Weekly Bulletin

Dear LFCDS Families, 

At Lake Forest Country Day School, we believe deeply that Community Is Our Core. This belief guides how we teach, how we lead, and how we partner with families to educate children of strong character, curiosity, and compassion. Recently, I encountered a framework that powerfully reinforces this belief and offers language for work we are already committed to as a school community. 

While attending the ISACS Heads Conference, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Donna Hicks, an internationally recognized expert on dignity, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. Her presentation, Unity for All: Fostering Civility and Connection, resonated strongly with me because it speaks directly to the kind of community we strive to create at LFCDS—one grounded in respect, belonging, and shared responsibility. 

Dr. Hicks, an Associate at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, has spent decades working in communities experiencing deep division and conflict around the world. Across cultures and contexts, her research consistently points to the same conclusion: healthy, resilient communities depend on honoring the dignity of every person. 

Dr. Hicks describes dignity as both our inherent value and our inherent vulnerability. We are all born with dignity; unlike respect, it does not need to be earned and cannot be taken away. What can be diminished, however, is a person’s experience of dignity. 

When dignity is violated, Dr. Hicks explains, it can function much like trauma—disrupting a person’s ability to think clearly, regulate emotions, and act in their own best interest. For children in particular, a diminished sense of dignity can interfere with learning, appropriate risk-taking, and healthy relationship-building. However, when dignity is honored through the safety to speak honestly, take intellectual and social risks, and feel heard, children thrive. At LFCDS, fostering this sense of safety is essential to our learning environment. When students feel safe and valued, curiosity flourishes, collaboration deepens, and meaningful learning takes root. 

Dr. Hicks situates dignity within our evolutionary biology. As humans, we are wired both to protect ourselves and to connect with others. Instincts such as taking offense, assigning blame, or avoiding responsibility once served survival purposes, but in modern communities they can undermine trust and belonging. 

At the same time, we are equally wired for empathy, cooperation, and care. Education plays a critical role in helping children recognize this tension and make thoughtful, values-based choices. At LFCDS, this work shows up daily—in classrooms, on playgrounds, on teams, and in conversations that encourage perspective-taking, accountability, and growth. 

This framework feels especially relevant in our broader national context, where polarization and diminished trust can make listening and understanding more difficult. Honoring the dignity of every person does not require agreement; it does require recognizing shared humanity. 

Dr. Hicks’s work offers dignity as a pathway toward restoring what many communities are working to reclaim: curiosity, empathy, trust, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully across differences. These are qualities we intentionally nurture at LFCDS, not only for the health of our school community, but for the world our students will one day help lead. 

At its heart, dignity is about connection—connection to oneself, to others, and to something larger than oneself. As futurist John Naisbitt observed, “The most important breakthroughs of the 21st century will not be technological, but rooted in an expanded understanding of what it means to be human.” 

This understanding brings us back to our belief that Community Is Our Core—defined at LFCDS as honest and respectful relationships, built through conversation and collaboration, that create trust and a deep sense of belonging – honoring the dignity of every person. Dr. Hicks’s framework gives language and structure to work already underway in our classrooms and across our campus. Community is not something we simply value; it is something we practice every day. 

I believe this is central to the work we do together, and I am grateful to partner with our faculty, staff, and families in this shared responsibility. As we continue this work on behalf of children, a quote from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin feels especially meaningful: 

“Someday, after mastering the winds, the tides, and gravity, we shall harness the energies of love—and then, for a second time in the history of the world, we will have discovered fire.” 

In partnership, 

John 

Dear LFCDS Community, 

After 46 remarkable years of service, Nan Caldwell has shared with me that she will retire at the conclusion of this school year. Nan’s relationship with LFCDS began as a young teacher, right out of college, and evolved into a career defined by deep commitment, curiosity, and care for children, colleagues, and the life of the school. Over nearly five decades, she has been a steady presence through generations of students and countless moments that have shaped who we are as a community. 

Nan is perhaps best known for building and sustaining a comprehensive World Language program, one that opened minds, fostered global awareness, and challenged students to see themselves as citizens of a wider world. Through her teaching, she encouraged students to take intellectual risks, embrace different perspectives, and find confidence in their voices — lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. 

Just as meaningful are the many other ways Nan has left her fingerprints across LFCDS — from the gardens in our courtyard to the growth of our community service program, and in the quieter, daily ways she modeled generosity, high expectations, and joy in learning. Her influence can be felt in both the physical spaces of our campus and the values that guide our work together. 

As we look ahead to celebrating Nan in the months to come, we do so with immense gratitude for her lasting contributions and the countless lives she has touched along the way. Her legacy lives on in our programs, our campus, and most of all, in our alumni and families who carry forward the lessons she so thoughtfully imparted.  

Please join me in thanking Nan Caldwell for an extraordinary career and in wishing her every happiness in this next chapter. 

Warmly, 

John Melton
Head of School

Panther Leaders: Growing Leadership Through Service 

New Leadership Initiative at LFCDS 

At LFCDS, Community is Our Core—and we’re proud to share a new leadership initiative that we kicked off this year that reflects this value. Beginning in September, 4th-grade students took on meaningful roles in supporting our school community by assisting Early Childhood students during morning arrival. Every 4th grader was assigned a week throughout the fall term and, during this time, took a turn helping our youngest learners transition into the building with care and confidence. It is our hope that through this initiative, our “Leaders of the Lower School” will continue to grow and demonstrate what it means to be supportive, responsible representatives of the LFCDS community.  

For Early Childhood students and families, this initiative helps create a positive start to the day and fosters a sense of belonging for our youngest learners and their families. At the same time, it gives our 4th graders the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build meaningful connections across grade levels. Seeing familiar faces each morning strengthens relationships and reinforces the caring, supportive community we value. We look forward to finding additional ways to bring our divisions together through meaningful community gatherings, continuing to nurture these connections and shared experiences. 

This initiative reflects our strategic commitment: Our talented educators craft authentic and challenging learning experiences that empower our students to emerge as confident, compassionate learners, ready to lead, serve, and shape what comes next. Panther Leaders is one more way we are living this mission every day. 

Warmly, 

Rachel and Abby

Dear LFCDS Families, 

Sparking innovation, stimulating self-discovery, and driving creativity are central to our third Core Belief, Curiosity is a Gift. Each were on full display during the recent live production of Where the Waves Divide, an original adaptation of Romeo and Juliet created and performed by our first-semester Grade 8 drama and music students. 

This production exemplifies what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and inspired by exceptional teaching. Under the leadership of drama teacher Chelsea Taylor and music teacher Justin Nixon, students wrote, composed, and staged a deeply engaging and thoroughly entertaining adaptation that reflected both creative risk-taking and thoughtful collaboration. Their partnership embodies our fourth Core Belief, We Aim High, and highlights the remarkable outcomes that result when educators ask, “What if…?” and invite students into ambitious, meaningful work. 

As we enter the second half of the 2025–26 school year, experiences like this remind us why thoughtful planning and sustained investment matter. At its January meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the tuition schedule for the 2026–27 academic year. Tuition accounts for approximately 85% of our operating budget, with the remainder supported by philanthropy and a responsible draw from the school’s endowment. Together, these resources allow LFCDS to deliver an unparalleled educational experience at a reduced tuition rate for all families. 

Today, we will be mailing re-enrollment agreements home. Timely completion of the re-enrollment process helps us plan responsibly for the year ahead—staffing thoughtfully, sustaining exceptional programs, and continuing to create transformative experiences like Where the Waves Divide. Thank you for your trust, partnership, and commitment to LFCDS. Together, we will continue to invest in what matters most: our children. 

In partnership, 

John Melton 

Grade 8 Drama Production – Tuesday, Jan 13 

Where The Waves Divide is the third installment of our new series of 8th grade musicals. What happens when the story of Romeo & Juliet hits the high seas? We expect a full house for what promises to be another incredible demonstration of student agency and inspired teaching at its finest.  We ask any guests planning to attend to be mindful of the marked seating for Grade 8 families.  

Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly – Friday, Jan 16  

Students in Lower and Upper School will participate in our annual MLK Jr Assembly in the Performing Arts Center. This year’s assembly is titled Walk A Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes and will feature presentations thematically rooted in empathy. Community is core at LFCDS because of our cherished traditions; I hope you will consider joining us for this special Community Meeting. Assembly Dress is required for students in Grades 1-8. School will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of the holiday.  

Family Bingo Night – Friday, Jan 23  

This week marked the two-month countdown until There’s No Place Like Home and we’re excited to enter the home stretch. Family Bingo Night is a Count-Me-In Event that brings families together in support, and in anticipation, of the March 6 Auction. Surprise faculty Bingo callers will highlight a fun night with exciting prizes. Click here for more information and to RSVP.  

Re-enrollment Contracts Due – Friday, Jan 30 

Enrollment agreements for the 2026-2027 school year will be mailed home to families next Friday with a return deadline of January 30. Keep an eye out for additional information about ‘26-27 in next week’s Bulletin.  

Staffing Announcements 

Cassandra Clark – We’re excited to announce that Cassandra Clark, previously a Library intern with Donna Culhane, is joining LFCDS full-time as a Grade 1 Associate Teacher. Cassandra is completing her bachelor’s degree at Lake Forest College. Her addition will extend greater levels of support and continuity for Grade 1 students.   

Sara Hunter – We are excited to welcome former faculty member Sara Hunter back to the Early Childhood team. Sara actually rejoined the community several years ago as parent to Charlie ‘34 and Owen ‘32; her husband Peter is an LFCDS alumnus from the class of 2001. Sara will return to her old Preschool stomping grounds as a part-time Associate Teacher.  

Jasmine Moreno – We are excited to welcome Jasmine Moreno as a student teacher in 3AR. Jasmine is currently pursuing her teaching degree at Lake Forest College and a current employee at LFCDS, working with students across Early Childhood and Lower School in our Extended School Program. Jasmine is also the daughter of our beloved faculty member, Cynthia Garcia, a veteran classroom teacher in our Early Childhood division and co-recipient of last year's Yvonne Banks Caring Teacher Award. 

Dear LFCDS Community, 

At this time of year, we naturally pause to reflect. At LFCDS, those reflections are guided by our four core beliefs—touchstones that shape not only what we teach, but how it feels to grow up and belong here. This season has offered many small moments that, taken together, tell a powerful story of who we are. 

We begin with our belief that childhood is championed. Not long ago, a fourth grader burst unannounced into my office, their hand held high, drawing paper flapping in the breeze and proudly announcing, “Mr. Melton, Mr. Melton—I made a drawing for you!” That moment captured something essential about this place. Our children feel safe, known, and valued enough to share their joy without hesitation and to inspire joy in others through real emotional connection. I felt pretty happy after my visit from the 4th grader! It is a daily affirmation of the care our teachers, staff, and families provide, and of the environment we intentionally create—one where children are supported, celebrated, and loved. 

When children feel championed, something else naturally follows: connection. That brings us to our second belief, community is our core. It is not uncommon for our band director, Tracie Tatz, to stop by my office, take a seat, and say, “Mr. Melton, I have an idea.” This fall, her idea was to invite alumni band members back to perform with the school band during the holiday program. We hoped a few might return; instead, 22 alumni heeded the call, even volunteering for a Thursday evening rehearsal. Their willingness to come back speaks volumes about the enduring bonds formed here and the sense of belonging that extends well beyond graduation. 

Strong community also creates space for imagination and initiative, which leads directly to our third belief: curiosity is a gift. Two weeks ago, as I turned the corner into the eighth-grade hallway, I was met by a prominently displayed sign with the message “8th Grade Village”.  The hallway had been transformed to a holiday wonderland akin to a scene straight out of the movie Elf—walls and ceilings filled with handmade holiday decorations dreamed up and created by students. Entirely student-driven and supported by their advisors, that spark of curiosity spread quickly through the seventh, sixth, and fifth-grade hallways. I hope you had the opportunity to see these festive spaces during Family Visiting Day.  

Curiosity, when nurtured, gives rise to ambition—and that reflects our final belief: we aim high. Over the past several months, I’ve watched auction chairs Mimi Doyle and Alicia Phillips, alongside longtime volunteer Shelbi Sheinkop and her creative team, bring this year’s auction vision to life. Behind carefully drawn curtains, a new auction mobile is taking shape, soon to be prominently displayed in the Green Bay Atrium. Each year when I return to campus after break, I am greeted by Shelbi and teams' masterpiece. In this moment my spirits lift, and I am filled with gratitude for the commitment of our families. It reminds me of what is possible when our community sets its sights high together. 

I hope these stories illustrate how LFCDS lives its core beliefs with intention and heart. As you head into the holiday break, I invite you to notice the small yet meaningful moments that reflect these same values in your own lives. Collectively, they sustain us—as individuals, as families, and as a school community. 

Happy Holidays to all, 

John 

Dear LFCDS Families, 

We are thrilled to invite families to the long-standing tradition of Family Visiting Day on Friday, December 19. 

The information below will outline the specifics for this special day. Please note that all students and families are welcome to enjoy hot cocoa and holiday caroling in the Green Bay Atrium, which begins at 8:00 a.m. All Lower School and Upper School classes begin at 8:20 a.m. Please see the attached Lower School schedule for your child’s homeroom. Upper School families received a personalized schedule via email on Friday, December 12. Upper School families start the day in their student’s Advisory. Advisors will have hard copies of the day’s schedule as well. 

Assembly dress is required for students in Senior Kindergarten through Grade 8. 

Early Childhood:

• Family Visiting Day for PS, JK, and SK will begin with a late start at 8:45 AM and end at 10:50 AM. 

• No care is available from 7:45–8:45 AM. 

• Parking will be limited. A small number of spaces will be available at the Onwentsia parking lot, but we strongly recommend planning ahead and considering alternative arrangements. 

• 8:45–9:00 AM: Students and families may enter their Homeroom classroom at 8:45 AM. Classes start promptly at 9:00 AM. 

• 9:00-10:50 AM: Schedule  

• 10:50–11:00 AM: Dismissal for all Early Childhood students 

• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Optional Holiday Assembly: EC students will be dismissed at 10:50 and may attend the assembly with their family. 

Note: From 7:50-8:45 AM, Preschool through Senior Kindergarten students may visit older siblings’ classrooms with their families before their own visit begins.

1st STEP Information: 

• 1st STEP: Two-day 1st STEP students will attend their regular class from 7:50–10:30/11:15 AM. 

• 1st STEP: Family visiting day will be scheduled in spring. 

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.  

Warm regards, 

Abby, Rachel, and Steve 

Dear LFCDS Families, 

As we turn focus together on the spirit of Thanksgiving—a season grounded in gratitude and service—I want to take a moment to reflect on the LFCDS CARES event that took place on campus this morning. CARES stands for Community – Action – Reach – Engagement – Service. This special program invited us to pause, give thanks for our community, and put that gratitude into action. 

The morning began in house families with a shared reading of Last Stop on Market Street, a story that beautifully aligns with our mission and core beliefs. In the book, CJ and his Nana ride the bus through their city, and along the way, Nana helps CJ see the magic in what at first seems ordinary or even disappointing. She encourages him to notice the beauty in everyday moments, appreciate the diverse people around him, and understand that gratitude and joy are choices we make. These lessons remind us of the important work we do with families to champion childhood, highlighting that curiosity, reflection, and discovery are gifts of these formative years. They also reinforce our belief that community is at the heart of all we do, calling us to honor the dignity of every person and to find strength in the relationships we build. 

Following our reading, students in all grades brought these themes to life through meaningful acts of service that included packing food donations and making blankets for Serving and Learning Together (SaLT), collaborating with Misericordia residents on art projects, and supporting animals in need through activities for Orphans of the Storm. These efforts are a testament to what happens when we aim high, trusting our students to lead with empathy, purpose, and care. 

Thank you to our faculty, staff, and students for the heart and effort you brought to this morning’s work. By joining together in service, you deepened your connections to one-another and embraced others on the Northshore in need. And that is the thing that I am most thankful for in this season of gratitude. 

I wish all of you a Thanksgiving holiday filled with family, friends, and an extra measure of gratitude for the blessings in our lives—a gratitude that, in the words of Maya Angelou, “makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” 

Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

Warmly,
John Melton

Dear Lake Forest Country Day School Families, 

This past Wednesday, November 5, our community gathered for a moving Veterans Day Program that honored the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have defended our country. We were privileged to hear from Chief Machinery Repairman Franklin R. Alvarez, United States Navy, an LFCDS parent who spoke thoughtfully about service, commitment, and what it means to be part of something larger than oneself. Our students also shared personal stories about the history of the armed forces and their own family members who have served, helping us all appreciate the deep connections between our school community and the values of honor and duty. 

This program beautifully reflected our belief of “Community is our core—that honest and respectful relationships formed through conversation and collaboration build trust and a sense of belonging, honoring the dignity of every person.” Coming together to honor our veterans exemplified this belief in action, as everyone in attendance shared in collective meaningful reflection, gratitude, and connection. 

Looking ahead, we are eager to continue celebrating this spirit of service at our Thanksgiving Program, to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21. In the days leading up to the Program, our House System Canned Food Drive will challenge Mason, Alcott, Farwell, and Bell—who will win? This friendly competition is just one element of the “Days of Service” initiative that engages LFCDS students of all ages in community service several times throughout the year.  As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” In this spirit, we continue our work towards fulfilling our vision of “empowering students to emerge as confident, compassionate learners, ready to lead, serve, and shape what comes next. 

I hope to see you in the gym for our Thanksgiving Program on Friday, November 21! 

With gratitude, 

John Melton
Head of School 

Dear LFCDS Community, 

There’s something unmistakable in the air this week. The hum of excitement, the echo of laughter, and the rustle of green and white as students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families come together to celebrate LFCDS Homecoming. Since Tuesday morning, the energy has been palpable in the hallways, where spirited decorations (thanks to a large and committed group of parent volunteers) have set the tone for a week filled with tradition and timeless community spirit. Homecoming is a return to the heart of what makes LFCDS so special. It’s a time to reflect on the traditions that bind us, the friendships that sustain us, and the pride we share in being part of the LFCDS family. 

Throughout the week, students have embraced school pride with enthusiasm and creativity. These included themed dress days in the Upper School, guessing jar games for prizes, and a high-energy pep rally today. We are especially thrilled to welcome back our alumni and alumni parents, and are honored to host more than 30 members of the Class of 1975, returning from across the country and overseas to celebrate their 50th Reunion. Their presence is a visual reminder of the lifelong connections that began for many of them in JK.  

As we gather for a weekend full of community spirit, we invite everyone to don your green and white and cheer on our Panthers! Thanks to our incredible Parent Association events team, there will be activities for all ages; and keep those fingers crossed the weather holds! Hayrides winding through crisp autumn air, pumpkin decorating stations bursting with color, face painting, food vendors, spirit wear, and more will all take place behind the big gym.  

Homecoming reminds us of what makes a community: shared memories, enduring friendships, and the power of connection. We look forward to celebrating all that makes LFCDS such a special place to call home. 

With gratitude and Panther pride, 

Sarah Thomas

LFCDS hosted our annual New Parent Dinner this week. After spending several years in an outdoor and breakfast model, we returned to the dinner format last year at the encouragement of veteran parent volunteers who felt the tradition was an essential element of how we onboard our newest families. They each recalled their own formative experiences with one consistent theme: it was anchoring them as parents, and in being new to LFCDS. After witnessing another memorable event Lisa Horstmann put together on Wednesday, the evening always serves as a reminder of how community is our core.  

Perhaps it was being amongst 100 guests floating between the Green Bay Atrium and cafeteria, or the throng of 8th grade students participating as servers (collecting precious service hours) and meeting the loftiest of expectations under Tracie Tatz’s leadership, or our two alumni speakers from the Class of 2022 – Shalin Chhabria and Elizabeth Grace – who shared reflections on LFCDS from the perspective of high school seniors purposefully pursuing their path, but the feeling was unmistakable: this is what belonging looks like. The room buzzed with conversation, laughter, and genuine connection—a living expression of the values we hold dear. 

Moments like these remind us that LFCDS is not just a school; it’s a community that grows stronger with every handshake, every story shared, and every student who carries our spirit beyond these walls. Thank you to everyone who helped make this tradition shine once again—you remind us that our partnership with families is the heart of all we do. 

Alex 

The Early Childhood Team, alongside Mrs. Hempen and Ms. O’Shaughnessy, joyfully hosted our first EC Community Meeting of the year. From the moment students entered the EC Atrium, they were immersed in a warm, welcoming experience that included a thoughtful introduction, our beloved school song, and a joyful birthday celebration. Smiles stretched from ear to ear as children and teachers came together—not just as classmates, but as a true community.

At LFCDS, community is our core—and our EC Meetings are a beautiful reflection of that value. These gatherings celebrate the joyful learning journeys of our 1st STEP, Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Senior Kindergarten students, while reinforcing a deep sense of belonging. From the very beginning, children learn that they are part of a larger team -- not just supported by their homeroom teachers -- but uplifted by every Early Childhood educator. This shared support is foundational to how we teach, learn, and grow together.

Each Community Meeting is thoughtfully designed to highlight student discoveries, creative expressions, and collaborative projects. As children share their voices and ideas, they build confidence, develop public speaking skills, and learn to appreciate the contributions of others. These meetings mirror the vibrant Community Meetings held in Lower and Upper School, reinforcing our school-wide commitment to connection, celebration, and shared purpose.

Beginning in January, we’ll officially welcome families to join us for the first public Community Meeting hosted by Preschool, offering you the chance to witness and celebrate the incredible work happening in your children’s classrooms.

These shared celebrations strengthen the partnership between home and school, build pride and curiosity, and foster a deep sense of belonging. We’re excited to continue this journey with you—together, as a community.

With gratitude,

Abby Acuna

Head of Early Childhood

Dear Lake Forest Country Day School Families,

We are delighted to invite you to Curriculum Night in the weeks ahead, an annual tradition that offers parents the chance to step into the classrooms of the Early Childhood, Lower School, and Upper School Divisions. This evening is designed to give you a window into your child’s learning experience—to see the classroom through their eyes and to witness firsthand the inspired teaching that lies at the heart of our mission.

Curriculum Night also reflects another essential element of who we are at LFCDS: our deep commitment to partnership with families. The opportunity to engage with your child’s teachers, learn more about the curriculum, and hear from school leadership is an important way to strengthen the connection between home and school. Together, we share in the joy and responsibility of nurturing each child’s growth and development.

The evening will begin with a welcome from leadership in the Green Bay Atrium followed by classroom visits in the Early Childhood and Lower School Divisions and meetings with grade level teams in the Upper School. These breakout sessions will include opportunities to learn about the year ahead, explore the curriculum, and experience the learning environment your child knows so well. 

Following these sessions, we warmly invite you to join us for a social hour back in the Green Bay Atrium. This gathering will be a time to connect with other parents in your division and to spend time with the teachers and leaders who guide your child’s educational journey.

We look forward to welcoming you to this special evening of learning, connection, and community.

In Partnership, 

John Melton
Head of School

Dear Families,

We are out of the gate with the 2025-2026 school year off to a strong start. At Thursday's opening convocation, I had the opportunity to speak with students about the meaning and importance of community. It was a dialogue offering thoughtful ideas about the definition of community; what it looks like here at LFCDS and in other areas of their lives.

Ultimately, we landed on the truth that healthy and robust communities form when we seek to see and understand others, and when we are seen and understood ourselves. It is a complicated and messy at times. In the end, honest and respectful relationships form as we seek understanding; along the way we build trust and a sense of belonging. If we aim high and aspire to honor the dignity of every person, we must model what a strong, resilient, and caring community looks like for our children. The alternative is darkness and tragedy; consequences of exclusion, loneliness, and a lack of purpose.

We are fortunate to be part of a school where students’ safety – emotional and physical – is our highest priority. The supportive community we create together is paramount to the learning experience; it is also our greatest advantage as we work together to prepare our students to shape what comes next.

On behalf of my colleagues, we are excited to partner with you in the year ahead.

Here’s to a great year,

John