D114 Family Update: April 2026

Happy Monday! To all who celebrate, I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!

Updated Lotus Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures

IAR TESTING

lllinois' students in grades 3-8 will participate in the state assessment called the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) exam in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The 2025 window for testing is from March through April. Our students will be completing the assessments during the week of April 7. Make-up testing for students who are absent will be given as soon as possible within the remainder of the testing window.

The IAR exam asks students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and skills with the updated Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The exam measures students’ problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and reading and writing skills, which are abilities all students need to stay on track for college and career readiness after high school. These spring assessments correspond with what your child is learning in the classroom and they should not require time outside of school to prepare for the test, however you can visit the following link to see practice questions to better understand the types of questions your child may be asked.

https://il.mypearsonsupport.com/practice-tests/

It is important to remember that no test provides a complete picture of student performance; the IAR results are one of many factors that we use to measure progress. Assessments help provide a sense of where and how we are succeeding and where and how we must improve, along with other indicators such as classroom work samples and teacher observations. While the scores from last year’s test administration have provided a new baseline for student performance going forward, the IAR assessment is designed to give schools and teachers more information to support improvement efforts and personalize teaching to better guide your child’s learning.

Results from the IAR assessment should be received in the fall. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns, including any requests for students to not participate in testing. We thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child’s academic and social-emotional growth and success.

Lotus IAR Spirit Week

Summer School 2026

If your child is being invited to attend summer school, you will receive a phone call and letter via US Mail with information. PLEASE return this letter to school--no student will be officially signed up until this letter is returned. If you have any questions, please contact Kristie Paul at 847-973-4028!

Calling All Incoming Kindergarten Students and Families!!!!

OPEN NOW!!!!

Absences

While we ALWAYS want our students at school, please be sure to review our Illness Guidelines (linked here).

Just a reminder that--if a student is absent from school for ANY reason--they are NOT permitted to attend any after school events. If they can't come to school, they should not attend after school events.

Students should absolutely stay home if they are sick, but we want them back with us as soon as possible!

Good morning, District 114!

We hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend.

Our Day of Service Fundraiser has begun!! Your child brought home their money collection envelopes last week, but you may be wondering what this is all about. Here is some quick info about the Day of Service fundraiser:
Day of Service Fundraiser is the PTA's sole large-scale fundraiser of the year, which raises the money needed for the PTA's events and programs like the Halloween Dance, teacher conference dinners, Santa's Breakfast, Family Fun Fair, and Book Buddies.
Similar to a Walk-a-Thon or Fun Run, students raise money through donations, and then, instead of running or walking, they complete service projects to support the Fox Lake community on Wednesday, April 22nd.
Our Goal: $25,000
Anything raised above $25,000 will go into a dedicated account to help fund a future accessible playground at Lotus!
Donations can be made in cash or check (payable to Fox Lake School District 114 PTA) or can be made online here.
Envelopes are due back to school on Tuesday, April 21st.
Please help us reach our goal by asking friends and family members to donate to this worthy cause!

Mark Your Calendars for The Following Dates:
April PTA Meeting
Date: Monday, 4/13/26
Time: 6:00 pm to ~7:00 pm
Location: Lotus Library or Google Meet
Seeking Nominations!!
Our current president's term is ending at the end of the school year!
Nominations for a new president are needed!
Do you know someone who would make an excellent president? Are you that person?
Send us an email at pta@foxlake114.org to let us know who you nominate!
We'll vote in our new president during the May 11th PTA Meeting!
Day of Service
Help us raise funds to support PTA programs and events, and help raise funds for a future accessible playground at Lotus
Donations can be made in cash, check (payable to Fox Lake School District 114 PTA), or online here
Envelopes due back to school, Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Day of Service is on Wednesday, April 22nd!
Family Rocket Launch
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 (Rain date: Thursday, May 21, 2026)
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lotus Cafeteria and Outside
Help us reach our goal of 90+ members this school year! We currently have 81 members, including 40 teachers and staff, and 41 parents/guardians.

Here's what you need to know:
Dues are $10 for the whole year! That's less than a dollar a month!
You'll receive a District 114 PTA Calendar featuring student artwork
Join here today!
Join the PTA and help enrich your child's educational experience this year!
Make sure to join our Facebook Group Page!

YOUR PTA Board