Thursday, August 21
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» First Day of School - Aug. 19 |
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ACT Prep |
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Seniors earn tailgate party for high PSAE scores
 Results of last spring's Prairie State Achievement Exam were released earlier this week, showing that LCHS students are performing better than the state expectations in the core subject areas. The Class of 2009's high test scores means that the school made Adequate Yearly Progress as outlined by the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. Additionally, preliminary results show that the Class of 2009's composite ACT score might be the highest in district history. To recognize this achievement, the administration is hosting a Senior Tailgate Celebration before the first home football game on Sept. 5."We knew we could do it," said Principal Jim McKay, who attributed this success to many factors, including the hard work of teachers, various preparatory programs installed last year, and the increased emphasis on writing. Referring to writing as the "highest yielding strategy educators can use," McKay said the school plans to continue to expand the writing program at LCHS by encouraging more of it in math and science classes, not only English and social studies classes."Collectively the students will become better writers and thinkers," he said.Other plans are in place to continue the tradition of student achievement among the Eagles. For example, with the 30 percent increase in enrollment for AP classes, there is an emphasis on rigor. McKay said that additionally, the administration and faculty expect to communicate more with the classes about expectations, the value of academic achievement, and the importance of attendance.McKay also cited the Physics First movement adopted by the Science Department this year as a way to encourage increased engagement in math and science classes. |
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August 19 marked the fifth year LCHS has opened its doors to students—this time 1,373 of them. That includes a Freshman Class of 350 students and 30 new students. Administrators and faculty also welcomed nine new teachers and two new administrators."I am really looking forward to working directly with each class to get them to realize that they can exceed academically," said Principal Jim McKay. "I also look forward to working with our staff as we all become more experienced at educating our students."In the first week of school, the Eagles will notice several changes, many of which were implemented based on the results of a student survey. A team of administrators and teachers has developed more incentives for students, such as a Student of the Month program, which is in addition to the already established Eagle Pride breakfasts. Also, students can earn Talon Tickets for succeeding academically or performing a good deed; the tickets are entered into a raffle for prizes every two weeks.Additionally, nearly 50 projectors and 250 new computers were installed in classrooms and computer labs to improve instruction. Wednesday bell schedules have been eliminated and replaced with half day and late start day schedules. Click here to view the schedules. District administrators say this will give teachers larger periods of time for curriculum meetings and will reduce the amount of class time disrupted."The changes that have been put into place are really a continuous improvement process," McKay said. "Many of the changes are based on research and best practices that will make our school an even richer learning environment. |
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Brie Cederna and Kurt Sooley have joined the administrative ranks at LCHS. Cederna took post as the Special Education Coordinator over the summer in place of Janet Frichtl, who now leads the district's special education program. Cederna taught in Kenosha, before becoming a Special Education Coordinator in Waukegan for the past four years. An Antioch resident, she says she looks forward to working in her own community. Additionally, because her past experience has been in a district office rather than in a school building, she is excited to experience the pep assemblies, football games, and more, she said."I hope to continue to improve not only the services [of the Special Education Department] but also to expand the resources and what we have to offer," she said. One idea she has is to form a network of parents of special education students. Sooley spent his career in education at Mundelein High School before accepting the Dean position at LCHS. For more than two years at Mundelein, he was a Director of Student Services then a Dean; prior to being an administrator, he taught U.S. History and Economics for seven years.Sooley said the move to LCHS was "ideal for me" and added that he looks forward to playing a big role in kids' lives. He also believes in disciplining with a purpose to help get kids back on the right path and doing what it takes to have an impact on the direction of the school and the district's initiatives. |
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Food drive: items due to 1st period classes by Sept. 1 Student Council meeting: Aug. 21, 3 p.m., B200 Sign up for Washington, D.C. trip: See Mrs. Holst in C124 by Aug. 22 Parking tags due: Aug. 22, C101 Boys basketball meeting: Aug. 25, 3 p.m., C319 Fall Play Auditions: Sept. 10, sign up in B200 NHS General Meeting: Sept. 11, 3 p.m., cafeteria Yearbook pickup: Sept. 15 T-shirt Sales! |
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Fall sports meeting: Aug. 20, 7 p.m., gym Fall sports pictures: Aug. 21 |
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SAT: October 4 ACT: September 13 Click here for more information about testing |