School News
Information meeting for juniors wanting to apply is recommended – Tuesday, January 31 at 7:30 in the Auditorium. The deadline for submission of activity form is Thursday, February 9 at 3:30.
To begin the application process, read through the Information and Instruction pages. Read Carefully.
Start by opening the Student Activity Information Form(Word document). filling in the form, saving it to you computer (or flash drive), and printing it out. Get all the necessary signatures prior to making the additional copies.
The Community Recommendation Form can be used if an adult outside the school is willing to write a recommendation on your behalf.
You may view the NHS Code of Conduct here. Please do NOT print and sign at this point.
Check this link often to find the newest information and links for Turnabout.
Turnabout guest passes are now available online and in the (L-Z) LST. Guest passes are due back to your Dean by Tuesday, February 21st.
Turnabout T-shirts for sale!! Do you want to be a SUPERHERO and make a difference in the lives of others? The Junior Class Student Council is selling class t-shirts during the lunch periods this Thursday and Friday for Spirit Week. This year we are changing it up a bit….proceeds raised from sales by each class will be donated to your class’s charity. Cost of the t-shirt is $10.00. Let’s see which class has the most spirit all while raising money for a good cause! Good luck to each class!
Tshirt Order Form After filling out the form, you must bring $10 to Sheila Russel in room 2208A. If payment is not recieved by THIS FRIDAY - January 27, 2012 - no tshirt will be ordered for you.

FRESHMEN

SOPHOMORES

JUNIORS

SENIORS

STAFF
Vernon Hills High School’s theatre department is pleased to present their winter play, Sideways Stories From Wayside School. This family friendly show is based on the popular Wayside School novels by Louis Sachar.
The play follows the shenanigans of the students and teachers that inhabit the 30th story of the Wayside School. Strange encounters and skewed adventures are plentiful. From talking pigtails and Mrs. Gorf, the meanest teacher in the history of Wayside, to the sweet but daffy Mrs. Jewels, this show is sure to amuse audiences of all ages.
Performances are February 9,10, 11 at 7:30 PM in the Studio Theatre. The running time for the show is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes (intermission included).
Call ( 847)-932-2283 for more details or to reserve tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the door or during lunch hours the week of February 6th. Student/Child tickets are $4 dollars and adult tickets are $5 dollars.
The show is directed by Kevin Phelan and assistant directed by senior Olivia Candocia. The talented cast inhabiting Wayside School is as follows: Sarah White ( Mrs. Jewls) , Maggie Gorski (Mrs. Gorf/Miss Zarves, Joey Marsek (Louis), Jack Newberg (Myron), Hayden Moffat (Dameon), Andrianna Kurzenberger(Leslie), Chelsea de Lara (Bebe), Lysette Gonzalez (Rondi), Matt Keller (Todd), Mia Candocia (Joy), Nick Mc Grew (Sammy), Stephen Steinheiser (Mr. Pickle), Shosh Shanes (Miss Valoosh), Grace Ferolo (Principal Kidswatter), Edgar Nevarez (Mr. Gorf), and Becca Silbar (Miss Mush/choreographer).
Freshmen Class of 2015: Please follow the link below to complete a survey for the yearbook. Your name will not be associated with your responses unless you are contacted by a member of our staff. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dExSX1VqYmFMZTNrcU9hWEc0NzJuRXc6MQ
Sophomores Class of 2014: Please follow the link below to complete a survey for the yearbook. Your name will not be associated with your responses unless you are contacted by a member of our staff. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFloanJDYmUzZndUTnJVdXpGUGNzRUE6MQ
Juniors Class of 2013: Please follow the link below to complete a survey for the yearbook. Your name will not be associated with your responses unless you are contacted by a member of our staff. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dExjbUVSd1pMWS0wd2QwOGVlc3BQR3c6MQ
Enrollment information for 2012 – 2013 (visit web version) was handed out to current students on the morning of January 18 at class meetings in the auditorium. Curriculum guides (visit web version) were discussed and enrollment sheets were distributed. Teachers talked to students about recommendations for next year at the end of first semester. If there was a difference of opinion between the teacher and the student, a discussion was held between the student and the teacher.
Freshmen will enroll in small groups on Thursday, February 2, 2012, during PE and Health classes.
Sophomores will enroll in small groups on Thursday, January 26, 2012, during English classes.
Juniors will enroll through individual appointments with their counselors between January 23 and February 14, 2012. Students who cannot make their scheduled appointments should reschedule with their counselor. Students will receive a pass with their appointment time a few days preceding the appointment.
Find orientation details here. For other enrollment questions visit these pages.
D128 Students: Follow CPHY on Facebook!LHS /VHHS Students: The District 128 Community Partnership for Healthy Youth (CPHY) is now on Facebook! Take a minute and "like" the CPHY page. It's a great way to learn about upcoming CPHY events like band jams, dodge ball and more! CPHY Facebook Page
As of September 27, 2011 the Child Health Examination Code Part 665 was amended to require proof of receiving a dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis) vaccine starting school year 2012-2013. Students entering grades 9-12 who have not already received Tdap are required to receive 1 Tdap dose regardless of the interval since the last DTaP, DT or Td. Please confirm with your physician that your student has received the required immunization and provide documentation to the nurse’s office. This documentation is required by law and your student will be excluded from school as of October 15, 2012.
This letter was mailed home to parents on Friday, December 09, 2011
The Illinois State Scholar Program recognizes Illinois high school students for outstanding academic achievement. Students ranking in the top 10 percent of the state’s graduating seniors are recognized as Illinois State Scholars. Rankings are based on a combination of ACT test scores and class rank at the end of the sixth semester in high school. While the program does not provide a monetary award, the designation as an Illinois State Scholar can be listed on applications for college admissions and scholarships.
Illinois State Scholars – Class of 2012 – Vernon Hills High School
Agrawal, Sanchita
Alexander, Marc
Andrea, Dana
Bao, Dong
Bartsch, Madeline
Bhardwaj, Tanaya
Block, Lindsey
Calderone, Victoria
Calfee, Evan
Chakrabarty, Ranjan
Chapman, Elizabeth
Chertok, Elizabeth
Cho, Daniel
Chua, Melody
Claussen, Timothy
Cotteleer, Kyle
Crowley IV, Martin
Currie, Christine
Dobbertin, Grace
Donato, Benjamin
Dorn, Jeremy
Goldberg, David
Gorski, Magdalene
Greenberg, Brett
Groody, Lauren
Gwin, Matthew
Hanson, Philip
Healey, Connor
Hogan, Olivia
Hough, Ian
Joo, Cathy
Joo, William
Juhn, Mark
Kang, Timothy
Kantharia, Rahul
Kim, Kevin
Knier, Catherine
Kocoj, David
Kozil, Elliot
Kucharz, Rachel
LaLuzerne, Nicholas
Lang, Eric
Lao, Kathleen
Lea, Kristina
Lebiedzinski, Anna
Lee, Grace
Lee, Grace S.
Lee, Joo
Lee, Zack
Lehman, Sarah
Letts, Abigail
Levine, Jordan
Lightman, Nathan
Lin, Zhenni
Ling, Ambrin
Ling, Kera
Lira, Rachel
Liu, Samuel Andres
Lukin, Petr
Mangtani, Priyanka
Manning, Kaitlan
Manso, Carly
Marsek, Joseph
Meline, Megan
Mollenhauer, Anya
Montgomery, Daniel
Nam, John
Nathanson, Nicole
Nelson, Steven
Niskanen, Eric
Nussbaum, Michelle
Pandravada, Sasi
Peterson, Tyler
Pomogaev, Alexey
Reinert, Elizabeth
Rosenberg, Benjamin
Salerno, Andrew
Schapiro, Anna
Schroh, Jonathan
Sebastian, Amy
Shang, Justin
Shin, Keunsup
Shless, Carly
Skeoch, Graydon
Starykowicz, Anne
Sullivan, Jeremy
Swartz, Jennifer
Szwaya, Jeremy
Tung, Andrew
Umphress, Courtney
Woo, Hee Chan
The District 128 Foundation for Learning Board of Trustees announced the 10 recipients of its 2011-2012 Innovation Grants at a special recognition ceremony and luncheon held Nov. 23 at the District 128 Administration Center. This year’s recipients received $20,438 in funding for projects that will enhance and enrich student learning at Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School.
This year’s grant recipients and their winning projects are:
Craig Schmidt, Anne Malecki, Mary Kate Polzin, Dyan Naslund:
Writers’ Week 2012 ($2,000)
Tingting Zhao, Nancy Tassler, Radhika Joshi:
iPads and Applications for Chinese I and Chinese II Honors ($2,000)
Mark Buesing, Mike Cook: Doceri in the Classroom ($1,914)
Sherri Rukes: APPS for Chemistry ($1,200)
Sherri Rukes: Looking at Glass in a New Light ($2,000)
Sherri Rukes: Extruding Bioplastics ($2,000)
Catherine Marcell: EMPOWER Learning Series ($1,324.36)
Lynda Ward: iPads for Special Services ($4,000)
Matt Thompson, Lauren Rust, Andrea Lara: iPads for Social Studies ($2,000)
Ellen Macias: Class Set of Flip Cameras ($1,999.95)
In the previous four years, the Foundation has awarded $30,420 in Innovation Grants to District 128 staff. This year, the Foundation’s presentation of $20,438 in grants brings the total to $50,858. Complete descriptions of this year’s winning projects can be found on the District 128 Foundation for Learning website, www.d128foundation.org.
The District 128 Foundation for Learning provides resources for innovative and creative instructional ideas that enrich the experiences and programs for students in Community High School District 128. Founded in 2007, the Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, autonomous, tax-exempt organization. It is led by a group of dedicated local community leaders in business and education who want to make LHS and VHHS the best they can be.
Caption for attached photo: District 128 Foundation for Learning Trustees recently presented 10 Innovation Grants to Libertyville and Vernon Hills High School teachers and staff. Pictured at the Nov. 23 grant presentation are: (front row)Superintendent Dr. Prentiss Lea, Lynda Ward, Tingting Zhao, Nancy Tassler, Ellen Macias, Mary Kate Polzin, Anne Malecki, Dyan Naslund, Sherri Rukes, District 128 Foundation for Learning Chairperson Anne Landgraf, Foundation Trustee Scott Luce, (back row) Catherine Marcell, Mark Buesing, Radhika Joshi, Mike Cook, Lauren Rust, Andrea Lara, Matthew Thompson, Craig Schmidt.


Oct. 21 Update
D128 has received, reviewed and signed stipulated settlement agreements from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the Libertyville (LHS) and Vernon Hills High School (VHHS) swimming pools. As such, the LHS and VHHS pools will be open for use again today after school. Pool users will receive information through their athletic directors, coaches and/or organization today regarding practice and competition schedules.
The stipulated agreements allow D128 to use the LHS and VHHS pools while working with IDPH to gain compliance plan approval to conduct required repairs and pass necessary inspections prior to June 1, 2012. The D128 Board of Education and Superintendent, Dr. Prentiss Lea, are committed to working with IDPH to bring the LHS and VHHS pools into compliance prior to the June 1, 2012 deadline.
A special thanks to Mundelein and Stevenson high schools for making their very busy swimming pools available to our students while our pools were closed. We greatly appreciated their efforts to accommodate the LHS and VHHS swimming programs during our time of need.
And, thank you again for your assistance, patience and support throughout this challenging process. We are very appreciative of your collective efforts in working with us toward both a temporary resolution and permanent solution to the swimming pool compliance problem.
Oct. 11 Update
Revised LHS and VHHS swimming pool compliance plans and the required properly executed permit applications with Dr. Lea’s signatures were hand-delivered to IDPH by the D128 engineering firm, Fanning & Howey. IDPH provided the D128 engineer who delivered the plans and application permits with a written receipt. In addition, IDPH also acknowledged receipt of same to Dr. Lea via e-mail. As a reminder, the review of our compliance plans is subject to the established IDPH protocol.
Again, we respectfully request that you refrain from contacting IDPH directly. At this point, D128 legal counsel is acting as the primary contact with IDPH legal counsel, and we want to provide the IDPH engineering staff with the time necessary to assess our plan (and the plans of others).
As always, thanks for your assistance and support!
Oct. 6 Update
D128 legal counsel has been in contact with IDPH legal counsel, and our counsel believes that IDPH counsel is working in full good faith to assist D128 with the process. IDPH counsel has advised us that IDPH will consider alternative agreements, such as the Springfield YMCA agreement, in lieu of the administrative hearing process, for pool operators on a case-by-case basis. This is largely dependent upon where the pool operator is at in the compliance process.
To initiate the alternative agreement process, pool operators must first file required documents to request an administrative hearing. The D128 administrative hearing request has been filed. In addition, pool operators must submit valid application permits and compliance plans. As noted last week, the D128 revised valid application permits and compliance plan, reflecting the specific feedback and required engineering studies that were indicated at our September 26th meeting with IDPH officials, should arrive at IDPH offices on Tuesday (IDPH offices are closed on Monday for the Columbus Day Holiday). Once the D128 compliance plan achieves formatting approval, the compliance plan will receive a case number and enter the thorough review process queue. D128 legal counsel has indicated that at that point, they will have the opportunity to initiate a discussion regarding a possible alternative agreement with IDPH counsel in lieu of an administrative hearing. While we have reiterated our commitment to meet required IDPH compliance standards, and IDPH has acknowledged our commitment to do so, and D128 and IDPH have committed to working together through the process now available to all pool operators, the timeline for that process is subject to IDPH review protocol. D128 counsel will remain in close contact with IDPH counsel in the coming days to ensure that we can move toward an alternative agreement or redress through the administrative hearing process as soon as possible.
Although many of you have contacted IDPH over the past few days on our collective behalf, at this point, we are requesting that you refrain from calling IDPH. D128 counsel will serve as the primary contact with IDPH in the coming days, and we would like IDPH staff to have the time to do the work necessary on our compliance plan to bring this matter to closure and allow full use of our pools.
Again, thanks for your assistance and support… You are appreciated!
Oct. 5 Evening Update:
This morning, we learned that IDPH allowed the Springfield YMCA to reopen its pools, and granted them an extension on completing necessary compliance work. (See today's earlier update below for the complete article from the State Journal-Register.) Our attorneys continue to contact IDPH General Counsel in Springfield to ask the following questions, among others:
1) Why were we (and all other non-compliant pool operators) not informed that an extension process was available?
2) What is involved in the extension process?
3) Will we forfeit any legal due process rights in the extension process?
4) What do we need to do to initiate and complete the extension process?
Superintendent Lea will follow-up with district counsel as this possibility takes shape.
Superintendent Lea has contacted all public and private suburban high schools on the non-compliance list. He will facilitate a conference call with most of those Superintendents on Friday morning to determine how affected districts can best work together to leverage their collective resources (legal, legislative, administrative and parental) to ensure that an extension is granted.
Now that our pools have been legally shut down, the district has legal due process rights. The first due process step in this situation is an administrative hearing with an administrative hearing officer to make the case for “why our pools should not be shut down.” Our goal is to be the first, or one of the first, petitioners for the administrative due process hearing. As such, our legal counsel filed the necessary paperwork for an administrative due process hearing today. Because of our sustained work and knowledge gained on this issue over the past few weeks, we are well positioned to present an excellent defense on our behalf. Additional due process steps available to us beyond the administrative process, if we do not prevail at that level, are through the judicial system. As always, we will take advantage of every legal avenue available to us to gain an extension to allow the district additional time to meet compliance, thus allowing our students and community immediate use of our pools.
WGN-TV News was in the District this afternoon. They aired a segment at 5:00 and will air a more extensive segment on tonight's 9:00 news regarding granting an extension to the Springfield YMCA and the relation of that extension to our situation (and to the situation of others). Several D128 administrators, parents, coaches and students were interviewed for the story. Also this afternoon, the District was contacted by the Springfield State Journal-Register, which broke the Springfield YMCA story. Superintendent Lea was interviewed for an extended period of time by reporter Dean Olson.
We will update this site as new information becomes available. Please feel free to "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, where we will post the same information as we put on the websites. (See the bottom of this page for the District's Facebook and Twitter links.)
We have been informed that many of you contacted IDPH and/or the Governors Office today. As always, thanks for your assistance and support . . . You are amazing.
Oct. 5 Update
The Springfield YMCA has re-opened its pools and has received an extension from IDPH. Read more in the Springfield Journal Register: http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x824878508/YMCA-pools-to-reopen-drain-repairs-to-happen-in-December
An update regarding D128 pool closures will be posted later today.
Sept. 30 Update:
Lake County News Sun
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8374548&pid=8374076
Sept. 28 Update:
PARENTS AND POOL USERS: YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED! PLEASE CONTACT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY TO REQUEST AN EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE FOR THE LHS/VHHS SWIMMING POOL COMPLIANCE.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION:
PHONE: 217-782-0244
EMAIL: Governor Pat Quinn Website
(go to top red bar and select "contact us" for email form)
EVERY CALL AND EMAIL CONTACT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CONTACT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU CAN.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Highlights from the Sept. 27 Meeting
Sept. 22 Update:
Thank you to the approximately 100 parents who attended the Sept. 21 meeting at VHHS regarding the possible closure of District 128's swimming pools. If you were unable to attend, please click on the link below to read highlights of that meeting and answers to questions asked by audience members. Further informational links are also found below.
Special Note to Parents: The Illinois Department of Public Health has respectfully requested that our community discontinue calling the IDPH Springfield Office regarding the swimming pool issue. Your calls, coupled with the support of our local legislators, have made a difference. IDPH Officials will be meeting with District 128 officials on Monday in Springfield to further discuss the situation. Thank you for your continued support. We will keep you posted on the situation via our web sites.
Sept. 21 Meeting Highlights
Letter being sent to the IDPH from Senator Terry Link and State Representative Carol Sente
Sept. 22 article about the pool situation from Patch.com
Click on the Following Links for Further Details About This Situation:
Jason's Deli will donate 10% of all orders to the VHHS Senior Class party first Wednesday of the month.
Just bring in this flyer when you order.
They are open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
For two weeks this summer a group from VHHS, including Principal Ellen Cwick, staff members Ross Caton and Rachel Blanton, VHHS alumni Steven Sprieser, and senior Kate Lee, traveled to Kapeeka, Uganda. The group met and stayed with the students and community that is benefitting from the primary school funded by the VHHS community in conjunction with COVE Alliance at their St. Jerome Primary School. They brought with them donated clothing, reading books, school supplies, and sports equipment During the two weeks in Uganda, the group visited sponsored students from across the area as well as fellow school teachers and principals, while distributing the donated goods. They also taught lessons, answered questions from students about the U.S., and helped organize a workshop for local farmers and entrepreneurs in conjunction with the University Of Illinois’ School Of Business at Urbana-Champaign.
Photos:

St. Jerome primary 1 & 2 building donated by VHHS.

The plaque commemorating the donation from VHHS

View overlooking the COVE St. Jerome School and clinic

St. Jerome students receiving dresses made by VHHS students

The VHHS group meeting with sponsored students

Sponsored students receiving t-shirts from VHHS

VHHS group talking to high school students about what school like for them at VHHS

Before departing back to Vernon Hills with COVE executive director Father Hilary Muheezangango and administrative assistant Mugisha Richard
Two Vernon Hills High School students were named 2011 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists, Andrew Tung and Grace S. Lee. 11 VHHS students were also commended for their performance! About 1.5 million students from 22,000 high schools took the 2010 PSAT/NMSQT. 716 students from Illinois representing 162 high schools qualified as semifinalists. That number represents less than 1% of each state’s high school seniors. As a semifinalist, both students will continue in the process to qualify as a National Merit Finalist.
Commended Students: Dong Bao, Ranjan Chakrabarty, Elizabeth A. Chapman, Elizabeth Chertok, Melody G. Chua, Christine M. Currie, Connor P. Healey, Cathy Joo, Joo Y. Lee, Priyanka S. Mangtani, & Elizabeth Reinert

Starting this school year, all District 128 students will be provided an exciting new opportunity for creating and managing their personal documents, as well as communicating and collaborating in an entirely web-based environment. District 128 is partnering with Google to bring the Google Apps for Education program to our students. All students and their parents are encouraged to watch this brief video which explains the new program.
For additional information regarding the Google Apps for Education program, along with links to training and support resources, go HERE.
Parents and Friends of District 128:
Governor Quinn recently proposed the elimination of nearly 600 Illinois school districts through forced school consolidation. Under his proposal, and the pending legislation that supports it, District 128 and our feeder districts (Oak Grove D68, Libertyville D70, Rondout D72, and Hawthorn D73) could be eliminated WITHOUT LOCAL VOTER APPROVAL. As such, the District 128 Board of Education has taken a strong position against school consolidation without local voter approval.
Using the links on this page, you can: 1) read the D128 Board of Education Position Statement on Forced School Consolidation, 2) read House Bill 1216 which provides the framework for Governor Quinn’s proposal for forced school consolidation, 3) find links to determine your state legislators, 4) use the provided sample e-mail letter and addresses to contact your local state legislators to make your opinion known, and 5) find information about an upcoming legislative forum at Vernon Hills High School with State Representative Carol Sente, Co-Sponsor of House Bill 1216.
The D128 Board of Education encourages you to learn more about the proposed forced school consolidation legislation and to contact your state representative and senator to express your opinion on this important issue.
- District 128 Position Statement on Forced Consolidation
- HB 1216 - UPDATED 3/09/11
- SB 1324 - UPDATED 3/11/11
- Who are my representatives in Springfield?
- How can I contact my representatives?
- Representative Ed Sullivan Jr. - Ilhouse51@sbcglobal.net
- Representative Carol Sente - repsente@gmail.com
- Senator Dan Duffy - Dan@SenatorDuffy.com
- Senator Terry Link - Senator@link30.org
- Parent/community member letter to send to representatives
- March 14 Education Forum at VHHS
- March 9 State School News Service update on HB 1216
- March 11 Daily Herald article regarding consolidation implications
- MARCH 22 COMMUNITY FORUM AT RONDOUT SCHOOL
Upcoming Events
- SAT
28 January, 2012 - all day
- All State IMEAPeoria, IL
25 January, 2012 - all day
17 All-State students will participate. Depart Wednesday at 2:30Concerts are on Saturday from 1 – 5pmArrive home about 10pm
- Late Start/First Class
1 February, 2012 - 9:15am - Fr Enrollment
2 February, 2012 - all day - Blood Drive
2 February, 2012 - all day - Test Prep Class
7 February, 2012 - 6:30pm - Late Start
8 February, 2012 - 9:15am - Test Prep Class
9 February, 2012 - 6:30pm - Winter Play
9 February, 2012 - 7:30pm - Winter Play
10 February, 2012 - 7:30pm - Winter Play
11 February, 2012 - 7:30pm - ACT - LHS
11 February, 2012 - all day - Test Prep Class
14 February, 2012 - 6:30pm - Progress Report #1
14 February, 2012 - all day - Late Start
15 February, 2012 - 9:15am










