January 4, 2025

Dear Lake Bluff Community,

February may be the shortest month, but it’s full of opportunities to learn, grow, and connect! With assessment season on the horizon, I encourage us to embrace this time as a chance to reflect on progress and celebrate the many ways our students shine. While assessments provide valuable insights, they are just one piece of the bigger picture. You can read more about how we use assessments later in this newsletter. 

Looking ahead, I invite you to join me for Lattes with Leali in March—an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and discuss what matters most to you. Also, be on the look out for district technology updates. More coming soon!  

At Lake Bluff 65, we are committed to recognizing our students’ creativity, resilience, and curiosity—qualities that shape their success every day. Thank you for being part of our incredible community and making this vision a reality!

Every Student, Every Day,

Dr. Lisa Leali
Superintendent, Lake Bluff School District 65

The Community Wellness Task Force is hosting a Community Youth Summit, and we want to hear from students!

• First Summit: February 27, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Second Summit: April 23, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  📍 Where: CROYA (Lunch provided!)

This summit is a unique opportunity for students to share their concerns, provide valuable feedback, and help shape a more supportive and inclusive community. It’s also a fantastic leadership opportunity for students to make their voices heard and create meaningful change.

Encourage your student to participate! 

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Lattes with Leali 

Mark your calendars! Join Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali for a cup of coffee and great conversation on March 4 and March 12. This is a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and connect. Open to all!

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It Takes a Village - Help Out with Bluffers In Need 

The Bluffers In Need fund provides crucial support for students in our district, covering essentials like lunches on field trips, eyeglasses, winter gear, and more. Your contribution, no matter the amount, can make a significant difference in our community. Click here to donate!

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Referral GPS: Connecting Families to Mental Health Resources

Through a partnership with the Lake County Regional Office of Education, families can access thousands of behavioral health professionals for support with anxiety, depression, stress management, and parenting strategies. ReferralGPS Lake County also offers financial assistance through the Lake County Treatment Fund, and connects families to providers who accept various insurance plans.

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Explore Resources from TrueNorth

TrueNorth’s Association of Parents and Staff (APS) newsletter is packed with valuable resources, workshops, and events designed to benefit all families. Whether or not your child is in a TrueNorth instructional classroom or receives services through your local school district, check out their website to subscribe to their newsletter and explore new opportunities to learn, connect, and further support your child. 

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Third Grade learned all about force and motion during enrichment! Beyond having fun with physics, it’s a great reminder for us all to ~keep the momentum going~ in February! 

From Data to Discovery: Empowering Every Lake Bluff Learner

Lake Bluff District 65 is excited to continue our journey of supporting every student’s growth, learning, and joy. As we approach testing season, we want to remind our families about the vital role assessments play in our work to educate all students. 

Assessments are tools that guide our teaching and help students flourish as learners and individuals. This spring, students will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and NWEA/MAP tests. While the IAR provides a snapshot of achievement aligned to state standards, the MAP test offers a more detailed view of individual growth over time. Together, these tools help us tailor support for students, ensuring that each child can thrive academically and personally.

But our aspirations go beyond test scores. Through our Portrait of a Learner framework, we aim to nurture empathy, resilience, responsibility, and a growth mindset in every student. This means celebrating diverse talents, fostering joy in learning, and embracing the challenges that lead to meaningful growth.

We know that progress doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some students may be mastering new skills at an accelerated pace, while others focus on steady growth in foundational areas. Both journeys are successes, and our commitment is to meet students where they are, providing the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.

Our strategic plan ensures we remain focused on these goals, using data not just to measure progress but to guide actions that make a difference. Whether it’s through refining literacy instruction, enhancing math support, or fostering a strong sense of belonging, our work centers on the whole student.

Families play an important role, too. Encouraging students to approach assessments with confidence and effort helps them develop resilience and responsibility. Together, we can ensure that these tools serve as a springboard for growth, empowering every student to become a lifelong learner and compassionate community member.

The future is bright for Lake Bluff, and we’re grateful to be on this journey with you.