Incoming Freshmen
Incoming Freshmen Family Orientation Webinar
The Incoming Freshmen Family Orientation was held on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. View a recording below:
Live Q&A Virtual Tables
Click on any of the following to discuss/learn more about these academic divisions, organizations and groups.
These Zoom links will not be live until after the Orientation Webinar on Jan. 13.
Welcome from Student Services
Dear SHS Students & Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the Patriot Family! We know that the transition from eighth grade to high school is both exciting and filled with many questions. Please know that members of the Student Services Division are here to help you navigate the high school journey as you explore the many classes, activities, programs, resources and other adventures that await!
The pages of this Transitions Guide are filled with information about the important events that will take place over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition to high school. The answers to many of your questions may be found in this guide. Please review this guide carefully and mark your calendars with the dates of upcoming events.
For your information, you may always reach Stevenson High School by calling our switchboard at (847) 415-4000 between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on any school day. You may also contact departments directly. Many of these phone numbers may be found in this guide and are also located on our website.
Stevenson High School is a special place with countless opportunities inside our classrooms and beyond! We look forward to working with your family over the next four years!
Kind regards,
Sarah Bowen
Incoming Freshman Transitions Guide
The Incoming Freshman Guide has information on important events that will take place over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition to your time at Stevenson High School. The answers to many questions may be found in this booklet. Please review the guide and mark your calendars of upcoming event dates.
- Enrollment Information
- Parent-Student Orientation
- Benchmark Testing
- Course Selection Evenings
- iPad & Technology
- Calendar of Events
Enrollment Information
Enrollment Information
Online Enrollment Due By Jan. 29
During the week of Jan. 4, families will receive information on how to complete the online enrollment process for their student. Parents will need to review and upload the required documents and complete the following:
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Household information:
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Address and phone contact for the primary and additional household (where applicable).
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Note: Parents/guardians living in separate households will need to provide a copy of the parenting agreement for school records.*
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Parent information:
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All parent/guardian email addresses and home, cell and work phone contact numbers.
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Student information:
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Student’s birth certificate (translated in English).*
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Health/medication information, immunizations, doctor and hospital choice
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Affirmation of Legal Residency:
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Verification and confirmation of the household address where the student is living.
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For leases: Terms of the lease (start and end date) and landlord contact information.
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Note: In accordance with the Illinois School Code, all students attending Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125 must be legal residents of the school district. You are required to verify your residency by affirming that your child lives in the Adlai E. Stevenson school district and submitting photocopies of the required documents during the annual residency verification process.
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Consent for Records
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Allows Stevenson faculty to communicate with sender school regarding your student.
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Home Language Survey
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In accordance with state law, all students must complete this information regarding language(s) spoken by your student and family.
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*Please note that your child’s birth certificate and parenting agreement (if applicable) must be in digital form to upload during the online enrollment process.
Annual Residency Verification
On an annual basis, each family will need to verify that they reside in the District 125 attendance boundaries. Families will receive detailed instructions in the spring.
Registration Instructions
After residency has been verified, families may complete the online registration and fee payment process for the upcoming school year. In early summer, families will receive instructions in the mail.
Need Help?
If you have any questions on completing online enrollment, please call Student Services at (847) 415-4502 or email us at frosh_registration@d125.org. For technical assistance or login help, please call (847) 415-4208
REQUIRED HEALTH FORMS
All Health Forms are due June 1, 2021.
Families will receive health forms as part of a Welcome Packet, which will be mailed during the week following winter break. All health forms must be returned to the Nurse's Office by June 1, 2021.
Required Health Forms (Paper Copies):
- Certificate of Child Health Examination
The Illinois School Code requires a physical examination/health history and evidence of a complete immunization history prior to entrance into the ninth grade. The physical examination form must be signed by a health care provider and dated within 12 months of Aug. 12, 2021, the first day of school.
- Health Emergency Form
This form gives the school/EMS permission to treat your student in an emergency situation and identifies your choice of physician and hospital.
- Dental Examination Form
A licensed dentist must complete the examination, sign and date this Proof of School Dental Examination Form dated after Nov. 15, 2020.
- Permission to Administer Medication (optional)
This form allows your student to receive prescription and/or over-the-counter medication when indicated during the school day.
Action plans are required for students who have diagnosed asthma, severe allergies, seizure disorders, and diabetes. Those forms are available on the Health Services website:
https://www.d125.org/students/health-services-nurses
You may email, fax or mail the required health forms to:
Mail:
Stevenson High School
Attn: Nurse’s Office
One Stevenson Drive
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Email:
Nurses@d125.org
Fax:
Nurse’s Office: 847-634-2905
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions on completing any of the forms, please call the nurses:
Peg Cucci - (847) 415-4025
Patty Fiore - (847) 415-4039
Grace Difiglio - (847) 415-4028
Parent-Student Orientation
Parent-Student Orientation
A video of our orientation program will be available on our website after Jan. 13. If you have questions, please call the Stevenson switchboard: (847) 415-4000.
Freshman Packets
The week of Jan. 4, parents of incoming freshmen will receive an email with information on how to complete the online enrollment process. The week of Jan. 4, families will receive a packet containing information pertaining to course selection, student life and health forms. Materials will include:
- Coursebook - This book describes all of the courses offered at Stevenson High School. Please familiarize yourself with graduation requirements and retain the Coursebook for future reference. An electronic version of the coursebook can also be found on the Stevenson website.
- Freshman Course Offerings - All freshmen are required to take math, science, English, and physical education (or dance), and may select up to three additional electives, of which one elective may be a study hall. In addition, World History and Geography must be completed some time during freshman or sophomore year or during summer school. Please examine the list to select elective courses. Counselors will be available to answer questions regarding SHS courses at the Course Selection evenings in late January. Families will receive placement (mathematics, science, English and World Language, if applicable) and Course Selection Worksheets in mid-January. Course Selection Worksheets must be returned to SHS via email, fax, or mail.
- Summer School Booklet - Online Registration will be available in late January.
- Co-Curricular Brochure - Please review all possible co-curricular activities. You will have an opportunity to find out more specific information about every activity at the virtual Co-Curricular Fair on March 16-18. Research shows that students who become involved in school activities feel more connected to the school community.
- Stevenson Sports Booster Flyer - Families new to Stevenson are invited to become a member of the Sports Boosters. Additional information is available on the Stevenson website.
Benchmark Testing
Benchmark Testing for 2020-21
Our benchmark exams are used to determine placement in English, Mathematics, and World Language courses for incoming freshmen (including students who transfer into the district) and for some new students in grades 10-12. Our divisions may use a slightly different evidence-based process to arrive at their placement recommendations, so please review the information below for division-specific benchmark details.
For incoming freshmen from non-sender schools and transfer students, please note that families must be registered as district residents through our Student Services Division before testing can take place (To verify residency, please contact the Student Services Division at 847-415-4500).
World Languages
Placement in World Language courses is determined by student performance on a language-specific assessment that can be completed remotely. Students who have prior coursework or experience in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish, or Latin, and are interested in potential placement in one of these language programs beyond the introductory level, may sign up for the corresponding language benchmark exam.
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For Chinese, French, German, and Spanish, students will complete the listening, reading, and writing portions of the AAPPL exam.
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Students interested in completing a placement exam for Hebrew will complete the listening, reading, and writing portions of the STAMP exam.
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For Latin, students will complete the ALIRA assessment.
Please note that students enrolled in Spanish in most of our sender middle schools/junior highs will complete the Spanish benchmark exam in their middle schools/junior highs and will not need to complete the benchmark exam through SHS at this time.
Please click on this link to preregister for the benchmark exam. The pre-registration window will open on November 24. Codes for the exam will be sent within one week of preregistration, excluding winter break. Students should complete all elements of the benchmark exam by January 8. The exam this year will be administered remotely and proctored by a parent or guardian. Contact Sylvia Lima at slima@d125.org with any questions regarding benchmark testing for World Languages.
Science
Recommendations for our Science classes are based on MAP scores in Mathematics and Reading, as well as a review of students’ performance in 8th grade. Our Science Division first reviews mathematics Map scores; based on strong mathematics MAP some students given the recommendation/choice:
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AC Chemistry or AC Biology
For the other students, we review the MAP Reading score to give one of three options. We also consider the English recommendations and then:
- Recommend AC Biology with a choice of AC Chemistry
- Recommend AC Biology with a choice of CP Biology
- Recommend CP Biology with a choice of AC Biology
- Place in CP Biology
Mathematics
For students transferring into Stevenson from outside Consortium 125 schools, the mathematics course placement will be determined based on a complete transcript from the previous school and curriculum review of the student’s previous course. A full topic-by-topic syllabus of the previous course is requested.
Families must be registered as district residents through our Student Services Division before a transcript and course curriculum review is initiated. (To verify residency, please contact the Student Services Division at 847-415-4500.) Contact Valerie Tomkiel at vtomkiel@d125.org for details around the transcript/curriculum review.
Communication Arts
Our Communication Arts Division uses the Fall or Winter MAP reading score to make a Recommendation for placement.
Students who are able to provide a standardized reading and/or English test score (from the MAP, AIMS or Iowa tests, for example) do not need additional assessment. Contact Doug Lillydahl at dlillydahl@d125.org to submit such scores at any time.
For students who cannot provide a standardized reading and/or English test score, recommendations/placement in Freshman English and literacy courses is determined by a reading assessment of the student’s ability to comprehend and analyze text. Students should expect to read texts, answer questions in argumentative paragraphs, and answer online multiple-choice questions. This test is also open to students who wish to reassess and change their initial Academic Literacy placement. In order to arrange for this SHS testing, please contact Denise Perkins at dperkins@d125.org.
Course Selection Evenings
Parent-Student Course Selection Evenings
Parents and students are invited to attend the Stevenson High School virtual course selection evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Students and parents are asked to attend a specific evening, but if you have a calendar conflict with your assigned evening, feel free to attend on the alternate day. There is no need to inform us.
- A thru I: Thursday, January 21
- J thru R: Tuesday, January 26
- S thru Z: Wednesday, January 27
The course selection evenings will be held virtually. Please see our letter below for Zoom links and worksheet instructions. Unless instructed otherwise by a counselor during a course selection evening, completed forms must be received from parents by Friday, Jan. 29. Forms can be emailed to frosh_registration@d125.org, faxed to (847) 634-0644, or mailed to the attention of Regina Anderson at Adlai E Stevenson High School.
Reminder
Parents should remember that this is just the start of the high school process and they will have ample time to talk to Stevenson personnel, if necessary, prior to the beginning of freshman year.
Freshman Course Verification
Course verification sheets will be mailed home on Feb. 10. These sheets will list all courses entered for the student's freshman year. Instructions for submitting elective course request changes will be included. A smooth and effective beginning to the school year will be enhanced by early decisions.
Student Guidebook/Planner
All Freshmen have the Student Guidebook/Planner downloaded onto their iPads. Students can purchase a paper version in the School Store. This book will help your transition to high school by familiarizing you with school procedures and give you an opportunity to establish goals, manage your time, enter assignments, establish priorities, and record personal and social information.
iPad & Technology
iPads & Technology
How Freshmen Receive Their SHS iPad
All incoming freshmen receive an iPad which they keep until they earn a diploma with Stevenson. Class of 2025 students attending summer school will receive their SHS iPad in the classroom on the first day of summer school. Students attending the first session of summer school, will receive their SHS iPad on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. If only attending the second session, students will receive their SHS iPad on Monday, July 6, 2021.
Additionally for students attending summer school, an optional hour long iPad orientation session will start at 1 p.m. on June 1 and again on July 6. The session will be held in Link Lab, Room 3016. Students may sign up by replying to an email they will receive about the session. Additionally, students may simply show up to the session.
For students not attending summer school: SHS iPads will be distributed on Freshmen Orientation Day, Wednesday, August 11, 2021. An optional hour long iPad orientation session will be available at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, August 12. The session will be held in Link Lab Room 3016. Students may sign up by replying to an email they will receive about the session. Additionally, students may simply show up to the session.
For frequently asked questions about SHS iPads please visit this webpage:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdNRT0q2YjPCl2a1_Lem2ytJPgQ6r3JVh_NQYQmc4Dg/edit#
Student Access to Technology
Stevenson students are given access to several different technology programs. Every student is provided with a network account, an email account, Canvas account, IRC account and an Infinite Campus account. Login information (account names and passwords) should be kept private at all times.
Students with questions or needing assistance with the SHS issued iPad should visit the technicians at the SMARTdesk. The SMARTdesk is located in the Link Labs building. During summer school, the SMARTdesk is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special hours will be posted. During the school year, it is open on regular school days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. On late arrival days from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Special hours will be posted.
During the school year, computers are available for student use in the Information Learning Center (ILC) in the west building (Room 1300) or in the East Learning Center (Room 7026). Freshmen may use the desktop computers during study hall by asking a classroom teacher for a pass to one of the Learning Centers from study hall.
The use of a Stevenson High school computer is intended to serve instructional purposes only, playing games are not permitted. In exchange for the privilege of using the District's computers, computer network, and Internet access, students must consent to staff members monitoring such use.
In order to use the Internet, a summer school student must have a signed Acceptable Use Guideline form (regarding access and use of the District Information Services systems) on file. For the school year, students will agree to acceptable use during the registration process. Inappropriate use of the District's computers, computer network and/or Internet access may be considered gross disobedience or misconduct.
For additional information regarding technology services for students, please visit the online SMARTdesk webpage:
https://www.d125.org/students/ipads-smartdesk
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
Date | Event |
Jan. 8 | World Language Benchmark Exam due |
Jan. 13 | Incoming Freshman Family Orientation Webinar |
Jan. 15 | Placement letters mailed home |
Jan. 21, 26, 27 | Course Selection Evenings |
Jan. 25 | Dance Placements Video Submissions Due Date (Audition Material Released 12/16) |
Jan. 29 | Online Stevenson Enrollment due |
Jan. 29 | Freshman Year Course Selection Worksheets due |
Feb. 10 | Freshman Year Course Verifications mailed home |
March 16 - 18 | Co-Curricular Fairs |
April 20 | Orchestra & Guitar Placements (Check website for audition materials) |
April 26 | Band Placements (Check website for audition materials) |
May & June | Annual Residency Verification & Registration Fee Payment |
June 1 | Health Forms due |
June 8 - July 1 | Summer School - Semester One |
July 6 - 29 | Summer School - Semester Two |
June & July | Sports PREP Activities |
June - July | Band Summer Rehearsals (Band Directors will send out details) |
Late July | Band Camp – exact dates TBA |
August 11 | Freshman Orientation Day |
August 12 | School Begins |
NOTE: You may also subscribe to the online newsletter, E-Minuteman, in order to receive news alerts.
Communications
- Incoming Freshmen Course Selection Evenings - Jan. 19, 2021
- Incoming Freshmen Webinar - Jan. 11, 2021
- Incoming Freshmen Parent Letter - Dec. 7, 2020
Incoming Freshmen Course Selection Evenings - Jan. 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2025:
Over the next two weeks, we will offer three virtual course selection evenings for incoming freshman families on Jan. 21 (last names A-I), Jan. 26 (last names J-R), and Jan. 27 (last names S-Z) from 4 - 7 p.m. During these evenings, families will have an opportunity to meet with a counselor or director to discuss course choices for the 2021-22 school year.
To prepare for these discussions, please review the letter you received in the mail which shares your student’s placement recommendations for core academic classes. In addition, the 2021-22 SHS Coursebook and Summer School Brochure, both of which were included in the Welcome Packet mailing, are helpful resources to explore the many elective offerings available to freshmen!
As you make choices about classes, please list these classes on the Course Selection Worksheet which is included in the mailing about placements. This worksheet must be returned to SHS by Jan. 29. This video provides detailed instructions for completing the Course Selection Worksheet.
Please know that the course selection evenings are intended to provide families with the ability to have a brief conversation regarding classes for freshman year. Families will be able to have longer conversations around a student’s four-year plan during their family-counselor SCoPE meeting in the fall.
Below please find the Zoom links for each course selection evening. While you may attend any of the evenings, we kindly ask that you attend the evening to which your family is assigned and log-on by 6:30 p.m. This will help reduce wait times for our families. Families who need an interpreter (Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean or Japanese) should put this request in the chat once they've entered their Zoom meeting. Links for the evenings will also be available through the Incoming Freshman Families section of our website, which houses other important information and resources for incoming ninth-grade families.
We look forward to meeting your family during one of our course selection evenings!
Kind regards,
Sarah Bowen
Director of Student Services
Completing the Course Selection Worksheet
Course Selection Evening Zoom Links
January 21, last names A-I , 4-7 p.m. |
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Group |
Alpha Slice |
Zoom Link |
Group 1 |
A - Ba |
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Group 2 |
Be - Ca |
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Group 3 |
Ce - Dh |
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Group 4 |
Di - F |
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Group 5 |
G |
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Group 6 |
H - I |
January 26, last names J-R, 4-7 p.m. |
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Group |
Alpha Slice |
Zoom Link |
Group 1 |
J - Kim |
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Group 2 |
Kin - Lib |
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Group 3 |
Lim - Me |
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Group 4 |
Mi - Ok |
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Group 5 |
Ol - Po |
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Group 6 |
Pr - R |
January 27, last names S-Z, 4-7 p.m. |
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Group |
Alpha Slice |
Zoom Link |
Group 1 |
Sa - Se |
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Group 2 |
Sh - Sn |
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Group 3 |
So - Ta |
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Group 4 |
Te - Ve |
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Group 5 |
Vi - Wo |
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Group 6 |
Wy - Z |
Incoming Freshmen Webinar - Jan. 11, 2021
January 11, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2025:
This Wednesday, January 13, we will stream a webinar for incoming freshman families beginning at 7 p.m. During the webinar, which will contain both live and recorded content, your family will have an opportunity to hear from our students and administrators regarding the many classes and co-curricular offerings available at Stevenson High School. The webinar may be viewed at this link: https://zoom.us/s/92208669915
The webinar, along with other important information and resources for incoming ninth-grade families, will also be available at the top of the Incoming Freshman Families section of our website.
If your family is unable to join us for the webinar on Wednesday, a recording will be posted on our website for several weeks following the event.
In addition, we look forward to meeting with your family remotely to discuss your student’s specific course choices for freshman year during one of our upcoming course selection evenings on January 21 (last names A-I), January 26 (last names J-R), or January 27 (last names S-Z) from 4-7 p.m. More information will be emailed and posted on our website as these dates near.
Kind regards,
Sarah Bowen
Director of Student Services
Incoming Freshmen Parent Letter - Dec. 7, 2020
December 7, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2025:
We would like to take the opportunity to welcome you and your child to the Stevenson family! We know that your child’s transition from eighth grade to high school is both exciting and filled with many questions, particularly during these uncertain times. This letter will provide a general outline of the transition process and share information regarding the important steps which families must complete in order for incoming ninth grade students to attend Stevenson High School this fall. More information regarding the transition process may also be found on the incoming freshman family section of the SHS website in January.
- Enrollment
Enrollment is the process of gathering important information about our students and families. The enrollment process will be completed online using Infinite Campus, our student management system. During the week following winter break, each family will receive an email with the login credentials needed to create a parent Infinite Campus portal and instructions for using Infinite Campus to complete the enrollment process. Enrollment must be completed by January 29th, 2021.
- Course Selection
Course selection is the process of selecting the courses your student will take during the 2021-22 school year. SHS students have many exciting course opportunities, and we intend to provide you with the resources and support that your family needs to make well-informed course choices. Packets containing the 2021-22 SHS coursebook, 2021 summer school brochure, and several additional resources are being mailed the week of January 4th. On January 13th at 7 p.m., we will stream a recorded webinar for incoming freshman families during which our students and directors will share more information about the curricular and co-curricular offerings outlined in the coursebook. Following the webinar, directors will be available virtually to answer any questions you may have. This webinar may also be viewed via our website for several weeks after January 13th for families who may not be available on this evening. Zoom links and instructions for accessing the recording will be shared in January.
During the week of January 18th, families will receive a letter sharing your child’s course recommendations for English, math, science, and World Languages (if applicable). Shortly after this information is mailed, we will host three virtual course selection evenings for incoming freshman families on January 21st (last names A-I), January 26th (last names J-R), and January 27th (last names S-Z). During these evenings, families will have the opportunity to meet with a Stevenson school counselor or director some time between 4 and 7 p.m. to choose classes for the 2021-22 school year. Zoom links and instructions for attending the course selection evenings will be shared in January. Specific course selections must be completed by January 29th, 2021.
- Health Forms
During the week following winter break, each family will receive information from the SHS Nurses’ Office with several medical forms which must be completed and returned to SHS no later than June 1st, 2021.
- Co-Curricular Fair
SHS will host a virtual co-curricular fair on three different dates: March 16th, March 17th, and March 18th after school hours. This event is a great chance for your child to learn, directly from the students who participate in them, about all of the co-curricular activities available at Stevenson, including clubs, intramurals, and sports. More information about this event will be shared as the date approaches.
- Residency Verification & Registration
Beginning in May, SHS will conduct an annual residency verification process to ensure that all students intending to attend SHS for the subsequent school year reside within the District 125 attendance boundaries. Following residency verification, each family must complete the online registration and fee payment process during the month of June or July. More information regarding these steps will be shared with our incoming freshman families as we get closer to the spring.
Stevenson publishes two newsletters that provide important information for our school community. The Daily Digest is issued daily and contains Stevenson news, varsity sports results, student announcements, and links to education-related articles from around Illinois and the nation. The e-Minuteman is published on Fridays and includes announcements, upcoming events, and important deadlines. We encourage parents of eighth graders to sign up by visiting our publications page to receive one or both publications to stay informed of Stevenson happenings.
The time from now until the first day of high school marks the beginning of an important partnership between home and school to ensure that your child has a wonderful high school experience. Please know that we are here to answer any questions/concerns you may have through this process. Kindly reach out to Regina Anderson (847.415.4502/reanderson@d125.org) or Suzanne Paloian
(847.415.4500/spaloian@d125.org) with questions.
We look forward to working with you and your child!
Kind regards,
Sarah Bowen
Director of Student Services
Transition to SHS Process |
More Information To Be Shared... |
Must Be Completed By... |
Online Enrollment (using Infinite Campus) |
Week of January 4th |
January 29th |
Course Selection |
Week of January 4th & January 18th |
January 29th |
Health/Medical Forms |
Week of January 4th |
June 1st |
Residency Verification |
April |
May-June |
Registration & Payment of Fees |
June |
June-July |
Transition to SHS Events (Virtual) |
Date |
Incoming Freshman Parent Webinar |
January 13th at 7 p.m. |
Incoming Freshman Course Selection Evenings |
January 21st (last names A-I) |
Co-Curricular Fair |
March 16th, March 17th, & March 18th (choose one) after school |