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This is the February edition of a monthly update wherein you will receive timely reminders, links for upcoming events, and news from Community High School District #117. We promise to keep this to a 5 minute read (or less!)! 

1. Reminder - New Date for Last Day

Due to the snow day on January 12, our last day of school will be Tuesday, May 28th. Final exams will be Thursday - 5/23, Friday - 5/24, and Tuesday, 5/28.

2. Four D117 “Those Who Excel” Award Winners Announced!

Last week, The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) honored over 500 Illinoisans for their extraordinary contributions to education across the state through its annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards

“Those Who Excel” celebrates incredible educators, volunteers, and teams who have made lasting impacts on the students, families, and fellow educators in their school communities. We are elated and filled with pride to celebrate District 117’s Those Who Excel winners: Chris Synder (Teacher), Maddie Lyon (Early Career Educator), Julie Gerrits (Community Volunteer), and Sequoit Pride (Team). 

We are so grateful to have so many staff and community members who are willing to go above and beyond for the benefit of our students. This year’s recipients from District 117 truly embody this student-centered ethos that makes our schools special. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Those Who Excel winners!

3. Drawing Date Announced for Car Raffle! - Opt-In Paperwork Due April 11

We are thrilled to reveal that the date for the highly anticipated car giveaway has been set for May 17, 2024. This will be an exciting day, as one deserving graduate will be awarded a brand-new car in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

To ensure eligibility, students are reminded to submit all necessary paperwork to opt into the drawing and confirm their eligibility for cum laude recognition by the upcoming deadline of April 11, 2024, at 4 pm. 

The "Driving for Education" program is a collaboration with Raymond Chevrolet Kia, and underscores our commitment to encouraging students to excel in various aspects of their lives, aligning with our ‘D117 Portrait of a Graduate’ vision. Eligibility criteria for the cum laude distinction and the car giveaway include:

- Earning a minimum of 26 academic credits.

- Maintaining exemplary behavior with zero suspensions.

- Contributing to the community with at least 40 hours of volunteer work.

- Achieving excellence through securing 3 capstone credits.

- Showcasing school spirit by participating in at least four extracurricular activities.

Thank you to Raymond Chevrolet Kia for making this “Driving for Education” program possible!

4. Spring Edition of Connections Magazine Online Now

The spring edition of our community magazine called Connections is now available online. The print edition will be available for pick up and home delivery in 10 days. This edition includes several articles about District 117 including feature articles on our monthly student and staff recognitions (p.10), building renovation projects (p.11), D117 Portrait of a Graduate implementation (p.12), “Humans of Antioch” oral history project (p.13), Illinois State Scholars (p.18), marching band (p.18), fine arts & athletics highlights (p.14-16), and our regular columns from Dr. Berrie and Ms. Bowen (p.14 & 16). All of the back issues are available online in three formats: PDF Download , Flipbook, & Website .

5. ACHS & LCHS Annual Booster Events!

Our once-annual big booster fundraiser events are happening soon!

Our ACHS “Main Event” is NEXT SATURDAY, March 2 at the Lehmann Mansion. Please follow this link to attend!

Our LCHS “Bid It To Win It!” Online Auction will be April 12 – April 16! They are seeking donations from the local community. If you have a business that would be interested in making a donation (gift card, product and/or service), please contact Tracy Behnke at tracybehnke@hotmail.com 

Have a question or topic for our March update? If you have a question or topic you would like us to include in our March update, please feel free to share your idea with our superintendent, Dr. Jeff Feucht via email (jeff.feucht@chsd117.org) or via phone (direct line: 847.838.7679).