As shared previously, Wednesday, October 11 is a required attendance day for all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors as they take digital standardized exams. Senior students in the Class of 2024 will not attend classes; however, they are strongly encouraged to use that time for postsecondary planning and exploration.

BigFuture  

On test day, students will have an opportunity to share their cell phone number with the College Board. BigFuture School is a free mobile app that lets users view test scores and get customized career information and guidance about planning and paying for college. After students complete the test, the College Board will text students a link to download the app, send students a code to sign in, and let students know when their scores are ready. Parents/Guardians should instruct students prior to test day if they do not want students to share their cell phone numbers with the College Board.  

Options for students to access test scores: 

• Ask their school counselor for a PDF copy of the PSAT/NMSQT score report. 
• Access scores online through a College Board account
• Access scores through the mobile app (If students opt-in to BigFuture School on test day)

Connections

Students will also have an opportunity to opt into Connections™, a free program that lets them hear directly from nonprofit colleges, scholarship programs, and educational organizations. 

More information about BigFuture and Connections is available on page 15 of the online student guide.

Important Reminders:

• Charge Chromebooks fully the night before testing.
• Bring a current photo ID and Chromebook.
• Students will not be able to access backpacks or smart devices (phones, watches, etc.) during testing.

It’s never too early to start exploring your college options! With so many choices available, it’s important for students to learn about different colleges and what they have to offer. This can help students identify their priorities when building a college application list. The goal is finding the right “fit.” 

To assist students in the college search process, the College & Career Center (CCC) encourages Lancers to attend the IACAC Regional College Fair on Tuesday, October 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., hosted at the College of DuPage. This event is open to all students and their families. There will be over 180 colleges participating! 

To make the most of your experience, access this "Tips for College Fairs." CCC also recommends registering at StriveFair.com ahead of time. After registering, you will receive a barcode that colleges/universities will scan as you visit at the fair (this is MUCH faster than filling out paper contact cards at every table).

In addition, there two opportunities next week for students with disabilities and their families:

• Choices Fair - 10/10/23 - 6:00-8:30 p.m. - Vernon Hills High School
• Options Fair - 10/11/23 - 6:00-8:30 p.m. - York Community High School

For more information about these fairs and other upcoming events, please visit the CCC Calendar.

On Friday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m. prior to Lake Park’s varsity football game vs. St. Charles North, the Lake Park school community will proudly dedicate the West Campus Stadium the "Lake Park High School Bob Monken Field" to honor Lake Park coaching legend and Illinois Football Coaches Association (IFCA) Hall of Fame Inductee Bob Monken. 

Bob Monken served as the Head Varsity Football Coach at Lake Park for a total of 30 seasons from 1964 through 1993. During his tenure, he accumulated a program record 151 wins and led the Lancers to the IHSA playoffs five times, including the 1986 team which finished with a record of 10 wins and 1 loss. Coach Monken’s teams captured conference championships in 1967, 1975, 1976, 1982, 1986, and 1987. In recognition of his outstanding career, Bob Monken was named to the IFCA Hall of Fame in 1990. To generations of Lake Park football players, Coach Monken laid the foundation of the program.

Over the years since his retirement, the Monken name has become well known in football circles. His son Todd Monken is the current offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens NFL team after serving in the same capacity at the University of Georgia during their back-to-back NCAA Division I National Championships in 2022 and 2021. His son Ted is on the staff at Glenbard South High School and son Tony is a long-time coach at Vernon Hills High School. His nephew Jeff Monken is the current Head Football Coach at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 

Coach Monken’s impact on Lake Park High School extended beyond his work on the football gridiron in multiple leadership roles. Bob served as the District Athletic Director early in his tenure from 1963-1964. Additionally, he was the first Department Chairperson of the Physical Education Department, a position he held for 25 years supporting teachers in his department and providing opportunities for students. Between his football career and teaching and department leadership roles, Bob Monken positively impacted the athletic and educational experiences for thousands and thousands of Lake Park students.

Formally naming the Lake Park West Campus stadium "Lake Park Bob Monken Field" will help keep alive the name of this Lake Park coaching and teaching legend for future generations of Lancers.

The Ninth Annual "Make a Difference Day" tradition continues with students giving back to the community through volunteer experiences. Students will meet at West Campus in the morning for breakfast, and from there, transportation will be provided to and from most projects on Saturday, October 14 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Projects this year include: visiting with residents at nursing facilities, making cards and blankets for cancer patients at Phil’s Friends, packing food at Kids Against Hunger, and beautification and clean-up projects around the community.

Get involved!

Numerous Lancer teams, groups, and classes are already signed up for Make a Difference Day. If your student would like to get involved and is not already participating through one of these groups, contact coordinators Lauren Gorey or Patryk Pliszka in the Activities Office to sign-up for individual projects.

In partnership with the school districts of Itasca 10, Medinah 11, Roselle 12, Bloomingdale 13, and Keeneyville 20, Lake Park High School invites families to a Virtual Parent University on Thursday, October 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the community. RSVP required by October 17.

Presenter and author Dr. Devorah Heitner will talk about focusing on character, and not the threat of getting caught or exposed, to support our kids to be authentically themselves. Dr. Heitner has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology and Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul University and Northwestern University.

Join to learn more about:

• How parents can mentor children as they grow up on Instagram, Tik Tok, Discord, and other social media apps.
• How parents can help kids be thoughtful about their digital footprint and reputation. Strategies for teaching children to recognize how social media affects their mood and mental health and when to take a break.
• Supporting kids in staying true to themselves as they grow up "in public" on social media apps. 

East Campus Principal Dr. Sean Potts and West Campus Principal Dr. Alexia Ellett invite parents/guardians to participate in the upcoming meetings of the Parent Advisory Committee for the 2023-2024 school year. Together they will facilitate meetings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, October 19 | East Campus

Thursday, December 7 | West Campus

Thursday, February 22 | East Campus

Thursday, April 25 | West Campus

Lancer Families are encouraged to attend to meet other parents, get questions answered, and discuss important school and District-related information. Please provide your contact information and indicate how these meetings can work best for you!