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Forging an Eco-Friendly and Innovative Future Ahead: KCSD96 Leading the Way
Kildeer Countryside Consolidated School District 96 (KCSD96) in Buffalo Grove is proud to be recognized as an Illinois Green Ribbon School District Honoree by the Illinois Green Alliance. This prestigious recognition celebrates KCSD96’s deep commitment to environmental impact reduction, sustainability, and wellness.
At the heart of KCSD96’s green initiative is a growing investment in renewable energy. Since 2020, solar panels at Woodlawn Middle School and Country Meadows Elementary have provided 80–85% of those schools’ energy needs. To foster transparency and community engagement, the district offers real-time energy production and savings data through a solar tracking platform accessible on its website.
But sustainability at KCSD96 extends beyond infrastructure and decisions like using only green-certified cleaning products and native landscaping features that reduce irrigation needs—it’s an educational mission. These efforts not only reduce its footprint but empower the next generation to lead with purpose.
“Our sustainability goals are not just about protecting the environment or saving energy—they’re about inspiring curiosity and giving students real-world learning opportunities that connect science, problem-solving, and social responsibility,” said KCSD96 Superintendent Katie Sheridan.
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KCSD96 is also advancing innovation through a strong STEM focus. In fall 2024, Twin Groves Middle School unveiled its new Collaboratory—an interactive learning space featuring a makerspace, noisy lab with 3D printers, and recording studios. A second KCSD96 Collaboratory is under construction at Woodlawn Middle School and will open in fall 2025. Students use this space in a variety of ways during the school day across all content areas. You might see students creating bridges, organic art, recording podcasts, and more.
"Our vision at KCSD96 is to be the premier elementary school district by laying a strong, lasting foundation for our students as they move into high school and beyond," said Board of Education President Mike Burns.
KCSD96 is forging a greener, smarter future—one powered by innovation, learning, and sustainability.
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Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides FREE books to Lake County residents (birth to 5)
All Lake County families can now enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, thanks to the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation (LCROEF). This cherished program delivers free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age five, regardless of income.
Enroll a child here.
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Virtual Learning with IVSA Opens Doors for Students and Districts
Illinois Virtual School & Academy, operated by LCROE, offers reimbursable, flexible, high-quality online learning that helps districts expand options, keep students engaged, and support every path to graduation.
Our courses include:
- AP
- Dual Credit
- CTE opportunities
- World Languages
- Effective Credit Recovery
Broaden learning opportunities, keep students on track, and prepare them for future success with the IVSA’s cost-effective, ISBE-reimbursable model.
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University Fair | Meet with Top-ranked Universities | ucenter.org
Ready to Take the Next Step? Join us this summer at the University Fair on June 12 and unlock your future!. Whether you're planning to transfer, complete your degree, or explore graduate options, this is your chance to connect with top Illinois universities —all in one place.. Discover 120+ programs Explore transfer-friendly pathways. Talk one-on-one with university reps.
www.ucenter.org
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AA # 988 Interpersonal & Team Communication
Skills for School Administrators
Wed, Jun 11 | Zoom link will be emailed
The foundation of professional success lies in understanding yourself, understanding others and realizing the impact of personal behaviors on others.
Buy Tickets
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Book Now: Field Trips & Teacher Workshops with Lake County Forest Preserves
Field trip bookings for the 2025–26 school year open July 1! Engage your students in nature and history while meeting Illinois standards. Sign up for hands-on teacher workshops starting July 16 to enrich your classroom with local resources.
Learn More.
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North Central College Offers Degrees, Certificates & Flexible Training for Every Educator
North Central College offers Lake County educators multiple pathways for growth—including leadership degrees, teacher licensure, PD workshops, special education endorsements, tuition discounts, and on-site info visits.
Questions? Email Us!
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University Center Scholarship Undergraduate and Graduate Application $2,000
The University Center of Lake County offers scholarships to students pursuing higher education through one of our member institutions during the 2025 – 2026 academic year. Applicants will be evaluated on the following areas: academic record, financial need, service to community, school activities letters of recommendation, and response to the essay question.
*Only Scholarship application completed packages will be reviewed.
> APPLY NOW (DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2025, By 4:59 pm)
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Apply For the Lake County Teacher Residency Program
The Lake County Teacher Residency is a one-year teacher preparation program for career changers with a bachelor’s degree from all backgrounds. Residents receive a scholarship to obtain a master’s degree from DePaul University and obtain in-classroom experience with guidance from expert coaches and mentors. Graduates of the program make an immediate impact as full-time special education teachers, transforming lives in North Chicago, Round Lake, and Waukegan public schools. To learn more about the residency or start your application, visit their website.
Professional Development Provider Renewal is Due June 30th
Approved providers must complete renewal annually by June 30th. This includes Illinois public school districts. The renewal is completed in PD+. Reminders have been sent out by ISBE. Please complete that renewal today if you have not already done so. Providers that do not renew by June 30th will be removed from the approved list, and educators will not be able to add PD for this provider until renewal has been completed.
Is Your ELIS Account Up To Date? 2025 Renewal Season is OPEN
If you are up for renewal in 2025, the system opened on April 1, 2025. Take the time to review your ELIS account and understand your credentials. Check your contact information, including name, phone, and email so it stays up to date.
Renewal Period: April 1 – August 31, 2025
To renew, log in to your ELIS account. If your current cycle requires Professional Development (PD) or Administrator Academies, these must be completed before renewal.
Did You Know…
If you hold a PEL with a bilingual endorsement, you can qualify for a world language endorsement in the same language by simply passing the specific world language content test. No additional coursework is required! You must apply for the world language endorsement in your ELIS account and wait for an application review (Scores typically post within 30 days).
Need ELIS login help?
Contact ISBE directly at 217-782-4321. Stay on the line through all messages to reach a live person. Note: The ROE cannot reset passwords or update emails.
Helpful Resources
Short-Term Substitute License
Don’t have a bachelor’s degree but want to substitute teach?
If you’ve completed 60 college credits from a regionally accredited college/university, you may qualify for a Short-Term Substitute (STS) License.
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June 18 – NLU Unlock the Power of AI in PK-12 Education Virtual Workshops Beginning on June 18th. Participants earn an AI Badge at the completion of the series! Weekly Zoom sessions are at 9:30-10:30 AM CST for eight consecutive weeks. RSVP here.
June 30 – NLU Accelerated ESL or LBS 1 Endorsement Pathway Courses
100% remote! To learn more about the accelerated program, contact Laura Beaupre at lbeaupre@nl.edu.
February 27-28, 2026– Save the Date for Illinois Teacher Leadership Summit 2026!
The summit will be held February 27-28th, 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Normal, IL. Registration has begun and you can get an early bird special rate here.
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