April 2026

Dear Lake County Community,

As we continue to highlight the impactful work happening across our schools, we are proud to feature efforts this month that demonstrate how strong supports and meaningful partnerships help students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

At Emmons School District 33, the introduction of therapy dogs Harry and Sunny is already making a positive difference, providing comfort, connection, and a sense of calm for students and staff. Their presence reflects the school’s commitment to supporting student well-being and creating a nurturing learning environment.

Meanwhile, Round Lake Area Schools District 116 is expanding postsecondary readiness through the Future Ready program. In partnership with Goodwill, this initiative equips students with essential employability skills and real-world experiences, helping them build confidence and prepare for success after graduation.

Both efforts highlight a shared commitment to meeting students’ needs today while preparing them for tomorrow. We are proud to share these stories and the many ways our schools continue to support student growth and success.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort and Connection to Emmons

Emmons School is welcoming some very special new members to its community this year—therapy dogs Harry and Sunny—who are already making a meaningful impact on students and staff alike.

Harry, a gentle 3-year-old Great Pyrenees, serves alongside his human partner, Dr. Lynette Zimmer, interim superintendent. Calm, patient, and intuitive, Harry has quickly become a familiar and comforting presence in the halls. Whether greeting students in the morning or sitting quietly during moments of stress, he offers a sense of stability and warmth that words alone often cannot provide.

Joining Harry is Sunny, an 8-week-old Great Pyrenees who has just begun her journey as a future therapy dog. While still learning the ropes, Sunny has already captured hearts with her playful energy and natural ability to connect with people. Her presence brings joy and excitement, while also introducing students to the responsibility and care involved in working with animals.

Therapy dogs like Harry and Sunny play a powerful role in supporting school communities. Research shows that interactions with therapy animals can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even enhance focus and academic engagement. For students, a few minutes with a calm, friendly dog can make a challenging day feel more manageable. For staff, these moments provide a welcome opportunity to pause, reset, and recharge.

At Emmons School, Harry and Sunny are more than just visitors—they are partners in fostering a positive, supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Round Lake 116 Prepares Students for Postsecondary Success 

Carolyn Adamson created the Future Ready program in 2024 to help Round Lake Area Schools students be successful in their postsecondary journey. During their free periods, she taught juniors and seniors the durable skills that are essential in the workforce - emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and time management, with the end goal always that they find employment in a position relevant to their future goals. 

She was making a difference, but she knew she could do more. So the College and Career Readiness & Career Technical Education Curriculum and Instruction Specialist partnered with Amy Maksudian, a case manager with Goodwill, to expand her program and give students even more resources for their job-search journey. 

Goodwill’s Empower Youth program, a grant-funded initiative that cultivates essential employability skills in youth starting at age 16, was almost identical to Adamson’s Future Ready program. And since Illinois mandates the assessment of essential employability skills, Adamson and Maksudian worked together to create a curriculum that merged their programs and maximizes the potential for student success. 

Through an embedded external partner model that allows Maksudian to work in the high school and directly with students, she is able to show students how to fill out a job application, write resumes and cover letters and prepare for interviews.

So far, 65 students have participated in the program, with 98 on a waitlist as of winter 2026. Students who complete Round Lake’s Future Ready program in partnership with Goodwill now receive a Certificate of Completion, a $150 Visa gift card as well as a $25 gift certificate to Goodwill for anything they may need for their future career, Lyft transportation vouchers and wraparound case management services for one year. This ensures students are supported beyond graduation and helps Round Lake measure student outcomes after high school. By working directly with community partners, Round Lake Area Schools has expanded student opportunities and continues to invest in students, even when they grow beyond our boundaries.