LP Link: January 23, 2026

The LP Link is published bi-weekly during the school year to highlight the latest districtwide news and events at Lake Park High School. Contact Sherri Anderson, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for content.

Spotlight on Professional Learning Opportunities

Each month, the LP Link will spotlight an area of District focus to share valuable information and resources with our school community. Last month's edition–dedicated to career pathways and course planning–provided a high-level overview of Career Connected Learning and Real World experiences. This month’s topic will take a closer look at “Professional Learning” that represents one of four components of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Career Pathway Framework.

ISBE’s definition of Professional Learning includes awareness (K-12), exploration (5-12), preparation and training (9-12) activities that provide opportunities for students to interact with professionals in their workplace. The State visually demonstrates this concept using a continuum graphic, ranging from early supporting activities all the way to workplace experiences.

Career Awareness

Lake Park’s outreach to current 8th graders, also known as the incoming Lancer Class of 2030, already began when school counselors visited the middle schools that feed into the high school. The onsite visits introduced these future Lancers to the course selection process and the use of SchooLinks (career and college readiness platform) to begin tracking elective and career interests. This important tradition of outreach to future families continued when East Campus hosted the first in a 3-part Welcome Series. “Plan Your Path” was designed for families to learn more about the placement process and available electives at Lake Park before finalizing course selection this month.

East Campus Career Exploration Day | Monday, March 16

New this year, the East Campus Career & College Center will host a first-ever Career Exploration Day for all 9th and 10th grade students during the school day on Monday, March 16. The purpose of this event is to create awareness and exposure for students about career paths and opportunities across a variety of industries and to have Lancers engage in conversations with industry professionals as they plan for their postsecondary options. The event will provide students with an immersive learning opportunity to connect with industry professionals to learn about their many career options and paths after high school. To participate as an exhibitor and represent your career pathway for this important educational event, submit this form by Friday, February 20.

Career and Technical Student Organizations

If students have not yet already gotten involved in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), sophomore year can be a great time to begin their journey of actively participating in co-curricular opportunities that offer work-based learning. The variety of CTSOs include DECA; Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); Future Medical Professionals; Women in STEAM (WiSTEM); Science Olympiad; and VEX Robotics to name a few. These activities offer simulations, competitions, and role play all while allowing students to continue exploring their passion and potential career interests.

Career Preparation and Training

The continuum of career preparation and training options for juniors and seniors extends well beyond enrolling in the traditional Career Internship course. In addition to internships, students can experience a range of career-embedded opportunities for learning if they are enrolled in culinary classes, a variety of education courses including the Little Lancer preschool program and the formal pathway for education, the entrepreneurship pathway with INCubator, or by taking classes at the Technology Center of DuPage in programs such as nursing and EMT. Students in all of these courses are placed in local businesses and schools to learn first hand about all aspects of the industry of their career cluster choice. Current areas of placement include Finance, Education, Hospitality and Tourism, Medicine, Business, Management & Administration, Health Science, Manufacturing, Marketing, Law, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Career preparation and training can also be gained from clinical experiences and even student-led enterprises like the Switch Day fundraiser highlighted in a story below.

Technology Center of DuPage

Lake Park appreciates the local partnership the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) provides as an additional opportunity for career preparation and training. Featuring a quarter million square foot campus, state-of-the-art technology, and up-to-date skills instruction used in today’s high-demand careers, TCD offers DuPage County area high school juniors and seniors 17 career and technical education programs (CTE) as part of their high school curriculum. Lake Park provides bus transportation and tuition for more than 65 students enrolled in programs ranging from automotive technology and construction trades to cosmetology, fire science, welding and more. Offered in morning and afternoon sessions five days a week, each program allows students to learn at their own pace through a hands-on, individualized learning plan based on goal achievement. Current sophomores and juniors are encouraged annually to attend the TCD Explore Day field trips prior to course selection to learn more about this unique, offsite (3 periods a day) learning experience.

Teaching Towards Opportunity

With the ever changing landscape of the workforce, Lake Park is committed as a comprehensive high school to provide opportunities for learning inside and outside the classroom; and furthermore, to connect learning to various professional experiences. Our Lancer-Centric Learning model prepares students for intentional learning and postsecondary success by exploring career pathways at all grade levels. Embedded in their high school experience are the Portrait of a Graduate qualities that will help prepare Lancers to navigate future workforce shifts: global citizen, critical thinking, thoughtful communicator, resilient learner, and collaborative leader. Together with our families, Lake Park can focus on aligning what students are experiencing in high school and where their paths may lead after graduation.

Board of Education Presentation | Monday, January 26

If you are interested in learning more about professional learning experiences for students while in high school, including present and future job trends for our students’ top self-reported career interests, tune in to the Board of Education meeting livestream on Monday, January 26 at 6:00 p.m. Director of Postsecondary Success and Innovation Loukia Mastrodimos will be delivering a presentation with data nationally from the Department of Labor and regionally from DuPage County and engaging in a Q&A with Board members.

Now Playing: District Video Series

Discover the pathways and values that define a Lancer.

What does it mean to be a Lancer? Over the past several months, Lake Park has been working to capture that answer on film. This month, the District is proud to share the final results: a collection of nine videos that celebrate our mission, our values, and the diverse learning opportunities available for postsecondary preparation.

Special thanks for the time and contributions of our very own Lancers who helped with the voiceover narration: Laila Anderson (10), Jaxon Acolatse (12), Abigail Rusin (11) and West Campus Assistant Principal for Student Services Mr. Jeff Henrikson. Their voices are an important contribution to helping share the District story.

"We’re here to help Lancers discover who they are, what they're passionate about, and the possibilities ahead. Our mission? To challenge them, cheer them on, and give them the tools to lead, learn, and grow — The Lancer Way."

The overarching Brand Video serves as a visual tribute to our school community and shared mission. It encompasses the pride, diversity, and spirit that define Lake Park. Four videos highlighting the District's north star focus focus on the components of The Lancer Way:

Four unique Career Pathway videos were introduced to students earlier this month during Course Selection Kick-Off Week. To help every student visualize their future, the core departments (English, math, science and social studies) integrated these videos directly into the school day. By launching these during such a future-forward week, students could view a "commercial" for their own potential, helping them better connect the classroom to their future.

These videos were created to do more than just inform—they were created to inspire. Whether you are a student planning your next four years, a staff member dedicated to our mission, or a community member proud of our schools, we invite you to watch!

"Because at Lake Park, it’s not just about crossing the graduation stage. It’s about preparing students for everything that comes after."

Keeping Lancer families informed is critical.

With second semester well underway, Lake Park High Schools wants to ensure every family is fully connected to receive communication. Although the District transitioned to ParentSquare earlier this year, many families have not yet registered.

Why It’s Vital to Register

Recent weather-related notifications serve as an important reminder: ParentSquare is the primary tool for outreach messages, emergency alerts, and school closings. To ensure you receive these timely and urgent messages via email, text, and app, your contact information must be current.

Two Steps to Stay Informed

Update Your Info: Visit www.parentsquare.com to review your contact details. Please prioritize providing a cell phone number to receive automated text notifications.
Get the App: Download the free ParentSquare app (iOS and Android) to receive instant updates and direct messages from teachers in your preferred language.

By registering, Lancer families will stay up-to-date on news, events, and classroom activities all in one place. Don't wait for the next winter storm—ensure your account is active today!

Class of 2026 Announcements

Review your graduating student's full legal name appearing on the LP diploma.

Lake Park High School commencement will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27 and preparations for diplomas are being finalized to ensure that student names are spelled correctly according to legal birth certificates. Please take an opportunity to review the Home Access Center (HAC) to verify the spelling of your student's name by Wednesday, January 28, 2026:

Login to HAC.
Switch from the "home" screen to the registration screen by clicking on the "registration" icon.
Review your student's full legal name as it appears under the "Demographic" tab. Note: the printed name will appear on the diploma as “First name (Middle name - optional) Last name” unless requested otherwise.
Notify Jennifer Burzawa, West Campus registrar, if any changes are required or an account needs to be established.
Additionally, please notify the registrar no later than Friday, May 1 if your student does not wish to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Class of 2026 Scholarships Available Through the Educational Foundation

The Lake Park Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the availability of a growing list of over 40 scholarships totaling more than $68,000 available for Lake Park High School graduating students in the Class of 2026.

The scholarship applications are posted on the Going Merry website. Don’t miss your opportunity! LPEF scholarship applications are due by Friday, March 6. Visit www.lphs.org/Foundation to view all the scholarship information.

"Switch Day" Fundraiser Returns

Lancers to participate on Tuesday, January 27.

Now in its second year, and expanding to include both campuses, "Switch Day" will be hosted on Tuesday, January 27 at East Campus and West Campus. This student-led "FUNdraiser" rewards academic and behavioral excellence. For a small donation of either $5.00 or 5 cans of food, eligible students—based on attendance, grades, and behavior expectations—can "switch" one class period for a supervised activity, with all proceeds supporting global and local causes.

Founded by junior DECA students Abbi Rusin, Tiya Tenneti, and Maanya Haldwania, Switch Day was inspired by their AP Human Geography studies on educational barriers in sub-Saharan Africa. The event reflects the District’s Portrait of a Graduate qualities by empowering students to lead through philanthropy.

Eligible Lancers purchasing a wristband can choose one class to switch out of and attend an alternate activity including gym, a movie, arts & crafts, or off campus to sit outside, utilize the park district walking path, and more. West Campus students who choose the off-campus option must turn in the permission form at purchase to receive the wristband. Proceeds from the event will again be donated to CAMFED (the Campaign for Female Education) and help to fund school for girls in Africa, while food donations will benefit Lancer Families in need.

Last year's activities, hosted at East Campus only, raised over $1500 in its inaugural year. This amount help fund 1,887 days of school for young girls in Africa. Additionally, the successful school supply drive resulted in the donation of 100 backpacks to a school in Carpentersville.

Seal of Biliteracy

Earn distinction for demonstrating proficiency in mutiple languages.

Students who are enrolled in a World Language (French, German, Spanish, Heritage) or ESL course are eligible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. This recognition is awarded to qualifying students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and one or more other world languages.

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

Students who are enrolled in Level 3 or higher of a World Language course or ESL course are

encouraged to register for this exam. In addition, students who demonstrate fluency in one of the

languages listed in the Intent to Participate form, outside of their Lake Park coursework, also have

the opportunity to earn this special honor based on their second language abilities.

In order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet approved proficiency levels on state

approved English and World 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. To register for the Seal of Biliteracy assessment, complete

this Intent to Participate form no later than Wednesday, February 11. For questions, students should contact a World Language teacher or Kari Monegato, World Languages Department Leader.

FirstView Bus Tracking App

Access bus routes, GPS data, pick-up/drop-off times, and more.

In continued partnership with First Student, the District’s transportation provider, Lake Park is reminding Lancer families about the value of utilizing FirstView®, a bus tracking and communications app for your smartphone or desktop. With the potential of facing winter weather delays during second semester, families are strongly encouraged to register for this service to access live GPS data, predictive arrival times, and custom proximity alerts.

Important App Update: New this school year, all families—including prior users—must download the FirstView 1.0 mobile app (identifiable by its red background icon) from the App Store or Google Play.

To ensure all families have access, the required 5-digit District code and a step-by-step registration guide will be sent electronically during the week of January 26. If you have not yet signed up for the new app, watch for this information and visit www.myfirstview.com to create your secure account. For assistance, please contact Student Services at the appropriate campus.