Qualities of an effective Principal?

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on October 8, 2009

As many of you know, with the retirement of our Superintendent Jay Sabatino, I will be moving over to the District’s Central Office this summer.  The District is looking to hire a replacement principal for both LCHS and ACHS. 

I would like to get your input on what qualities you believe are necessary to be an educational leader here at Lakes Community High School. 

I will provide an update after I have compiled the results of this inquiry.   Thank you for your cooperation.   Go Eagles!!

1 Comment

Homecoming – Traditions

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on October 6, 2009

 United States. People, towns, high schools and colleges come together, usually in late September or early October, to welcome back former residents and alumni. It is built around a central event, such as a banquet and, most often, a game of American football, or, on occasion, basketball, or ice hockey. When celebrated by schools, the activities vary widely. However, they usually consist of a football game played on the school’s home football field, activities for students and alumni, a parade featuring the school’s marching band and sports teams, and the coronation of a Homecoming Queen (and at many schools, a Homecoming King).

 

 The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign credits two senior members of the class of 1910 with establishing the tradition of homecoming at Illinois. These two men wereThe history of the University of Missouri Homecoming can be traced back to 1891, when the

   

 secret ballot, but other methods may also be used by certain schools. pep rally, school assembly, or public ceremony one or more days before the game. Other schools crown their royalty at the Homecoming football game, a dance or other school event. Often, the previous year’s Queen and King are invited back to crown their successors. If they are absent for whatever reason, someone else – usually, another previous Queen or King, a popular teacher, or other designated person – will perform those duties. Usually, the Queen is crowned first, followed by the King. The crowning method also varies by school. Homecoming court members who are not crowned king or queen are often called escorts or royalty . They are often expected to participate in the week’s activities as well. At some schools, a Homecoming Prince/Princess, Duke/Duchess etc. (often underclassmen nominated by their classmates) are crowned along with the King and Queen; sometimes, middle school and junior high students may partake in the high school activities Many Homecoming celebrations include a parade. Students often select the grand marshal based on his/her service and support to the school and/or community. The parade includes the school’s marching band and different school organizations floats created by the classes and organizations and most of the sports get a chance to be in the parade and show off their fierceness! Every class prepares a float which corresponds with the Homecoming theme or related theme of school spirit as assign by school administrators. In addition, the Homecoming Court takes part in the parade, often riding together in one or more convertibles as part of the parade. The parade is often part of a series of activities scheduled for that specific day, which can also include a pep rally, bonfire, snake dance, and other activities for students and alumni. Tailgate At most major colleges and universities, the football game and preceding tailgate are the most widely recognized and heavily attended events of the week. Alumni gather from all around the world to return to their Alma Mater and reconnect with one another and take part in the festivities. Students, alumni, businesses, and members of the community set up tents in parking lots, fields, and streets near the stadium to cook out, play games, socialize, binge drink, and even enjoy live music in many instances. These celebrations often last straight through the game for those who do not have tickets but still come to take part in the socializing and excitement of the homecoming atmosphere. Most tents even include television or radio feeds of the game for those without tickets. Picnic Sometimes during the school week, a picnic could occur. The picnic is very similar to the tailgate party, but it occurs after school or during the school’s lunch period.Dress-up days Throughout the week, many schools (particularly high schools) engage in special dress-up days, sometimes called “Spirit Week”, where students are allowed to wear clothing suitable to the theme (e.g.,toga day, nerd day, pirate day, Rat Pack Day) leading to the homecoming. Students traditionally wear clothing with their school’s name, or clothing and makeup of their school’s colors on Friday. Mums At many Southwestern American high schools, especially in Texas and Oklahoma, homecoming dates exchange “mums” on Homecoming Friday, to wear to the game and the dance. These are very elaborate homecoming date, activities, and interests, in addition to commemorating the homecoming event with decorations related to the school and the homecoming game. corsages (for the girls, usually pinned to clothing on the chest or shoulder) or garters (for the boys, worn on the arm) that consist of a large flower (usually a white synthetic chrysanthemum) surrounded by a ribbon ruffle. Long ribbons, decorations and trinkets are hung from the mum. These decorations are carefully chosen to indicate the students’ class,

 
Rallies

 

 

 

 

Many schools hold a rally during Homecoming week, often one or more nights before the game. The events vary, but may include skits, games, introduction of the homecoming court (and coronation of the King and Queen if that is the school’s tradition), and comments from the football players and/or coach about the upcoming game.  At some schools, the Homecoming rally ends with a bonfire (in which old wood structures, the rival school’s memorabilia and other items are burned in a controlled fire.) Many colleges and high schools no longer hold bonfires because of accidents that have occurred surrounding these events in the past. The most well known accident took place in 1999, when 12 students were killed and 27 others were injured at Texas A&M University when a 40-foot tall pile of logs that had been assembled for a homecoming bonfire collapsed.[13]

Homecoming dance

 

 

Competitions
  
The Homecoming Dance – usually the culminating event of the week (for high schools) – is a formal or informal event, either at the school or an off-campus location. The venue is decorated, and either a disc jockey or band is hired to play music. In many ways, it is a fall prom. Homecoming dances could be informal as well just like standard school dances. At high schools, the homecoming dances are sometimes held in the high school gymnasium. At high school, some teens attend the dance with dates and some attend in groups. Going to homecoming with friends is a relatively new trend. Since most colleges are too large to facilitate a campus-wide dance, these events are usually handled instead by student organizations such as fraternities, sororities, and residential colleges. Because football and alumni events are the focal points of collegiate homecoming, dances often take place during a different week when schedules are more permitting, or not at all.

While at the high school level, students generally compete by grade level in events such as the spirit days and parade floats, the competition at the collegiate level is mainly between Greek-letter organizations and, to a lesser degree, residence halls. At most larger schools, fraternities and sororities compete on parade floats, house decorations, skits, talent competitions, and even service events such as blood drives or food drives. Sometimes on coronation night, some schools have games that they play between classes. Such events include the pyramid, the 3 legged race, the pop chug, and tug of war.

 

 

I am interested in knowing what traditions you would like brought to Lakes Community High School.  Currently, we celebrate multiple pep rallies, a bon fire, parade,  homecoming court, and a dance.  Are there any other traditons you would like to see started?

 

Go Eagles!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[

No Comments

Eagles Relay – Great cause

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on September 28, 2009

Lakes Community High School’s National Honor Society’s Eagles Relay 4th annual Eagle Relay to help Kids Hope.

The event was held on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at the LCHS track. Approximately 145 registered walkers/runners showed up on the beautiful Sunday morning to give support to this wonderful event. Participants were able to take part in various fun-races including a three-legged race, egg race and an egg toss.

Gift certificates were awarded as prizes from RJ’s Eatery, The Twisted Cow, Culver’s, Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and Regal Cinema. Water was provided by NorStates Bank.

Participants wore red Eagle Relay shirts designed by the NHS Executive Board and advisor Jeff Gutke. Raquel Jackson-Stone and Sami Detterbeck won prizes for the most completed laps with 43 and 41 respectively.

Over $2500.00 was raised. Members of NHS had to raise $30.00 each through pledges. This year the varsity Field Hockey team also participated as part of their own fundraising efforts in order to participate in a tournament in St. Louis. Members of NHS also voted to donate all money raised to Kids Hope United in Lake Villa, Illinois for the fourth consecutive year.

The Lakes Chapter began four years ago. The goal of the organization is to have one fund raiser and one service project throughout the year. The officers for NHS are Jessica David, President; Sarah Beckman, Vice-President; Tyler Callese, Director of Service; Sam Wojnicki, Director of Fund Raising; and Callie Bretthauer, Communications Secretary. The faculty advisors are Jeff Gutke and Pat Goodrich.

 

 

2 Comments

North Chicago’s Football Program

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on September 16, 2009

Many parents have asked what is the future of North Chicago’s Football program.  Below is an article describing the IHSA’s decision.  Lakes is scheduled to play North Chicago on Friday, Sept. 25th at North Chicago.  I am confident that all necessary measures will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable sporting event.

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Executive Director Marty Hickman announced on Tuesday, September 15 that the North Chicago football program has been reinstated from suspension at all levels and will be allowed to participate in competition when week four of the season unfolds this weekend. The football program will remain on probation through the end of the 2010 football season. All levels of the school’s football program were suspended on September 10 following a fight that occurred during the varsity squad’s contest against Simeon High School on September 4. IHSA Assistant Executive Director and football administrator Dave Gannaway met with the North Chicago administration and coaches at the school on Monday to discuss the incident and a plan of action moving forward. “After the meeting with the North Chicago administration and coaches, we felt confident in letting their football teams return to competition this weekend,” said Hickman. “North Chicago outlined a detailed plan of action to prevent an incident like this from happening again. They took responsibility for the actions of their team, fans and school and should be commended for the way they handled a bad incident.” North Chicago forfeited the contest against Simeon after the game was called by officials with just over five minutes remaining in the first quarter. The team also forfeited its scheduled varsity contest against Vernon Hills as a result of the suspension. Seven North Chicago players will continue to serve suspensions of varying lengths for their roles in the incident. Eight Simeon players were also suspended as a result of the altercation. North Chicago was allowed to practice during the suspension. “As I said when this suspension was first handed down, I hoped that everyone involved in this incident would take advantage of this teachable moment,” added Hickman. “I believe that has already begun to occur with the way the school handled this situation. They did not try to make any excuses or pass the blame. The players understand the severity of their actions and the poor judgment they used. It is time for them to return to the field so they can begin to rebuild their program’s reputation of practicing good sportsmanship and begin putting this incident behind them.” Gannaway commented on North Chicago’s status as a host in the future, “The IHSA places a great deal of responsibility on our host schools in all sports and activities. I left North Chicago on Monday with no reservations about the school hosting future football games or any other IHSA events.”

North Chicago Football Programs Reinstated After Suspension

 

  

I will provide updates as they become available.  GO EAGLES!!!!

1 Comment

College Planning Night – Sept. 15th

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on September 14, 2009

logosMany parents have requested additional information regarding preparation for college.  We began hosting this very informative evening last year and many parents found it extreamly helpful.  The event is geared toward both Juniors and seniors.  This event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15th at 7pm.   Juniors will begin in the Cafeteria at 7pm and the Seniors will start in the Audiorium.  Representatives from NIU will discuss aspects related to students interested in four year institutions.  CLC will also be present to discuss two year colleges.   We look forward to seeing you at this event.

 

 

Logo2

No Comments

President Obama’s Speech

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on September 7, 2009

As many of you know President Obama is planning on addressing the country’s school children on Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 12pm ET. This speech is primarily to remind students of their responsibility toward their own education. Lakes Community High School does not plan to alter the school day to broadcast this address. Students will, however, be able to view the speech in our commons, library, and our cafeteria. Additionally, some teachers may decide to show clips in their classes if they deem it consistent with their curriculum.

The speech can be viewed at http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/live

1 Comment

H1N1 Virus

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on September 3, 2009

Lakes high School has taken several measures to help reduce the incidence of this virus. The following websites are good sources of information:
1. www.flu.gov
2. www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu

As further information comes available, I will post it on several sites of our website.

Health Department Flu Update: 9/2/09

 What We’re Doing

 The new H1N1 flu virus is a reminder of the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of influenza. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is taking a multi-tiered approach toward protecting residents against two forms of the flu this season: seasonal flu and H1N1 (formerly known as swine) flu.

 To address seasonal flu, it is providing nine public clinics in September and early October. The clinic schedule can be found at: www.lakecountyflu.com. 

To address H1N1 flu, the Health Department is working collaboratively with community partners on H1N1 prevention in Lake County.

 The seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against the H1N1 flu and vice versa. This year, more than ever before, the Health Department encourages people to do everything they can to protect themselves and the people they care for from influenza.

 In addition to immunizations, the Health Department is focusing on public education, implementing prevention strategies, and surveillance.  Since school age children are at an increased risk for contracting this illness, department staff is working with schools and daycare centers regarding transmission prevention, absenteeism and symptom severity. Simultaneously, staff is advising health care providers regarding prophylaxis, treatment, infection control, and staff and patient safety. The Department’s Communicable Disease team is participating in statewide surveillance, investigating cases, and providing trend analysis.

 H1N1 Vaccine Update

 The U.S. government has undertaken the production of an H1N1 vaccine which is scheduled to be delivered to Lake County by late October. The government will ship the H1N1 vaccine to the Health Department and other local providers, such as pediatricians, pharmacy immunization clinics, large businesses, and retailers. Approximately 130 organizations in Lake County have pre-registered with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to receive the vaccine, and for the time being, IDPH will continue to accept pre-registrations. IDPH will also be responsible for determining how the state’s allocation is to be distributed. Its priority will be on allocating vaccine to providers that administer to target groups that are most at risk.

 The target population groups for the H1N1 vaccine are:

•     individuals 6 months to 24 years of age

 •    caretakers and household contacts of children under 6 months of age

 •    All pregnant women

 •    healthcare and emergency medical services employees

 •    people 25 to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for flu-related complications (such as asthma or diabetes).

 These target groups were determined based on the spring outbreak of H1N1 in North America and the summer H1N1 outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere.

 In Lake County these target groups represent approximately 300,000 individuals. To offer vaccinations to this large a population, the Health Department is urging healthcare providers, businesses and others to participate in the vaccination campaign.

  What You Can Do

  Practice Healthy Habits

 In addition to getting your seasonal flu shot, help prevent the spread of flu in the workplace, schools and throughout the community by:

 •     Washing your hands frequently

 •    Staying home if you are sick

 •    Covering your cough and sneeze

 People with flu-like symptoms should stay home from school, work and social gatherings until 24 hours after resolution of their fever. People are more contagious when they have a fever, so staying home during this time is especially important to not spread the flu to coworkers, friends or fellow students.

  Volunteer

 The Health Department is also recruiting volunteers for its Lake County Medical Reserve Corps to help with H1N1 flu prevention. For more information, call: (847) 377-8358.

Access Reliable Information

 http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/H1N1.htm

 http://www.flu.gov/

 http://www.idph.state.il.us/h1n1_flu/index.htm.  

 The Health Department’s H1N1 hotline number is: 847-377-8350. 

 Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/LakeCoHealth

 Become a fan of LCHD on Facebook

 

  

 

Health Department Flu Update: 10/16/09

Illinois is continuing to experience an increase in influenza-like illness and laboratory confirmed influenza. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there have been approximately 448 hospitalizations and 19 deaths in Illinois attributable to H1N1 (swine) flu this year. In Lake County, there have been 26 hospitalizations and one death. The Lake County Health Department is encouraging residents to protect themselves from the H1N1 virus by getting vaccinated this fall.

Governor’s Proclamation

On October 14, Governor Pat Quinn signed a public health emergency proclamation in a proactive effort to ensure there are enough certified and licensed health care professionals able to administer the H1N1 flu vaccine. This gubernatorial proclamation allows the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to permit additional certified and licensed health care professionals to administer the H1N1 vaccine. 

While this proclamation does not indicate an increase in the spread or severity of flu in Illinois, it allows for a larger population of people to be vaccinated in a short period of time. During this emergency period, the following health care professionals will be able to administer the new H1N1 vaccine:

Emergency Medical Technicians (intermediate and paramedic levels are able to vaccinate) Pharmacists (can administer to persons 9-years old or older)
 
Dentists
Advanced practice, registered and licensed nurses
Medical residents
Physician assistants
Properly trained and supervised pharmacy, nursing and third or fourth year medical students

H1N1 Vaccine Update

The Health Department is preparing to open H1N1 flu vaccination clinics at five sites. These walk-in clinics are initially for people in specific high priority target groups. Once the high priority populations have received the vaccine, the Health Department will provide the vaccine to the general public. In addition to the Health Department clinics, vaccinations will be available from a large number of community healthcare providers, pharmacies and clinics in November and December. More than 430 local providers and facilities registered to receive vaccine in the county.

The Health Department clinics are scheduled to take place from Thursday, October 29, through Sunday, November 1. The schedule is as follows.

Gurnee

Advocate Condell Medical Building

 

1425 Hunt Club Road, Suite 103

Thursday, Oct. 29 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Friday, Oct. 30 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Saturday, Oct. 31 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Sunday, Nov. 1 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Note: This clinic will remain open for several months to provide vaccine to the general public following the priority groups.

Mundelein

 

Carl Sandburg Middle School

 

Gymnasium

 

855 W. Hawley Street

Thursday, Oct. 29 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Friday, Oct. 30 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Saturday, Oct. 31 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Sunday, Nov. 1 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Round Lake Beach

 

Round Lake Area Park District

 

Sports Center

 

2004 Municipal Way

Thursday, Oct. 29 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Friday, Oct. 30 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Saturday, Oct. 31 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 S

unday, Nov. 1 – 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Waukegan

 

Field House at Hinkston Park

 

800 N. Baldwin Avenue

Thursday, Oct. 29 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Friday, Oct. 30 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

 

Saturday, Oct. 31 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Sunday, Nov. 1 – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

North Chicago

 

The Lake County Health Department’s

North Chicago Community Health Center

 

2215 14th Street

Thursday, Oct. 29 – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Friday, Oct. 30 – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Saturday, Oct. 31 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

Sunday, Nov. 1 – Closed

These clinics are walk-in only. Please note that only the H1N1 flu vaccine, and not the seasonal flu vaccine, is available at these clinics.

The high priority target population groups for the H1N1 vaccine include:

Individuals 6 months to 24 years of age
Caretakers and household contacts of children under 6 months of age
All pregnant women
Healthcare and emergency medical services employees
People 25 to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, which put them at high risk for flu-related complications.

H1N1 vaccinations have been produced in several forms such as nasal spray and shots. Health Department vaccination clinic staff will work with residents to determine the best form of vaccine for each individual, based on health needs and vaccine availability. It is also very important that anyone who received a seasonal flu shot this year to bring a record of that vaccination to the H1N1 clinic so staff can determine the best form of vaccine to provide.

 

What You Can Do

Practice Healthy Habits

 

In addition to getting your seasonal flu shot, help prevent the spread of flu in the workplace, schools and throughout the community by:

Washing your hands frequently
Staying home if you are sick
Covering your cough and sneeze

Additional important items to remember about flu include:

Overall, people are most contagious during the first three days of illness, so staying home during this time is especially important to not spread the flu to coworkers, friends or fellow students.
People with flu-like symptoms should stay home from school, work and social gatherings until 24 hours after resolution of their fever (less than 100 F) without fever reducing medications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children 9 and younger receive two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, which should be separated by one month. One dose is recommended for everyone else.

Volunteer

 

The Health Department is also recruiting volunteers for its Lake County Medical Reserve Corps to help with H1N1 flu prevention. For more information, call: (847) 377-8358.

Access Reliable Information

Health Department’s H1N1 hotline number is: 847-377-8350. 

Tiffany R. Bronk

Media Specialist

Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center

847.377.8099

www.lakecountyil.gov/health

 

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/LakeCoHealth

Become a fan of LCHD on Facebook

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

 

tbronk@lakecountyil.gov

tbronk@lakecountyil.gov

 

1 Comment

Principal’s Advisory Meeting

Posted by Jim McKay in Uncategorized on August 31, 2009

I will be conducting a monthly meeting beginning Monday, August 31st at 6:30pm, addressing a variety of issues related to Lakes and District 117. Please consider joining me for this meeting. The meeting will be held in the Main Conference Room.

 

Our next Advisory meeting will be conducted on Monday, Sept 28th at 6:30pm in the Main Conference Room.  All are welcome!  Bring a friend.

No Comments