Dear LFHS Parent/Guardian,
Eleven years ago, Lake Forest High School created an Emotional Wellness Initiative to support our students in meeting the social and emotional challenges they face. Students, parents, and staff developed the core principles of Emotional Wellness: Acceptance, Empathy, Integrity, and Responsibility/Accountability. In 2010, we instituted an event in which members of the school and community were able to come together in support of a positive school climate and of one another.
In 2012, the LFHS student group Enjoy the Journey took over the school walk. This group was formed in response to the film Race to Nowhere, a documentary describing the overwhelming effects academic pressure and the need to be successful can have on students. These students felt there should be more of an emphasis on slowing down and enjoying high school, rather than rushing and enduring the chronic stress while striving to achieve.
On May 16th, we will walk as a school to celebrate community, congratulate our graduating seniors, and give a final thanks to those faculty and staff retiring. The walk will begin at approximately 10:00 am Tuesday morning and will encompass two miles of Lake Forest. We are working with both the City of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff to plan the route. There will be supervision by police, staff, and parents. At the walk's completion, students and faculty will gather on the front lawn of the high school for food and music. In addition, the LFHS Student Council will spearhead a service component to the walk.
"Fill up the Van" Boys and Girls Club
LFHS has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County. As a school and community, we will be collecting used sporting equipment and clothing. The Boys and Girls Club has n
ationally recognized programs that help young people succeed in school, stay healthy, learn important life skills, pursue interests in the arts and sports, and explore vocational choices. We want to fill up the van! A decorated blue van will be parked in front of the school (by the library doors), and donations can be dropped off at the van on 5/12, 5/15, 5/16 (WALK Day) and 5/17. Donations will also be collected in the Commons. Please help us in this cause.
We hope you will join in our excitement about this event unifying students, staff, and parents. We encourage all students' participation. If you have concerns about your child's physical capacity to participate, please contact John Maher at [email protected]. The Association of Parents and Teachers (APT) has offered comprehensive support and has been an integral part of the planning process. If you would like to participate as a volunteer, email Martha Zeeman [email protected]. Finally, we would like to thank the City of Lake Forest and the Village of Lake Bluff for their support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chala Holland
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