May 2025
Dear Lake Bluff Community,
As May unfolds, we're filled with gratitude for a school year rich in creativity, community, and growth. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey.
We're especially excited about Sunrise Rocks 2025, happening on Saturday, May 24, at Sunrise Park. It's a celebration of music, connection, and the generosity that fuels opportunities for Lake Bluff students. We hope to see you there!
Looking ahead, we’re also gearing up for our Summer Book Club Conversation this August featuring “The Gift of Failure.” This is a great way to come together and discuss issues facing our students. RSVP is encouraged so you can receive all the conversation starters directly throughout the summer. You can get details about the reading material further down in this bulletin.
This week is Staff Appreciation Week! It's not too late to send a note of gratitude to a LB65 staff member or even an educator who made a difference in your life.
As always, thank you for supporting creativity, excellence, and opportunity in our schools.
Every Student, Every Day,
Dr. Lisa Leali
Superintendent, Lake Bluff 65
Want to see your child in the next edition of the Lake Bluff 65 wall calendar? Now’s your chance to participate!
We are looking for photos and quotes from our students to feature. We want to hear from our students what they love about LBES and LBMS.
Consider submitting a photo of your child with their teacher or a beloved staff member, participating in an extracurricular activity, or posing with a project they are proud of!
Join the Summer Book Club Conversation!
Modern parenting often involves overprotection, with parents managing schoolwork, friendships, and activities, which can hinder kids from learning responsibility and embracing failure. At least that’s what author Jessica Lahey claims in her NYT Best Seller, The Gift of Failure, where Lahey offers insights on fostering independence and resilience.
What to Expect
Weekly conversation prompts emailed by Dr. Leali to spark reflection and discussion.
Read at your own pace throughout the summer—no pressure, just perspective.
August in-person discussion, just before the new school year kicks off.
Need a book? Reach out to the District Office for help getting a copy.
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 on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library website.
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!
Andrew Carlson Joins Lake Bluff District 65 School Board
Lake Bluff School District 65 is proud to welcome Andrew Carlson as its newest school board member. A dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience, Andrew has lived in Lake Bluff for the past three years and is the parent of two students currently attending District 65 schools.
Motivated by a desire to give back to the community that welcomed his family, Andrew has been active locally, including coaching youth sports. He now looks forward to serving in a broader role, supporting students, families, and educators across the district.
Andrew is committed to the district’s guiding motto, “Every Student, Every Day,” and believes it reflects the shared responsibility of ensuring every child receives a high-quality education. District 65 is excited to welcome Andrew’s insight, dedication, and leadership as he joins the board in helping guide the future of Lake Bluff schools.
Grease Lights Up the Stage with Student Talent and School Spirit
This year’s LBMS musical, Grease, showcased the talents of 168 students—nearly 60% of our school—both on stage and behind the scenes. The production promoted collaboration, creativity, and school spirit, supported by dedicated staff, parents, and community members. We’re especially proud of our 8th graders for their leadership and enthusiasm. Their passion, courage, and inspiration transformed the Grease performance into a celebration of teamwork and growth.
We are so excited to announce that the Lake Bluff Middle School Olympiad team captured the title of State Champions this spring! Congratulations to the outstanding students, coaches, instructors, and volunteers whose dedication and hard work made this remarkable achievement possible. District 65 is incredibly proud of our brilliant students!
Lake Bluff 5th Graders Create Lasting Legacy with Mosaic Artwork
On April 30th, fifth-grade students from Lake Bluff Elementary School unveiled a striking collaborative mosaic featuring native Illinois prairie plants. The project began months earlier, guided by art teacher Jamie Glover, and was enriched by a visit to the nationally acclaimed Chicago Mosaic School, a leader in the professional art of mosaic-making.
The visit to the Chicago Mosaic School was an ideal opportunity for students to explore the mosaic medium in depth. With the school's expert guidance and creative environment, students could view professional mosaics, interact with artists, and craft their unique section for the final masterpiece.
The experience was made possible by generous support, encouragement, and contributions from the Alliance for Excellence.
Tile by Tile, Students and Community Build Prairie-Inspired Artwork:
Student Experience: Each 5th grader crafted a 4x4-inch mosaic tile, which contributed to a larger collaborative piece.
Curriculum Connection: The mosaic’s design of native Illinois prairie plants ties directly into the 5th-grade curriculum.
Design and Expertise: The Chicago Mosaic School is the only mosaic school of its kind in the United States, offering a unique experience for all involved.
Permanent Display: The finished piece will be permanently installed in the Lake Bluff Elementary courtyard this spring, serving as a lasting legacy for future students.
Looking to the Future:
The mosaic project is just the beginning. LBES plans to continue this tradition, ensuring that each class of 5th graders leaves behind a collaborative mosaic as a legacy. This beautiful piece will not only serve as a reminder of the children’s educational journey but also inspire future generations to work together and create something remarkable.
May 7: Pre-K - No School
May 7: District PTO Meeting, 9 AM
May 7: Pre-K Parent Information Meeting, 2 PM
May 8: Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night, 7 PM
May 12: LBES 5th Grade Band Concert, 6 PM
May 13: LBES & LBMS MAP Testing
May 13: Alliance Board Meeting, 7 PM
May 14: LBES & LBMS MAP Testing
May 14: LBES PTO Meeting, 9 AM
May 14: LBMS Band Concert, 7 PM
May 15: LBMS Chorus Concert, 7 PM
May 19: LBES Choir Concert, 6 PM
May 20: Regular Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM
May 21: LBMS PTO Meeting, 9 AM
May 21: LBMS Art Show, 6 PM
May 22: LBES K Concert, 5:30 PM
May 22: LBES 1st Grade Concert, 6:15 PM
May 22: LBES 2nd Grade Music Concert, 7 PM
May 24: Sunrise Rocks at Sunset Park
May 26: Memorial Day, No School
May 29: 8th Grade Scavenger Hunt - PTO Sponsored, 3:30 PM
June 2: Pre-K Last Day
June 3: Last Day of School Early Dismissal LBES 1:40 PM, LBMS 2:20 PM
June 3: 8th Grade Promotion, 7 PM
May FAN Events
What is FAN? Family Action Network (FAN) is a 501(c)(3) organization that curates a high-quality speaker series. All FAN Events are free and open to the public. All FAN Events start at 7pm and are held via zoom unless otherwise noted. For any questions in regards to FAN Events or for a zoom link please contact Kaitlyn Stabenow kstabenow@lb65.org
May 6th - Zoom
GRAND ROUNDS: Shift: Managing Your Emotions -- So They Don't Manage You
Ethan Kross, Ph.D., FAN '24
May 12th - Zoom
The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech’s Hype and Create the Future We Want
Emily Bender, Ph.D. and Alex Hanna, Ph.D.
May 13th - Zoom
The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success
Susan Dominus
May 14th - Evanston Township High School
Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence
Jens Ludwig, Ph.D.
May 20th - Zoom
Legends and Soles: The Memoir of an American Original
Sonny Vaccaro
May 21st - Zoom
How to Stop Trying: An Overachiever’s Guide to Self-Acceptance, Letting Go, and Other Impossible Things
Kate Williams
May 22nd - Zoom 12:00 PM
Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism
Eve L. Ewing, Ed.D., FAN '18
