Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Each month, the LP Link spotlights a District focus area to share valuable information and resources with the school community. This month highlights an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the foundational work that has been ongoing at Lake Park to a preview of what is to come for the 2026-2027 school year. A new law requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to develop and publish statewide guidance for the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 schools by July 1, 2026. While this comprehensive guidance has not yet been released, Lake Park has been working in anticipation to better prepare Lancer staff, students, and families.  

Student Handbook:
Attendance and Behavioral Expectations

As AI becomes more integrated into our educational tools and experiences, it is crucial for students to understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with it. AI can assist in learning but must be used ethically, responsibly, and within school guidelines.

Annually, the Student Services Team (SST) leads a comprehensive review of the student handbook, which contains the school’s attendance and behavioral expectations guidelines. The District’s Handbook Committee is composed of the following stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, deans, librarians, counselors, psychologists, support staff, administrators and a Board of Education member. While committee meetings can focus on items from cell phones to dress code, one meeting this school year was dedicated to hosting an English teacher from Lincoln-Way School District 210 who shared valuable insights about the practical use of AI in the classroom. 

Through collaboration with legal counsel and members of the Student Handbook Committee, the handbook was reviewed and revised to ensure alignment with current laws, regulations, and best practices. The AI section focuses on Acceptable Use of AI Tools and School Security and safely using platforms for research and learning assignments. Furthermore, it highlights the prohibited use of AI for reasons including cheating, plagiarism, cyberbullying or invasion of privacy. If a student suspects that AI tools are being misused or manipulated for harmful purposes, it should be reported immediately to a teacher or administrator. 

The Board of Education approved copy for 2026-2027 reflects language updates focused on legal compliance, clarity, and consistency. During online registration this summer, Lancer families will be required to acknowledge the revised attendance and behavioral guidelines. Similar to previous year, SST members will start next school year educating students about the changes though Lancer Periods.

Data Privacy and Safety

In addition to three dedicated AI tools (Gemini, SchoolAI, MagicSchool) whose primary function is generative and assistive AI, Lake Park technology provides over a dozen tools that incorporate elements or components of AI that are approved and available for student and staff use. The District outlines a rigorous protocol for integrating AI and software, specifically focusing on strict data compliance under Illinois law known as SOPPA (Student Online Personal Protection Act). As part of SOPPA, vendors must enter into Data Privacy Agreements (DPA) with each district they work. These agreements outline what data is stored, how it is protected, what the company can and cannot do with that data, and what they will do in the event of a data breach. While Illinois currently allows version 1.1 of SOPPA agreements, Lake Park is proactively migrating to version 2.0 to adopt a more intensive requirement ahead of the curve. Tools must store data in the U.S. and are prohibited from sharing data with third parties.

DuPage Regional Office of Education 3rd Annual Summer Tech Conference

For the second year in a row, Lake Park High School East Campus will host the DuPage Regional Office of Education 3rd Annual Summer Tech Conference “Building The Future: Learning, Sharing and Growing in a Tech/AI Driven World” on Thursday, June 18. Designed to connect hundreds of educators across the county, this professional development opportunity offers a keynote presentation, networking meetings, and workshop options to help deepen the understanding of AI in Education. The expert-led sessions provide hands-on insights, focused learning on AI topics, practical strategies for classrooms and schools, and opportunities to connect with colleagues. Lake Park staff are invited to participate in this free summer event that presents actionable strategies for next school year. 

2026-2027 Opening Day Institute

Lancer staff returning for Opening Day Institute on Thursday, August 6 will listen to keynote speaker A.J. Juliani, who is a prominent education author, speaker, and innovation specialist known for his work on student empowerment, design thinking, and artificial intelligence in the classroom. Designed to be a launch point, rather than a full training session, his visit will provide inspiration, reflection, and future-oriented thinking. Following the keynote presentation, Juliani will work in small interactive sessions with the academic departments to explore how AI impacts traditional assignments and grading practices as well as how to design meaningful learning through authentic and real-world opportunities.

Juliani has authored eight books on learning and innovation and serves as an instructor for the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education within the Penn Literacy Network. Recently, he has become a leading voice on AI Fluency, helping educators move beyond basic AI literacy to meaningful integration. He advocates for "human-driven" instruction where AI serves as a catalyst for redefining assessment and prioritizing ethical judgment rather than just replacing traditional tasks. 

Looking Ahead

In the fall, the Board of Education will listen to a presentation about ISBE’s statewide guidance releasing this summer and learn more about the schoolwide professional development setting the stage for shared definitions and best practices. After months of preparation, Lake Park is eager to begin a more formal AI rollout and excited to grow and learn together. The District remains committed to involving stakeholders in this evolving world of AI and sharing resources that are informative and inclusive. 

State Spirit March and Sendoff

Recent IHSA State sendoff celebrates Girls Track & Field, Special Olympics.

Congratulations to three members of the Lancer Girls Track & Field team who have qualified for the IHSA Class 3A State Meet and will be competing this weekend, May 22-23, at Eastern Illinois University. State qualifiers include: Gianna Goldsmith (12): two time IHSA State Qualifier in High Jump; Olivia Stranz (11): two-time IHSA State Qualifier competing in High Jump; and Klara Volkova (12): a double Sectional Champ, winning both the Shot Put and Discus events. In Discus, she posted the #1 throw in Illinois to date, which ranks in the top 40 nationally.

The team is led by head coach Jay Ivory, and assisted by Angela Roman, Kelly Zehnder, Joie Allen, and Crystal Valadez.

Congratulations and good luck to members of the Lake Park Lancers Special Olympics team who will compete at the Special Olympics Summer Games hosted at Illinois State University from June 12-14.

Nicole Augustyniak | Mini Javelin (1st-time Qualifier)

Delaney Dirks | Softball Throw (1st-time Qualifier)

Julia Markowski | Softball Throw (3-time Qualifier)

Julia Payan | 50M Walk (1st-time Qualifier)

Kacper Zabek | 50M Walk (1st-time Qualifier)

Lancers Special Olympics Track & Field is coached by Kelly Sheridan and Angie Coy. Special thanks to all the teachers, aides, and LP Buddies who helped make the season possible.

INCubatorEDU@LPHS

Class teams present product pitches to the 'Sharks.'

In Lake Park’s INCubator course, junior and senior students engage in hands-on, entrepreneurial learning by developing a business of their own. The course culminates in a Pitch event, where students present their business plan in a “shark tank” competition. 

On Tuesday, May 19, the seven teams of the INCubator business class presented their business pitches to the “Sharks.” Lancer student entrepreneurs created products and services that solve real-world problems and could become thriving businesses.


Congratulations to all the students on their hard work! Seniors George Tzamouranis, Nick Giovannelli, Jack Arway, and Andre Morfin made up the winning Cleatshield team. Cleatshield is an athletic shoe performance product intended to keep mud and dirt from building up on the bottom of athletic shoes via a spray-on barrier. Under the guidance of their mentor, Rosanna Battista, they won the competition and will receive either $4000 in scholarship or seed money.

Thank you to our coaches, mentors, and “sharks” for all their guidance and support! Interested in learning more and becoming involved? Visit the INCubatorEDU@lphs website.

Class of 2026 Graduation

Bouquets, gifts, and video sales benefit Lake Park.

New this year, Lancer families have an opportunity to pre-purchase premium rose bouquets (red, white, yellow or pink), stuffed teddy bears, or a spirit necklace for their graduates with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Lake Park. All online orders will be available exclusively for onsite pick up on graduation day. Before the ceremony begins, visit the booth conveniently located at the entrance to Willow Creek.

Note: the same products will be available for sale onsite at the same prices. However, ordering ahead of time guarantees your selection and exempts you from any convenience and service fees that may be charged onsite.

Purchase a keepsake today!

Graduation videos will be available for a minimum donation of $20.00 to the Lake Park Educational Foundation and available approximately a week after the event (shared via email as a video file). Visit www.lphs.org/GraduationVideo for more information and to complete an order form by June 25.

Registration Process for 2026-2027 School Year

Review important information, dates for online registration this summer.

Lake Park High School's online registration process for the 2026-2027 school year will OPEN on Monday, June 22 at 7:00 a.m. Next month, electronic communication containing login credentials (username and PIN) will be emailed to all Lancer families via ParentSquare. Only incoming freshman families will receive printed login credentials mailed to their homes.

To receive the communication, Lancer families must be a registered ParentSquare user. Activation emails will be sent prior to registration opening, with the subject line: “Lake Park High School invites you to Activate Your ParentSquare Account.”

Visit the District website when registration opens for important documents from the Health Office, Student Services, Cafeteria, Athletics Department and more. 

Summer Business Days/Hours

Beginning Monday, June 1, summer business hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. No walk-ins accepted after 2:00 p.m. 

• Closed for Lunch:
• East Campus: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• West Campus: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Offices are closed on Fridays during the summer beginning Friday, May 29.
• Counselors are available (one per campus) on Wednesdays by appointment. 

24/7 Online Registration: June 22-July 23

Computer access available at each campus for online registration: 

• Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (excluding lunch hours). No walk-ins accepted after 2:00 p.m.  
• Students new to Lake Park High School are required to contact the school registrar. An appointment will be scheduled if necessary. Contact information is provided below. 
• Spanish translation support is available on Wednesdays, from June 24-July 29, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Proof of Residency

As in prior years, families must upload proof of residency documents to the online registration portal. To prepare for registration, families are required to submit the following documentation:

• Current property tax statement, mortgage statement, signed lease or rental contract
• Current utility statement or homeowner’s/renter’s insurance declaration page
• Driver’s license
• A valid debit/credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover) will be required to submit the registration payment

Health Forms Contact Information 

To submit and/or ask questions regarding physicals, immunizations, or health records, email medicalforms@lphs.org.  

Student Financial Assistance and State Fee Waiver Processing

For Lancer families who did not complete the Financial Assistance Application for the Waived Fee and Free Lunch Program by this month’s deadline, applications will be available on the District website beginning Tuesday, July 7 and must be submitted with proper documentation. For more information, contact:

• East - Grade 9/10: dstratton@lphs.org 
• West - Grade 11/12: cpetrusek@lphs.org 

West Campus Parking

Parking spaces will be assigned randomly, with priority given to seniors during the first two weeks of registration. Families must complete online registration and pay all school and parking fees in full to receive a parking assignment. Students must have a valid driver’s license and a registered vehicle to purchase a parking permit. During “Welcome to West,” students will be required to present their driver’s license and complete a registration card. 

Registration Questions / General Support / Appointments - Contact Your Campus

Each campus has a dedicated email address and phone line to assist families with online registration, general questions, and appointment scheduling: 

• East - Grade 9/10: ECinfo@lphs.org | (630) 529-3324 
• West - Grade 11/12: WCinfo@lphs.org | (630) 529-2264

Summer School and Summer Camps

Register now for credit recovery, enrichment, and athletic/activity camps.

Summer is almost here...explore the co-curricular opportunities available at Lake Park!

Visit the Summer School Website for more information or click the images to register.

Enrollment is open to current Lancers and incoming 5th-12th graders in the community.

Summer College Application Workshops

Class of '27: Register today for assistance with the college application process.

The Lake Park Counseling Department is excited to announce two summer workshops to assist the Class of 2027 as Lancers begin the college application process. Both workshops will allow students time to work on their applications and essays with assistance from the Senior Class Counselors and the Career & College Counselor.

Monday, July 20 | The College Essay Writing workshop will review the purpose of college essays, types of essays, sample prompts, and how to write a strong essay.

Monday, August 3 | The College Application workshop will cover the key components of the application process and different application platforms.

Lancers can register for either the morning session (8-11 a.m.) or afternoon session (12-3 p.m.) in SchooLinks on the "Events" tab on the homepage. Students can stay for both sessions for additional work time or leave early if the full amount of work time is not needed.

Homecoming 2026: Aug 24-29

Mark your calendar for next year's date!

Homecoming 2026 will be a President’s Cup Special, with Homecoming Week starting Monday, August 24, the football game on Friday, August 28, and the dance on Saturday, August 29.

According to the HoCo sponsors:

Yes, it’s early.

Yes, it’s just two weeks after school starts.

And yes — it’s going to be FUN and FAST!

Which brings us to the theme for next year’s Homecoming…"FAST & FURIOUS!" See you in August! 

Community Connection

Congratulations to Karen Probst!

During a statewide ceremony on Friday, May 8, the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) recognized veteran volunteer Karen Probst for Distinguished Service in the Community Member category. The Distinguished Service Celebration recognizes individuals and groups throughout the state who partner with the school communications office and serve as ambassadors for public education and champions of students and staff.

Karen, a mother of four Lake Park alumni (Classes of 2002, 2004, 2008, and 2015), has provided more than 20 years of steady leadership. Her journey of service started on the leadership board of the Lake Park Partners in Education (LPPE), where she managed volunteer coordination, fostered open communication, and supported scholarship fundraising. When LPPE dissolved in 2014, Karen transitioned her talents to the Lake Park Educational Foundation (LPEF) board, where she remains an active member.

Karen’s impact on LPEF has been vital; she is instrumental in securing silent auction items and hosting attendees at major events such as the Spirit of Excellence, A Taste of the Arts, and the TopGolf Outing. Her commitment also extended to the Athletic Booster Club executive board, where she chaired the School Store and Spirit Wear efforts until 2015 to benefit IHSA athletic programs. More recently, she contributed her perspective to the District’s Citizens Task Force during its review of master facility planning and funding. Through her decades of involvement, Karen has built a lasting legacy as a premier ambassador for Lake Park, combining expertise in communication, community building, and fundraising.