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Superintendent reports final-exam policy, employability pilot and $1.8 million donation for early‑childhood center
Summary
Dr. Mendoza reported the district will require final assessments for high school students, described an employability-skills pilot with Goodwill that pays students $150 for completion, announced plans for "no cell phone zone" signage and drop-off adjustments, and listed donations including $1.8 million to expand the EEC birth-to-5 program.
Superintendent Dr. Mendoza told the board Jan. 13 the district will require all high school students to complete final assessments, and the high school recorded a 97% attendance rate during first-semester finals.
"We are pleased to report the following shift in practice to require all high school students to complete final assessments. Round Lake High School observed a 97% attendance rate during 1st semester final exams," Dr. Mendoza said and added that the district will provide more details in a midyear assessment update.
Dr. Mendoza also described a pilot employment-skills curriculum run in partnership with the Lake County Tech campus and Goodwill's youth-engagement arm: 10 students in a third-period study hall are completing a three-week curriculum that includes mock interviews and workplace skills. Students who finish the program receive $150 and local employers have agreed to interview participating students pending interest and performance.
The superintendent said the district will install "no cell phone zone" signage and designated parent drop-off/pickup lines at all schools by spring; staff will coordinate with school leaders and engineers to revise traffic patterns where needed.
Dr. Mendoza closed by listing donations the board was being notified of in compliance with board policy: 500 toddler pajamas (Joanna Zemba) to the EEC; winter jackets and assorted items to the EEC and Beach from Fill a Heart for Kids; toiletries and other donations; and a $1,800,000 contribution from the Schreiber philanthropy group for the EEC birth-to-5 program renovation and expansion. The district will send thank-you letters to donors.
Ending: Dr. Mendoza said additional assessment and program details will be provided in forthcoming updates to the board.
