March 2026

Dear Lake County Community,

As we continue to highlight the great work happening across Lake County schools, we are proud to feature two districts this month that demonstrate how innovation, collaboration, and community partnerships can positively impact students.

In Antioch Community Consolidated School District 34, educators are strengthening student engagement through innovative instructional strategies, expanded bilingual supports, and meaningful opportunities for student voice and leadership.

Meanwhile, Deerfield School District 109 is showing the power of community alignment through the Stronger Together Deerfield initiative-bringing schools, local government, and community partners together to support student well-being and family engagement.

Both districts reflect a shared commitment to ensuring students feel supported, challenged, and connected. We are proud to highlight their efforts and the many ways they are creating environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

Antioch CCSD 34: Supporting Students Through Innovative Instruction and Student Voice |Mission | We Inspire Our Students to Dream and Empower Them to Achieve

Antioch Community Consolidated School District 34 continues to invest in programs and instructional strategies designed to support the diverse needs of its students while fostering meaningful engagement in learning.

One recent initiative is the implementation of a (TBE) Program for Spanish-speaking students, designed to provide additional academic and language support for students from Spanish-speaking homes. The program is currently offered at W.C. Petty Elementary School and Antioch Upper Grade School (AUGS). At the elementary level, students are clustered within classrooms where an English Learner teacher works with students to strengthen language development, while a bilingual Spanish teacher supports instruction across core academic areas. At AUGS, bilingual and EL teachers provide targeted support within core classes and through the school’s daily Success period. This model allows students to build English proficiency while continuing to grow academically in content areas. Early feedback from families and staff has been positive, with students demonstrating increased confidence, stronger connections to school, and improved access to grade-level learning.

The district has also focused on strengthening classroom instruction through high-impact learning strategies. All middle school teachers recently participated in Kagan Cooperative Learning training, equipping staff with strategies that promote collaboration, engagement, and structured student interaction. In addition, teachers across the district are implementing Building Thinking Classrooms, a math-focused instructional approach that encourages students to solve problems collaboratively using vertical whiteboards and visible thinking routines. Together, these strategies promote active learning, perseverance, and deeper student understanding. With increased experiential learning in math classrooms, we saw our highest NWEA growth scores ever, with 66% of our students meeting or exceeding their growth targets 

Student voice and leadership has always been a trademark of District 34 and can be seen in our students' involvement in clubs and activities at Antioch Upper Grade school, where over 80% of the student body participates in at least one club or activity.  Students are encouraged to propose new clubs based on their interests, secure a staff sponsor, and take an active role in organizing and leading meetings. This developmentally appropriate structure empowers middle school students to build leadership skills, explore passions, and strengthen connections with peers and staff.

Through innovative programming, strong instructional practices, and opportunities for student leadership, Antioch CCSD 34 continues to create engaging and supportive learning environments for all students.

During the 2024–2025 school year, District 109 launched a community book study of Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. Building-level parent events explored the book’s themes and discussed strategies tailored to the experiences of Deerfield children. In spring 2025, the District hosted a community panel featuring pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Schott, psychologist Dr. Lisa Novak, South Park Elementary Principal Dr. Marcie Faust, and ER physician Dr. Ben Feinzimer.

Attendees participated in a live ThoughtExchange survey, identifying common stressors for children and families: hectic schedules, limited family time and excessive screen use. Panelists responded with practical guidance, sharing real-life observations and strategies such as managing screen time and encouraging independence.

From these conversations emerged Stronger Together Deerfield, a community-wide initiative grounded in a simple belief: when schools, local government and community partners align shared priorities, children and families thrive. What began as District 109’s effort to address student well-being – including anxiety, resilience, healthy technology habits and belonging – grew into a unified community movement.

In August 2025, the District 109 Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution formally supporting Stronger Together Deerfield. One month later, the Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees also adopted a resolution endorsing the initiative, signaling shared leadership and commitment across sectors.

Partnership helped Stronger Together moves from vision to action. Through the “Together We Give” community drive during the holidays, District 109 partnered with the Deerfield Park District and local organizations to collect winter clothing, food items and gift cards, and collect donations to access to summer camps and enrichment programs for families who could not otherwise afford these items and experiences. District leaders sorted and organized donations. 

By combining district outreach, Park District programming and community generosity, Together We Give expanded opportunity beyond the school day. Stronger Together Deerfield shows that when a community acts with shared purpose, we strengthen outcomes for every child – together.