Oak Terrace Facility Plan Update | Actualización Del...

May 7, 2026 Dear North Shore School District 112 Community, As District 112 prepares to bring the full K-5 Dual Language Program to Oak Terrace Elementary School in the 2027-2028 school year, we are writing to share the draft facility improvement plan currently under review by the Board of Education. This is the first public planning step for Phase 3 of the district’s Long-Range Facilities Plan. That plan began in 2018 and has already included the modernization of both middle schools, completed in 2021 and 2023, as well as the current modernization of five elementary schools. Phase 1 (Northwood 2021, Edgewood 2023) was funded by the district through alternative revenue bonds paid from the operations fund with no dedicated tax increase. Phase 2 (Indian Trail 2024, Ravinia 2025, Sherwood 2026, Braeside 2027, Wayne Thomas 2028) is funded in part by the 2022 referendum and by fund balance reserves set aside for modernization, this included a substantial investment in security. This next phase is connected to the Board’s decision to bring the K-5 Dual Language Program together at Oak Terrace. That decision followed a review of declining enrollment and the program's long-term needs, with guidance from independent expert Dr. Sonia Soltero. In June 2025, the Board also made the difficult decision to close Red Oak effective June 2027. The Dual Language Task Force for Consolidation was then created to help plan for a successful transition, including recommendations related to facilities. For a brief overview, families and community members can also watch a short video summary of the proposed Oak Terrace facility improvement plan. At Tuesday night’s Board of Education Facilities Committee meeting, members reviewed a proposed $11.95 million renovation and site improvement project plan for Oak Terrace. The discussion covered what work is being recommended, why it is needed, how it would be funded, and how construction would be scheduled. The plan was developed with input from the Facilities Subcommittee of the Dual Language Task Force, which has been meeting since October to review facility needs and help shape recommendations for Oak Terrace. The proposed improvements to Oak Terrace would update classrooms, shared learning areas, staff spaces, offices, the front entry vestibule, food service areas, and outdoor learning and play areas. The plan also includes new furniture to better support teaching and learning. The project is designed to help Oak Terrace provide an elementary learning environment comparable to the district’s recently renovated schools. Why This Renovation Project Is Being Recommended The Task Force’s facilities work centered on one question: What needs to be done at Oak Terrace to best support students, staff, and families as a K-5 dual language school? Oak Terrace is the district’s newest elementary school, constructed in 2000, and remains in strong condition. It has appropriate capacity, larger classrooms, specials instructional spaces, and core systems that are in good shape. During Phase 1 of the Long-Range Facilities Plan, the district invested more than $6 million at Oak Terrace to replace the heating and cooling systems and roofs, along with needed site and plumbing work. The school has also been maintained and upgraded as needed over time. The current proposal is connected to the Dual Language transition and to what was originally identified as Phase 3 of the Long-Range Facilities Plan. For several years, the district has been setting aside annual surpluses to help cover future facility needs. As a result, this project would be funded from existing cash reserves. The proposed work is designed to close identified facility gaps at Oak Terrace, support what is best for students, and ensure a more consistent elementary learning environment across District 112. What Specifically Is Being Proposed The proposed project would involve work inside and outside the school. Current plans include: Classroom updates, including storage, flooring, ceilings, paint, casework, modern LED lighting, improved acoustics, updated window shades, and flexible furniture consistent with the newly modernized K-5 schools Updates to shared learning spaces, including art, music, band, orchestra, small-group instruction, student resource spaces, library media center improvements and corridor collaboration areas Staff space improvements, including the staff break room, work areas, storage, offices, security improvements, and a wellness/staff respite room A new food service/servery addition to support meal service at Oak Terrace, consistent with the food service expansions being added as schools are renovated through the district’s Long-Range Facilities Plan Outdoor and site improvements, including a new universally designed playground, outdoor learning areas, safer pedestrian movement, and improved access around the building Student-created murals and design elements Why This Investment Matters Bringing the K-5 Dual Language Program together at Oak Terrace gives the district an opportunity to strengthen the student experience and build a more sustainable program for the future. Families and staff have asked what Oak Terrace will look like and how the school will support students when the program comes together in one location. This proposal is intended to answer those questions directly. This additional investment, together with the Phase 1 improvements and the planned solar panel project, would help bring Oak Terrace into a facilities position comparable to that of the district’s other modernized elementary schools. The recommendation comes from extensive input. The Facilities and Operations subcommittee toured Oak Terrace, Red Oak, and renovated district schools; reviewed building conditions; discussed site needs; and considered feedback gathered from families, staff, and students. The playground design, in particular, evolved through seven rounds of feedback from the Oak Terrace and Red Oak communities. Project Cost and Funding The current draft estimate for the Oak Terrace project is $11.95 million (this includes contingency and allowances that may or may not be used). The work would be funded through district cash reserves set aside for Phase 3 of the Long-Range Facilities Plan, as outlined in the planning processes and forecasts.  Project Timeline May 5, 2026: The proposed plan was presented and discussed at the Facilities Committee meeting. May 19, 2026: The full Dual Language Task Force report, including the Oak Terrace facilities recommendation, will be discussed at the regular Board meeting. Summer 2026: The existing Oak Terrace play structure is planned to be replaced with a new, universally designed play structure. It is expected to be ready for students at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Summer and fall 2026: Design work, cost estimating, and bid preparation for the broader Oak Terrace project would continue. Fall 2026: Bids would be reviewed, and the Board would consider the next steps for construction approval. Summer 2027: Most of the interior renovation work would take place while students are not in school. Additional site work is also planned, including the new play area with swings, blacktop improvements, sidewalk, accessibility updates, and pedestrian safety improvements. August 2027: Interior work is projected to be substantially complete before the start of the 2027-2028 school year. Fall 2027: Some remaining work, including the small servery addition and portions of site work, may continue into the fall. December 2027: Final completion is currently projected. Since 2018, District 112 has made significant progress in modernizing schools across the district. The proposed Oak Terrace project would continue that work responsibly while supporting equity among our elementary schools and strengthening the Dual Language Program. We want to thank the members of the Dual Language Task Force and its Facilities and Operations subcommittee for the time, care, and perspective they have brought to this process. Their work has helped shape a recommendation focused on students and the program's future. Additional information is available on the district’s  Dual Language transition page , including background information, updates, and answers to frequently asked questions. We will continue to share updates as the recommendation moves through the public review process. Sincerely, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monica Schroeder Deputy Superintendent and Incoming Superintendent Estimada comunidad del Distrito Escolar 112 de North Shore, Mientras el Distrito 112 se prepara para implementar el Programa de Lenguaje Dual completo de K-5 en la Escuela Primaria Oak Terrace durante el año escolar 2027-2028, les escribimos para compartir el plan preliminar de mejoras a las instalaciones, que actualmente está bajo revisión de la Junta de Educación. Este es el primer paso público de la planificación para la Fase 3 del Plan de Instalaciones a largo plazo del distrito. Ese plan comenzó en 2018 y ya ha incluido la modernización de ambas escuelas intermedias, completadas en 2021 y 2023, así como la modernización actual de cinco escuelas primarias. La Fase 1 (Northwood 2021, Edgewood 2023) fue financiada por el distrito mediante bonos de ingresos alternativos pagados con el fondo de operaciones, sin un aumento de impuestos específico. La Fase 2 (Indian Trail 2024, Ravinia 2025, Sherwood 2026, Braeside 2027, Wayne Thomas 2028) se financia en parte con el referéndum de 2022 y con reservas del saldo de fondos apartadas para la modernización. Esto incluyó una inversión importante en seguridad. La siguiente fase está conectada con la decisión de la Junta de reunir el Programa de Lenguaje Dual de K-5 en Oak Terrace. Esa decisión siguió una revisión de la disminución de la inscripción y de las necesidades a largo plazo del programa, con orientación de la experta independiente Dra. Sonia Soltero. En junio de 2025, la Junta también tomó la difícil decisión de cerrar Red Oak a partir de junio de 2027. Después se creó el Comité de Trabajo para la Consolidación del Programa de Lenguaje Dual para ayudar a planificar una transición exitosa, incluidas recomendaciones relacionadas con las instalaciones. Para una breve descripción general, las familias y los miembros de la comunidad también pueden ver un breve video resumen del plan propuesto de mejoras a las instalaciones de Oak Terrace . La traducción del video fue creada con inteligencia artificial.  También pueden consultar las diapositivas de la presentación en español . En la reunión del Comité de Instalaciones de la Junta de Educación del martes por la noche, los miembros revisaron un plan propuesto de renovación y mejoras al sitio de Oak Terrace con un costo de $11.95 millones. En la conversación se habló sobre qué trabajo se recomienda, por qué es necesario, cómo se financiaría y cómo se programaría la construcción. El plan fue desarrollado con la participación del Subcomité de Instalaciones del Comité de Trabajo de Lenguaje Dual, que se ha reunido desde octubre para revisar las necesidades de las instalaciones y ayudar a formar recomendaciones para Oak Terrace. Las mejoras propuestas para Oak Terrace actualizarían salones de clase, áreas compartidas de aprendizaje, espacios para el personal, oficinas, el vestíbulo de la entrada principal, áreas de servicio de alimentos y espacios exteriores de aprendizaje y juego. El plan también incluye muebles nuevos para apoyar mejor la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. El proyecto está diseñado para ayudar a que Oak Terrace ofrezca un ambiente de aprendizaje de primaria comparable al de las escuelas recientemente renovadas del distrito. Por qué se recomienda este proyecto de renovación El trabajo de instalaciones del Comité de Trabajo se centró en una pregunta: ¿Qué se necesita hacer en Oak Terrace para apoyar mejor a los estudiantes, al personal y a las familias como una escuela de Lenguaje Dual de K-5? Oak Terrace es la escuela primaria más nueva del distrito, construida en 2000, y se mantiene en buenas condiciones. Tiene capacidad adecuada, salones de clase más grandes, espacios de instrucción para clases especiales y sistemas principales que están en buenas condiciones. Durante la Fase 1 del Plan de Instalaciones a Largo Plazo, el distrito invirtió más de $6 millones en Oak Terrace para reemplazar los sistemas de calefacción y refrigeración y los techos, junto con el trabajo necesario en el sitio y en plomería. La escuela también se ha mantenido y actualizado según ha sido necesario con el paso del tiempo. La propuesta actual está conectada con la transición del Programa de Lenguaje Dual y con lo que originalmente se identificó como la Fase 3 del Plan de Instalaciones a Largo Plazo. Durante varios años, el distrito ha estado apartando excedentes anuales para ayudar a cubrir futuras necesidades de instalaciones. Como resultado, este proyecto se financiaría con reservas de efectivo existentes. El trabajo propuesto está diseñado para cerrar brechas identificadas en las instalaciones de Oak Terrace, apoyar lo que es mejor para los estudiantes y asegurar un ambiente de aprendizaje de primaria más consistente en todo el Distrito 112. Qué se propone específicamente El proyecto propuesto incluiría trabajo dentro y fuera de la escuela. Los planes actuales incluyen: Actualizaciones a los salones de clase, incluidas el almacenamiento, los pisos, los techos, la pintura, los gabinetes, la iluminación LED moderna, una mejor acústica, las persianas actualizadas y los muebles flexibles consistentes con las escuelas K-5 recientemente modernizadas. Actualizaciones a espacios compartidos de aprendizaje, incluidas áreas de arte, música, banda, orquesta, instrucción en grupos pequeños, espacios de recursos para estudiantes, mejoras al centro de medios de la biblioteca y áreas de colaboración en los pasillos. Mejoras a los espacios para el personal, incluidos el salón de descanso del personal, áreas de trabajo, almacenamiento, oficinas, mejoras de seguridad y una sala de bienestar/descanso para el personal. Una nueva ampliación del área de servicio de alimentos para apoyar el servicio de comidas en Oak Terrace, consistente con las expansiones de servicio de alimentos que se están agregando a medida que las escuelas se renuevan por medio del Plan de Instalaciones a Largo Plazo del distrito. Mejoras exteriores y del sitio, incluidas un nuevo patio de juegos con diseño universal, áreas de aprendizaje al aire libre, circulación peatonal más segura y mejor acceso alrededor del edificio. Murales creados por estudiantes y elementos de diseño. Por qué es importante esta inversión Reunir el Programa de Lenguaje Dual de K-5 en Oak Terrace le da al distrito la oportunidad de fortalecer la experiencia de los estudiantes y desarrollar un programa más sostenible para el futuro. Las familias y el personal han preguntado cómo se verá Oak Terrace y cómo la escuela apoyará a los estudiantes cuando el programa se reúna en un solo lugar. Esta propuesta tiene la intención de responder directamente a esas preguntas. Esta inversión adicional, junto con las mejoras de la Fase 1 y el proyecto planeado de paneles solares, ayudaría a colocar a Oak Terrace en una posición de instalaciones comparable a la de las otras escuelas primarias modernizadas del distrito. La recomendación surge de una amplia participación. El Subcomité de Instalaciones y Operaciones recorrió Oak Terrace, Red Oak y escuelas renovadas del distrito; revisó las condiciones del edificio; habló sobre las necesidades del sitio; y consideró comentarios recibidos de familias, personal y estudiantes. El diseño del patio de juegos, en particular, evolucionó a través de siete rondas de comentarios de las comunidades de Oak Terrace y Red Oak. Costo y financiamiento del proyecto La estimación actual preliminar para el proyecto de Oak Terrace es de $11.95 millones. Esto incluye contingencia y asignaciones que podrían usarse o no. El trabajo se financiaría con reservas de efectivo del distrito apartadas para la Fase 3 del Plan de Instalaciones a Largo Plazo, según se describe en los procesos de planificación y proyecciones. Cronograma del proyecto 5 de mayo de 2026: El plan propuesto fue presentado y discutido en la reunión del Comité de Instalaciones. 19 de mayo de 2026 : El informe completo del Comité de Trabajo de Lenguaje Dual, incluida la recomendación de instalaciones para Oak Terrace, se discutirá en la reunión regular de la Junta. Verano de 2026: Se planea reemplazar la estructura de juegos existente de Oak Terrace con una nueva estructura de juegos con diseño universal. Se espera que esté lista para los estudiantes al inicio del año escolar 2026-2027. Verano y otoño de 2026: Continuarían el trabajo de diseño, la estimación de costos y la preparación para la licitación del proyecto más amplio de Oak Terrace. Otoño de 2026: Se revisarían las licitaciones y la Junta consideraría los próximos pasos para la aprobación de la construcción. Verano de 2027: La mayor parte del trabajo de renovación interior se realizaría cuando los estudiantes no estén en la escuela. También se planea trabajo adicional en el sitio, incluida la nueva área de juegos con columpios, mejoras al asfalto, acera, actualizaciones de accesibilidad y mejoras de seguridad peatonal. Agosto de 2027: Se proyecta que el trabajo interior esté sustancialmente completo antes del inicio del año escolar 2027-2028. Otoño de 2027: Parte del trabajo restante, incluida la pequeña ampliación del área de servicio de alimentos y algunas partes del trabajo en el sitio, podría continuar durante el otoño. Diciembre de 2027: Actualmente se proyecta la finalización total. Desde 2018, el Distrito 112 ha logrado avances significativos en la modernización de escuelas en todo el distrito. El proyecto propuesto para Oak Terrace continuaría ese trabajo de manera responsable, al mismo tiempo que apoya la equidad entre nuestras escuelas primarias y fortalece el Programa de Lenguaje Dual. Queremos agradecer a los miembros del Comité de Trabajo de Lenguaje Dual y de su Subcomité de Instalaciones y Operaciones por el tiempo, cuidado y perspectiva que han aportado a este proceso. Su trabajo ha ayudado a formar una recomendación enfocada en los estudiantes y en el futuro del programa. Hay información adicional disponible en  la página de transición del Programa de Lenguaje Dual del distrito , incluida información de contexto, actualizaciones y respuestas a preguntas frecuentes. Continuaremos compartiendo actualizaciones a medida que la recomendación avance por el proceso de revisión pública. Atentamente, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld Superintendente de Escuelas Dra. Monica Schroeder Superintendente Adjunta y Superintendente Entrante

Thursday, May 07 2026

May NSSD112 E-Newsletter | Boletín Electrónico de Ma...

Si el boletín no se muestra correctamente, puede verlo en https://app.smore.com/n/ydpkn . Para traducirlo, abra el mismo enlace y haga clic en el botón ‘Translate’ en la parte superior. In this newsletter... Staff Appreciation Week Important May dates, school calendar updates and 2026-2027 registration District recognitions, Board news and Dr. Lubelfeld’s retirement celebration Family and community resources, including mental health support, SmartSocial and local library information Phase 2 construction updates, AI in District 112, the Dual Language Task Force, food service and transportation reminders Happy Staff Appreciation Week! This week, we are recognizing the people who make District 112 schools work every day. Our staff members support students, answer questions, solve problems, keep buildings running, care for families and help create the kind of schools our community depends on. We are grateful for their steady commitment, their patience and the many ways they show up for students each day. Thank you to our outstanding staff for all you do for District 112 students, families and schools! Upcoming Important Dates 5/05: BOE Facilities Committee Meeting 5/19: BOE Regular Meeting 5/22: Early Release (No Early Childhood) 5/25: Memorial Day (No School) 5/26: Dr. Lubelfeld Retirement Celebration School Calendar 2025-2026 Calendar: The last day of school will be Friday, June 5 , due to the emergency closure on Friday, January 23. This change will be presented for official approval at the upcoming Board meeting. You can find dates for this year and the 2026-2027 school year on the  district website calendar page . 2027-2028 Calendar: A draft of the 2027-2028 calendar was presented at the regular Board meeting on April 21. It will be up for final approval at the regular meeting in May. Register for the 2026-2026 School Year Regis tration for the 2026-2027 school year is open for all grades. All students, including returning students, must be registered. Visit www.nssd112.org/registration to learn more and start the process. For dual language:  There is still space available in the Dual Language Program for the 2026-2027 school year. Families with an incoming kindergarten student can indicate their interest in the program during the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact Enrique Castro, director of multilingual learners, at ecastro@nssd112.org . If you have any questions about registration, please email parentportal@nssd112.org or call 224-765-3052. District Recognitions Character Counts Congratulations to the District 112 students who were recognized at this year’s Character Counts Awards. These students were honored for the way they demonstrate positive character, leadership and kindness in their schools and community. We are proud to celebrate their example and the values they bring to District 112 each day. BPAC Multilingual Night In April, our Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee, BPAC, hosted a Multilingual Learner Celebration honoring exceptional students and their families from across District 112. It was a joyful evening recognizing students for their academic excellence and the many ways they enrich our school communities, followed by a dance party that brought everyone together. A big thank you to BPAC for organizing this special event and for all of the work they have done throughout the school year to support students, families, and our schools. Board of Education News Regular Meeting - Tuesday, May 19 The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on Tuesday, May 19, at Northwood Middle School. It will begin at 7 p.m. You can find an agenda and livestream link on our website. Recap of the Regular Meeting on April 21 At its April 21 meeting, the North Shore School District 112 Board of Education approved several key items, including administrative appointments for the 2026-2027 school year, bids for the Wayne Thomas modernization project, a new universally designed playground at Oak Terrace, and new middle school social studies resources. The Board also recognized student achievements, reviewed a draft 2027-2028 school calendar, and discussed the new Student Representatives to the Board initiative, which will begin next school year. Read the full April Board meeting recap for more details . Board Approves Appointment of Administrators for 26-27 At its April meeting, the Board of Education approved four administrative appointments for the 2026-2027 school year. Jeremy Wickham was approved as assistant superintendent for finance and operations, CSBO; Andy Kramer as principal of Ravinia Elementary School; Angela Andrews as associate principal of Edgewood Middle School; and Tim La Brie as associate principal of Indian Trail Elementary School. All four will begin their new roles on July 1, 2026. Read more about the 2026-2027 administrative appointments . Dr. Lubelfeld Retirement Celebration The District 112 community is invited to celebrate Dr. Michael Lubelfeld as he prepares to retire at the end of the school year. The celebration will be held Tuesday, May 26, at Northwood Middle School, 945 North Avenue in Highland Park, with a mix-and-mingle from 4 to 5 p.m. and a ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend any part of the event. Please RSVP at www.nssd112.org/Lubelfeld to help us plan. May Is... Jewish American Heritage Month Jewish American Heritage Month is observed annually in May in the United States to celebrate the contributions Jewish Americans have made to the fabric of American history, culture, and society. Established to recognize the achievements of Jewish Americans in fields ranging from sports and arts to science and politics, this month honors the diverse heritage and numerous contributions of the Jewish community to the American way of life. Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to appreciate the profound impact that Jewish individuals and communities have had on American culture and to foster greater understanding and respect among all Americans for the rich and varied experiences of Jewish Americans. K-2 Resources: Tikkun Olam → repairing the world craft 3rd-5th Resources: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark - Video Read Aloud Famous Jewish Americans 6th-8th Resources: 9 Ideas for Teaching Jewish American Heritage Month Jewish American Heritage Month: Teaching with Videos Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May in the United States to celebrate the contributions, culture, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This month-long observance recognizes the diverse experiences and achievements of AAPI individuals who hail from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, including East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander heritages. It is a time to honor the significant role that AAPI communities have played in shaping the nation's history, from their contributions to the arts, sciences, education, and politics, to their struggles against racial discrimination and advocacy for civil rights. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to promote understanding, respect, and appreciation for the diversity and depth of AAPI cultures and histories within the broader American mosaic. K-2 Resources: Asian Pacific and American Heritage Video Chinese Paper Lanterns Hot Pot Night! By: Vicent Chen (YouTube Read Aloud) 3rd-5th Resources: Asian Pacific and American Heritage (Video) Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage (Video) 6th-8th Resources: 9 Ideas for Teaching Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday, May 9 Moraine Township, in partnership with the National Association of Letter Carriers, is participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 9. Homes in Highland Park and Highwood should receive a donation bag from the postal service, but families may also use a grocery bag, reusable tote, box or any other bag they have at home. To participate, fill a bag with nonperishable food items, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter or other pantry staples, and leave it by your mailbox before your regular mail delivery on May 9. Donations will support the Moraine Township Food Pantry and local families experiencing food insecurity. SmartSocial Webinars North Shore School District 112 is partnering with SmartSocial for the 2025-2026 school year, giving your family free access to resources that help keep kids safe and successful online. This is a go-to hub for staying informed about AI, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, video games, and online challenges, while also helping you build stronger connections with your child. Coming up this month are live webinars (that are also kid-friendly).  Can't make it live? Watch any past event on your own time. You can register for each event by clicking on the date: How Social Media is Influencing Teen Behavior ( May 6 @ 6 p.m. , May 12 @ 6 p.m. , May 19 @ 6 p.m. ) AI For Student Success: Being Productive & Learning Future Skills ( May 13 @ 6 p.m. ) Register with our district’s SmartSocial account to unlock these valuable resources   (if asked for a district zip code, please use 60040) Additional Family Resources Cartwheel Care - Mental Health Support for NSSD112 Students & Families If your child has been struggling lately — school feels harder, emotions feel bigger, or something just feels off — Cartwheel, our virtual mental health partner, is here to help. Appointments with a licensed therapist within days Virtual, flexible scheduling — evenings and weekends available Available in English, Spanish, and other languages Free with Medicaid; most private insurance accepted Cartwheel also offers parent guidance sessions — a chance for you to talk through what you're seeing and get some support. You don't need a referral or a crisis to reach out. Get started by filling out this simple interest form . For questions, contact your child’s school or Dr. Holly Colin, assistant superintendent for student services, at hcolin@nssd112.org . ReferralGPS ReferralGPS is a web-based service focused on assisting our students, staff and community in finding local mental-health and substance use related treatment. The service complements the district's existing systems of support as a tool for student service teams and families to connect with treatment. Along with a searchable database of treatment options, ReferralGPS provides Care Navigation to assist families in triage, appointment setting, and follow-up care. Families may access ReferralGPS in two ways: Contact a member of your school's student services team (social workers, psychologists) or your school principal Visit https://referralgps.com/find-help/NSSD112 to search for treatment resources Safe2Help Illinois Safe2Help offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. It is available 24/7 and offers students a safe outlet to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. It can be accessed via a free app, text/phone, and website ( Safe2HelpIllinois.com ). Call: 844-4-SAFEIL Text: SAFE2 (72332) Email: help@safe2helpil.com Community Resources and Information 211 Lake County Need help finding local resources for housing, food, utilities, health care or family support? 211 Lake County connects residents to free, confidential help 24 hours a day by phone, text or online. Powered by United Way of Lake County, 211 is a simple way to find trusted services right here in our community. People can reach 211 Lake County in three simple ways: Call: Dial 211 or 1-855-677-5253. Text: Text your ZIP code to 898-211. Online: Visit 211lakecounty.org to search by need or location. Help is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day in multiple languages. Highwood Library and Community Center The Highwood Library and Community Center offers free programs, resources and services for all ages. From literacy support to cultural events, it’s a welcoming space for learning and connection. Explore upcoming programs at highwoodlibrary.org/events . Highland Park Public Library The Highland Park Public Library offers books, digital resources, events and programs for all ages. Highland Park residents enjoy full borrowing privileges, and the library is a welcoming place for reading, learning and community connection. Explore upcoming programs at hplibrary.org/events . Lake County Health Department The Lake County Health Department’s May newsletter focuses on preventing underage alcohol use and supporting parents in conversations with their teens. This month’s issue includes a parent survey, English and Spanish resources about talking with teens about alcohol, and information about a May 5 webinar on helping children navigate a tech-filled environment. Read the full newsletter to learn more . Moraine Township Community Mental Health Board Moraine Township Community Mental Health Board is a local resource that helps residents connect with support for mental health, substance use concerns, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. The board works with local organizations to help community members find services, guidance and resources close to home. Families who are looking for support, or who simply want to learn more about what is available locally, can review the English and Spanish flyers  and visit www.morainetownshipmentalhealthboard.org . Edgewood Percussion Ensemble Concert Edgewood Middle School and Highland Park High School percussion students will perform in a Percussion Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, in the Highland Park High School band room. The concert is the culminating event of a 112 Education Foundation grant that helped build the percussion ensemble program at Edgewood this year. The evening will feature the 6th, 7th and 8th grade Edgewood percussion ensembles, along with the HPHS percussion ensemble. As part of the grant, the Foundation also commissioned a new piece by Tom Benko for the 8th grade percussion ensemble. Read the flyer for more information. Phase 2 Construction Update Sherwood Elementary School Sherwood School is nearing the final stages of its modernization project. Work includes a redesigned front entrance, a new gym, a new library, updated learning spaces and a full production kitchen that will support expanded food service for students. A new, more accessible playground is also moving forward on the south side of the building. Major renovation work is expected to be substantially complete in early summer, with final inspections, finishing work and move-in preparations continuing as the building gets ready for full use to begin the 2026-2027 school year. Braeside Elementary School Braeside School is well into its full modernization as part of Phase 2. The work includes major interior renovations, updated classrooms and finishes, accessibility improvements, roofing, site utility work, electrical and fire alarm upgrades, plumbing, fire suppression, food service equipment, and other building system improvements. The project also includes a Trane HVAC system that uses ice chillers for cooling. Wayne Thomas Elementary School Wayne Thomas School is the final elementary modernization project in Phase 2 of the Long-Range Facilities Plan. The Board approved bids for the project at its April meeting, and construction is scheduled to begin this summer. During renovations, Wayne Thomas students and staff will relocate to Elm Place, where Sherwood School is currently housed until students and staff return to the newly modernized Sherwood building.  Artificial Intelligence in D112 Artificial intelligence is changing the way students learn, write, research and create. In North Shore School District 112, our goal is to help students use these tools safely, thoughtfully and responsibly. In March 2026, the Board adopted Policy 6:238 to guide the use of generative AI across the district. The policy was developed over five months by the Educational Technology Committee, which included administrators, teachers, community members and students. Students served as full voting members and helped shape the expectations they will learn under. District 112 currently has three approved AI tools for instructional use: Google Gemini, MagicSchool AI and SchoolAI. Each tool was reviewed for privacy, security and student data protection before being approved for classroom use. Our work is focused on helping students build AI literacy, including how to check information, recognize bias, protect personal data and use these tools honestly. Teachers continue to lead instruction, and AI is used only in ways that support student learning. For more about artificial intelligence in District 112, visit www.nssd112.org/AI . Dual Language Task Force Update Dual Language Task Force Update The Dual Language Task Force continues its work to help plan for the transition to a K-5 dual language program at Oak Terrace in 2027-2028. On Thursday, April 16, all Task Force members met to review a draft of the report that will be shared with the Board of Education at its regular May meeting. The report reflects the work of the Task Force’s three subcommittees: Student Success, Family Engagement, and Facilities and Operations. Their work has included reviewing family feedback, discussing how to support students and staff through the transition, identifying opportunities for families to connect with Oak Terrace, and considering facility needs. The district has also partnered with Paridad Consulting to conduct an independent review of the K-5 dual language program, including surveys, focus groups, classroom visits and staff interviews. The full report will be delivered to the Board at the May 19 regular meeting. Food Service The district's food service program serves students at Edgewood, Northwood, Oak Terrace, Ravinia and Red Oak. Interactive Breakfast and Lunch Menus Families at Edgewood, Northwood, Oak Terrace, Ravinia and Red Oak can explore interactive menus provided by OrganicLife. These online menus, available in English and Spanish, make it easy to view breakfast and lunch options, check nutritional information, see allergen details, and even filter or print menus.  You can find a link to the interactive online menus, as well as printable menus, at  www.nssd112.org/menus . Families can find  step-by-step instructions for OrganicLife’s interactive menus  on our website, as well. If you have any questions related to food service, please contact our district’s food service manager, Ms. Georgette Franco, at  gfranco@nssd112.org . Food Service Concern Form Families can now use a new online form to report food service issues so they can be addressed quickly. The form will be monitored throughout the year. Urgent needs should still be directed to your school. Access the form at www.nssd112.org/food-concern . Transportation FirstView Bus Tracking App District 112 offers the FirstView bus tracking app to give bus-riding families real-time information and peace of mind during the school day. With FirstView, you can securely monitor your child’s bus location, see estimated arrival times, and receive notifications about delays or schedule changes. Learn more and get started with FirstView on our website. The app is managed by FirstView and not by North Shore School District 112. If you require support with the app, please email support@myfirstview.com . Transportation Concern Form For non-urgent but still important concerns, families can use our new transportation concern form to notify the district. This form helps ensure we follow up on all issues and maintain a clear chain of communication. It is monitored regularly. Technology Infinite Campus Infinite Campus is the district’s secure online portal where parents/guardians can access their child’s grades, attendance, schedules, school fees and more. Access your Infinite Campus account Learn how to reset your Infinite Campus password ParentSquare ParentSquare is North Shore School District 112's primary communication tool. It is used by the district office and schools to send emails, text messages and phone calls to parents/guardians, staff members and the community. Every parent/guardian who is in the district's database already has a ParentSquare account and is set to receive notifications via email, phone call and text message. However, by accessing your ParentSquare account, you will have more control over how you receive notifications. Access your ParentSquare account at parentsquare.com/signin . If you are accessing your account for the first time: Visit parentsquare.com/signin , use the email address that we have on file for you, then click on "Forgot password." After completing the process of resetting your password, you will be able to access your account. Or you can access your account with the "Sign in with Google" option, if your Gmail account is the email we have on file for you. Technology Help Having an issue with your student's device? Need assistance with district software, such as Infinite Campus? Submit a support ticket and a member of our tech team will reach out as soon as possible. Contact the NSSD112 Tech Department We're Hiring Why choose us? Our staff works hard to create schools where students want to learn and teachers want to teach. High-quality materials and technology give our staff and students the tools needed to be innovative and highly engaged. As a member of District 112, you’ll be working to advance yourself as well as fulfill a long legacy of District 112 being the home of pioneering educators, dedicated staff, and innovative instructional practices. Visit  careers.nssd112.org to learn more! VIEW OUR OPEN POSITIONS Address: 445 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040 Phone: 224-765-3000 Website: nssd112.org Facebook:  facebook.com/nssd112 Instagram:  instagram.com/nssd112 LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/company/nssd112 Contact Us:  nssd112.org/contact If you have any questions about the newsletter, please contact Ben Finfer at bfinfer@nssd112.org . North Shore School District 112 www.nssd112.org North Shore School District 112 is a transformative learning organization where curiosity inspires minds, innovation shapes the future, and students, staff, and families engage to create a kind and connected community that is committed to excellence.

Monday, May 04 2026

Action Needed: Update Online Payment Information In ...

April 29, 2026 Infinite Campus , our student database, is switching payment processors for all online payment functions in the Campus Portal. North Shore School District 112 will make this switch on May 5, 2026. The way families make online payments will not change. However, saved payment information and recurring payments will not transfer to the new system. Families who use online payments will need to update the following items after the switch. Payment Methods Saved credit card, debit card and bank account information will not automatically transfer. Families will need to add their payment methods again in the Campus Portal. To validate a bank account, families will have two options: Automatic Validation: You will be prompted to log in to your bank to validate your account. Manual Validation: This process takes 24 to 48 hours before the account is activated. If you need help adding payment methods, please follow the  instructions for adding payment methods in Infinite Campus . Recurring Payments Recurring payments will not transfer. Families who previously had recurring payments set up will need to add them again using the new payment methods they created. If you need help setting up recurring payments, please view the  instructions for setting up recurring payments in Infinite Campus . These are the only changes families need to make. If you have any questions, please email  parentportal@nssd112.org . Infinite Campus , nuestra base de datos estudiantil, está cambiando de procesador de pagos para todas las funciones de pago en línea en el Campus Portal. El Distrito Escolar North Shore 112 hará este cambio el 5 de mayo de 2026. La forma en que las familias hacen pagos en línea no cambiará. Sin embargo, la información de pago guardada y los pagos recurrentes no se transferirán al nuevo sistema. Las familias que usan pagos en línea deberán actualizar los siguientes elementos después del cambio. Métodos De Pago La información guardada de tarjetas de crédito, tarjetas de débito y cuentas bancarias no se transferirá automáticamente. Las familias deberán agregar nuevamente sus métodos de pago en el Campus Portal. Para validar una cuenta bancaria, las familias tendrán dos opciones: Validación Automática: Se le pedirá que inicie sesión en su banco para validar su cuenta. Validación Manual: Este proceso toma de 24 a 48 horas antes de que la cuenta sea activada. Si necesita ayuda para agregar métodos de pago, siga las  instrucciones para agregar métodos de pago en Infinite Campus . Pagos Recurrentes Los pagos recurrentes no se transferirán. Las familias que anteriormente tenían pagos recurrentes configurados deberán agregarlos nuevamente usando los nuevos métodos de pago que crearon. Si necesita ayuda para configurar pagos recurrentes, consulte las  instrucciones para configurar pagos recurrentes en Infinite Campus . Estos son los únicos cambios que las familias deben hacer. Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a  parentportal@nssd112.org .

Wednesday, Apr 29 2026