Seasons Greetings for The Principal

Seasons Greetings and Happy 2008!

To Our Wonderful North Chicago Community High School Family:

May your holidays be filled with merriment and joy as you celebrate the season with your friends and family. If your holiday plans include travel out of the city or state, I trust that you will have a safe trip to and from your destination points. Remember, students will have a vacation from school beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2007, and they will return to school on Monday, January 7, 2008.

Sincerely,
Leroy Davis

NCCHS Cheeleaders Named Cheer Squad of the Month

Congratulations to the NCCHS cheerleaders for being named Varsity Cheerleaders for the Month of November by the Propel Fitness and The Gatorade Company. For winning this distinction, the team was award complimentary cases of Propel Fitness Water. Mrs. Reynolds is the sponsor for the group. Congratulations Warhawks!

In The Event of School Closings Because of Inclement Weather

Students and Parents:

In the event of school closings, our school community will be notified in the following venues:

• A notice of the school closing will be posted on The Warhawk's Nest (Principal's blogs) on the NCCHS website
• An announcement will be made on the following radio stations: WXLC (102.3 FM; 847-336-8844) and WKRS (1220 AM; 847-336-7900)
• An announcement will also be included on television station, WGN (Channel 9; 773-526-2311)

Although we do not anticipate any school closings because of severe weather, I wanted to inform you of our plan in advance. Stay warm!

NCCHS Students Advanced In Know Your Heritage Bowl

Congratulations to the NCCHS Team for winning the first round in the "Know Your Heritage Bowl" that was held in Chicago on November 28, 2007. The NCCHS defeated Rickover Naval Academy 310 to 250.

The NCCHS team includes: Ashlee Ford, Paris Stewart. Nikkia Pelt, Roberto Garcia.

Our NCCHS team will participate in the Second Round of the competition on Friday, November 30, 2007. We congratulate our students, their sponsor, and their parents for this wonderful recognition.

The members of the NCCHS team are also students in the Academy of Finance, which is headed by Mrs. Joyce Walker. Ms. Walker is also the NCCHS team sponsor!

The Mothers Trust Foundation

The Mothers Trust Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting social service providers by offering assistance to children in need in Lake County. Children are identified by a social worker, school staff, counselor, court officers, or other qualified human service providers to receive services by the Mothers Trust Foundation. This foundation provides the following assistance: payment of fees; school supplies; clothing; summer school fees; field trips or other school-related expenses; housing expenses; transportation; psychological or medical emergencies; camps; after-school or park district programs; and other opportunities that will help children and youth avoid the damaging effect of destructive circumstances and experiences. For additional information, parents may contact the foundation at this address:

The Mothers Trust Foundation

400 E. Illinois
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: (847) 482-9189
FAX: (847) 482-9193

Warhawks Named To Saint Patrick All-Tournament Team

During the Thanksgiving Holidays, the NCCHS Boys' Varsity Basketball Team participated and won for the first time The Saint Patrick Tournament in Chicago. The following warhawks were among the top 10 players named to the All Tournament Team:

Kentrall Wilson
Patrick Terrell
Keith Ford
D.J. Henning

D.J. Henning, a senior, was named Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP). Congratulations to these students, their parents, and their coaches for bringing this great honor to our school.

NCCHS Boys' Basketball Teams Bring Home The Gold

Congratulations to the Mighty Warhawks Freshman A and B Teams and our Sophomore Team for winning the championship games in the Wauconda Tournament during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Also, special congratulations are extended to the NCCHS Varsity Basketball Team for winning for the first time the Saint Patrick Tournament played in Chicago during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The Boys' basketball teams will host our arch-rivals, the Waukegan Bull Dogs, on Saturday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving

To: The North Chicago Community:

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for me to acknowledge the support that our entire community has displayed in my transitioning as the new NCCHS Principal. I have been very impressed with our students, parents, teachers, and staff for their desires to make NCCHS a wonderful school where teaching and learning are our priorities. Please accept my sincerest and warmest appreciation for your continued support.

I trust that your Thanksgiving Holiday will be an enjoyable one for you and your family. If your plans include traveling to be with loved ones and friends, please travel safely. Have a great Thanksgiving celebration!

Sincerely,

Leroy Davis

College Week at NCCHS

During the week of November 5 - 8, NCCHS will celebrate "College Week". This week is being planned by the Guidance Department and will include the following activities:

All Week - Teachers and staff will wear college apparel

Monday - College Week Kick Off via P.A. Announcement

Tuesday - College of Lake County Preview Day Field Trip
Juniors and Seniors
8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday - NCCHS College Fair
9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Library
Junior and Seniors

Thursday - Financial Aid Presentation for Parents and Students
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
NCCHS Library

Friday - College Application Workshop for Students and Parents
Library Resource Center (LRC)
8:00 a.m. - to 10:00 a.m.

For more information, you may contact Counselors Ms. Justine Scott or Ms. Ruth Buchberger at 847-578-7400, ext. 253.

NCHHS Student Wins Student Paths Education Award

Jasmine Williams, the daughter of Mrs. Lecita Williams, has been recognized as a recipient of a $200 Student Paths Education Award for her participation in the Student Paths Program during Spring, 2007. This award is intended to be used to support students as they transition from high school to future endeavors. Jasmine's teacher, who was very instrumental in her participating in the Student Paths Program at NCCHS, is Mr. Joseph Hall. Currently, Jasmine is a Junior at NCCHS.

NCCHS extends special congratulations to Jasmine and her family for this wonderful recognition.

NCCHS Student National Scholarship Semi-Finalist

Ashlee Ford, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Ford, has been named a semi-finalist in the 2008 National Achievement Program. This program is sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corp, and this program awards scholarships to nearly 800 African American students nationwide based upon high performance on the PSAT Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Ashlee, who is a senior at NCCHS, plans to pursue a degree in Culinary Administration to prepare her for her life-long goal of owning a catering company that will specialize in international cuisine. We applaud Ashlee and her parents for receiving this prestigious recognition.

NJROTC Maintains Excellence

Congratulations to our NJROTC's Cadets, Chief Schipp, Chief Kinard, and Chief Pacheo for continuation of excellence and their recognition as a "Distinguised Unit" for the 12th consecutive year. The unit received this prestigious honor in the areas of (1) community service, (2) military drills, (3) marksmanship air-rifle shooting, (4) physical fitness, (5) and academic achievement. All of participating cadets will receive a "Distinguised Unit" ribbon to wear on their cadet uniform!

List of Providers for SES Tutors

2007-08 List of Approved SES Providers

Alternatives Unlimited Tutoring
[formerly AU-Specialized Student Services]
(Minimum of 3 students)
Mr. Dennis Allen

Alternatives Unlimited, Inc.
8508 Loch Raven Boulevard, Suite E
Baltimore, MD 21286
Mr. Allen
847-410-0770
410-339-7496
dallen@alternativesunlimited.com
www.alternativesunlimited.com
Did not respond to email

ATS Educational Consulting Services
Ms. Rene Weaver-Wright
NCLB Coordinator
20674 Hall Road
Clinton Township, MI 48038
Mr. Britt
586-465-9474
586-465-9481
info@nclb.projectsuccess.com

Babbage Net School, Inc.
Mr. Clifford Dittrich
President
P.O. Box 517
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Mr. Dittrich
631-642-2029
631-642-2029
SES@BabbageNetSchool.com
www.BabbageNetSchool.com

Brain Hurricane, LLC
Mr. Andy Howard
540 North State Street, Suite 5103
Chicago, IL 60610
Mr. Howard
877-668-8867 (toll free-parents)
312-527-0853 (administrators)
773-598-0566
ben@brainhurricane.com
www.brainhurricane.com

Brainfuse Online Instruction
(Needs a minimum of 10 students)
Mr. Alex Sztuden
Director
271 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Mr. Sztuden
866-272-4638
212-504-8184
requests@brainfuse.com
www.brainfuse.com

Brilliance Academy of Math and English
Mr. Kabir Kassam
Chief Executive officer
5940 West Touhy Suite 200
Niles, IL 60714
Mr. Kassam
847-559-7464
Kabirk@BrillianceAcademy.net
www.BrillianceAcademy.net

Carter, Reddy & Associates, Inc.
Mr. Raahul Reddy
6604 NW 9th Boulevard, Suite A
Gainesville FL 32605
Ms. Nolan
352-333-0244
352-333-0246
cjc01@aol.com
www.crandassociates.org

Catapult Online
Ms. Kanika Feaster
420 N. May St.
Chicago, IL 60622
Ms. Feaster
410-843-8255
202-251-7191
800-355-5265
410-843-8556
Kanika.feaster@educate-online.com
www.catapultonline.com

Center of Higher Development
Mr. Walter Gillespie
P.O. Box 490947
Chicago, IL 60649
Mr. Gillespie
773-955-1681
773-721-3920
walt@cohd.com
www.cohd.com


Chicago Kids, Tek, Inc.
Ms. Chantelle Hill
648 West Randolph, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60607
Ms. Hill
312-243-9298
312-243-0577
info@chitutorsz.com
www.chitutorsz.com


Class of 1, Inc.
Ms. Vibhav Agarwalla
6569 Glen Coe Drive, Brecksville, OH 44141
Ms. Agarwalla
248-875-3372
201-661-2826
vagarwalla@classof1.com
www.classof1.com


Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services
Mr. Todd A. Walden
Corporate Contact
15310 Amberly Drive, Suite 185
Tampa, FL 33647
Mr. Walden
800-434-2582
813-932-2486
ses@clubztutoring.com
www.Clubztutoring.com


Failure Free Reading
(Needs a minimum of 8 students)
Mr. Vincent Vezza
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
140 Cabarrus Avenue West
Concord, NC 28025
Mr. Vezza
704-786-7838
704-785-8940
ses@failurefree.com
www.failurefree.com


Gateway Learning Center
(needs a minimum of 20 students)
Dr. Karine Cross
Director of Education
46 East Steger Road
Steger, IL 60475
Dr. Cross
708-756-5000
708-756-5000
GatewayLearningCenter@earthlink.net
www.GatewayLearningCenter.com


Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.
Ms. Julie DeLucca
School Services Manager
496 Kinderkamack Road
Oradell, NJ 07649
Ms. DeLucca
800-692-8400, x486
800-466-1831
DeLuccaj@huntingtonlearningcenter.com
www.huntingtonlearning.com


Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
(Needs a minimum of 20)
Mr. Paul Worthington
416 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Mr. Worthington
805-541-3836
805-541-9332
pworthington@lblp.com
www.lindamoodbell.com


Orion’s Mind, LLC
(Needs a minimum of 50 students)
Ms. Emily Paris
645 North Kingsbury, Suite 2502
Chicago, IL 60610
Ms. Paris
312-329-0913
312-604-3770
emilyparis@orionsmind.com
www.orionsmind.com


Positive Opportunities for Progress, Inc.
Ms. Elizabeth Pawlowski
Co-Director of Operations
16710 Murfield Drive
Orland Park, IL 60467
Ms. Pawlowski
708-822-8523
708-692-1859
708-349-9047
ssmith@positiveopportunitiesforprogress.com
www.positiveopportunitiesforprogress.com


PrimeTime Computer Services, Inc.
Mr. Aaron Bucher
Extended Day Coordinator
2249 Highland Park Drive
Joliet, IL 60432
Mr. Bucher
815-553-0300
815-553-0400
aaron@ptcsi.com
www.ptcsi.com


Progressive Learning
(Elementary students only, some minimums may apply)
Mr. Ralph Fagen
Executive Director
2525 Michigan Avenue, Building G8
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Mr. Fagen
310-315-1444, x2
310-315-1441
info@progressivelearning.com
www.ProgressiveLearning.com


Progressive Tutoring
Mr. John Shelley
1022 Elmwood Avenue
Evanston, IL 60202
Mr. Shelley
847-864-8596
847-274-5672 (cell)
847-864-8463
johnshelley@ameritech.net
johnsshelley@ameritech.net


School Service Systems
Mr. Rob Lee
Chief Executive Officer
1011 South Lewis Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
Mr. Lee
630-916-8556
618-698-6008 (cell)
618-916-8556
Rlee1_sss@yahoo.com


SES of Illinois, Inc.
Mr. Mark Fiebig
2505 S. Des Plaines Avenue
North Riverside, IL 60546
Mr. Fiebig
630-675-8711
sesofillinois@sbcglobal.net


Socratic Learning, Inc.
Mr. Alcides Espinal
Executive Vice President
1300 North Milwaukee, Suite 201
Chicago, IL 60622
Mr. Espinal
773-276-5074
773-276-5803
alcides@socraticlearning.com
alcides_espinal@lycos.com
www.socraticlearning.com

Solai & Cameron, Inc.
Ms. Mallar R. Solai
2335 N. Southport, Chicago, IL 60614
Ms. Solai
773-506-2720
773-506-2717
msolai@solcam.com
www.solcam.com


Spectra Services
Elementary Students only
Mr. Ken Edwards
Regional Director
430 South Lake Street
Gary, IN 46403
Mr. Edwards
219-938-6739
219-938-6883
kre@kreassociates.com


The Black Star Project
(Needs a minimum of 15 students)
Ms. Kirsten Rokke
3224 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
Ms. Rokke
773-285-9600
773-285-9602
info@blackstarproject.org
www.blackstarproject.org


The Princeton Review, Inc.
Mr. Rufus Davis
2315 Broadway
New York City, NY 10024
Mr. Davis
212.874.8282, x1125
RufusD@review.com
www.princetonreview.com/ses


Unparalleled Solutions, Inc.
Ms. Venetia Clark
Owner
P.O. Box 812
Matteson, IL 60443
Ms. Clark
708-642-8170
815-464-1338
Unparalleledsolutions1@yahoo.com

Required Letter To Parent from Deputy Supt. Hakanen

September 17, 2007

Dear North Chicago Community High School Parents:

As a result of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, children who attend schools whose status requires restructuring may have the option to transfer to another school within the district at the district’s expense. Since there is only one high school in District 187, and since no neighboring district has entered into an agreement with us for transfer of students, we are unable to offer the choice of another high school. We can, however, offer other benefits that are described below.

Your child’s school is in Restructuring Status.

Restructuring means the school has failed to make adequate yearly progress for 5 years. Some major changes have been made at the school, and others remain to be made through the School Improvement Process.

For your information, our district’s 2006 report card and the most recent AYP status report for your school are available for your inspection at the district web site. The enhanced web site has other important information and documents for parents and students. See them at: http://www.nchi.lfc.edu/schools/ncchs/ . Paper copies of all documents can be ordered in the school office.

Your child’s school status, determined by scores in reading and math on the state test, has led to these changes and improvements:

The high school has a new principal, assistant principal, and two new deans.
The pilot program for freshman has been continued, this year with a new director.

In addition, parents of Title I eligible students can sign up for free tutoring provided by several outside companies. Tutoring information will be sent to all eligible parents (the parents who have submitted a Free or Reduced Lunch application).

The district and the State Board of Education are working with your child’s school to help improve the academic standards of the school. This is being accomplished by providing technical assistance to the teachers and administrators within your child’s school. However, this may not be enough, and we want to request your help as the school addresses its academic problems. The school would like to invite parents to serve on the committee that will need to develop a school improvement plan. We would also like to involve parents in addressing the academic issues that caused the school to be identified for school improvement. To volunteer for the parent committee, contact the school secretary, Ms. Pat Franklin at 847-578-7400.

Please call Mr. Leroy Davis, North Chicago Community High School Principal at that same telephone number if you have any questions about these services. You may also join us to talk about your options at an informational meeting at the school on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, at 3:15 p.m. in the high school Library.

Thank you,




Dr. Lauri Hakanen, Deputy Superintendent











































SES Letter to Title 1 eligible families at the high school


Dear NCCHS Parent:

Help your child succeed in school—sign up for free tutoring! As a result of the federal No Child Left Behind Act your child can receive extra help in the areas of math, and reading. You can receive this free tutoring because your child’s school is in its fifth year of School Improvement and your family meets the income limits under the law.

Your child’s school has been identified for improvement because it has not made (AYP) adequate yearly progress on state measures of academic achievement. Your child’s school has been identified because of scores on the state test.

For now, you can choose a free tutoring program that is best for your child. A group of approved tutoring programs in our area is enclosed. These programs have been approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and will provide your child with tutoring that is coordinated with what is being taught in school.

When deciding which tutoring program is best for your child, you may want to ask these questions:
When and where will the tutoring take place (at school, community center, office)?
How often and for how many hours in total will your child be tutored?
What programs, by grade levels and subject areas, are available for your child?
What type of instruction will the tutor use (small group, one-on-one, or the computer)?
What are the tutor’s qualifications?
Can the tutor help if your child has disabilities or is learning English?
Is transportation available to and from where the tutoring will take place?

If more students request tutoring than can be served through available funding, priority will be given to low performing students as determined by the district.

Please call Mr. Leroy Davis, Principal, at 1-847-578-7400 if you have any questions about these services. If you would like to select a tutor now, you can fill out the enclosed provider selection form and mail or deliver it back to Ms. Pat Franklin in the high school office. Applications are due by Friday, October 12, 2007. You will receive a letter from provider telling you when the free tutoring will start, or if the tutors class is full, to choose another tutor.

There will be a parent information session in the high school Library on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, at 3:15 P.M.

Thank you,


Dr. Lauri Hakanen, Deputy Superintendent

Enclosures: Approved Provider List/Provider Information
Provider Selection Form









































North Chicago Consolidated Unit School District 187
North Chicago Community High School
Supplemental Educational Services Parent Selection Form


Student Information:

Last Name _______________________ First Name __________________________________

Student Identification Number (if known) ______________ Date of Birth _________________

Grade ______ School Name _____________________________________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Parent/Guardian Information:

Check one for the person filing out this form: ___ Mother ___ Father ___ Guardian

Last Name ___________________________ First Name ________________________

Home Address __________________________________________ Apt. # __________

City _______________________________ State IL Zip Code ________________

Home Telephone ______________________ Work Telephone ____________________

Mobile/Cell Phone ____________________ Email _____________________________

Language Spoken at Home: qEnglish qSpanish qPolish qChinese qFilipino qOther
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Choose a Tutor:

Confidentiality: I give permission to the school district and the Illinois State Board of Education to disclose pertinent information about my child to the service provider. Information shall be limited to what is needed to operate the Supplemental Educational Services Program. Information concerning the identity of students receiving SES shall not be disclosed to the public without the permission of the parent/guardian of the student. The confidentiality of all student records shall be maintained in compliance with the applicable state and federal laws.
Parent/Guardian: Please review the provider directory and information. If you need assistance, you may consult with your child’s school. Once you have decided on a provider and services for your child, please consult with the provider to ensure that your child can be accommodated.

Please complete the following information:

Name of Provider selected: ________________________________________________


Signature: By signing below, I grant permission for the listed student to receive Supplemental Educational Services from the provider listed above.

PRINT NAME _______________________ Signature ___________________Date_________

Changes In The Grading Scale

The following grade system was approved by the Board in May 2006 and is now used to rank student performance:

( A = 4; B = 3; C = 2; D = 1; F = 0)

A- 100 - 94 Excellent/Superior Work
B- 93 - 82 Good/Above Average Work
C- 81 - 76 Average Work
D- 75 - 68 Below Average Work
F- 67 - 0 Failing
I- Incomplete Work

The grading scale will be reflected on reports cards at the end of the first grading period which ends on October 26, 2007.

Homecoming Week, September 17 - 22

Students, parents, alumni, and the entire community are urged to participate in the annual Homecoming Celebration for North Chicago Community High School beginning September 17, 2007. Throughout the week, the school has planned many celebrations, including the Annual Bonfire that will be held at dusk on September 19th; the homecoming game on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. , September 20, 2007. The annual homecoming dance on Saturday, September 23, 2007 and is for NCCSH Students and thier guests only.

You may contact the school at 847-578-7400 for specific information about the planned events for homecoming.

NCCHS Receives Grant To Support Academics

At the NCCHS-Wauconda football game on Friday, September 7, 2007, members of the Lake County Board of Commissioners awarded North Chicago Community High School a grant in the amount of $149,370.38. This money was designated to be used to support academics, particularly in the areas of math and reading. The Commissioners who presented the check included Mr. Angelo Kyle, Ms. Aubrey Nixon, and Ms. Mary Cunningham. Also, Board Members representing the school district were there to receive the check. Those members included Ms. Harper, Ms. Epps, and Mrs. Myers.

NCCHS salutes our Lake County Commissioners for their continued support to our school and community.

Upcoming Events for September

Students and Parents,
This is a reminder about upcoming events for NCCHS:

Monday, September 3rd
Labor Day - No School

Tuesday, September 11th
*Seniors will begin the process of ordering caps and gowns for graduation
*Open House will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. We will have a free spaghetti supper and PTA meeting from 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., followed by an opportunity to visit classrooms to hear teachers' presentations.

Thursday, September 20
Homecoming Game

Saturday, September 22
Homecoming Dance
7:30 - 11:00 p.m. in the NCCHS Cafeteria

Warhawks On The Move

Congratulations are in order to Coach Grenda and his coaching staff and to our Varsity Football Team for their very impressive victory over Chicago's Brookes High School. Friday, August 31st, the team will host Chicago Simeon at Amos Jones Stadium.

NCCHS Uniform Dress Code Policy and Disruptive Items

Dear Parents and Students,
This is a reminder that NCCHS has a uniform policy that will be enforced consistently throughout the year. The uniform includes:

Solid White Tops (tucked in)
Solid Black or Navy Blue bottoms
Shoes with Black or White shoelaces

Students will be expected to be in uniforms beginning Monday, August 27, 2007. Because we want our students to look their very best at all times, we remind parents and students that the wearing of head gear, non-prescriptive eyewear, clothing that reveals the mid-drift area, footwear that creates safety hazards, and clothing that the administration views as inappropriate for school are not to be worn to school or school related activities.

Because we value quality instructional time, students are not to bring any items that are disruptive to teaching and learning.

Your compliance with the uniform dress code is very much appreciated! You may contact me at 847-578-7400 if you need additional clarification of this policy.

Leroy Davis

Red and White Games

Don't forget that the annual Red & White Games will be this Friday, August 17th at 5:30 for JV and 7:00 Varsity. Both games will be played at Amos Jones Stadium.

NCCHS Athletes Take The Lead

Congratulations to 24 members of the Warhawk Athletic Department for their participation in the North Suburban Leadership Conference that was held on August 12, 2007 at Stevenson High School. Representing NCCHS were:

Edward Alvarez
Eric Alvendo
Terence Bedford
Michael Caston
Stacy Cheers
Iesha Coston
Brandon Curl
Jimon Hill
Lee Marcus Jones
Toye Jones
Casi Kneeland
Blanca Maysel
Brianca McDaniel
Cody Mercado
Mora Mickens
Marquis Miner
Daniel Packard
Jazmine Scott
Raven Snowden
Paris Stewart
Kimbria Tanner
Anthony Wells
Darryce Williams
Joshua Wright

We also want to acknowledge the parents of these students for allowing their students to represent our school.

Parental Encouragement and Involvement Strategies

25 Strategies for Involvement and Encouragement of Your Child.

1. Set aside a time and quiet place for your child to complete homework on a daily basis.
2. Make an appointment with the counselor to set up a time to meet your child’s teachers.
3. Establish an effective way for two-way communication with the teacher (e.g. email,
telephone, notes, etc.).
4. Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities.
5. Ensure that your child eats a nutritional breakfast each day.
6. Arrange to visit your child’s classroom during the school day.
7. Ask your child to explain some of the activities that he/she learns during the day.
8. Visit your counselor to talk about your child’s transcript and graduation plan frequently.
9. Attend school-related activities to acquaint yourself with your child’s friends.
10. Encourage your child to engage in group studies with other children.
11. Consider creating a family book club where the family reads an appropriate book and
discusses the book at family gatherings.
12. Conduct family research projects on various colleges, universities and specialized schools as
a family activity.
13. Create a family bulletin board where you display report cards, notes from teachers, and
special projects.
14. Research opportunities for your child to participate in summer internships.
15. Let your child plan the next family vacation (of course with your guidance)
16. Take up a non-traditional hobby or activity with your child.
17. Create a portfolio of your child’s report cards, good notes, recommendation, awards, etc. to
include with his/her college application.
18. Try a weekend without TV, radio, IPOD, DVDs, cell phone and use that time to talk with
your child or play board games.
19. Volunteer to work in a food shelter or homeless shelter as a family project.
20. Join the PTO and volunteer to chair a committee.
21. Look at your child’s past achievement tests to look for patterns of the types of questions
missed.
22. Encourage your child to read to smaller children or senior citizens.
23. Expose your child to classical radio stations.
24. Arrange for your child to visit colleges during the summer or times when NCCHS is not in
session.
25. Involve your child with a tutor when you notice a drop in grades.

Calling All Parents

“The greatest impact on student achievement comes from the family in well-designed, at-home activities- this is true regardless of family, racial, or cultural background or the parents’ formal education.”
-Joyce Epstein

Research has found that-

Parent and family engagement has a strong, positive relationship to student learning. It leads to increased student achievement, improved parent-child communication, improved student attitudes and behavior, and increased community support.

Schools and educators play a critical role in initiating, maintaining, and improving family/school/student partnership.

When parents/families/teachers agree on instructional goals, have a shared vision regarding the mission of the school, and work together to support classroom learning, academic achievement improves.

Parent and family engagement leads to increased cultural understanding, provides essential insights into special problems and needs of students, and reinforces the behavior norms of the home and school.

When parents are engaged, students achieve more, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic or racial background, or the parents’ educational level.

When parents are actively engaged in their children’s education, those children tend to have higher grades and test scores, better attendance, and complete homework more consistently.

NCCHS Back To School Spirit March & Picnic

Parents, teachers/staff, students, and Community members are invited to a Back To School Spirit March and Picnic that will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of the Spirit March is to unite our community as we begin our focus of having an incredibly wonderful school year for the students and staff of North Chicago Community High School. Come share with us as we "Soar Into The Future".

Free Food and lots of fun will make this event worthwhile! Please contact Dr. Brenda Senter, Assistant Principal for Guidance and Counseling, at 847-578-7400, if you need additional information!

Extended Learning Opportunities for Parents

Family Literacy GED and ESL classes are offered for parents of children 0 - 6 years this fall. The classes are free and will be offered at the North Chicago Public Library. Flyers about these classes are available in the NCCHS Main Office. For more information, you may contact Sari Oosta, Family Literacy Coordinator for the College of Lake County, at 847-543-2317.

NCCHS Student Receives National Recognition

Congratulations to NCCHS sophomore, Brehanna Jordan, who was selected to serve on the National Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Youth Advisory Board. Brehanna, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hayward Johnson, is recognized as a leader within our school and community. As an advisory board member, Brehanna participated in the leadership conference held in Farmville, VA this summer. At NCCHS, Brehanna is active in the National Honor Society, Student Council, North Chicago Leadership Academy and XPLORE Technology Program.
NCCHS congratulates Brehanna and her parents on this prestigious accomplishment.

Registration Requirements

Parents:
As you prepare to register your child at NCCHS for the 2007-08 school year, please note that you will need to provide the following for registration:

Verification of Residence

• You will need three (3) different verification documents (examples: current gas bill, current light bill, current cable bill, driver's license, mortgage statement, original & typed lease agreement)

Medical Information

• Updated immunization record, medical history record, and physical examination forms for athletes
• All freshmen and students new to North Chicago School District #187 are to provide documentation of a having a medical examination in the past year.
• Students participating in extracurricular sports must have an annual physical exam

Payment of Fees

• Previous obligations must be paid prior to registering for the 2007-08 School Year
• The registration fee is $95.00 for students or $45.00 for students receiving free/reduced lunches (Cash, Cashier's Check or Money Order are acceptable)
• Deferred Payment Plan Available

For additional information about registration, please contact Dr. Brenda Senter at 847-578-7400.

NCCHS PTO/Booster Club Officers

Congratulations to the newly elected PTO/Booster Club Officers for 2007-08:

Ms. Regina Packard, President
Ms. Gloria Scott, Vice-President
Ms. Gina Shaw, Secretary
Ms. Kim Lee, Treasurer

The PTO/Booster Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the NCCHS Library. Membership is $10.00 per family. The PTO/Booster Club will have members available during Student Registration ( August 7-13) and at the North Chicago Annual Community Day Celebration on August 4, 2007 to solicit membership and volunteers in support of our wonderful students attending North Chicago Community High School!

Together, We Can (and must) Make a Difference

First Day of School

Students and Parents:
This is a reminder that the first day of school for the North Chicago Community Unit School District 187 is August 23, 2007. For NCCHS, classes will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will last until 11:00 a.m. on the first day. Afterwards, we will resume our typical schedule, 8:00 a.m. until 2:55 p.m.
As always, call me at 847-578-7400 should you have a question about the first day of school.

Leroy Davis,
Principal

NCCHS Upcoming Public Forums

You are cordially invited to the following public forums for North Chicago Community High School:

High School Redesign Forum # 2
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
at the High School - 6:00 p.m.

High School Redesign Forum #3
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
at the High School - 6:00 p.m.


For additional information, contact me at 847-578-7400

2007-08 Registration for NCCHS

Please add the following dates for registration for the 2007-08 school year to your calendar:

Freshmen Registration
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sophomore Registration
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Junior and Senior Registration
Thursday, August 9, 2007
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Late Registration for high school students: Monday, August 13, 2007, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2007 - 2008 School Goals

The goals for North Chicago High School for the 2007-08 school year are:

Enhancing the academic performance of all students
Maintaining a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment conducive to teaching and learning
Fostering an environment where all stakeholders feel valued and respected
Seeking a multitude of opportunities for parents to be more inclusive in school activities

Welcome Back Letter To NCHS Community

Dear Students and Parents of The North Chicago High School Community:

I am delighted to serve as the new Principal of North Community High School. I come to you with vast professional and personal experience as a high school principal, middle school principal, secondary assistant principal, central office administrator, and secondary Language Arts teacher. Most of my experiences occurred in the Austin Independent School District, Austin, Texas. I am excited about the future of North Chicago High School and look forward to working with the entire North Chicago High School community towards academic excellence for all.

Welcome to Principal Davis' Blog

We have set up a blog for Principal Leroy Davis. Our goal is for Mr. Davis to use his blog to post announcements, highlight achievement, and share his vision for North Chicago High School. We will enable comments so that you can contact Mr. Davis via this blog as well.