April 23, 2020

Dear Lancer Families:

Amidst a tumultuous month for our school community and nation, it brings me great pride to announce that Lake Park High School has been named a “2020 Best High School” based on rankings published by U.S. News & World Report earlier this week. The list ranks Lake Park #84 out of 665 high schools in Illinois, and nationally #1817 out of more than 18,000 schools. Visit U.S. News and World Report for more information about this national distinction.

In other academic news, families provided feedback on the recent remote learning survey and we listened! The most recurring theme: students are overwhelmed and need structure. This prompted the development of a “Remote Learning Schedule” with mutual goals of helping to alleviate student workload and overlapping virtual meetings. 

Check out the new Blue/White schedule here that begins on Monday, April 27. The introduction of “Wellness Wednesdays” creates an opportunity for check-in and social-emotional lessons to be shared. No new assignments will be given on these days, but rather, teachers should utilize the time for office hours, 1-on-1 tutoring, individual conferences, grading and team planning.

Another recurring survey theme was the desire to view student assignments and expectations. If you recently received a Google Classroom/LittleSIS email from the sender “no-reply+dc0b0184@classroom.google.com,” it is safe to accept! The Lake Park Technology Department has adjusted Google Classroom settings to provide families with notifications about coursework. Accepting those invitations will generate automated messages containing information about your student's Google Classroom activities, such as missing work, upcoming work, and teacher announcements.

We understand these are trying times, but as I have emphasized before, we are in this together. Thank you for your patience and understanding as all Lancers adapt to this new normal.

With Lancer Pride,  

Lynn Panega, Ed.D.
Superintendent