By: Dr. Jeff Feucht, Superintendent
D117 Families, Students, and Staff,
This is the February edition of our monthly update, where you will receive timely reminders, links to upcoming events, and news from Community High School District #117. We promise to keep this to a 5-minute read (or less!)!
1. Apprentice Awareness Program March 23–26 with $100 stipend!
Looking for a productive way to spend part of spring break? Our partners at the College of Lake County (CLC) are offering an Apprentice Awareness Program from March 23–26, 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The program is available both virtually and in person, and students who complete it will receive a $100 stipend!
The Apprentice Awareness Program is designed to engage and educate high school students about apprenticeship career pathways, employability skills, and key knowledge points to develop a successful career as an apprentice.
Sessions include virtual and on-site employer visits, an apprentice panel, and personal development skills workshops. Apprenticeship programs highlighted include Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics, Business Administration, Horticulture, HVAC/Refrigeration, Industrial Technology, IT Network Administration, Precision Machining Technology, and Criminal Justice. Follow This Link to Register!
Also, if you missed it last month, please follow this link to our new District 117 Career Guide 1.0 that features specific courses we offer to prepare students for various career pathways. The guide includes current local job growth and salary data specific to Lake County!
2. Junior Families – Complete Your One Click College Admit Opt-In!
Attention Class of 2027 families! The State of Illinois’s One Click College Admit Program gives juniors a streamlined path to direct admission at most of the state’s public universities and all of its community colleges – no essays, no application fees, and no letters of recommendation required. The only criterion is your student’s GPA.
To participate, parents must complete the opt-in process no later than May 22, which gives permission for your student’s sixth-semester GPA to be shared with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Colleges will then extend admissions offers in the fall of senior year to students whose GPA meets their criteria. Participation is optional. Visit oneclickadmit.org for more information and to complete the opt-in.
3. Congratulations to ACHS & LCHS – College Board AP Honor Roll!
We are so proud to share that both ACHS and LCHS have been named to the College Board’s 2025 AP School Honor Roll!
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access to advanced coursework. Schools earn recognition based on three research-based criteria tied to college outcomes: College Culture (the percentage of graduating seniors who took at least one AP exam), College Credit (the percentage who scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam), and College Optimization (the percentage who took five or more AP exams during high school, beginning in 9th or 10th grade). Schools must meet thresholds in all three categories to be recognized, with four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
This is not only a testament to our students and their hard work, but also to our staff, who ensure that AP students are well-prepared for academic success. We know it takes a significant school-wide effort, including dedication from teachers, counselors, administrators, students, and parents, to make AP access a priority. Thank you to our entire D117 community for this achievement!
4. ACHS & LCHS Annual Booster Fundraiser Events!
Our booster clubs at both schools have exciting spring fundraiser events coming up, so mark your calendars!
ACHS: Sequoit Pride, the Antioch Booster Club, is proud to present its primary fundraiser, the Main Event. The festivities, complete with a silent and live auction, will be held on Saturday, March 7th, at the Antioch VFW, starting at 6:00 pm. Click here to buy tickets – all proceeds go to support ACHS!
LCHS: Save the Date! The Lakes Eagles Booster Club is bringing back an in-person Booster Bash with live auction items! We hope you can join us on Friday, April 17th, at Harbor Brewing. More information and ticket sales are coming soon.
5. Your Weekly Newsletters Are Just a Click Away!
Spring events season is coming! For more detailed information and upcoming dates every week, don’t forget to view Dr. Berrie’s (“Sequoit Weekly”) and Ms. Bowen’s (“News from the Nest”) super informative weekly newsletters in your email inbox and anytime on our websites at the very first link on the top left of the menu bar titled “Quick Links” OR just click here for ACHS or here for LCHS.
Ping us back! If you have a question about any of these items or would like to suggest a topic for 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).