LP Link
January 27, 2017
In This Issue
Superintendent's Column
Statebound Lancers
ILMEA
Winter Play
Class of 2017
Pride in Performance
Movie Night
Hoops for Heart
Seal of Biliteracy
Turnabout Dance
Community Connection
Important Dates
Superintendent's 
Column 
 

Recent news stories have published information regarding water quality testing in school districts throughout the Chicagoland area. In fact, proposed legislation may soon require all schools to complete lead testing and report results. 

Following proactive water testing at both campuses this month, I'm pleased to share the results show that Lake Park High School water is safe. The District hired a certified industrial hygienist from United Analytical Services to take approximately 200 samples from 100 fixtures at both campuses to test for lead. To ensure validity, two samples were taken from each source that included drinking water coolers, water bottle filling stations and faucets.

The results concluded that only one fixture exceeded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards - a sink in the back area of the West Campus Technology Office. The sink has been taken out of commission, and maintenance is exploring recommendations and solutions.

In addition, 42 samples from 21 fixtures at East Campus and West Campus showed some level of lead, but the readings were within acceptable EPA levels. Recommendations include testing again and monitoring, regular flushing or installation of a filter. We are pleased with the water quality in these districtwide results, especially considering that sections of the buildings utilize original plumbing dating back to the 1950's.

The Board of Education and administration take very seriously the health and safety of our school community. From water quality testing to daily cleaning and disinfecting practices, Lake Park's operations department ensures quality products are used and the highest standards are met. Thank you to our building managers and their team whose responsible, diligent and proactive measures protect our students, staff, families and visitors to campus.
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The Lake Park High School Community Relations Office publishes the LP Link bi-weekly during the school year to highlight the latest news at Lake Park.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact Sherri Anderson, director of communications, at [email protected].
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IHSA Team State Qualifiers to Compete This Weekend
Lancettes Competitive Dance Team 
2017 IHSA Team State Qualifiers 
Lake Park will be well represented across Illinois this weekend as two IHSA Team State Qualifiers compete.  Both teams enjoyed a  state spirit march lead by members of the marching band drumline and a sendoff with teammates and family members. 

Best of luck to the Lancettes Competitive Dance Team as they compete in prelims today and look to advance to the Saturday finals in Bloomington at the IHSA Class 3A State Championships. Watch live webcasts and view results this weekend by visting the   IHSA Competitive Dance home page. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Lancettes have advanced to the IHSA State Championships, continuing an outstanding season that saw them capture the Dupage Valley Conference team championship earlier this month. The Lancettes team is coached by former Lancettes Julie Astrouski and assistant Francesca Leone.

Best of luck to the Boys Bowling team as they compete once again in th e IHSA State Tournament th is weekend at the St. Clair Bowl in O'Fallon. Last weekend at the Glenbard East Sectional, the team captured the program's 10th IHSA Sectional Championship. The Lancers were led by senior Jack Bedtke who also captured 3rd place individual medalist honors. The team will compete in the IHSA State preliminary rounds today hoping to advance to the Saturday finals.  The team is coached by Greg Edwards and assistant coach Jeffry Royce.

Follow the team's progress by viewing live results on the  IHSA Boys Bowling home page.
Boys Bowling Team 
2017 IHSA Team State Qualifiers
Lancers to Perform at Illinois Music Education Conference
Congratulations to senior choral members (L-R) Ben Barbanente and Andrew Anderson who qualified to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Conference this weekend hosted in Peoria.

The process started in March 2016 when they began preparing literature selected b y ILMEA officials. District 9 auditions took place in October 2016. Twenty-eight Lancers auditioned for ILMEA; nine choir students and one band student were then selected to participate in the district festival hosted at Lake Park in November 2016.

After months of preparation and auditions, these talented musicians will have the opportunity to perform with more than 250 students statewide. Rehearsals began on Thursday, continue today from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and will conclude with performances on Saturday.

Ben was selected for the highest level choir, the Honors Choir, and is singing under Dr. Allen Hightower - Director (University of North Texas). Andrew made All State and is singing under Dr. R. Paul Crabb - Director (University of Missouri, Columbia). They have prepared six  pieces each for the performances, in addition to the six that they had to learn for the audition. 

During the conference, Choral Director Sam Baker and Band Director Mike Lehman attend professional development sessions. Teachers learn strategies to better hone their craft, serve students and be inspired to try new ideas that will keep their classes fresh, energetic and current.
Winter Play Takes Center Stage February 4-6
The Lake Park High School Theatre Department proudly presents Woody Allen's comedy Don't Drink the Water. While on vacation in Europe the Hollander family, from New Jersey, is mistaken for spies in a communist country. They take refuge in the American Embassy, which is being run in her absence by the Ambassador's diplomatically incompetent son, Axel. In true Woody Allen fashion, the Hollanders are joined by a steady parade of quirky characters including a nun whose hobby is magic tricks, a temperamental chef and member of the secret police with a definite flare for the dramatic.

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for non-Lake Park students, free to Lake Park students, children under 13 and senior citizens. They can be purchased at the East Campus Dice Auditorium box office prior to the 7:00 p.m. performances on Thursday, February 2; Friday, February 3; and Saturday, February 4.
Class of 2017 Graduation Announcements
Commencement will be celebrated on Thursday, May 25 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Preparations for diplomas are underway to ensure that student names are spelled  correctly according to legal birth certificates. Please check the  Home Access Center (HAC)  to verify the spelling of your student's name. This represents the only opportunity to submit a correction; the deadline for updates is  Friday, February 17 . If the information listed is incorrect, contact West Campus Registrar Lisa Smith by email at  [email protected]

Seniors are encouraged to apply for a variety of scholarships that are listed on the district website. Families are reminded to review the upcoming deadlines and take advantage of these opportunities.
Pride in Performance
Congratulations to our Pride in Performance winners for the second grading period:

East Campus
Academics: Nikola Mazur is a straight A student with a demanding schedule. She has a great attitude in class, always gives her best effort and is more than willing to help classmates when needed. Her "can do" spirit is the epitome of a Lancer with pride.

Achievement: Daniel Fisk had a difficult first semester. However, he began the second semester with a new attitude and mindset regarding his school work. He is currently earning five A's, and his teachers are very proud of his effort.

Activities: John Hinds is an outstanding student who comes to school each day with a smile on his face. He is eager, willing to learn, and is a positive role model and leader within the Pathways program. John is also involved in cross country, was cast in the Charlie Brown Christmas play, and is an active member of Lancer HERO and Gamers Club.

Athletics Max Ellenbecker has worked hard to become a varsity basketball player as a sophomore. He has a great attitude on the court and in the classroom. Max has all A's and B's in a schedule with many high level courses.

Athletics : A s a sophomore,  Kate Kirkham is a hard working member of the varsity basketball team and has earned her way to becoming a starter. Kate also currently is earning straight A's in her classes.

West Campus
Academics: Antea Pela was a standout student in Management class last semester. Aside from her excellent grades, Antea routinely practiced strong leadership skills in class and demonstrated a take-charge approach. Antea's team responded to her positive support and guidance, and they produced excellent projects.

Achievement: Stephanie Tena has worked to overcome major personal obstacles, including the loss of her mother last winter. While her academics are not quite where she would like them to be, she has improved tremendously over the last year and, will graduate with her class in May. Stephanie's attitude is decidedly positive. She is honest, self-reflective and motivated to improve. She also takes on more responsibility at home than most of her peers out of necessity and because of her commitment to her family. 

Activities: Tyler Stewart is a phenomenal musician and excellent student who is intrinsically motivated and extremely conscientious. He is a member of the Lake Park Concert Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and a part of the pit for spring musicals. Although only a junior, he is among the most talented percussionists at Lake Park. Tyler is extremely respectful, kind and positive. He is a natural leader who is respected by his teachers and peers alike. 

Athletics: Eric Sgarbossa has been a varsity swimmer and qualified for the State meet all four years of high school. His main event is the 100-yard Breast Stroke, and he ranks in the top six in this event. Eric is a great team leader. With his help and guidance, the team may qualify two relays at the State meet, which has not been achieved since his freshman year.
Social Studies Movie Night Series Continues February 15 
Make plans to attend the the next screening in the "Social Studies Movie Night" series on Wednesday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the West Campus Auditorium. Students, families and community members are invited to this free opportunity.

"Valkyrie" describes the plot in 1944 by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler, take power in Germany, and then try to negotiate a peace with the Allies to end World War II in Europe. Tom Cruise plays one of the leaders of the plot in the movie.

For extra credit, students will have the opportunity to analyze the motives behind the German Officers' plot to assassinate Hitler as well as identify reasons why it ultimately failed.

Mark your calendars for the final movie screening of the school year on Tuesday, April 25!
Hoops for Heart Fundraising Underway
Since 1998, Lake Park's Physical Education Department has been raising money for the American Heart Association through a nationally sponsored event called Hoops for Heart. All monies raised for this annual event are donated to the American Heart Association for research in the fight against heart disease. 

The format of a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in 2004 helped to increase participation and generate more enthusiasm from the student body. In its first year of the new format, Lake Park  raised $1,946.75. Since 2004, the P.E. Department has raised $111,708.99, with the best one-year total at an outstanding $16,124.23 in March 2011. Last year, Lancers raised an impressive $13,309.69 through t-shirt sales, concession sales and the basketball tournament. 

The P.E. Department is challenging the Lake Park school community to achieve a new benchmark at this year's Hoops for Heart tournament on Tuesday, February 14. Visit the Hoops for Heart website and consider making a donation via the online fundraising page

Support the American Heart Association's "Wear Red" day on Friday, February 3 by wearing red or this year's grey Hoops for Heart t-shirt, which is now on sale for $10.00 in the main office!
Seal of Biliteracy Demonstrates Multiple Language Proficiency
Juniors and seniors who have taken an Advanced Placement or Level 4 World Languages course and/or students with bilingual skills have the opportunity to earn a special honor based on their second language abilities. The Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to qualifying Lake Park students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and either Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.

The Seal of Biliteracy, offered by the State of Illinois, will appear on the student's diploma and official school transcript. Earning this distinction will be an honor that students can share with universities, future employers, and service organizations who value individuals with bilingual skills.

To earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet approved proficiency levels on state approved English and foreign language assessments, as outlined on the Intent to Participate form. Applying for this recognition is voluntary and students are responsible for the cost associated with taking the qualifying assessments. An Intent to Participate form must be completed and returned to West Campus Assistant Principal, Mr. Ian Smith, by Friday, February 10 in order to be eligible for the Seal of Biliteracy.
Looing Ahead: Winter Spirit Week and Turnabout Dance 
Lake Park Student Council will host a Turnabout Dance on  Saturday, February 25, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at West Campus. Tickets will be sold from Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, February 24 for $15.00. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20.00. 

Spirit competition for 2nd hour classes returns: the class with the greatest participation at each campus will receive a breakfast from student council!

Spirit Week:
Tuesday - Tropical Day 
Wednesday - 'Merica Day
Thursday - Twin Day (find a partner to "twin" with)
Friday - Fan Day (dress in your favorite sports team - professional or college) 
Saturday - Dance (Semi-formal)
Community Connection
American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Northern DuPage will host its 2017 Kick-Off Celebration on Wednesday, February 1 at Holiday Inn Express, 1490 W. Lake St., Roselle, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The event will include inspirational speakers, refreshments, and registration for the 2017 Relay for Life event, which is scheduled for Friday, June 9 at Lake Park High School East Campus. To RSVP or for more information, email Maryann Grygiel at [email protected] .
Important Dates
January 27      Institute Day (Student non-attendance) 
February 2-4    Winter Play Performances
February 8       SMART Day
February 14     Hoops for Heart
February 15     Social Studies Movie Night: Valkyrie
February 20     President's Day Holiday (Student non-attendance)
February 25     Turnabout Dance
February 27     Board of Education Meeting