Transfer Students
Welcome from Student Services
Dear SHS Students and Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the Patriot Family! We know that the transition to Stevenson 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 Transitions guide is filled with information about the important events that will take place during your high school experience. 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 in the coming years.
Kind regards,
Sarah Bowen
Director of Student Services
- Calendar of Events
- Family To-Do List
- Transfer Student Programs
- Course Enrollment & Registration Information
- Course Placement
- iPads & Technology
- Student Support Teams
- Relevant Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
Date |
Event |
May 1 | Health forms due for those attending summer school |
Late May | Annual Residency Verifications |
Mid June/July | Registration Fee Payment Deadline |
June 6 - June 29 | Summer School - Semester One |
July 5 - 27 | 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 | Curricular Dance Placement/Auditions |
Aug. 10 | Transfer Student Orientation Day |
August (TBD) | Health forms due for the 2023-24 school year |
Aug. 14 | School Begins |
Aug. 15 | Transfer Parent/Guardian Evening |
Aug. 22 | Transfer Student Resource Fair |
NOTE: All dates listed above were accurate as of March 7, 2023. To verify all dates, check the Stevenson website calendar. You may also subscribe to the online newsletter, E-Minuteman, in order to receive news alerts.
Family To-Do List
Family To-Do List
Enrollment
Parents/guardians will need to complete and upload the following required school enrollment documents. All completed documents must be in digital form to upload during the online enrollment process.
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Student Information
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Student’s birth certificate (translated in English)
- Health/medication information, immunizations, doctor and hospital choice
- 504/IEP documentation
- Parenting agreement for students whose parents/guardians live in separate households
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Sender School Records
- Unofficial transcript
- ISBE (withdrawal) form, if transferring from an Illinois public school
- MAP (or other standardized test scores), if the student is a freshman
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Affirmation of Legal Residency
- One of the following:
- Current and valid lease agreement (including name and phone number of landlord)
- Real estate tax bill
- Monthly mortgage statement (If the home was recently purchased, Stevenson will accept a closing document, bill of sale or warranty deed)
- Two of the following:
- Utility bill (Must include the entire first page of the bill including the coupon portion. Utilities accepted include gas, electric, water, trash collection or cable). New families will be asked to provide utility bills within 30 days of occupancy.
- Vehicle registration (current year)
- One of the following:
Health Forms
All required health forms must be returned to the Health Office by Aug. 11 before a student begins classes at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. If a student is attending summer school, the health forms must be returned by May 1.
REQUIRED HEALTH FORMS:
IF APPLICABLE:
Health Forms Submission
Please email, fax or mail (email is preferred) the required health forms:
- Email: nurses@d125.org
- Fax: 847-955-2445
- Mail: Stevenson High School
Attn: Health Office
One Stevenson Drive
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Transfer Student Programs
Transfer Student Programs
Orientation
For students who enroll over the summer, a special Transfer Student Orientation is offered on Thursday, Aug. 10. Transfer students are paired with a Transfer Buddy, a current Stevenson student who has volunteered to escort the transfer student around the school. The Transfer Buddy shows the student where their classrooms are located as well as other important locations, such as Learning Centers, Student Support Team offices and restrooms. Students who enroll after the school year starts will also be assigned a Transfer Buddy to
help with orientation.
Transfer Parent/Guardian Evening
Parents/guardians of transfer students are invited to Transfer Parent/Guardian Evening on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Here, they will learn about Stevenson High School, from academics, to co-curricular activities, to available resources. Parents/ guardians will also have the opportunity to ask questions. If a student enrolls after this date, the family can contact the student’s counselor with any questions.
Transfer Student Resource Fair
On Tuesday, Aug. 22, transfer students are invited to attend the Transfer Student Resource Fair. At this event, transfer students will meet with various groups at the school, including co-curricular coordinators, intramural coordinators and the sponsors of Transfer Students Activity Group (TSAG). TSAG is a social group for transfer students who meet throughout the school year to make connections during field trips such as bowling, whirlyball and other activities. TSAG is free, except for food purchases. All new transfer students are invited to join TSAG.
Transfer Student Groups
Starting on Friday, Aug. 25, Transfer Student Groups begin meeting during each lunch period. These weekly meetings are vital for transfer students to attend so they can learn and ask questions about Stevenson, such as how to drop a class, how to level change or how to fix their iPad.
Invitation to Join PPA
Families new to Stevenson are also invited to join the Patriot Parent Association (PPA). More info is available at www.d125.org/parents/parent-groups/patriot-parent-association.
Course Enrollment & Registration Information
Course Enrollment & Registration Information
Following the enrollment process, students and families will be guided through course enrollment and registration.
Course Enrollment Appointment
Transfer students will be placed into core courses based on the student’s previous academic history. Students may be asked to complete a Mathematics exam and/or World Language exam (if applicable) in order to verify placement. After placement into core courses, students transferring into grades 10, 11 and 12 will typically have one or two open periods in which they may take an elective course.
To assist with the course enrollment process, transfer students will have an enrollment appointment with a counselor to help select these courses. Students can view the Stevenson Coursebook online to review their interest prior to the enrollment meeting.
If there are questions about the placement results, please contact the director of the specific academic division.
Registration Instructions
After residency has been verified and enrollment is complete, families will receive instructions to complete the registration and fee payment process. After residency has been verified and enrollment is complete, families will receive instructions to complete the registration and fee payment process. Information will also be provided regarding student IDs, iPads, books and transportation/bussing.
Course Placement
Course Placement
Placement Process
Stevenson uses a placement process to make an initial recommendation in Communication Arts, Mathematics, Science and Multilingual Learning courses for new transfer students. Stevenson’s divisions may use a slightly different evidence based process to arrive at their placement recommendations than other schools, so please review the following information for division-specific benchmark details.
Communication Arts
Stevenson’s 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 Kim Musolf at kmusolf@d125.org to submit these scores.
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 or 847-415-4325.
Science
Recommendations for Stevenson’s Science classes are based on MAP scores in math and reading, as well as a review of students’ prior coursework. The Science Division first reviews math MAP scores; based on strong math MAP, some students are given the recommendation/choice of Accelerated Chemistry or Accelerated Biology.
For the other students, the MAP reading score is reviewed to give one of three options. The English recommendation is also considered and then:
- Recommend Accelerated Biology with a choice of Accelerated Chemistry
- Recommend Accelerated Biology with a choice of College Prep Biology
- Recommend College Prep Biology with a choice of Accelerated 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.
Contact Valerie Tomkiel at vtomkiel@d125.org or 847-415-4581 for details about the transcript/curriculum review.
A benchmark/placement exam will only be administered when additional data about a student’s mathematical proficiency is needed. Please be aware that, while options are available for adjustment in Mathematics course placements, all prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to enrolling in subsequent courses.
Multilingual Learning
Placement in Multilingual Learning courses is determined by student performance on a language-specific assessment. 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.
- Chinese, French, German and Spanish: Students will complete the listening, reading and writing portions of the AAPPL exam.
- Hebrew: Students will complete the listening, reading and writing portions of the STAMP exam.
- Latin: Email multilingual_learning@d125.org to discuss assessment.
Email benchmark@d125.org or 847-415-4700 with any questions regarding benchmark testing for Multilingual Learning.
iPads & Technology
iPads & Technology
How Students Receive Their SHS iPad
Each transfer student will receive an iPad which they keep until their time at Stevenson is finished. Students should expect to use these to access textbooks, class assignments and communicate with their teachers. Students new to Stevenson who will be attending summer school will receive their SHS iPad on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Students who only attend the second summer school session, will receive their SHS iPad on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
For transfer students attending summer school:
Stevenson iPads will be distributed on Transfer Student Orientation Day on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.
For students not attending summer school:
SHS iPads will be distributed on Transfer Student Orientation Day on Tuesday, Aug. 9. An iPad orientation session may be requested by emailing helpdesk@d125.org. An optional hour-long iPad orientation session will be available at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12. The session will be held in Link Lab (Room 3014). Students may sign up by replying to an email they will receive about this session. Alternatively, students may simply show up to this session.
For frequently asked questions about SHS iPads, click here.
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. Additionally, all students will have the Student Guidebook downloaded onto their iPads.
Students with questions or needing assistance with an Stevenson- issued iPad should visit the technicians at the SMARTdesk. The SMARTdesk is located in the Link Lab (Room 3014). 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. to 4 p.m. Special hours will be posted.
During the school year, computers are available for student use in the Information Learning Center (ILC, Room 2300), in the Lower IRC (Room 1300) or in the East Learning Center (Room 7026). Students may use the desktop computers during study hall by asking a classroom teacher for a pass to one of the Learning Centers from the study hall.
The use of a Stevenson High School computer is intended to serve instructional purposes only, playing games is 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.
Need Help?
For help with technology services for students, visit the SMARTdesk page in the student’s Canvas portal. Or visit the online SMARTdesk webpage: www.d125.org/student-life/tech-services.
Student Support Teams
Student Support Teams
Every student at Stevenson High School is assigned to a Student Support Team (SST). Each SST consists of a counselor, dean, social worker and school psychologist. The purpose of the team is to monitor student progress and connect students with resources, programs and opportunities to realize their goals. Teams meet on a weekly basis to coordinate efforts to support all students. See the SST contact list on page 19 of this brochure.
Student Services Instagram: @shs_studentservices
Student Guidebook
All students will have the Student Guidebook downloaded onto their school-issued iPads. This guidebook will support the transition to Stevenson by familiarizing students with school procedures and providing an opportunity to establish goals, manage time, enter assignments, establish priorities and record personal and social information. Students may also purchase a paper version in the School Store.
Relevant Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are my student’s placements determined in English, mathematics, science and multilingual learning?
- What if I have questions about my student’s placement in English, mathematics, science, multilingual learning, or special education?
- What is a normal class load?
- What is Freshman Advisory?
- Should my student take a full-period study hall or a seventh class?
- Which courses should my student take for college?
- What if my student is having difficulties in a class?
- Should my student take summer school courses?
- Are school counselors available over the summer?
- When may a student take Driver Education?
- How do we learn about co-curricular activities?
- Are there late afternoon buses for students involved in sports and student activities?
- How do I contact my student’s counselor?
- How does my student see their school counselor privately?
- What kinds of support services are available at Stevenson High School?
- Are there any iPad restrictions?
- Do all students need to take swimming?
- When is the first day of school for freshmen?
How are my student’s placements determined in English, mathematics, science and multilingual learning?
Placements are determined based on a combination of a student’s performance in eighth grade courses, conversations with the student’s eighth grade teachers and benchmark data.
Options are available for adjustment but parents/guardians and students should discuss this with the student’s current teachers.
What if I have questions about my student’s placement in English, mathematics, science, multilingual learning, or special education?
You should contact the director of the specific academic department:
English
Douglas Lillydahl
847-415-4326
Mathematics
Darshan Jain
847-415-4601
Science
Dr. Steve Wood
847-415-4401
Special Education
Traci Wallen
847-415-4834
World Languages
Justin Fisk
847-415-4701
What is a normal class load?
The typical school day consists of eight 47-minute periods. School begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:25 p.m. Freshmen may enroll in up to seven classes (including physical education or dance) but have the option to enroll in a study hall as opposed to a seventh class. Freshmen are assigned to a lunch/Advisory period. Lunch periods are divided into two periods: 27 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for Advisory.
What is Freshman Advisory?
Freshmen are assigned to an Advisory that meets Monday through Thursday for 20 minutes during their lunch period. Advisories are supervised by selected Stevenson teachers and upperclassmen who enjoy working with students in a less structured setting. The goal of Advisory is to make the transition to Stevenson as smooth as possible for all freshmen. School counselors visit advisories regularly to meet with their students. Additionally, deans and social workers visit advisories throughout the year to ensure students get to know other Student Support Team (SST) members.
Should my student take a full-period study hall or a seventh class?
We recommend that all students should consider the following before deciding:
- A study hall provides a structured time and place to work on homework assignments, get extra help in the learning centers or make up missed tests at the testing center.
- For a student involved in co-curricular activities, a study hall provides time for homework completion.
- A seventh class allows students to explore elective courses. Stevenson High School offers elective courses across many divisions. Course descriptions can be found in the Stevenson Coursebook, which is also available on the Stevenson website.
If undecided about what to do, remember that a student may start a semester with a seventh course and has approximately seven weeks in which to drop a course without suffering any penalty. Talk to a school counselor for more information.
Which courses should my student take for college?
All information pertaining to graduation requirements and college admissions can be found in the beginning pages of the Stevenson Coursebook. College admissions requirements vary from school to school. Some schools require fine arts, applied arts and/or world language courses. Any questions can be directed to your student’s school counselor.
What if my student is having difficulties in a class?
If a student is having a problem in a class, all remedies start with the student talking to the teacher. Students are advised to make an appointment to meet a teacher during free time or a study hall period to discuss the difficulties. Students are also encouraged to meet with their school counselors. Counselors will share resources and supports available and assist students in developing plans to address their concerns.
Should my student take summer school courses?
Summer school is not required, but taking a summer school course allows a student to become familiar with Stevenson’s academic policies and procedures and get to know other students. It may also allow a student to create space in their schedule during the school year for an elective course or study hall.
Are school counselors available over the summer?
Yes, students can email any course-related questions or request an appointment with a school counselor by emailing summercounselors@d125.org or calling 847-415-4080 over the summer break.
When may a student take Driver Education?
Enrollment in driver education is based on age. Cutoff dates are printed in the Stevenson Coursebook. This course is normally taken during one semester of sophomore or junior year as students are ineligible to take the course during freshman year. The student must have a social security number, an instruction permit issued by the Secretary of State’s office through the Driver Education Department, parent/guardian consent, verification of age and have earned at least eight credits in the previous two semesters. Passing the classroom phase of Driver Education is required for graduation.
How do we learn about co-curricular activities?
Each student will receive a Co-Curricular Activities catalog in Freshman Advisory. Students are also invited to attend the Co-Curricular Fair on March 22 to discover all that Stevenson offers. In addition, club and sport meeting times are announced through the student announcements webpage on the Stevenson website and through the Stevenson Network News (SNN) morning announcements. For more information, visit: www.d125.org/students/activities
Are there late afternoon buses for students involved in sports and student activities?
How do I contact my student’s counselor?
Parents/guardians can always contact a school counselor by email or phone. One option available to freshman families is arranging a SCoPE meeting. Student Counselor Parent/Guardian Engagement (SCoPE) meetings will consist of a 30-minute meeting with the student, parent/guardian and counselor during which families will have the opportunity to share more information about their student’s strengths, interests, goals and concerns. In addition, counselors will provide information about their role in helping students and families to navigate the high school experience as well as make the most of programs and resources offered to support students.
How does my student see their school counselor privately?
What kinds of support services are available at Stevenson High School?
Students experiencing difficulties at Stevenson are referred to the individual’s Student Support Team (SST), consisting of school counselor, a school psychologist, a dean and a social worker. Appropriate intervention strategies to promote student success are recommended at weekly SST meetings. More information can be found on the Student Services webpage as well as the Student Learning Program webpage.
Student Services:
www.d125.org/students/student-services
Student Learning Programs:
www.d125.org/academics/tutoring
Are there any iPad restrictions?
The Stevenson iPads will be issued with a managed Apple ID. This will automatically disable these features: iMessage, FaceTime, purchasing through the app store, iTunes store, Book Store, HomeKit connected device and Apple Pay. Parents/guardians are encouraged to handle and view the Stevenson iPad and set any family household rules about iPads. The iPad is still property of the school until the student graduates.
Students should not expect privacy on the Stevenson iPad. It is a tool for school, not a personal device. Parents/guardians are welcome to set additional restrictions on school-issued iPads using the options provided within the operating system. In iPadOS 16, there are many features for restrictions. For details about Apple’s iPadOS restrictions, please visit this webpage: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304.
Use of any third-party apps for restrictions of the Stevenson iPad will conflict with the district management of the iPad and therefore will not function. Parents/guardians may request to have the district add restrictions and manage them. Inquiries for district management of restrictions can be emailed to Nancy Hudson, SMARTdesk Manager at nhudson@d125.org.