Lincoln-Way parents return to school for Back to School nights

   Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 parents returned to the classroom this week to see what school is like for their sons and daughters.

   Each school, including Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way North and Lincoln-Way West, invited parents in for a Back to School Night, giving them an opportunity to meet their child’s teachers, hear what they’ll be learning this year and experience the hustle and bustle of the hallways as they navigate their way to each classroom.

   “You will be a student again tonight,” Dr. Lawrence A. Wyllie, superintendent, told a group of Lincoln-Way East parents Tuesday, Aug. 28 as they waited for the school bell to sound, signaling the start of the school day.

   Parents were provided a copy of their child’s schedule ahead of time and instructed to follow it. They were given six minutes to find their child’s classroom and settle in to a seat.

   Teachers stood in the hallways to monitor their progress and direct wayward parents.

   This night “gives us an opportunity to show you a little of what Lincoln-Way is about, as well as giving you a chance to meet our fine faculty and staff,” said Wyllie. “I am very proud of the people who make up the Lincoln-Way family, and I’m hopeful your son or daughter, as he or she interacts with our personnel, is having a rewarding experience.”

  Dr. Scott Tingley, principal at Lincoln-Way East, reflected on the school’s accomplishments, including its recent recognition by Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report as being a top performing high school.

   “While we are proud of the recognition and pleased with where we rank on our test scores, we believe we can do a little bit better,” he told parents. “There is a culture of high expectations at Lincoln-Way East.”

   He attributed the school’s success and culture to the four pillars it was founded upon: Effort, Attitude, Spirit and Teamwork.

   “If kids work hard, keep a positive attitude and develop confidence, get involved and work well with others, they are going to be successful at Lincoln-Way East,” said Tingley.

  At Lincoln-Way North, Dr. Michael Gardner, principal, told parents he wanted them to experience Lincoln-Way just as their children do.

   “We feel it is important for parents to be able to meet our teachers and to hear them present their expectations and the curriculum,” he later explained. “The parents are also able to better understand the high school experience.”

   Dr. Tom Eddy, deputy superintendent for District 210, asked parents at North’s Back to School Night on Aug. 29 to partner with the school to make sure students make the most of their education.

   “An improved work ethic on the part of students needs emphasis both at school and at home,” he said. “We need your help in making sure the academic responsibilities we are trying to foster here are stressed at home as well. Please help us.

   “The education of your children, so that they can become productive members of society, can only occur as a result of the joint efforts of parents and the schools,” he added.