From the Principal's Office:
In order to address concerns expressed by some of our parents, here is some important information regarding emergency procedures at RLHS:
In the event of a fire alarm or fire emergency, all students and staff are evacuated until the fire department gives the all clear. Fire evacuation drills are conducted at least three times during the school year.
In the event of weather emergency, all students and staff move to designated shelter areas inside the building until the all clear is given by RLHS administration. Weather emergency drills are conducted twice during the year.
In the event of a bomb threat, police search, escaped felon in the community, etc., students and staff are placed in “Code Yellow” lockdown alert. This means that all exterior doors are locked, teachers close and lock all classroom doors. Classroom activities continue as usual but students and teachers remain in the classroom during the lockdown. Teachers may open the classroom door in order to allow faculty or students to enter. During the lockdown, teachers should inspect their classrooms to determine if there is anything suspicious or out of place. All lockers and common areas are searched by team of RLHS administrators, staff, and law enforcement personnel.
Staff and students are evacuated ONLY if something suspicious or out of place is discovered. An administrator will advise teachers when the lockdown has ended and will issue an all clear. No outside activities will take place during the lockdown.
In the event of threatening intruder or more imminent threat, the school will be placed in the much more restrictive “Code Red” lockdown.. These lockdown procedures have been developed in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and have been proven to be the most effective way to maximize the protection of students and staff.
Planned Improvement for the School and the District
This is the final section of the report card in which your school and district provide information below on areas of success and areas for planned improvement based on your school’s improvement plan.
(For report cards disseminated electronically this information may be provided in a separate document due to the differences in the software used. If you are unable to locate this document, please contact your local school or district office.)
Academic success for RLHS students is a top priority for administration and staff. Realizing that student organization is important to success, RLHS has purchased student planners for each student. Plans to activate an Internet “Homework Hub” that interfaces with the planners and will allow students to access homework assignments from home, is in the works.
Curriculum writing and design is another important focus for RLHS. This year, pre- and post-tests, along with other data, are being used to write curriculum specific to the needs of our students. All courses are aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards (ILS) and will be mapped on the Atlas Rubicon computer mapping website. Curriculum maps for each class will soon be available to parents and students on the school website to assist students in choosing courses that fit their needs and goals.
Since academic preparation is important to student success, Round Lake High School is seeking to raise graduation credit requirements from 20 to 22 credits. This will increase the amount of time spent in academic classes, and will maximize the course choices available to each student. Increasing credits, especially in math and English, will also lead to increased student performance on ACT/PSAE tests, since students who take core classes score better than those students who do not. An ACT prep class will be offered for our college bound students. Bilingual Algebra and Bilingual English classes are available to meet the needs of our bilingual students. A special education reading lab is also planned.
Using technology in classes in another focus that RLHS believes will not only facilitate learning, but will better prepare our students for the job market. Laptop computers, video monitors that interface with computers, and other technical equipment is now available for use by teachers and students.
Since school climate also influences student learning, the school has made some building improvements over the past several years. A new science wing provides updated lab facilities to allow teachers to do more hands-on work in science classes. Painting older classrooms and halls white, some of which was done in partnership with Comcast, adding vertical window blinds and new signage and lighting has created a cleaner, brighter learning environment. An update of the theater also allows students to stage more professional dramatic presentations. Future plans include other capital improvements as funds allow.
Character is another part of school climate that has been a focus over the past two years. “Character Counts” and “Do the Right Thing” have encouraged students to develop integrity and compassion. “Add-a-Tude” is another program that encourages appropriate behavior at after-school activities. A new attendance policy has reduced student absences and decreased the truancy rate. This also fosters a more academic climate at RLHS.
A well-prepared staff can also influence student success. The staff has completed professional development in curriculum mapping. Future training in curriculum differentiation and teaching writing in content areas is also planned. Various activities and the TEAM award have increased staff morale.
Finally, since schools are part of the community, RLHS has been reaching out to form partnerships with parents, businesses, and community members. Parent conferences were successful, with more parents than ever in attendance. A future Open House, including representatives from colleges and other vendors, is planned for the spring. The school website is used to make parents aware of school activities and goals, and the School Improvement Plan is posted on the site. Surveys of parental, student, and community satisfaction will be conducted later this year in an effort to better meet the needs of all.
In a school with limited resources, business partnerships can be particularly beneficial. The partnership with Comcast facilitated the painting of the school. Future business partnerships are planned.
Although RLHS has faced many challenges over the past several years, it has shown tenacity in overcoming them, and a willingness to create an excellent educational experience for each of our students.
