Round Lake CUSD 116 spotlights community partnerships, pilot employability program

Round Lake CUSD 116 district staff outlined two top priorities — school environment and community engagement — and described several ongoing programs and partnerships intended to support student well-being and postsecondary readiness.

District presenters said a positive school environment and strong community partnerships help students feel safe, valued and connected, which the district links to better attendance and academic outcomes. Staff said the district monitors progress on these priorities in biweekly school improvement leadership team meetings.

Examples cited included the district’s Birth to 5 program, which serves about 160 families and runs "group connections" one or two times a month; staff said October activities include a pumpkin patch. The district also holds a trunk-or-treat in which staff and volunteers distribute candy in the parking lot.

At Beach School the district described a "High 5 Fridays" partnership with the Round Lake Beach Police Department, in which officers greet students on the first Friday of each month with high fives at arrival to foster positive interactions between officers, students and staff.

Ellis Elementary partners with a chapel in Graceland for a holiday shopping event: parishioners buy and donate toys that volunteers sort into three size/price categories (about $1, $2 and $3), and families are guided by volunteers acting as personalized shoppers. The presenter said funds raised are given to Palos Elementary and used for field trips and teacher recognition.

Magee School staff described culture-building activities, including all-school bingo when attendance or behavior goals are met and assemblies tied to academic progress, intended to keep staff and students engaged.

At Round Lake High School the district described an employability-skill-building pilot in partnership with Goodwill’s Empower Youth. Staff said the program teaches resume development, interview skills, conflict resolution and problem solving, provides grant-funded financial and transportation supports for completers, and assists graduates in finding jobs in the community. The presenters said five students have been placed in jobs that align with their self-identified career pathways.

"Work better and stronger when we're all working together," a district presenter said, summarizing the district’s view of the role of partnerships and school culture.

The presentation did not include a formal vote or policy action; staff described ongoing programs and monitoring processes but did not propose new district-wide rules or budget allocations during the remarks.