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At the end of last school year, LFHS administrators invited students, staff, and administrators to contribute to focus groups – conversations where members of the school community had the chance to voice their perspectives about the school environment.
Feedback from these groups, combined with data from the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory survey that all students completed last year, showed room for improvement. One main idea that surfaced from these discussions: many students said there is a lack of respect at Lake Forest High School.
After compiling this information, a group of teachers and faculty members got together and created a set of guidelines to make LFHS a more inclusive, safe place for everyone. This outline is known as The Scout Way and was presented to all students during the first day of this school year in English classes.
The document stresses that disrespect is not tolerated at the school, and focuses on encouraging students to keep an open mind when interacting with those who may be different from others. Accompanying this document are numerous posters around the school, emphasizing the importance of cooperation both inside and outside the classroom.
“The Scout Way is about respecting each other and everyone having a home here. There is a safe space for every single student in this building, regardless of who you are,” said Principal Dr. Erin Lenart. “A safe space means that you feel valued when you are here, seen when you are here, and feel like you have a voice when you are here.”
Numerous events last year, including the violation of an LGBTQ+ space and a shooter threat, left many students and faculty feeling uneasy about the school environment, prompting the need to evaluate the climate of LFHS.
In addition to the introduction of The Scout Way, students will notice other guidelines in place this year that are intended to help foster a better school environment. This includes a new cell phone policy and attendance policy.
“It might feel like we are more strict [this year], but that’s not our intention,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Frank Lesniak. “We are setting very intentional guidelines and parameters to help kids develop self-discipline and to be able to manage themselves.”
Although some students questioned whether such guidelines are needed, others students say they are appreciative of the new measures and have even noticed tangible results already.
“Because the school is putting such a big emphasis on respect, it has made my classes a better learning environment,” said junior Kiley Goodman. “Everyone is able to speak their opinions without feeling judged and I feel like the classroom in general is more positive [than last year].”
Others feel the school environment is already welcoming and kind, and that The Scout Way is not totally necessary.
“Besides the Scout Way being mentioned on the first day of school, I don’t think there have been many major changes,” said senior Julia Sotos. “I think most people are pretty inclusive, but I don’t think that is a result of The Scout Way, I think there are just good people at the school.”
There are other methods around the school reminding students of the importance of respect, such as the posters that line the walls of each classroom. Making LFHS a welcoming place is expected, but it is especially helpful for freshman navigating a huge transition in their lives.
“Coming into a new school – especially high school – can be intimidating. When you see familiar, friendly faces in the hallway, the school doesn’t seem as big anymore,” said freshman Abby Uhart.
One concern brought up in the student focus groups was the lack of awareness surrounding the bullying that goes on within LFHS. Lenart and Lesniak acknowledge that most of the bullying reported doesn’t necessarily occur in the classroom, but rather in public spaces like the hallways or cafeteria.
“The one thing that we really want to come out of The Scout Way is more upstanders. There are very few people in this school who actually pick on others, but we have a lot of people who are not confident enough to be upstanders,” said Lesniak.
While we have yet to see the full effects of The Scout Way, administrators are hopeful it will result in a more respectful climate and will bolster school spirit.
As Lesniak puts it: “We want our students to be proud to be a Scout. We want them to be proud to go to school every day. We want them to learn about life and how to be a good person. We want LFHS to instill kids with life lessons that they will take with them wherever they go.”
