Lincoln-Way North Principal: 'Our Students Will Rise to the Occasion'

Dear Lincoln-Way North Community,

As many of you are aware, there has been considerable discussion over the last several months on how District 210 can reduce the structural deficit that has placed us on the state’s financial watch list. At tonight’s Lincoln-Way Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to close Lincoln-Way North High School at the end of the 2015-16 school year. Students currently within the Lincoln-Way North boundaries will attend Lincoln-Way East High School beginning in the fall of 2016.

I know that this news is greatly disappointing to many of you. It is disappointing to me as well. Over the last 7 years a considerable amount of blood, sweat, and tears have been put in by students, parents, and staff to make Lincoln-Way North one of the best high schools in the state of Illinois. Our academic and extra-curricular programs are second to none, and the students of Lincoln-Way North have represented our community very well. I am and will always be proud to have been a part of the accomplishments of the Phoenix.

I am writing you tonight to assure you that the success of our students will continue this year and into the future. The upcoming school year will not be defined by dollars and cents, or bricks and mortar. It is my expectation that our students will rise to the occasion and make the 2015-16 school year one to remember. It will be the best year yet for the Phoenix. The faculty and staff of Lincoln-Way North will do everything in our power to make it so. I know your students will as well.

The smooth transition of our underclassmen will be a top priority in the coming months. When the students of Lincoln-Way North transition to Lincoln-Way East in 2016, many of the teachers, coaches, office staff, and supervisors from Lincoln-Way North will be there to greet them. Our students will have the opportunity to see familiar faces and make new friends. The school colors and mascot may change, but our pursuit of excellence will not. As a school district we have grown from one to four high schools in the last 15 years, and each time a change was made it was a successful one for our kids. As principal, a Summit Hill resident, and future Lincoln-Way parent, I guarantee you that this transition will be no different.

I look forward to the upcoming school year, and thank you for your continued support of Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210.

Dr. Mark A. Cohen
Principal
Lincoln-Way North High School