Menu

All D155 News

Crystal Lake Teacher Advocates for Safe AI Use in Classrooms

Crystal Lake math teacher Sarah Murmann, is leading efforts to ensure the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Illinois classrooms. As a Teach Plus fellow, Murmann collaborates with educators statewide to address challenges in education and advocate for policy changes. Teach Plus, a national nonprofit, trains teachers to use their classroom expertise to influence education policy and improve student outcomes.

Murmann co-authored a recent Teach Plus report that surveyed 205 educators across Illinois, highlighting widespread belief in AI's potential to be helpful in the classroom. The survey found that 92% of respondents see AI as helpful for instruction, but only half have access to training on how to use it effectively.

“With the rapid expansion of AI, we’re not sure which apps are SOPPA-compliant and which aren’t,” Murmann explained, referring to the Student Online Personal Protection Act. “Without clear guidance, teachers are hesitant to use AI, which could limit valuable learning opportunities.”

The Teach Plus fellows are calling on Illinois lawmakers and the Illinois State Board of Education to establish statewide AI guidelines and provide ongoing professional development for educators. Their recommendations also emphasize closing the digital divide that affects underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to AI tools for all students.

Murmann and her fellow Teach Plus educators plan to meet with lawmakers when the General Assembly reconvenes next year, advocating for proactive policies that enable teachers and students to fully benefit from AI in education.


Rules and Tools for AI-Powered Learning Report

District 155 Earns Ninth Consecutive Excellence in Financial Reporting Award

Community High School District 155 has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The district has earned this prestigious award for the ninth consecutive year which reflects the district's commitment to transparent and effective financial reporting.

The report was evaluated by an impartial panel that met the GFOA's high standards, demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate the district's financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest honor in governmental accounting and financial reporting, marking a significant accomplishment for the district and its management.

The district also earned the ASB Certificate of Excellence, awarded by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for high-quality financial reporting and adherence to the organization's best practices in school financial management. This recognition highlights the district's commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency in its fiscal operations.

 

Central Science Teacher Named “Teacher of the Month”

Crystal Lake Central science teacher Molly Czeslawski was named Star 105.5's Teacher of the Month for January. She was recognized for her unwavering dedication to creating a positive and engaging learning environment; students and staff highly respect her.

Molly’s ability to connect with students on a personal level sets her apart. She fosters a classroom atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered. Through innovative teaching methods, she encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and curiosity, helping students succeed academically and in life beyond the classroom.

“Molly is the kind of teacher who helps students feel a sense of belonging and believes in their potential for success,” said Carson, Principal of Crystal Lake Central High School. “She builds relationships that inspire students to reach their full potential and motivates them to do their best.”

Her commitment to students extends far beyond academic instruction. Molly has an exceptional ability to recognize when students need encouragement or extra time to process information, ensuring every student feels seen and supported. Her colleagues admire her ability to meet students' needs and create an environment where respect and effective learning thrive.

Molly’s classroom is a place students regularly seek to be a part of, drawn to the positive and supportive atmosphere she has cultivated. Her dedication has made a profound impact on her students, many of whom attribute their future success to the encouragement they received from Molly.

Congratulations to Molly Czeslawski on this well-deserved recognition. Her passion, empathy, and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on the Crystal Lake Central community.

D155 Superintendent Dr. Neil Lesinski Named Finalist for 2024 Innovative Superintendent of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Neil Lesinski, Superintendent of District 155, for being named as a finalist for the Innovative Superintendent of the Year award for 2024 in the State of Illinois. This annual award, sponsored by Sibme, recognizes superintendents who exhibit creative and cutting-edge strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement among their teams. 

Dr.Lesinski has been instrumental in adapting to a changing school district. According to Dr. Kevin Werner, Chief Officer of Finance & Operations, "Neil developed an International Newcomer Center and supporting peer teacher coaching program to collaborate with our newcomer students to practice English and content-area academic skills.” By establishing a peer teacher coaching program, Dr. Lesinski ensures that professional learning is relevant to the individual needs of each teacher, and fosters a sense of community among staff.

Dr. Lesinski's approach to reflection and collaboration among teachers is rooted in active listening and empathy. "Neil treats each staff member with respect while reaching decisions through ongoing collaboration and consensus building.”

Ultimately, this sense of professional community impacts students first. As Dr. Werner shared in his nomination, “The impact that Neil has had on our district is incredible! Each year we conduct a School Culture Survey. Following his first year as Superintendent, 94.2% of students agreed that they feel like they belong in their school community, up from 74.3% from the prior year.”

Neil Lesinski’s nomination is a testament to his dedication and the positive impact he has made on Community High School District 155. His innovative approach to leadership, continuous improvement, and professional development sets a benchmark for other education leaders to follow.

Caleb Aldridge Named 2024 Class 3A Coach of the Year

Caleb Aldridge, head baseball coach at Crystal Lake Central, has been named the 2024 Class 3A Coach of the Year [Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association]. In his first season as head coach, Aldridge guided the Tigers to a historic Class 3A State Championship, the first baseball title in school history. 

“I am very grateful and honored. The only way individuals win an award like this is by having outstanding student-athletes, assistant coaches, families, and a great school community who work tirelessly day in and out to achieve a common goal,” said Caleb Aldridge, Coach.

Aldridge’s impressive career record of 22-14 also earned him the 2024 Northwest Herald Coach of the Year award and a nomination for the ICA/NHSACA Coach of the Year award.

 

Three District 155 Students Named National Merit Semifinalists for 2025

Three District 155 Students have been named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Adam Kyrouac and Justin Weber from Crystal Lake Central High School, along with Jackson Woestman from Cary-Grove High School, have achieved this honor based on their outstanding performance on the 2023 Preliminary SAT.

These accomplished students are among approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. They now have the opportunity to compete for National Merit Scholarships, which total more than $28 million.

Adam Kyrouac, student at Crystal Lake Central High School is a dedicated participant in various extracurricular activities. He proudly holds the prestigious position of first chair in the Symphonic Band and serves as the lead tenor saxophonist in the Jazz Band, where he is also a member of the Jazz Combo. Adam is also a section leader of saxophones and a part of the cross country team. Beyond music, Adam leads the hardware division in the computer club. After High School Adam plans to pursue a degree in sound and music production. 

Justin Weber, student at Crystal Lake Central High School  is actively involved in Science Olympiad, Interact Club, and serves as co-captain of the Math Team. His accomplishments include being named to the High Honor Roll, earning the title of AP Scholar with Distinction, and securing third place at the state level in Forensics for Science Olympiad. After high school, Justin plans to pursue a degree in physics.

Jackson Woestman, student at Cary-Grove High School, excels both academically and in extracurricular activities. He serves as the captain of the science olympiad team, which has advanced to the state competition for the past two years. Jackson is also the co-lead of the robotics programming team, a member of the National Honor Society, a part of the math team, and the Scholastic Bowl team, which has claimed the conference championship for the last two years. After high school, Jackson plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he will pursue a degree in Systems Engineering.

To become finalists, each semifinalist must submit a comprehensive scholarship application, which includes academic records, details of extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and a personal essay. Finalists will be announced in February 2025, with scholarship winners selected from this distinguished group.

The recognition of these three students highlights District 155's commitment to academic excellence and our dedication to preparing students for success in post-secondary education and beyond.

D155 High Schools Recognized Among Nation's Best High Schools

All four District 155 high schools ranked among the top 14% of public high schools in the nation for a sixth consecutive year. The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings assess nearly 25,000 public high schools across the United States. 

 

All four schools also earned recognition among the best high schools in the state of Illinois.

Prairie Ridge High - 64

Cary-Grove - 69

Crystal Lake South - 86

Crystal Lake Central - 121

 

“This recognition signifies a validation of our district's unwavering commitment to excellence in education. It's a testament to the dedication of our educators, the hard work of our students, and the support of our community,” said Dr. Neil Lesinski, Superintendent. “Being recognized among the top high schools in the nation highlights the collective effort invested in preparing our students to find their purpose.

 

These rankings offer a comprehensive view of educational performance, providing valuable insights into the success of high school education nationwide. Approximately 18,000 schools are evaluated based on criteria such as state assessments and their effectiveness in preparing students for college.

Dave Secrest is awarded the INSPRA Distinguished Service Award

For the last 23 years in Community High School District 155, Dave Secrest has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving our school district and community as a member of our Board of Education. Mr. Secrest is passionate about providing the best learning experience for our students, and a safe and positive culture for our staff. 

His dedication to District 155 goes beyond monthly board meetings, he’s actively involved in our school community and is one of our biggest supporters. He often visits and participates in a variety of activities at each of our five schools. Whether he’s serving as a judge for our business incubator students at pitch night, supporting our students in special education programs, attending athletic events and musicals, touring schools during summer construction, or handing out diplomas at our graduation ceremonies, Mr. Secrest is consistently present. 

Following many of these events, Mr. Secrest will often talk about them publicly at board meetings while expressing deep appreciation to our teachers, staff, coaches, activity sponsors, community partners, and parents who made these events possible and memorable for our students. He’s always uplifting others and willing to share positive news from across the district at board meetings. 

Mr. Secrest was first elected to the Board of Education in April 2001 and his current term expires in 2025. He has hired five superintendents and has attended over 300 board meetings during his tenure as a member of the Board of Education.

D155 Among 8% of Schools in Illinois to Receive Certificate for Financial Reporting

Community High School District 155 has been awarded, for the ninth consecutive year, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year 2023. This prestigious award recognizes the district has met the program’s high standards for financial reporting and transparency. The district stands proudly among the 8% of schools in Illinois that received this award. 

 

District 155 received the certificate of excellence for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2023. The ACFR serves as a vital tool for informing stakeholders about the current financial and economic status of the district. This achievement shows District 155's commitment to fiscal responsibility and sets a standard for best practices in educational finance.

 

“District 155 prides itself on serving as an excellent steward of taxpayer dollars. Our team works incredibly hard to ensure we are fiscally responsible and transparent, and this recognition is a testament to that hard work,” said Dr. Neil Lesinski, Superintendent. “We value the support of all stakeholders and we continue to hold ourselves to the highest of standards when it comes to our management of resources.” 

 

A team of financial professionals evaluates the district's ACFR. Their feedback serves as guidance for enhancing future reports and ensuring greater transparency and accuracy in financial documentation.

 

“Communicating the financial and economic state of a district is important when engaging with the school community and building their trust. Districts that receive the COE Award have demonstrated their ability to do that at the highest level,” said Jim Rowan, ASBO International Executive Director, CAE, SFO.

D155 Receives Award for Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

District 155 has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence (COA) in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for an eighth consecutive year. The district received the financial reporting award for its 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 

German Students Visit D155 with GAPP Exchange

District 155 welcomed 24 students from Holzgerlingen, Germany from October 18 to November 1 as part of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). The German students were hosted by nine students from Crystal Lake Central and 15 from Crystal Lake South, who will be making a trip to Germany in June. 

Five D155 Students Named National Merit® Semifinalists

Five District 155 seniors have been named semifinalists in the National Merit® Scholarship Program, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. The nationwide pool of semifinalists includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

All D155 Schools Rank Among Nation’s Best for Fifth Year

U.S. News & World Report named all four D155 high schools in the top 14 percent nationally. The data includes nearly 25,000 public high schools which are ranked based on college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, as well as graduation rate.

District 155 enhances building safety with BluePoint Alert Systems

Community High School District 155 has taken steps to enhance district safety and security over the summer with the installation of BluePoint Alert Systems in all four buildings.

These rapid emergency response systems will immediately notify first responders, school leadership, students, teachers and staff of a threat.

D155 graduates further education in 38 states and five countries

Nearly 86 percent of Community High School District 155’s 2023 graduates will continue their studies at four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, and vocational and technical schools. Over 58 percent percent of the graduating class will pursue degrees at four-year colleges and universities.

Marketing and Autos Students Experience Chicago Auto Show

Students from District 155’s Marketing and Autos classes returned to the Chicago Auto Show on Thursday and Friday for the first time since the  pandemic. 

The largest auto show in the country returned to full capacity this year. Students from Cary-Grove, Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, and Prairie Ridge were able to experience the trip once again thanks to a donation of tickets from M’Lady Nissan. 

D155 Receives Donation of 30,000 Lysol Wipes

Community High School District 155 received a shipment of 30,000 packages of Lysol wipes on Monday, February 13. The donation to District 155 from the Frontline Impact Project has a value of $142,500. 

D155 Board Announces Next Superintendent After National Search

D155’s Board of Education named Dr. Neil Lesinski as the next superintendent during a special board meeting on February 1. He will continue to serve as principal at Cary-Grove High School until June 30 and begin his new role on July 1. He will replace Superintendent Steve Olson, who will retire at the end of this school year after completing 38 years of educational service in District 155.

D155 Recognizes Industry Partners

District 155 recognized more than 55 business and community partners for providing students an opportunity to explore a variety of careers at its first Industry Partner Breakfast on January 20 at the Dole Mansion. The Career Experiences Program is part of a district initiative launched this school year to give students an opportunity to explore careers through internships, job shadowing, field trips, and guest speakers. 

“We are committed to giving our students the chance to explore their career interests earlier in life before they make a financial commitment to pursue a degree, and with your help, this is quickly becoming a reality,” said Steve Olson, superintendent.

Prairie Ridge Student Earns Perfect Score on ACT

Sarah Lanza, a Prairie Ridge High School junior, earned a perfect score on the ACT the first time she took it. Only around three-tenths of one percent of all test takers earn the top score.

D155 Awarded ISBE School Maintenance Grant

District 155 received a School Maintenance Grant by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) totaling $50,000 to improve and maintain education infrastructure. The district plans to use these funds to offset the cost of new cooling towers at Prairie Ridge High School. 

D155 Celebrates the Opening of Health Careers Lab

District 155 celebrated the official opening of the new Health Careers Lab with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This state-of-the-art space at Crystal Lake Central High School will train 47 students this school year to become Illinois Certified Nursing Assistants.

Four D155 Students Named National Merit® Semifinalists

The National Merit® Scholarship Program named four District 155 seniors as 2023 National Merit® Semifinalists. The semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are the highest-scoring students in each state.

D155 Receives Community Partnerships Grant

District 155 was awarded the Community Partnerships Grant by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) totaling $635,000. This grant is intended to address gaps in opportunity caused by the COVID pandemic.

D155 Awarded for Communications Excellence

Community High School District 155 was recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) for its exceptional communication efforts, winning awards in three categories. 

D155 Summer 2022 Construction Projects Nearing Conclusion

Summer construction projects are wrapping up just in time for the 2022-23 school year. In January, the D155 Board of Education approved fourteen capital improvements projects across the district in a continuing effort to improve the learning environment for students and maintain basic upkeep of facilities.

D155 Reaches Agreement with D155 Education Association

The District 155 Board of Education approved the teachers’ contract on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The D155 Education Association, district administrators, and the Board of Education have been working collaboratively toward a new collective bargaining agreement since November. The contract is for five years and will run from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2027.

District 155 and Mercyhealth Announce Athletic Training Partnership

Community High School District 155 and Mercyhealth are pleased to announce that beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, Mercyhealth will be providing athletic training services to the district’s high schools. The three-year contract provides high-quality care to the student athletes with services that include sports physicals, first aid and CPR classes for coaches, injury prevention screens, increased access to care at Mercyhealth facilities, and physician coverage at home football games.

D155 Incubator Program Receives Carl E. Wehde Award

The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2022 Carl E. Wehde Award to the D155 Business Incubator Program! The business incubator program provides students an opportunity to learn business and entrepreneurship skills in partnership with local businesses.

Three D155 Students Earn IHSMTA Nominations

Prairie Ridge's Claire Jansen and Abby Malina and Cary-Grove's Nicholas Anchetta have earned best actress/actor nominations from Broadway In Chicago’s Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards!

STRIVE Student Receives 2022 Outstanding Student Technology Award

STRIVE student Grace Pump has been chosen as a recipient of a 2022 Infinitec Outstanding Student Technology Award. STRIVE is D155's transition program for students 18-22 which focuses on functional academics, independent living skills, and preparation for postsecondary employment.

District 155 Art Students Receive $5.6 Million in IHSAE Scholarships

Art students throughout the district received $5,695,000 in art scholarship offers this year from the Illinois High School Art Exhibition/Art ConnectED. Thirteen D155 seniors were also selected to showcase their artwork in the 2022 Senior Scholarship Exhibition at the Bridgeport Art Center on March 13, an honor extended only to select scholarship recipients. 

D155 Students Show Kindness with Cards for 'Hearts for Healthcare'

To show support of local healthcare professionals, students from all D155 schools put their art skills to work by creating cards of appreciation. Over 800 messages of support were delivered to hospitals in McHenry County on Random Acts of Kindness Day, Thursday, February 17. 'Hearts for Healthcare' was organized by Project Front Line, an initiative formed to support front line workers throughout the pandemic, and enlisted the help of art, family & consumer science and life skills classes throughout the district.

D155 Celebrates Student Artists in SPARK Show at the Dole

SPARK was truly a standout show! This annual all-district art show showcased artwork from a talented group of CLC, CLS, Cary-Grove, Prairie Ridge and Haber Oaks students.

The closing was celebrated in a gathering of students, families, staff and community to the background beat of the CG jazz ensemble.

ISAC Names 206 D155 Students as IL State Scholars

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission recognized 206 D155 seniors as Illinois State Scholars for their superior academic achievement.

Illinois State Scholars represent approximately ten percent of high school seniors from high schools across the state. Students are selected based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

Letters to Santa

The Cary-Grove Interact Club is celebrating another successful year of gift giving! They collected and organized over 700 gifts for low income students in Chicago as part of the Letters to Santa charity program.

Students Participate in September 11th Ceremony

Eight students representing District 155’s four high schools participated in the American Legion’s ‘A Day to Remember’ ceremony on September 11 at Union Cemetery in Crystal Lake. The day marked the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Class of 2021 Earns Over $15 Million in Scholarships

In District 155, 89 percent of graduates from the class of 2021 are continuing their education at four-year universities, two-year universities, technical/vocational schools, or trade and apprenticeship programs. The class of 2021 includes 1,311 graduates who earned $15,162,993 in scholarships.

District 155 Completes Over $7 Million in Capital Improvement Projects

This summer, District 155 completed $7,478,454 in capital improvement projects at all four high schools. D155 has been committed to necessary repairs and renovations to continuously improve the district’s facilities. Numerous major projects were completed this summer that will better the educational experience for students and staff.

D155 Finalizes Sale of Haber Oaks Campus

Community High School District 155 finalized the sale of Haber Oaks Campus for $700,000 to a local developer on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The Board of Education plans to use the proceeds of the sale to continue to improve district facilities.

Summer 2021 Construction Underway

Summer construction projects in all four of our buildings have officially begun in preparation for the 2021-22 school year. The D155 Board of Education approved approximately 13 major projects across the district to maintain basic upkeep of facilities and improve the learning environment for students.

Class of 2021 Graduation Updates

As we approach the final stretch of the 2020-21 school year, we’d like to provide you with an update regarding end of the year events for our senior class.

D155 2021 Spring Musicals

All District 155 high schools are excited to present their 2021 spring musical productions. Find streaming dates and ticketing links for each performance below. Thank you for supporting our students!

D155 Looks to Restructure Debt to Save Taxpayers Money

District 155 has an opportunity to save taxpayers money by refunding and refinancing its current debt service structure. On November 17, the Board of Education adopted a parameters resolution that authorized the refunding of its $9.1 million Series 2014B Bonds. The bonds will be refinanced at a lower interest rate than when issued in 2014 at an average rate of 4.48 percent, which will result in lower interest costs.

Five D155 Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

The National Merit® Scholarship Program named five District 155 seniors as 2020 National Merit® Semifinalists. The semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are the highest-scoring students in each state.

Crystal Lake South Seniors Intern at Mastertek Auto Repair During Remote Learning

Two seniors at Crystal Lake South High School, Aiden Cornett and Matt Brown, have secured internships at Mastertek Auto Repair in Algonquin, IL. With the help of autos teacher, Steven Dempsey, and Mastertek owner, operator and manager, Dave Hinz, Brown and Cornett are gaining relevant industry experience in their positions at Mastertek.

Wake Up Call Special Presentation

On Tuesday, November 17th , Your Choice to Live, Inc. will present Wake Up Call, a substance abuse educational program, virtually from 7:00-8:30 PM.  This event will be a live virtual event and attendees will be able to access the event from the comfort of their home. Attendees will remain anonymous during the event.

Prairie Ridge Autos Teacher Uses GoPro in Class During Remote Learning

Stiljan Agolli, an autos teacher at Prairie Ridge High School, is using a GoPro to film his lessons for students during remote learning. Agolli records lessons and live demonstrations for his students in Autos I, Advanced Autos, and Autos Seminar. In addition to having class over Zoom every day, Agolli uses his videos to supplement his students' learning and simulate hands-on experiences.

Class of 2020 Students Pursuing Education in 37 States and Four Countries

Eighty-nine percent of graduates in the class of 2020 will continue their studies at four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, and vocational and technical schools. Sixty-five percent of students are pursuing degrees at four year colleges and universities. Students earned $14,986,460 in scholarships.

Fall 2020 Food Service for D155 Students

Meals will be available for pick-up at Crystal Lake Central High School, located at 45 W. Franklin Ave. in Crystal Lake (field house entrance off Walkup). Beginning Monday, August 17, food will be provided Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

This Week on #WorkforceWednesday: Meet the Co-Founder of Project Front Line

Devon Hubbard Tessmer, a 2001 Crystal Lake Central graduate, has co-founded Project Front Line McHenry County, a grassroots coronavirus relief effort with a mission to aid local restaurants and give back to workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Tessmer and a committee of four other community members have raised nearly $45,000 towards the cause. 

D155 Summer Construction Projects Underway

With the unexpected transition to remote learning, District 155 summer construction kicked off early this school year. The accelerated schedule will allow for projects to be completed sooner, with time to “deep-clean” to ensure buildings will be ready prior to fall semester.

2020-21 Registration Open

Registration for the 2020-2021 school year is now open. It’s important to follow the three-step process to complete registration to ensure a faster process. Please note, student information can be completed without payment.

If you are new to the district, please contact the Student Services office of the school your child should attend. 

For further registration information, please visit the Registration webpage.

Graduation Updates for the Class of 2020

D155 high schools will host a Friday Night Lights parade for seniors and their families to honor the Class of 2020 on Friday evening, May 15. The formal graduation ceremony is rescheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2020. We are hopeful that by late July we can gather, pending guidelines from the Governor, CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

An Interview with D155 Graduate Dr. Emily Landon

Emily Landon, MD, graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School in 1995. She is now the Executive Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at UChicago Medicine and has gained popularity for her impassioned speech at Governor Pritzker’s COVID-19 press conference on March 20. 

D155 Art Students Earn Over $2.8 Million in Scholarships

25 district 155 students earned over $2.8 million in scholarships from various art schools and the Illinois High School Art Exhibition (IHSAE). Eleven Cary-Grove students were awarded $1,700,000, five Crystal Lake Central students received over $500,000 in scholarships, five Prairie Ridge students received scholarship offers totaling $684,000, and four students from Crystal Lake South recieved $570,000 in scholarship offers.

Breakfast & Lunch Meals Available for Students May 5 - May 19

Meals will continue to be available for pick-up at Crystal Lake Central High School, located at 45 W. Franklin Ave. in Crystal Lake (field house entrance off of Walkup). Food will be provided from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays (May 5, 12, & 19).

This Week on #WorkforceWednesday: Amanda Gerke's Journey to Chiropractic Care

CAMP ChiroTherapy is located in Algonquin, IL and was started by Crystal Lake South graduate, Amanda Gerke. Gerke attended Marquette University with the intent to go to medical school and progress her career in the sciences. Over time, her trajectory changed and she uncovered a passion for chiropractic care.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

D155 recognizes our responsibility to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). We continue to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and we are following guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the McHenry County Department of Health as we make decisions. We understand it’s a fluid situation and we will provide timely communication to staff, students, parents, and our community as we receive updates.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are working to develop an FAQ and provide you more information about the district’s plan moving forward.

The CDC recommends the following:

  • Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after your fever* (temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher) is gone. 

  • Temperature should be measured without the use of fever-reducing medicines (medicines that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

As a parent or guardian, you ultimately make the decision to keep your child home. If you choose not to send your child to school, please call the attendance line to have your child’s absence recorded as excused. 

D155 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

District 155 Hosts Realtor® Event at Prairie Ridge

District 155 invited local real estate professionals to Prairie Ridge High School on February 25 to visit with administrators, teachers, and students at the annual D155 Realtor® Event. Realtors were also given a unique opportunity to tour the building, learn about the programs district 155 offers, and see hands-on learning

This Week on #WorkforceWednesday: Finding Your Fit After High School

This semester, both Cary-Grove High School and Prairie Ridge High School invited numerous businesses, careers and schools to attend the annual Tech and Career Fair at PR and the Job Fair at CG. As students move towards life after high school, district 155’s College & Career Centers are working to shift how we frame opportunities in the workforce. 

This Week on #WorkforceWednesday: How to Use Your College & Career Center

Each high school in district 155 is home to its own College and Career Center, a unique resource designed to help students prepare for life after high school. There students can begin applying to college, scope out internship or scholarship opportunities, discuss the many options that exist in the workforce, and much more.

This Week on #WorkforceWednesday: A Day on the Job With D155 STRIVE Students

District 155’s STRIVE program provides students with the opportunity to continue their education in functional academics, vocational skills and independent living skills while working towards employment. Last semester, Which Wich, a sandwich chain in Crystal Lake, and NCR Corporation donated two registers to the STRIVE program in order to give students another way to prepare for the workforce. 

This Week on #WorkforceWednesday: A Look Inside Fat Tomato, Inc.

Carlo Nasca graduated from Crystal Lake South High School in the fall of 2004 with no plans to start a restaurant. In the years since, he has founded his own business and become a widely recognized chef. His business, Fat Tomato, Inc., began with a traveling food truck and has now expanded to a cafe in Rosemont, IL where Nasca serves tacos and other cuisine. 

This Week on #WorkforceWednesday: Perfecting the Job Interview

District 155 hosted mock interviews at Crystal Lake Central on December 4, 2019 and at Prairie Ridge High School on December 5, 2019. Mark Rzepecki’s students in the Language Academy and Christine Graham’s speech class participated in the event at Central, while Steve Karlblom’s students in the work program took part at Prairie Ridge. 

D155 Presents #WorkforceWednesday with Susan Powalowski

District 155 is excited to launch Workforce Wednesday with Susan Powalowski, a 2007 Cary-Grove graduate who now works as a Search Automation Specialist at Google in Chicago, IL. After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2011, Powalowski began her career at Google in June of 2014.

District 155 Receives Grant for Learning Kitchen

District 155 received a $240,000 state grant to expand learning opportunities for students by incorporating a 21st century learning kitchen into Cary-Grove High School. These kitchens give students the chance to explore different career options by using equipment that is current and will be used in the future. 

ISAC Names 200 D155 Students as IL State Scholars

Two hundred D155 seniors were recognized as Illinois State Scholars for their superior academic achievement by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors from 726 high schools across the state. Students are selected based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

GEMS Conference 2020

Sixth through eighth-grade girls have a unique opportunity to explore careers in science,​ technology, engineering and math (STEM) at the D155 GEMS Conference.  Sixth-to-eighth-grade girls in District 155 feeder schools are invited to attend the free conference! The fifth annual conference is Saturday, January 25 at Cary-Grove High School.

D155 Board Approves Tax Levy

District 155’s Board of Education approved a 2.75 percent tax levy increase to provide funds to cover the ongoing work to install air conditioning at Cary-Grove and Crystal Lake Central High Schools. The district has developed a three-year plan to air condition both schools.

Three D155 Schools Named Best STEM High Schools

Three District 155 high schools rank among the nation’s Best High Schools in science, technology, engineering and math. Prairie Ridge High School, Cary-Grove High School, and Crystal Lake Central High School earned spots in the top 16 percent on Newsweek’s list.

D155 Students & Parents Explore Manufacturing Careers

Eighty-eight students and parents had a unique opportunity to explore local manufacturing careers during the second “Made In Your Own Backyard” event on October 10. The event aims to increase awareness of products manufactured locally; and educate parents and middle and high school students about the diverse manufacturing field.

Four D155 Students Earn Spot in All-State Theatre Production

Four District 155 seniors were selected to participate in the All-State production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida as a part of the 45th Annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival. Cary-Grove senior, Allan Lopez, and Crystal Lake South high school students, Daniel Marable and Gabrielle Urbina earned spots in the company’s ensemble. Prairie Ridge High School senior, Nicholas Lingner, earned a place in the orchestra. 

Four D155 Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

The National Merit® Scholarship Program named four District 155 seniors as 2019 National Merit® Semifinalists. The semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are the highest-scoring students in each state.

District 155 Wins Three Communications Awards

The state’s school public relations association (INSPRA) recognized District 155’s communications department for its summer construction social media campaign, recently redesigned websites, and the 2017-18 annual report. 

School public relations professionals from across the country judged 158 entries.

D155 High Schools Rank in Top 4 in McHenry County

Chicago magazine recently named the best public schools in the suburbs and all four District 155 schools earned the top four spots in McHenry County. Crystal Lake South High School ranked first, followed by Crystal Lake Central, Prairie Ridge, and Cary-Grove.

CLC Teacher Selected for Illinois Policy Fellowship

Bob Chikos, a Crystal Lake Central special education teacher, was one of 27 teachers in the state, selected to be part of the 2019-20 Illinois Teaching Policy Fellowship. Fellows are expected to serve for a 10-month period from August 2019 until June 2020.

District 155 Summer Construction Wraps Up

All District 155 schools opened successfully on August 14 after substantially completing 22 construction projects this summer. The Board of Education approved $14,552,000 in capital projects for the summer of 2019, including kitchen classroom remodels and tennis court replacement.

Class of 2019 Pursues Education in 40 States

Eighty-nine percent of graduates in the class of 2019 will continue their studies at four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, and vocational and technical schools. Over 50 percent of students are pursuing degrees at four-year colleges and universities. 

D155 Board Approves Balanced Budget

District 155, like most Illinois school districts, receives the bulk of its revenue from property taxes. District 155's 2019-2020 budget forecasts $101,163,396 in operating fund revenue.

Summer Construction Work Begins at D155 Schools

D155 summer projects are underway at all four high schools as part of the 2019 Capital Improvements Project.  The Board of Education approved $14,552,000 in capital projects, including kitchen classroom remodels, tennis courts replacement, and air conditioning.

D155 Occupational Therapist Nationally Recognized

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) selected Michelle Ponsolle-Mays to receive the Jeannette Bair Writer’s Award at its national conference. Mays co-authored the article, “Enriching kids’ lives: Addressing the effects of poverty on the health and well-being of school-aged children and their families.”

D155 Students Earn Over $2.7 Million in Art Scholarships

Twenty-three District 155 students earned $2,732,272 in scholarships from various art schools and the Illinois High School Art Exhibition (IHSAE). The sixth annual IHSAE featured the best student artists from more than 125 Illinois high schools.

Registration is now open for summer school courses. The deadline to register for semester one is April 26 and the second semester registration deadline is May 31. With the exception of driver’s education courses, all summer school courses will be held at Crystal Lake South High School.

Student poses with Tony Moretti a teacher at Haber Oaks who earned teacher of the month from Star 105.5.

Tony Moretti, a Special Education Teacher at Haber Oaks Campus, is the Star 105.5 and Home State Bank Teacher of the Month for January. He won the award after a former student, Gillian wrote a special nomination letter.

logo

The D155 Board of Education approved the teachers’ contract on Thursday, January 24. The D155 Education Association, district administrators, and the Board of Education have been working collaboratively toward a new collective bargaining agreement since August. 

D155 to Host First Realtor® Event

District 155 will host its first Realtor® Event at Crystal Lake South High School on Wednesday, February 13. Local real estate agents are invited to meet with administrators, teachers, and students to learn about programs and opportunities the district offers. 

Summer School Early Elective Registration

District 155 offers early registration for select summer school elective courses. The following summer school courses are available for early registration: Consumer Education, U.S. History, and Visual Arts and Technology.

D155 Parent University

D155 will host its 11th Annual Parent University on Saturday, February 16 at Prairie Ridge High School from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register for the event and learn more about the sessions offered.

D155 Board Approves Sale of Haber Oaks Campus

Community High School District 155’s Board of Education approved the purchase agreement for the eventual sale of Haber Oaks Campus with Elm Tree Properties, LLC. The board agreed to sell the property in August.

260 D155 Students Named ISAC State Scholars

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) recognized 260 D155 students from the graduating class of 2019 as Illinois State Scholars, a prestigious honor. Students are selected based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and sixth semester class rank.

8th Grade Night

Please Save the Date for 8th Grade Night on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact your future school's student services office.

 D155 Teacher and Research Team Receive National Recognition

Shannon Levitt, a Crystal Lake Central High School teacher, and a ten member team made up of Illinois teachers, were national finalists for Most Actionable Research at the “Eddies” for their published work on school discipline reform and restorative discipline tactics.

Register for the 2019 GEMS Conference

The fourth annual GEMS conference is at Cary-Grove High School on January 26, 2019. Parents are invited to participate in the college and career expo as well as the opening activity.

D155 Culinary Program Offers Certifications and College Credit

District 155 students are one step ahead of their peers gaining valuable certifications and college credit in the Culinary Arts program at Crystal Lake South High School. The program offers students the opportunity to earn two certifications, the Food Handler Certification and Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification, which gives students the advantage when applying for jobs.

logo

The National Merit® Scholarship Program named thirteen District 155 seniors as 2019 National Merit® Semifinalists. Students will find out if they have advanced to Finalist standing in February. Beginning in April, National Merit Scholarship winners will be awarded.

Two District 155 Students Earn Perfect Scores on ACT

​​Daisy Kucharski, a Prairie Ridge High School junior, and Aditya Khandeshi, a Crystal Lake Central senior, both earned perfect scores on the ACT the first time they took it. The students learned about the rare accomplishment over the summer.

Cary-Grove’s New CNC Manufacturing Lab Offers Career Pathways

Cary-Grove High School’s CNC Precision Machining and Manufacturing Lab will teach students how to prepare for potential careers in manufacturing and engineering. Students will gain experience with a variety of machines including a computer numerical control (CNC) mill, CNC lathe.

District 155 Class of 2018

Ninety percent of graduates in the class of 2018 will continue their studies at four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, and vocational and technical schools. Over 60 percent of students are pursuing degrees at four-year colleges and universities.