility to America." Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the Post, district, state and national level.
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Kohl's Cares Volunteers Partner with Lake Bark Cafe
Kohl's Cares volunteers visited the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) this week to donate their time and talents. The Transition Center creates a "bridge" between school and adult life for students with disabilities.
TAP launched Lake Bark Cafe, a student-centered entrepreneur project to promote community involvement and work skills in an authentic way. The purpose of the project is multifaceted; it incorporates the development of various independent daily living and vocational skills including food preparation, kitchen safety, communication, problem-solving, time and money management, and social interactions.
Kohl's Cares volunteers are Kohl's associates who donate their free-time to helping deserving organizations.
Kohl's also donated $1500 to the charity of Lake Bark Cafe's choice. The Lake Bark Cafe chose to donate the money to the
Lake Park Educational Foundation
to ensure the money directly benefits Lake Park.
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Community Connection
Congratulations to Brian W. Elliott, Roselle resident and Lake Park High School Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient (2004), for receiving an Outstanding Alumni Award from Wayne State College. His alma mater awarded this honor to him during the Wildcat's recent homecoming weekend.
Elliott retired in 2011 after a distinguished career as an automotive instructor at the high school and college levels. He prepared students for competitions with his teams winning 50 state and regional championships as well as high rankings at the national level. He is a member of the Roselle American Legion Post 1084 in recognition of his father who served in a B-24 Bomber Squadron in the Philippines and was a WWII U.S. Army Corps veteran.
To help raise funds to support Veterans programs, Post 1084 will host a "Veterans Benefit Concert" featuring the popular Beatles tribute band American English in the West Campus Auditorium on Friday, November 4.
Through a continued partnership with Glenbard High School District 87, Lake Park families are invited and welcome to attend the Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) Navigating Healthy Families. The program is free and open to the public; no registration is required.
Saturday, October 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Glenbard East High School
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Important Dates
Oct 24
Board of Education Meeting
Oct 26
Fall Band Concert
Oct 27
Parent-Teacher Conferences (5:00 to 8:30 p.m.)
Oct 28
Parent-Teacher Conferences (7:30 a.m. to noon)
Oct 28
Student Non-Attendance
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