March NSSD112 E-Newsletter | Boletín Electrónico de ...

Si el boletín no se muestra correctamente, puede verlo en smore.com/n/hz7pk . Para traducirlo, abra el mismo enlace y haga clic en el botón ‘Translate’ en la parte superior. North Shore 112 Monthly March 2026 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser   In this newsletter... Illinois 5Essentials Survey reminder Important dates and calendar updates Registration is open for 2026-2027 Online safety and AI sessions for families Board news and meeting recap Staff and educator recognitions Family and community resources Dual Language Task Force progress Illinois 5Essentials Survey We Want Your Input! Parents/Guardians: Have you taken the Illinois 5Essentials Survey yet? If not, please take a few minutes to complete the confidential survey that will help our schools identify strengths and focus on improvements that support student success. Survey link: www.nssd112.org/5Essentials Upcoming Important Dates 3/03: BOE Facilities Committee Meeting 3/10: BOE Finance Committee Meeting 3/17: BOE Regular Meeting 3/19: Parent-Teacher Conferences (3:15 p.m. - 8 p.m.) Early Release for K-8 No School for Early Childhood 3/20: Parent-Teacher Conferences (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.) No Student Attendance 3/23-3/27: Spring Break 3/30: School Resumes 4/02: Early Release (No Early Childhood) 4/03: Good Friday (No School) School Calendar 2025-2026 Calendar: The last day of school will now be Friday, June 5 , due to the emergency closure on Friday, January 23. This change will be presented for official approval at an upcoming Board meeting.  District website calendar page . 2026-2027 Calendar:  At the last meeting, the Board approved an adjustment to the 2026-2027 calendar. The last day of school is set for June 3, 2027. This change is reflected on the district website. 2027-2028 Calendar: We are currently developing the 2027-2028 school calendar. A draft will be presented at an upcoming Board meeting, with approval expected this spring. Registration for 2026-2027 is Open! 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: The deadline to be included in the dual language lottery for next school year has passed. However, families with an incoming kindergartener and, in some cases, a first grader may still indicate interest during registration. If space is available, your child may be offered a placement. 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. 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). You can register for each event by clicking on the date: Online Reputation 101: Building Confident Kids Who Shine Online ( Mar 3 @ 6 p.m. ) AI for Student Success: Being Productive & Learning Future Skills ( Mar 5 @ 6 p.m. ) The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics ( Mar 10 @ 6 p.m. , Mar 17 @ 6 p.m. , Mar 24 @ 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) Save the Date - Parent/Guardian AI Education April 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Edgewood On Wednesday, April 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., we will host a parent and guardian learning session on artificial intelligence, including a hands-on lesson using Google’s NotebookLM. We will share more details as the event gets closer. D112 Staff Recognition Milestone Recognition Each year, North Shore School District 112 proudly celebrates staff members reaching milestone years of service. This year, we honored 97 dedicated employees for their commitment to our schools and students. Milestone Recognitions: 5 years: 36 staff members 10 years: 14 staff members 15 years: 12 staff members 20 years: 17 staff members 25 years: 14 staff members And a special shoutout to our four staff members celebrating 30 years of service: Laura Baartmans,  Laura McKevitt, Stephanie Rubin and Sarah Walsh! Three D112 Educators Honored by the Illinois State Board of Education Congratulations to three of our staff members who were recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. Maddie Bogart , a special education resource teacher at Northwood Middle School, and Emma Homer , a special education resource teacher at Edgewood Middle School, each received the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award of Special Recognition. Lauren Bianchini , a first grade teacher at Sherwood Elementary School, received the Those Who Excel Award of Excellence, the program’s highest honor. “Maddie, Emma, and Lauren reflect the kind of teaching and support we want every student to experience in District 112: educators who know their students well, partner closely with families, and show up for kids every day,” Dr. Lubelfeld said. “We are proud of their work and proud to have them on our team, and are grateful for the difference they make in our community.” Board of Education News Board Approves New Admin Hires for 2026-2027 In February, the Board of Education approved the hiring of Sydnee McDermott as principal of Indian Trail Elementary School and Allyssa Pease as a student services coordinator. Ms. McDermott currently serves as associate principal at Indian Trail, and Ms. Pease joins District 112 from Harrison School District 36. Both will begin their new roles on July 1, 2026. Read more about their backgrounds and experience in the full story . Committee Meetings The Board will hold a Facilities Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 3, and a Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 10. You can find agendas on our website . Regular Meeting - Tuesday, March 17 The next regular Board of Education meeting will be on Tuesday, March 17 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 February 17 At the February 17 meeting, the Board approved key leadership appointments for 2026-2027 and Paridad Consulting to lead an evaluation of a K-5 Dual Language Program, and it received updates on an inclusive playground at Sherwood and a proposed AI policy. Read the full recap . National Women's History Month Women's History Month is celebrated every March in the United States and is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions and achievements of women throughout American history and contemporary society. This month-long observance highlights the significant roles women have played in shaping the nation in various fields such as science, politics, arts, education, and civil rights, among others. It is a time to reflect on the struggles and successes of women, to understand the impact of their work, and to continue advocating for gender equality and women's rights. General Resources: National Women's History Museum WomensHistoryMonth.gov How Can I Prevent Gender Bias in Young Children? Family Resources Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) - For English Learner Families BPAC brings together parents, guardians, staff, and community members to support English Learner students by sharing resources, giving input on programs, and building connections across our schools. Parents of dual language students at Northwood, Red Oak, Oak Terrace, and children receiving English Language services at any NSSD 112 school are automatically members. Upcoming meetings: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 – Oak Terrace School Meetings begin at 7 p.m., are conducted in Spanish with translation provided, and childcare is available. To learn more, visit www.nssd112.org/BPAC . Cartwheel Care Cartwheel is a national mental health provider for children and teens, offering virtual support with a licensed clinician within seven days of a referral. Appointments are available during school hours, after school, nights, weekends and breaks. Cartwheel also offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Family Interest Form (self-referral option) Families can request support through Cartwheel’s Family Interest Form . Submissions go to the school team for review, and no referral is made without school approval. This no-cost option gives families a clear way to ask for help early. Get started Visit the Cartwheel website to begin . 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 and Community Health Center’s March e-newsletter highlights “Tune Into Your Teen” as a reminder to use everyday moments to talk with your child about avoiding underage alcohol use. It also shares “Memorable Conversations” resources in English and Spanish, promotes virtual webinars on March 3 and March 17 with noon and 7 p.m. options, and includes links to Prevention112 and additional family resources. Read the March newsletter . Our "Wildly Important Goals" (WIGs) Literacy WIG Increase the percentage of students meeting and exceeding grade-level proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA), as measured by IAR, by 6% by the end of the 2026-2027 school year. Why this goal? A 6% increase is ambitious and significant. Literacy includes reading, writing, listening, and comprehension. By setting a goal that pushes us to grow, we are committing to the skills that open doors for all learners. Achieving it will take everyone working together to support every student’s growth.     Dual Language WIG From August 2025 through April 2026, concluding with a formal report to the Board of Education in May 2026, the Superintendent’s Task Force will design and launch a comprehensive stakeholder-informed implementation plan for the phased consolidation of the K-5 Dual Language Program into Oak Terrace, ensuring the plan is inclusive and cultivates trust and engagement across the K-5 Dual Language Program community. Why this goal? In 2027, the K-5 Dual Language Program will consolidate at Oak Terrace, and Red Oak will close. Recognizing the significance of this change, we are committed to ensuring it is carried out thoughtfully and effectively. Dual Language Task Force Update The work of the Dual Language Task Force continued throughout February, with all three subcommittees making progress. Student Success Subcommittee: At its last meeting, the Board approved the Dual Language Task Force Student Success Subcommittee’s unanimous recommendation to partner with Paridad Consulting for a 24-week, third-party evaluation of District 112’s K-5 dual language program. The evaluation will provide actionable recommendations to help inform planning for the K-5 consolidation at Oak Terrace School in 2027-2028. Family Engagement Subcommittee:  On February 7, February 19, and February 24, the Family Engagement Subcommittee hosted three family engagement events for Oak Terrace and Red Oak families. Students participated in a building scavenger hunt, while families had time to share feedback on the new playground and other facility needs at Oak Terrace. Families also enjoyed games and activities in the gym, with support from the PTOs and BPAC, who were on site to meet families and share information. Facilities and Operations Subcommittee:  The subcommittee met to review feedback on Oak Terrace’s outdoor spaces, including the playground. Margaret Chaidez of Play Illinois and Leanne Meyer-Smith of Wight & Company will continue refining the designs and will share updates in March. 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! Guest Teachers Do you want to choose your own hours and make a difference in our students' lives? Consider becoming a guest teacher (substitute) for North Shore School District 112.  Please feel free to reach out to Valerie Kilen ( vlariviere@nssd112.org )   with any questions or  apply to be a guest teacher  today! 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, Mar 02 2026

Deadline Tomorrow (2/28): Dual Language Lottery | Fe...

February 27, 2026 Interested in District 112’s dual language program for an incoming kindergarten or first grade student in 2026-2027? Please submit your dual language application  by tomorrow, Saturday, February 28 , to be included in the lottery if English-speaking applications exceed available slots. Why a lottery?  The program follows a 50-50 enrollment model with a balance of Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students. The number of available spots for English-speaking students depends on Spanish-speaking enrollment. If English-speaking applications exceed available spots, a lottery is used to assign spots and maintain the 50-50 balance. Students not selected are placed on a wait list. To register and apply:  www.nssd112.org/registration To learn more about the dual language program and lottery:  www.nssd112.org/dual-language If you have any questions, you can contact Enrique Castro, director of multilingual learners, at  ecastro@nssd112.org . ¿Está interesado en el programa de lenguaje dual del Distrito 112 para un estudiante que ingresará a kínder o primer grado en 2026-2027? Por favor envíe su solicitud para el programa de lenguaje dual  antes de mañana, sábado 28 de febrero , para ser incluido en el sorteo si las solicitudes de estudiantes de habla inglesa exceden los cupos disponibles. ¿Por qué se realiza un sorteo? El programa sigue un modelo de inscripción 50-50, con un equilibrio entre estudiantes de habla hispana y de habla inglesa. La cantidad de cupos disponibles para estudiantes de habla inglesa depende de la inscripción de estudiantes de habla hispana. Si las solicitudes de estudiantes de habla inglesa superan los cupos disponibles, se realiza un sorteo para asignar los cupos y mantener el equilibrio 50-50. Los estudiantes que no sean seleccionados se colocan en una lista de espera. Para registrarse y solicitar:  www.nssd112.org/registration Para obtener más información sobre el programa de lenguaje dual y el sorteo:  www.nssd112.org/dual-language Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede contactar a Enrique Castro, director de estudiantes multilingües, en  ecastro@nssd112.org .

Friday, Feb 27 2026

Illinois 5Essentials Survey: Please Take 5 Minutes |...

Please take a few minutes to complete the confidential Illinois 5Essentials Survey. Your feedback helps our school identify strengths and focus on improvements that support student success. Survey link:  www.nssd112.org/5Essentials Recordatorio sobre la encuesta Illinois 5Essentials  Por favor, dedique unos minutos a completar la encuesta confidencial de Illinois 5Essentials. Sus comentarios ayudan a nuestra escuela a identificar los puntos fuertes y a centrarse en las mejoras que favorecen el éxito de los alumnos.  Enlace a la encuesta:  www.nssd112.org/5Essentials

Friday, Feb 27 2026