The North Shore Weekend, March 20th, 2024

FILM REVIEW

Critic Rex Reed, gives Woody Allen's new film, Coup de Chance, a rave review p28

#HASHTAG

Meet Deerfield resident and best-selling author, Lisa Barr, who will be speaking at Bernie's Book Bank pg30

WEEKEND FASHION

Add some color to your spring wardrobe with tips from our editor pg32

6 north shore doings

Your go-to guide for all the latest local events

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS SECTION

13 private school priorities

Technology and emotional well being at top of mind for North Shore area private school leaders

24 putting students to the test

Academic Approach provides insight on a recent transition to all-digital SAT and PSAT testing

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

28 coup de chance

Woody Allen makes a triumphant return to filmmaking with a new, all-French movie

30 #hashtag

Best-selling author and Deerfield resident Lisa Barr shares what's trending in her life

32 weekend fashion

Spring into the season with color in bloom

32 weekend design

Classic lines are always in vogue when it comes to elegant interiors

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

34 sunday breakfast

We net insights and reflections from boys' soccer state champion coach

Kyle Jones of North Shore Country Day

146 Sterling Lane | 5 bedroom | 4.1 bath | $1,700,000 Artfully designed by a national architecture practice and built to the exacting standards of local builder Uncommon Residential.

NORTH SHORE DOINGS

NOW THROUGH APRIL 30

JULIE COWAN ART EXHIBIT

APRIL 20

CELEBRATE EARTH!

WHERE: Lake Forest Open Lands

Celebrate Earth Day from 10 a.m. to noon with Lake Forest Open Lands. Explore the natural world through activities for all ages and abilities. This event is open to everyone, though children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will enjoy birding, exploring wetlands, plant identification, herpetology, restoration, games, and guided hikes. This event will happen rain or shine. Registration is required. lfola.org

NOW THROUGH APRIL 25

“YOU’RE NOT REALLY SEEING THIS”

WHERE: Evanston Art Center

Artists Kelsey Merreck Wagner and Bryan Northup have partnered for a new exhibit at the Evanston Art Center. These pieces are made of post-consumer plastics, including shopping bags, shrink wrap, packaging, computer cables, Styrofoam, and other manners of plastic waste. Through their work, they hope to bring attention to the problem of plastic’s toxicity to the environment. The exhibit will run through April 25. evanstonartcenter.org

WHERE: Vivid Art Gallery Support local Evanston artist, Julie Cowan, this month by visiting with her exhibit, “Translucent Botanicals and Transparent Architecture.” Cowan’s art explores the beauty of botanicals and architecture through a translucent lens. The gallery will include Cowan’s work along with 25 other artists. vividartgallery.net

NOW THROUGH MAY 12

MONSIEUR CHOPIN

WHERE: Writers Theatre

Storyteller, musician, and Chicago favorite Hershey Felder makes his Writers Theatre debut with an original script and live performance of Chopin’s gorgeous masterpieces. Days after the February 1848 revolution, Frédéric Chopin is teaching a piano lesson in Paris. Set in the Polish pianist/composer’s intimate salon, Chopin shares secrets about the piano and himself with his students—as well as playing some of his most beautiful and enduring compositions. In a tour de force performance, Felder brings to life the romantic story and music of the man once called the “Poet of the Piano.” writerstheatre.org

NOW THROUGH JUNE 30

TITANIC: THE EXHIBITION

WHERE: Westfield Old Orchard

Experience the story of the Titanic in an exhibit featured at Westfield Old Orchard, running Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests will be able to traverse the Grand Staircase, see recreations of the ship’s interior, view artifacts from the ship, and more. The Discovery Gallery will give a glimpse at what archaeologists saw when they discovered the wreck of the Titanic. This exhibit also pays homage to the SS Eastland Disaster, which is the largest loss of life in a single shipwreck on the Great Lakes. thetitanicexhibition.com

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7

CIRCUSVILLE: PLAY

UNDER THE BIG TOP

WHERE: Chicago Children’s Museum

Bring your kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum to play at the circus! Children can try their hands at all of the vital roles in a circus: star of the show, ticket taker, acrobat, hot dog vendor, and more. Props and costumes for families will be provided. chicagochildrensmuseum.org

NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 13

“SHTETL IN THE SUN”

WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

In the late 1970s, photographer Andy Sweet took numerous photos of Holocaust survivors living hopeful and joyous lives in South Beach, Florida. Through his images, it provides a poignant display of life after tragedy. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s

exhibit, “Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach 1977-1980,” celebrates Sweet’s work as a tribute to those who lived during that time. The exhibit will run through October 13. ilholocaustmuseum.org

APRIL 21

A CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY

WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society

Join the celebration of Kenilworth’s 100-year-old homes from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This celebration coincides with the opening of Kenilworth Historical Society’s new exhibit, “Kenilworth Centennial Homes.” This celebration is free to the public and will include complimentary appetizers, drinks from a bar, and festive cupcakes. Registration is required for this event. kenilworthhistory.org

APRIL 21 TO FEBRUARY 25, 2025

“KENILWORTH CENTENNIAL HOMES”

WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society

Explore the history of Kenilworth’s oldest homes and celebrate its architectural significance with a dynamic

exhibit that chronicles the evolution of residential development in the village. The homes featured in this exhibit were built between 1889 and 1924. kenilworthhistory.org

APRIL 23

ADULT MYSTERY BOOK DISCUSSION

WHERE: Glencoe Public Library

Enjoy an adult mystery book discussion from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hammond Room. Ann Walters will lead a book discussion on Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. Registration is required and encouraged as soon as possible so the library can order copies for everyone. glencoelibrary.org

APRIL 24

MORNING BREW: BEYOND BARRIERS

WHERE: Suite Escape

Join Brooke Skinner Ricketts, founder and president of Beyond Barriers, for a Morning Brew discussion titled “Unlocking Potential, Igniting Success.” Beyond Barriers is a career fitness program designed to transform professional women into leaders. From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ricketts

will tell her story over coffee and share what inspires her to create a more equitable workspace. Registration is required for this event. lfsuite-escape.com

APRIL 24

WINNETKA-NORTHFIELD

ANNUAL RECOGNITION LUNCH

WHERE: Sunset Ridge Country Club

The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce’s 46th Annual Recognition Lunch returns from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This event will include a meal, silent auction, and a fashion show. Outstanding contributions by local citizens, businesses, educators, and public servants will be celebrated. Tickets are on sale and registration is required. wngchamber.com

APRIL 25

NATIVE LANDSCAPING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

WHERE: History CenterLake Forest Lake Bluff

Improve your garden by incorporating native plants into your landscaping. At 7 p.m., Hillary Peters will be presenting practical tips for

EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Artemis Chamber Orchestra Concert

Continued from PG 6

creating resilient, sustainable landscapes that reduce runoff and enhance biodiversity. This is an adult program and registration is required. lfola.org

APRIL 25 TO 28

THE MUSIC MAN

WHERE: Community House

Come see the musical the Smithsonian Institute calls “one of the great glories of American pop culture.”

The Music Man follows the story of Professor Hill, a schemer pretending to be a boy’s band leader who falls for the town’s music teacher and librarian. The Children’s Theatre of Winnetka will open its show at 7 p.m. on April 25 and continue at 7 p.m. on April 26, 12:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. on April 27, and the show will close with a show at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on April 28. Tickets are on sale now. mycommunityhouse.org

APRIL 26

INSPIRE CHANGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH

WHERE: Sunset Ridge Country Club, Northfield

Inspire Change for Mental Health celebrates its premier Spring Gala with cocktails, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing. Inspire Change for Mental Health is a nonprofit organization offering mental health scholarships through the Inspire Counseling Center’s locations in Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Northbrook, and Evanston. All funds raised benefit the programs and services of Inspire Change for Mental Health. inspirecounselingcenter.com

APRIL 26

GLOWSTICK MOVIE AFTERNOON

WHERE: Highwood Public Library

Spend a movie afternoon at 4 p.m. at Highwood Library. This month, the library will be showing

Disney’s new film Wish. Complimentary popcorn will be provided. A fun activity will be held after the movie. highwoodlibrary.org

APRIL 26

TO APRIL 28

THE ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW

WHERE: The MART

Chicago’s favorite shopping event is returning to The MART. This spring’s One Of A Kind Show and Sale will showcase more than 350 artists and makers spanning more than 20 categories including jewelry, ceramics, apparel, fine art, bath and body, home goods, and gourmet items. Tickets are now available online. oneofakindshowchicago.com

APRIL 26 TO 27

MORE THAN A NOVEL AFFAIR

WHERE: Shoreacres and Ragdale

Ragdale will be hosting two fundraiser events at Shoreacres and Ragdale campus this month. The April 26 fundraiser will be at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff and will feature cocktails, hors d’oeurves, discussions with the artists, and a book signing. Tickets are $150 per person, $350 tickets include reserved seating and a special gift. There is a cocktail party attire requirement and no jeans are allowed. The April 27 fundraiser is on Ragdale campus and will feature a cocktail party and seated dinner with featured artists. Tickets are $500 and include a signed book copy and a special gift. Tickets are limited for both events and on sale now. ragdale.org

APRIL 27

“SHAKIN’ & STIRRED”

WHERE: 28 Mile Distillery Co.

The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine

Lake Forest Hospital will host “Shakin’ & Stirred,” an upscale casual event raising funds to support nursing education. Co-chaired by

Catherine Bernardi, Jeni Hoogasian, and Anne Stewart, the event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and the band Hello Weekend. lfhwomensboard.nm.org

APRIL 27 TO MAY 4

STAR WARS WEEK

WHERE: Lake Bluff Library

Celebrate the Star Wars franchise the week leading up to “May the 4th.” The Youth Department will be holding themed activities and crafts all day. This event is free and open to the public. lakeblufflibrary.org

APRIL 28

ARTEMIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT

WHERE: Trinity Episcopal Church

Artemis Chamber Orchestra is holding a free spring concert, “Souvenir de Florence,” at 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. Enjoy beautiful music from Fisher, Sibelius, and Tchaikovsky. Seats can be reserved online. artemischamberorchestra.org

APRIL 28, MAY 5,

MAY 12, AND MAY 19

GUIDED BIRD WALK

WHERE: Gillson Beach

Join Go Green Wilmette for morning bird walks starting at 8 a.m. in late April and May. Learn how to identify different types of birds and get tips on how to attract more birds to your yard. Beginners and children are welcome. Groups will meet at the martin house by the Coast Guard station at the south end of Gillson

MAY 3

GLENCOE UNDER THE STARS

WHERE: Northmoor Country Club

Park. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather. wilmettepark.org

APRIL 29

MOSAIC PICTURE FRAMES

WHERE: Wilmette Public Library

Children grades 3 to 8 can make mosaic picture frames from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the Wilmette Public Library. These picture frames can be given as gifts or kept by their creators. This event will take place in the Youth Program Room. Parents and caregivers must remain in the library during the program. wilmettelibrary.info

MAY 2

JUNIOR KLEZMER ORCHESTRA 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

WHERE: North Suburban Synagogue Beth El  Eighteen musicians will perform in a 30th anniversary concert of the Junior Klezmer Orchestra. The concert features past and present students from the North Shore and across the country. This includes Ian Weinberger, musical director of Hamilton on Broadway, and The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, who has taught Yiddish music for the past 30 years. All ticket proceeds will support the Klezmer Music Foundation, a Skokie-based nonprofit that ensures this musical heritage will continue for generations to come. klezmermusicfoundation.org

Join Family Service of Glencoe for its annual benefit at 6:30 p.m. in Highland Park. Guests will enjoy a festive evening under the stars that includes a chef-curated menu, dancing, silent and live auctions, a paddle raise, and a motivational program about maternal mental health and its effect on the community on all levels. Funds from this evening will directly provide critical support for community mental health services. Tickets are now available. glencoeunderthestars.org

MAY 4

SPRING GARDEN FAIR

WHERE: Lake Forest Market Square

Join Lake Forest School District 67 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a fun-filled morning full of garden and spring activities. The event includes a shop filled with items grown, made, or crafted by District 67 students along with other engaging opportunities to learn about nature. It will be a wonderful chance to pick up some seedlings to start your own garden, some special gifts for Mother’s Day, and perhaps even some homemade dog treats. Activities include face painting, making upcycled floral crafts, rock painting, and playing yard games. All proceeds from sales will go directly to supporting Gardening 2 Grow, its mission, and the District 67 garden clubs. Admission to the event is free. lakeforestschools.org

MAY 11

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION RITA

HAYWORTH GALA

WHERE: The Old Post Office

MAY 15

MYRA RUBENSTEIN HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER LUNCHEON

WHERE: Exmoor Country Club

The Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center (MRW) will hold its 27th Annual Benefit Luncheon at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park. The benefit will include a silent auction and raffle. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $160 per person and tables start at $2,500. This year, Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, will be speaking on the topic of personalized medicine and genomics. foundation. northshore.org

MAY 17

SONS OF THE NEVER WRONG

WHERE: Studio5

Sons of the Never Wrong is closing Studio5’s spring season. This Chicago-based alt-folk trio who have been playing whimsical songs with soaring harmonies since 1992. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $35 for general admission and $45 for cabaret seating. studio5.dance

To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.

For over four decades, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan has inspired millions with the story of her mother, Rita Hayworth, the Hollywood legend whose life was cut short by Alzheimer’s disease. This year's gala will celebrate the strides made by the Alzheimer’s Association and a future filled with hope and will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing to the music of The Party Faithful. Susan and Jim Draddy will receive the prestigious Philanthropy Award for their outstanding contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association spanning 15 years. The gala begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $1,000 per person or $500 for guests under 40 years of age. alz.org

Junior Klezmer Orchestra

JAMES TAYLOR - THE ROOTS - MELISSA ETHERIDGE

MARIN ALSOP - CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS - BEN PLATT

TROMBONE SHORTY - TLC - AUGUSTIN HADELICH

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT - AND MORE! 100+ PERFORMANCES

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIORITIES

For this special issue of Premier Private Schools, we checked in with administrators on the North Shore about the challenges and issues that are top of mind as the 2023-2024 school year winds down.

BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Addressing the lingering effects of COVID-19 on students and how the virus interrupted learning routines remains a top priority for administrators on the North Shore, who continue to focus on providing mental and emotion health support for students.

Technology has also become a more integral part of the learning process

but continues to be a disruptor with the introduction of new tools such as artificial intelligence (AI).

For religiously affiliated schools, administrators have found the search for a deeper meaning of faith among students and parents in response to our increasingly tumultuous world.

All of these are issues that emerged in conversations with school administrators this week as The North Shore Weekend sought to gain a clearer picture of the current landscape of private

education in the region.

“Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) has been spending a lot of time focused on Universal Design Learning (UDL) this year. It was the focus of our faculty retreat last summer and has been a theme we've covered at our faculty professional development days,” says Alex Sheridan, Director of Enrollment, Marketing, and Financial Aid for LFCDS. “This week, LFCDS will be hosting a conference on the topic. Last year’s topic was AI.”

David Muniz, the Director of Technology at LFCDS, has spearheaded the school’s UDL and also its two technology conferences, which bring in experts who share their knowledge with educators from around the Chicago area.

“My background before education was in multimedia and using technology in very creative ways,” Muniz says. “My whole way of thinking about teaching and learning is that the value of technology can bring that about. The

technology can empower you to do things you otherwise couldn’t. That connects directly to the transformative power of technology.”

He says that what LFCDS as a school has been doing is thinking about what the environment needs to look like for quality learning to take place.

“I think our teachers are already very oriented to this idea,” he adds. “The basic premise of universal design is that you push the edges. You can aim for the middle, but it accommodates all of the kids in the classroom. That’s really how we’ve been thinking about.”

Tom Flemma, Head of School at North Shore Country Day school (NSCD) in Winnetka, says a big undertaking for the school this year was integrating AI into its

teaching and learning. AI offers both tools for administrators, but the school also sees an opportunity to educate students about how to use it properly.

“For us the purpose is pretty clear in that we see that our whole goal is to make sure that students are exceptionally well prepared to thrive in a world that’s always changing,” Flemma says. “We’ve developed a skills curriculum, and we teach an understanding of the role AI is going to play in the world. That is something we have been paying a lot of attention to the last year.”

At Sacred Heart School in Winnetka, administrators remain focused on providing post-COVID-19 social and emotional development to both parents and students. They’re also seeing a trend in the desire to more integrate faith into the learning process, perhaps also related to the pandemic.

With new tools such as AI, Sacred Heart administrators also seek to strike a balance between educating students about emerging technologies and other more traditional skills, such as handwriting.

Administers say, interestingly, that many of the Sacred Heart "answers" to trends turned out to be strengths the school already possessed—many of them directly tied to being a smaller school.

“A positive trend we are seeing is that families seem to be looking for faith-based learning and a smaller, family-like atmosphere more now,”

says Sacred Heart Assistant Principal and school parent Jennifer Sullivan. “We are able to partner closely with our parents through our shared values and our emphasis on faith-based learning.”

“Teachers really know their students here, who want a sense of community and place to belong,” says Kindergarten teacher and Early Childhood Education Coordinator Laura Wettersen. “We make social-emotional learning a premium from preschool through 8th grade.”

The school also maintains a robust support staff who are able to support all angles of the whole child.

“I like that we call them support staff, because really that's what they are. It's not just the chronic learning challenges that benefit from support, but also maybe someone needs a little extra help in math, or someone needs a more advanced opportunity,” says Wettersen. “It's really both ends of the spectrum that our specialists support.”

At Winnetka’s School of Saints Faith Hope & Charity Principal Tom Meagher says the school has received feedback over the past couple of years from families about how they value its traditional approach to academics.

“We combine the most innovative teaching methods with best of a traditional, Catholic education,” Meagher says. “Instruction is aligned with researchbased best practices, while our continued focus on core skills—supplemented by

the responsible use of technology—helps prepare our students for high school and beyond."

Meagher says they have heard concerns from families about increased use of personal devices and what the school can do to ensure students are utilizing them responsibly.

“As a result, we have taken steps including the safekeeping of personal devices during the school day,” he says. “We've also invited presenters from local law

Dempf says it is essential that students become savvy consumers of digital content so that they can discern the validity of the information being presented.

enforcement, and Safe Social Network to speak to our students about the responsible use of devices and social media. This is a topic that will continue to be a focus for us."

“I think the biggest trend we are seeing at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is the increasing need to focus on our students’ digital literacy,” says Susan Dempf, Head of School. “AI and Chat GPT (or long form text generation) has the potential to transform the way people are and will interact with information.”

“Teachers at Woodlands are embracing this technology and modeling effective, and academically appropriate, ways to employ it in the classroom,” says Dempf. “For example, teachers are using it with their students to brainstorm essay topics, create multiple discussion prompts, and to generate practice math problems involving quadratic equations.”

Additionally, with evolving technologies, Woodlands is remaining alert to the changing understanding of what being prepared for one’s future means for current high school students.

“In their lifetime, today’s high school students will live, work, and contribute to a world that is increasingly connected and interdependent,” she says. “We prepare students to adeptly engage in our multicultural, multilingual world. We believe that learning how others live, learn, and view common problems supports our students’ readiness to not only launch into, but thrive in, a global society.”

PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY

(847) 234-430O

woodlandsacademy.org/admission

760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest, IL 60045

THRIVE as a scholar. THRIVE as a leader. THRIVE as a friend.

With a 100% focus on the education, development, and well-being of young women, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Girls THRIVE at Woodlands Academy

LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

WEBSITE: lfcds.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 400

GRADES: Age 2 to Grade 8

TUITION: $5,925-$37,710

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: John Melton, Head of School

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None

ADMISSIONS: The LFCDS admission process seeks to identify families who value the spirit of partnership with their school and are drawn to a program that develops the whole child. For additional information, prospective families should contact the admission office at 847-615-6151.

CONTACT: Alex Sheridan, Director of Enrollment, Marketing & Financial Aid

EMAIL: admission@lfcds.org

ABOUT US: For over 130 years, LFCDS has offered a program that is rich in tradition and honors the progressive roots of the Country Day school movement. Students benefit from an experience that blends philosophies and pedagogical approaches, strikes a balance in academic and social-emotional development, and nurtures palpable feelings of belonging.

ACADEMICS: A blended approach to learning allows LFCDS to subscribe to best practice while offering a curriculum that meets each child where they are. Small by design, with classes between 12 to 15 students and 7:1 student-teacher ratio across the school, size enables LFCDS the ability to individualize and differentiate based on student interest and need.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: The LFCDS program builds participation in the arts and athletics directly into the school day. Students participate in visual arts and music at every grade level, and drama is added for students in the Upper School (Grades 5-8). The athletic program is also a requirement for Upper School students, who are able to participate on three different teams during the course of the year. Teams meet at the end of the school day before dismissal, which not only gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and hone their sense of sportsmanship, but also to appreciate the value of participation and inclusion.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: There is a strong sense of connectedness that lives across the school’s 33-acre campus and 150,000 sq. foot building that binds the entire LFCDS community. Relationships among students, parents, and teachers live at the center of the LFCDS experience and carry on long after graduation.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: LFCDS has families from over 30 zip codes, commuting from as far south as Willowbrook and as far north as Lake Villa.

WOODLANDS ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

WEBSITE: woodlandsacademy.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 130

AGES: 14-18

TUITION: $32,985 (day student)

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Prospective students and their families start the process by filling out an Admission Inquiry form on the school’s website. They can then schedule a personal tour and student visit day, allowing the prospective student to experience the spirit and energy Woodlands Academy students possess in the classroom. The next steps are to fill out an online application, apply for financial aid, and register for an entrance exam. All these steps can be completed by clicking on “Admission” at the top of school’s homepage, and then selecting “Visit and Apply.”

CONTACT: Greg Lobe

PHONE: 847-234-4300

TOURS: Personal tours of the school are available most days classes are in session. Contact admission@woodlandsacademy.org to schedule a visit.

CURRICULUM: Consistent with the Goals and Criteria for Sacred Heart education, Woodlands Academy’s Academic Program instills a deep respect for intellectual values, allowing students to engage in challenging experiences that inspire intellectual curiosity, a global mindset, and a life-long love of learning.

ENRICHMENT: The Woodlands Academy Center for Global Studies is a comprehensive academic and experiential program that provides EVERY student with a global education during her time at Woodlands. Students will have multiple opportunities to become culturally competent, globally minded citizens by exploring their world through group and individual exchange programs, group trips, and a locally based global-focused curriculum. Woodlands’ beautiful 41-acre Lake Forest campus is dotted with trees and green spaces, along with five newly constructed tennis courts and an enhanced athletic field. Extracurricular opportunities include a wide range of sports, two dozen student-run clubs—including competitive engineering and math clubs—multiple choirs, a theater program, and a full orchestra.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding high school designed to cultivate the gifts of each student and to allow intelligent, interested, and energetic young women to thrive. It is part of a network of 25 Sacred Heart schools in the U.S. and Canada and more than 155 schools worldwide. Woodlands is a place where young women can find a learning environment that is demanding, comfortable, joyful, and inspiring.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Woodlands Academy has once again been named Illinois’ top all-girls high school in the 2024 report by Niche, an independent research company, which additionally ranks Woodlands #1 Best Catholic High School in Illinois and among the top 10 of all private high schools in the state. Woodlands was also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School.

THE SCHOOL OF SAINTS FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

WEBSITE: faithhopeschool.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 280

GRADES: Pre-k (ages 3 and 4), K-8

TUITION: Varies

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Tom Meagher Ed.D., Principal

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish

ADMISSIONS: New families are invited to schedule a tour of the school and campus. Inquiries and applications may be made via the school website.

CONTACT: Linda Ransford, Recruitment Manager

EMAIL: office@faithhopeschool.org

ABOUT US: The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity offers students an exceptional academic experience, grounded in faith. A multiple National Blue Ribbon Award recipient (2014 & 2023), FHC offers leading edge curriculum, advanced classes for middle school, a Learning Lab to meet the needs of students at all levels, a school counselor, and more.

ACADEMICS: Beginning in kindergarten, we follow the Science of Reading approach to Reading, Writing and Phonics. Math classes are vertically aligned through all grades with a focus on students having the ability to master Algebra 1 prior to graduating. iReady Assessments are utilized to measure students’ academic attainment and growth. Faith is woven into each school day, and a school mass is celebrated once a week.

ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: We offer an extensive interscholastic program including boys' and girls' basketball, volleyball, track and golf; as well as boys' football. A variety of after-school enrichment programs are also available. Our Fine Arts program offers students high quality music, art, and world language instruction.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: We're supported by an extremely dedicated and caring community of families; and we connect new families with current families in similar grades. Events such as the Bulldog Ball, Field Day, May Crowning and Hope Ceremonies help bring our community together.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• 2-time recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School Award

• Experienced faculty, staff and leadership team.

• Neighborhood and community-based environment.

• Engaging and challenging academics.

• Spiritual nourishment that supports the whole child.

• Families that connect closely with our school.

NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY

WEBSITE: nscds.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 540

GRADES: JK-12

TUITION: $24,055-$40,220

HEAD TEACHER: Tom Flemma, Head of School

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: As part of the admission process, all families submit an application, fee and letters of recommendation, and participate in a student/parent interview. The application and information collected varies by the grade of the student’s entry.

CONTACT: Mullery Doar, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

EMAIL: admissions@nscds.org

OPEN: nscds.org/welcome

In-person tours and visits by appointment only. Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule.

CURRICULUM: At North Shore Country Day, we take pride in offering a well-rounded, skills-based education to students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Students are asked to apply their knowledge through a range of assessments and projects, developing strong analytical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills. While our program is challenging and college preparatory in nature, an emphasis on co-curricular participation in the arts, athletics and service to others ensures students explore their full selves.

ENRICHMENT: By participating in arts, athletics and co-curricular activities, NSCD students gain poise and confidence, as well as forge lifelong friendships. Our lower school offers a number of after-school enrichment programs, and the middle and upper schools offer more than 28 student-led clubs. North Shore has always had a strong, diverse athletic program. Students play sports every school day throughout the year. Participation in athletics is required from sixth through 11th grades.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: NSCD boasts a school community founded out of the progressive education movement, guided by our mission and core values, and supported by generations of alumni, families, faculty and staff. We take tremendous pride in the community ethos and vibrant school culture we have cultivated for more than a century.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: Founded in 1919, NSCD was the visionary answer to a fundamental question: What matters most when educating a child? Since then, we have continually refined our answer to propel our educational model forward with purpose and passion, building a transformative JK-12 community on four essential pillars: Connecting, Challenging, Engaging and Exploring.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Student-centered education for 540 students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade; students are from 47 ZIP codes around the Chicagoland area, and 43 percent are students of color; 8 to 1 student/teacher ratio and 2 to 54 college counselor/student ratio; $2.5 million in financial aid allocated to 20 percent of the student body. Our school motto is "Live and Serve."

Not Just Another School Day

AT NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY, WE FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST by developing critical thinkers, collaborative problem solvers and caring citizens of the world. Families of every background from across Chicagoland entrust us with their children’s education because here, every student is known, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

FAST FACTS

FOUNDED: 1919

MOTTO: “Live and Serve”

GRADES: JK–12

ENROLLMENT:

Total Enrollment—540

Upper School—215

Middle School—135

Lower School—190

Students of Color—43%

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 14

STUDENT TO TEACHER

RATIO: 8 to 1

COLLEGE COUNSELOR TO STUDENT RATIO: 2 to 54

FINANCIAL AID: $2.5 million in need-based financial aid to 20% of students

SCHOOL OF ST. MARY

WEBSITE: schoolofstmary.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 430

GRADES: PreK 2-through 8th Grade

TUITION: Tuition varies within the range of $4,000 - $13,000. Multiple siblings, military, and parishioner discounts are available.

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mrs. Kathy Thompson

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

ADMISSIONS: Online applications open in November (see website)

CONTACT: Mandy Castle, Director of Admissions

EMAIL: mcastle@schoolofstmary.org

TOURS: Call to schedule or complete the online inquiry form on our website.

CURRICULUM: From the youngest Primary Grade Center preschooler to the most mature 8th-grader at the Upper Grade Center, a School of St. Mary (SOSM) Crusader demonstrates genuine school pride, a sense of community, personal confidence, Catholic values, and a deep commitment to serving others. Since 1917, SOSM has remained committed to educating the whole child within and beyond the classroom.

ENRICHMENT: Accelerated reading and math programs in middle school allow students to move beyond grade level as they prepare for high school. Extracurricular activities allow students to further their education and focus on their non-academic interests, forming wellrounded individuals.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: The School of St. Mary partners with parents, parishioners, and staff to form a vibrant school community that engages, motivates, and supports students to be the best they can be! An active Parents Association and leadership team coordinates special events to engage students, build relationships, and broaden the community. Teachers pair Upper Grade Center students with buddies from our Primary Grade Center to mentor and assist them at school-related activities, including praying together at Mass, socializing at lunch, and sharing service projects.

LEADERSHIP: Mrs. Kathy Thompson, the principal, has served in many capacities at the school for twenty-six years. In April of 2022, she received the prestigious Lead, Learn, Program Award from the National Catholic Education Association. Overseeing two age-appropriate campuses, Mrs. Thompson regularly collaborates with a strong administrative team to focus on the development of the whole child, assuring faith formation, academic excellence, service learning, social and emotional wellness, as well as values for life.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Three-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award in the category of academic excellence. Only 38 private schools in the country have ever received this award three times..

• Two campuses provide age-appropriate learning as well as socialemotional well-being.

• Our 100-year history of traditions and adaptations.

• Small class sizes mean students get differentiated curriculum to reach their highest potential.

• Resource room to accommodate most student needs.

• Covering two-year old through 8th grade allows students to stay within SOSM Family for their elementary years. Allowing them to be known and nurtured as they grow into their true selves.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL

WEBSITE: shwschool.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: Approximately 175

GRADES: 3-year-old Preschool through 8th Grade

TUITION: $7,750 before new family incentives and sibling discounts. Financial aid also available.

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mrs. Jodi Reuter, Principal

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Schedule a tour and apply online.

CONTACT: Mrs. Jennifer Sullivan, Vice Principal

EMAIL: jsullivan@shwschool.org

OPEN HOUSE & TOURS: Open House, Sunday April 21st from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

CURRICULUM: Sacred Heart provides children with a rigorous, values-based educational experience where teachers and parents strive to ensure that students in PreK-8th grade discover – and retain – the joy of discovery and learning. All students experience music, art, PE, library, STEAM, and Spanish as a part of the regular school day. In addition to exceptional academics, as recognized by our National Blue Ribbon of Educational Excellence, 9X Apple Distinguished School designation, and consistent A+ rating on Niche, we also place great importance on faith-inspired values including kindness, compassion, empathy, and peaceful problemsolving. Acceptance into top-choice high schools and colleges is just the beginning. Creating an exceptional, well-rounded human being is the end goal.

ENRICHMENT: We offer year-round, no-cut sports, a renowned theatrical program in collaboration with a London-based playwright, a variety of after-school enrichment programs (beginning in 3-year-old Preschool), and a teacher-staffed Homework Lab. For students who need a little extra help, whether it’s temporary or long-term, we also have a robust student services department, inclusive of a school counselor, math and reading specialists, and a speech pathologist.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Sacred Heart is a community where lifelong friendships bloom amongst our students and our parents. We all see ourselves as members of a family who care for one another and who are always at the ready to help each other out. We strive to instill values in our children that are derived from our faith, including concepts such as: Everyone is important, everyone is entitled to dignity, everyone contributes to the greater whole, challenges are but opportunities in disguise. And while we are a catholic school, we enthusiastically welcome students of all faiths with open arms.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: Several scheduling options for preschool and JK classes, as well as options to extend the day as needed. This year, we also launched a fantastic athletic program called “Viking Fit” in partnership with MECA Personal Trainers, open to students in 4th – 8th grades with sessions three times a week.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: As a National Blue Ribbon Award-winning school, Sacred Heart School continues its long tradition of educating inspiring minds and shaping hearts. Strong academics, meaningful service, inviting community, and innovative technology are all at the core of the Sacred Heart experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Sacred Heart Northshore is a welcoming, faith-based school for children from preschool to 8th grade. We believe in developing the whole, unique student; and we do this by offering a safe and supportive community, personalizing the academic experience, and teaching faith-inspired values through everyday moments.

PUTTING STUDENTS TO THE TEST

The first all-digital SAT and PSAT were administered in Illinois in March and the (uncertain) results are starting to trickle in.

BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Matthew Pietrafetta and his team at Academic Approach have been closely monitoring the trends and outcomes related to the transition to all-digital SAT and PSAT for Illinois high school students. A premier tutoring and test preparation organization in the Chicago region, Academic Approach stays abreast of any changes to the SAT and ACT, and this was a big one. It’s the first time a written test was not offered, and students had to adjust.

“There was a burst of social media chatter initially that the test seemed a lot harder than all the tests the College Board had released in its digital app called Bluebook,” Pietrafetta says. “The scores are coming back now; we’re gathering, analyzing, and surveying students to see if there is more variability to scores than we’ve seen since the SAT was last revised in 2016.”

normalize a scale after a new assessment is released, so the students who were the first to take the new test served as a sort of sample group, and their results could be impacted.

Another quirk with the online SAT is that it’s predictive—each item is weighted differently to predict a student’s aptitude.

“The way the ACT works is each question is worth one raw score point, and those points are scaled onto the 36-point scale. The digital SAT utilizes item response theory (IRT) where the questions are not equally weighted the same,” says Pietrafetta.

Large public schools on the North Shore are moving rapidly to adapt to the new testing realities. As the statemandated exams, the SAT and PSAT will be administered to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in April. High school freshman took the digital PSAT earlier this month, which will provide data that can help shape the future of the test moving forward. Pietrafetta and the Academic Approach team are eager to

Pietrafetta says there are always concerns when you roll out a new test because the College Board, which creates the test, will produce a new scoring scale, not unlike a curve, that will heavily impact student scores. It takes time to validate and

gather student data and feedback. Student feedback, though, is something Pietrafetta measures carefully.

“Like all of us, students are subject to recency bias: you tend to recall and judge an entire experience by what is most

recent,” Pietrafetta says. “The last thing you tend to recall from a test is the most challenging item you were wrestling with last, which can color your view of the entire test. That’s natural, like when we love a movie for an hour and 58 minutes but hate the two-minute ending and then, naturally, hate the whole movie. So, ultimately, it’s going to take few months of gathering and analyzing data to tell the whole story of this new digital SAT.”

In addition to this uncertain change to the digital SAT, there is another potential uncertainty brewing. From 2001 to 2015, the state of Illinois used the ACT as its mandatory test for high schoolers, but in 2016 switched its testing requirement from the ACT to the SAT. According to Chalkbeat Chicago, an education news site, the state is strongly considering a switch back to the ACT, which submitted a much lower bid in response to an RFP from the Illinois State Board of Education to offer the test. Yo-yoing back and forth between tests, Pietrafetta says, creates challenges for both educators and students.

“It’s a whiplash moment, potentially going back to the ACT, and while we have done and continue to do lots of work with the ACT, it’s not great for schools that have done so much work to implement

the SAT,” he says. “I was talking with a long-standing charter school partner of ours today, and they said that if Illinois does switch back to ACT, they are going to stick with the SAT for another year because they’ve invested so much time and effort adjusting their instruction to SAT standards and norms.”

Analyzing how well students are doing requires a standard set of data from yearto-year, and switching back to the ACT means educators must, in effect, start all over again.

“The beauty in working with so many CPS and Illinois public high schools from 2001 to 2015 was that when we worked with a school or network of schools, we had years of data to look at trends over time and in detail. When you change tests so frequently it’s really hard to rebuild that,” says Pietrafetta. “Analyzing what’s working best in student instruction and creating stable systems of accountability for administrators and teachers become difficult because you’re comparing apples to oranges.”

With colleges returning to standardized testing and schools eager to assess the academic progress of students since learning loss from remote schooling, it’s important to support families and schools in navigating these changes in standardized tests.

The good news is that Academic Approach has been committed to this work since its founding in 2001, which means it has already weathered plenty of testing changes and is well-equipped to jumpstart data collection and analysis, thereby turning uncertainty into certainty for students and educators alike.

For more information about Academic Approach, visit academicapproach.com or call 888-610-4437.

Matthew Pietrafetta, Founder and CEO of Academic Approach

Academic Approach works with schools, parents, and students to help students prepare for standardized tests.

Winnetka resident Paul suffered with prostatitis and low back pain for over 10 years. “The medications helped a little and I tried surgery but even after two procedures, I never knew if it was going to be a bad day or a worse day. Dr. Su helped me feel normal again like I could go about my life and not feel hesitant to go out with my wife or friends.”

Call (847) 868-0408 to schedule an initial consultation or visit acupuncturenorthclinic.com

191 WAUKEGAN RD SUITE 120 NORTHFIELD, IL 60093

Your Pain and Suffering Are Real

Dr. Kuan Su of Acupuncture North Clinic uses the time tested art of Acupuncture to help each patient relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce chronic issues that other modalities have struggled to help.

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has been used to treat a variety of issues. Dr. Su has specialized in treating the more complex conditions including stubborn neuropathy, chronic pain, reactions to high stress/anxiety, sleeping disorders, and men’s health issues such as erectile dysfunction and urinary issues.

Gale from Wilmette had been struggling with both migraines and insomnia for 7 years. “I had tried botox to help with the migraines but it only helped for a little while and I used sleeping pills because I could not fall asleep for hours. I missed having natural restful sleep. After seeing Dr. Su for a month, both started to vanish. My migraines turned into a minor headache once every other week and now I sleep like a baby.”

Dr. Su shares the typical stories from patients. “A recurring story that people share with me is that they have tried conventional means, they have tried new fads, they have tried medications and seen specialists yet have struggled to get any results. They say that I’m their last hope. I am always up for a challenge but what I enjoy the most about my work is when patients come in after their treatments to tell me how things are changing, how they are feeling better, and how other symptoms that they have been struggling with are going away.”

He works with a variety of cases and understands how important the partnership between patient and practitioner is. “I’m always looking forward to my days in my clinic because no two patients are exactly the same. Many times patients come in with a variety of issues happening at the same time. Last Tuesday, I was treating a patient for neuropathy in both feet, chronic fatigue, and insomnia and he reported that all three were improving. Understanding the importance of checking in regularly and participating in his own health have sped up his recovery and I am so excited for him!”

Georgette from Highland Park shared, “Dr. Su is so great to work with. I had been suffering from tinnitus for 11 years and doctors said nothing could help. The sound was too much but once I started seeing Dr. Su, not only did my tinnitus start to go away, my digestion was doing so much better. I felt like I could be me again. Like I could go out and have lunch with the girls and really enjoy my time being social again.”

What once was a missing link in complementary alternative healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of the North Shore area. If you have been struggling with chronic issues or issues that have been labeled as idiopathic or untreatable, call Dr. Kuan Su at Acupuncture North Clinic today to schedule your consultation.

Dr. Su is accepting a limited number of new patients due to high demand. In an effort to protect his current patient base, he is limiting the number of new patients to 8 before the end of May.

NEW! This one-of-a-kind experience is designed for girls who love to dream, build, and create. Campers explore and discover entrepreneurship, innovation, and design thinking as well as how to make a positive impact in their community. Our campers walk away with the skills to succeed in and shape the future.

During the two-week camp girls will learn:

• The basics of entrepreneurship including idea generation, market research, business planning, and funding

• The skills to design their own for-profit or non-profit venture

• Creative problem-solving skills

• College readiness skills

• Confidence by acquiring and showcasing their new-found entrepreneurial skills, taking intelligent risks, and fearlessly pitching their ideas

The Entrepreneurship & STEM Summer Camp is offered at Gorton Community Center, Lake Forest.

Go to girlgonnalaunch.org to sign up!

SPACE IS LIMITED.

• Glencoe resident with 20+ years of mortgage experience.

• $4,000 first-time homebuyer credit available for eligible buyers.

• Specialist in trust-based mortgage approvals for sophisticated asset portfolios.

• Coverage 7 days a week for a pre-approval within an hour and full loan approval in 10 days or less

Tom Fishwick

Call or email me anytime for a consultation.

SVP of Mortgage Lending

NMLS224365

773.413.6271

tomf@ccm.com

Call

COUP DE CHANCE

The new Woody Allen movie—written and performed entirely in French—restores the filmmaker’s status as one of the screen’s most profound storytellers.

Unfairly derailed by obvious, headlinedemanding personal problems, Woody Allen’s phenomenal career returns to where it should never have paused in the first place with this languidly paced but endlessly mesmerizing combination of domestic-crisis love story and suspense-layered murder mystery—his first (and best) film in years.

BY REX REED ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

RUNNING TIME:

1 HOUR, 36 MINUTES

RATING: 3.5 stars

Set in the upper-class echelons of Paris and written, acted, and filmed entirely in French, the title Coup de Chance translates as “stroke of luck” and that’s exactly what it is, restoring the masterful filmmaker to his deserved position as one of the screen’s most profound storytellers. The film centers on what outwardly appears to be the perfect marriage of Fanny and Jean Fournier, a rich, attractive couple who don’t seem to have a care in the world. The envy of even their most familiar friends, the Fourniers are like glamorous role models in glossy articles in French Vogue—trendy clothes, a fashionable lifestyle, regular patrons in the most expensive restaurants, a lavish apartment, and a gorgeous ivy-covered weekend house in the country.

Fanny (charming, appealing Lou de Laage), having survived a miserable first marriage to a lazy, abusive musician, has hit pay dirt with Jean (dashing Melvil Poupaud). She stays busy working for an exclusive art gallery.

He doesn’t do anything but make money as an entrepreneur and a business advisor to rich friends. Two lives well lived, but as in all Woody Allen movies, perfection isn’t everything. The wrinkle in the seamless canvas is boredom.

Fanny considers their life missing the proverbial lost chord. She’s tired of weekends with superficial guests who talk about money, travel, and the world’s best hotels and wines, has no interest in Jean’s passion for deer hunting, and longs for a change.

Opportunity knocks when Fanny accidentally runs into Alain (Niels Schneidr), an old schoolmate and once-potential boyfriend she hasn’t seen in years. Now a published (and intriguingly divorced) writer working on a new novel, she wonders if she had married him, would it have led to a different, more exciting life?

Against her better judgment, curiosity and a dormant sexuality invade her subconscious. The former school acquaintances begin to meet for casual lunches in the park.

Suddenly Jean can’t reach her at work. Cooking spaghetti at his apartment, buying a lottery ticket, change is gradual. Alain makes the mistake of calling when he thinks she’s home alone and Jean makes the mistake of answering the phone.

A coincidence turns into an infatuation and the result is a passionate, full-blown affair. Humiliated and furious, Jean hires a detective, and 48 minutes into the film, irony turns lethal and romance turns to murder.

But this is, above all, a Woody Allen movie, so even tragedy blends with humor.

I’ll refrain from any spoilers, so you’ll have to ponder who does what to whom—and how. But in another left turn, a new character moves to center stage when Fanny’s mother, suspicious and a devout reader of crime novels,

embraces paranoia and continues the narrative in ways that will leave your mouth wide open with shock. Nothing happens the way you think it will, and Coup de Chance will keep you riveted with suspense and surprise.

I wouldn’t describe Woody Allen as a reluctant director, but in this film his laid-back style has the feel of a jazz improvisation, which is reflected to the hilt in the changing tempos of the screenplay, and in everything from the beauty of the elegant cinematography by the accomplished Vittorio Storaro to the intimacy of the background ballad music by great jazz musicians such as Nat Adderley, Milt Jackson, and the Modern Jazz Quartet.

Superb performances by a sterling cast are an enormous help, too. Especially Lou de Laage, whose Fanny is endlessly fascinating, in a quirky but realistic way, full of unique revelations and traces of Diane Keaton.

Her mid-tempo acting style—expressive, with great feeling—easily held my attention from beginning to end. In Woody Allen, she seems to have found the right director to bring out the unexpected strength in the face of adversity needed to meld the power of humor and logic.

Coup de Chance is about fate—and the consequences of luck. Woody’s “take” is there is no such thing as fate; we make our own luck. And she, in turn, brings out the intention of her director in spades. Like his films, which are incisive, brightly lit social observations about the human condition, hers is a mirror that masks the darkness of the human heart with the wit, intelligence, and survival of the human spirit.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

Love, love Danielle Trussoni’s captivating thriller The Puzzle Master, about an expert puzzle master who finds himself embroiled in an ancient mystery. The author’s mouthwatering research alone gave me the best kind of goosebumps. This gripping novel has a little bit of everything: part Friday Night Lights, part The DaVinci Code, part love story, historical, philosophical, sensual, supernatural, a little terrifying, with a strong spoonful of Jewish mysticism—Kabbalah. This book is stellar, the writing is gorgeous, and I inhaled every word.

#ON MY MOBILE

“Just the facts, Ma’am.” Everyone has an opinion so I listen/read as many sources as I can to get to the real story—the truth. My day consists of five news broadcasts, eight online news pubs to get my daily dose ... and of course, my guilty pleasures are Page Six and People

#IN MY EARBUDS

I’m a ‘70s girl at heart (I own a dozen pairs of bell bottoms)—so my music tastes run from seventies rock (Stones) and disco (when I’m driving and “in concert”) to Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow (she gets me). My favorite podcast, of course, is book related—Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books with Zibby Owens. Zibby gets up close and personal with authors, and I relish hearing other authors’ processes and what’s “behind the scenes.”

LISA BARR, Deerfield resident and New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire, is poised to release her highly anticipated new historical thriller—The Goddess of Warsaw, a harrowing and ultimately triumphant tale of a Jewish WWII assassin turned Hollywood star. Barr will be speaking at Bernie’s Book Bank Book Lovers’ Lunch on May 10. Barr began her career at Margie Korshak Associates (her first big account was launching Starbucks in Chicago). Later, she served as managing editor of Today’s Chicago Woman and as an editor/ reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, for which she launched the paper’s first woman’s section: Lifestyles. In addition, Barr served as an editor/reporter for The Jerusalem Post and managing editor of Moment magazine. Among the highlights of her career, she covered the famous “handshake” between the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat, and President Bill Clinton at the White House. She has been featured on Good Morning America and Today for her work as an author and journalist. In exciting book news: Actress Sharon Stone has optioned rights to adapt Women on Fire for film. Hands-down, Lisa says her greatest accomplishment is being mom to three daughters. Barr put her pen down to share how she stays current while juggling book tours and carpools.

EDITED

North Shore Consignment Day

Wednesday, April 24

Our Specialists will be traveling throughout the North Shore collecting Jewelry, Handbags, Watches, Silver and more for auction consignment or outright purchase. Please contact us to schedule a private in-person or virtual appointment.

Diamond Clip Bracelet. Est. $30,000-50,000.

Diamond Ring. Est. $150,000-200,000.

Boucheron Paris Diamond Brooch. Est $25,000-35,000.

EPITOMIZE SPRING

Let your wardrobe bloom with color.

1 Bernadette, Josselin Bow One-Shoulder Taffeta Maxi Dress, matchesfashion.com.us

2 Chloé, Asymmetric Knotted Pleated Wool Gown, net-a-porter.com 3 Tory Burch, Linen Pleat Dress in Bright Leaf, toryburch.com 4 Dada Sport, Gerry Riding Pant in Orange, dadasport.com 5 Brunello Cucinelli, Floral Print Silk Satin Wide-Leg Pants, net-a-porter. com 6 Valentino Garavani, Printed Silk Twill Headband, net-a-porter.com 7 Gianvito Rossi, 85 Patent Leather Sandals in Lime Green, net-a-porter.com 8 Dada Sport, Venezia white shirt, dadasport.com 9 Tory Burch, Spaghetti Mesh Strap Top in Black, toryburch.com 10 Tory Burch, Embellished Viscose Halter Top in Dark Sky, toryburch.com 11 Tory Burch, One-Shoulder Clip Tank Swimsuit, toryburch. com 12 Jacques Marie Mage, Valkyrie AviatorStyle Acetate Sunglasses, net-a-porter.com 13

TOTEME, T-Strap Suede Point-Toe Flats, net-aporter.com

Quiet luxury within both fashion and home has an emphasis on classic, investment pieces without the loud statement of labels. Here’s what the experts love. EDITED

TRENDS IN HOME DESIGN

1 Couture Lamps Bouluxe 33” Table Lamp, $395, neimanmarcus.com 2 Michael Aram Ocean Reef Vase, $295, michaelaram.com 3 Dr. Vranjes Firenze Acqua Room Spray, 3.3 oz., $48, neimanmarcus.com 4 10-Piece Titanium Ultimate Cookware Set, $1,800, hestanculinary. com 5 Global Views Woven Pillow, 20” Square, $390, globalviews.com 6 Global Views Cellentani Vase Set, Bronze $1,465, globalviews.com 7 Caroline Renaissanceking Sheet Set, $1,750, ebraunnewyork.com 8

DIPTYQUE Tubereuse Limited Edition Candle, 190 g, $76, nordstrom.com 9 Butterfly Cocktail Napkins, Set of Six, $420, ebraunnewyork.com 10 Lalique Enameled Zebra Crystal Vase, $35,000, bergdorfgoodman.com

Get in shape for your golf, paddle & tennis game with Stretch Therapy.

Gain increased mobility and eliminate chronic pain . . .all within the convenience of your home!

Do I need to have any special equipment at my home?

No! Josh is a mobile personal trainer and travels to the convenience of your own home with all the equipment you need for a good workout.

What is Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)?

Fascial Stretch Therapy is a neuromyofascial manual therapy method that focuses on the connective tissue system rather than isolated muscle treatment. FST therapists assess active, passive, and resisted range of motion in functional positions and movements.

Who are clients of LakeShoreFit@Home?

Josh works with a wide range of ages and special conditions.

Whatever your goal is, LakeShoreFit@Home will help you achieve it!

Great selections for every budget including:

• Delivery & Credited Returns Pick-ups (no minimum order size)

• Free loaner event glassware!

• 24x7 web ordering at schaefers.com

JOSH WATSON (owner) Lake Forest Personal Trainer and Stretch Therapist for over 10 years

KEEPING UP WITH COACH JONES

North Shore Country Day school boys’ soccer coach Kyle Jones steered his Raiders to a program-first state championship last fall. A UK native and a Highland Park resident, he looks back at a historic season in Winnetka.

BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Kyle Jones was disappointed. It was autumn 2019, and North Shore Country Day’s (NSCD) boys’ soccer coach had just guided his Raiders to a fourth-place finish in the Class A state tournament.

He should have been thrilled, since a boys’ soccer team at the Winnetka school had never before reached a state semifinal.

But he wasn’t.

Far from it.

“We were tourists, buying souvenirs every chance we got,” Jones recalls. “We were just happy to be there, including myself.”

Jones vowed to prepare his club differently were his Raiders to earn another Final Four berth.

His 2023 NSCD edition did just that last fall and entered a state semifinal against Peoria Christian High School with a 15-5-1 record.

“The day before, I showed our team a map of Hoffman Estates High School (site of the state finals) and pointed out where we’d practice and where the locker room was,” says Jones, who also serves NSCD as its Head of Physical Education. “I then described how I’d like our boys to walk out ahead of our warmup session, with our tallest player, (6-foot-3 senior forward), Leif Steele leading the way.

“Then I told them, ‘The only souvenir I’d settle for this time around is a state championship trophy. Let’s worry about purchasing state T-shirts later, OK?’”

Three days later, after Jones and his Raiders had piled into the team bus, they had to make room in the vehicle for a most welcome guest that spoke volumes without uttering a word— the first-place plaque.

NSCD blanked Normal University High School 2-0 in the state title match on November 4, two days after downing Peoria HS by the same score in a semifinal. It capped a dominant, remarkable run in the postseason, the Raiders having outscored its seven opponents by a combined 26 goals to one.

The Raiders (17-5-1) were paced by Steele, senior forward Daniel Becker, junior midfielder/forward Henry Gallun, senior back Smith Flickinger, and senior goalkeeper Aram Dombalagian. Becker finished his final prep season with a team-high 17 goals and seven assists; Gallun netted 16 goals and provided eight assists; Steele wound up with 10 goals and 11 assists; and the reliable

Dombalagian racked up an impressive five clean sheets in the playoffs.

“What a great group of lads,” says the 41-year-old Jones, who grew up as a soccer-loving lad in Knutsford, a market town in Cheshire, Eng land, located 14 miles southwest of Manchester, and lives in Highland Park with his wife, UK native Nichola, and their 13-year-old daughter, Bluesey; their son, Chap man (California) University sophomore Mason, starred in soc cer at NSCD.

“All our players bought in and showed great leadership,” he adds. “But the leadership

A 16-year-old Jones visited the United States for the first time on an exchange program with Middlesex School in Massachusetts. The program lasted 10 days. Middlesex’s boys’ soccer coach at the time, Mike Schafer, encouraged Jones to continue his education and soccer

Jones hit the books and thumped soccer balls there for three years, before enrolling at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, as a Hotel Administration major.

“My dad (the late Keith Jones) and ‘Schaf’ were my role models,” Jones says. “I got most of my love and passion for soccer from Dad. Dad was an assistant

years at Cornell, Jones changed his major to Human Development and later chose to minor in Education—all because of soccer, the world’s Beautiful Game.

“I worked summer camps as a soccer coach on campus,” Jones says. “I thought, ‘This is incredible. This is what I want to do.’ I was like a big kid out there. It didn’t feel like work at all. One of the other camp coaches told me, ‘Jonesy, you have a great way with the campers; you connect well with them.’”

Jones searched for education posts after graduation and one came up, an admissions job, at North Shore Country Day. But NSCD’s then-Head of School, Tom Doar, offered Jones a first-grade teacher position in 2005. Jones accepted it and five years later added PE teacher to his plate of duties, which had included boys’ soccer assistant coach.

“I remember filling in as a head coach for one game,” Jones says. “We played Latin School. We got destroyed, 8-0. My first year as head coach (2006) we made incredible progress, and I owe a lot to Tom Doar for that. He allowed me to run an open gym on Sundays for soccer players; it transformed the program, because the boys started taking soccer more seriously.”

In 2007, NSCD battled visiting Northridge Preparatory School in a Class A state regional semifinal match. Darkness suspended play with four minutes left in regulation and the teams tied.

“One of our players convinced the entire school to watch us play the rest of the game the next day,” Jones says. “What a wonderful scene that was, all of the students showing up to support us. You don’t forget a moment like that.”

I worked summer camps as a soccer coach on campus. I thought, ‘This is incredible. This is what I want to do.’ I was like a big kid out there. It didn’t feel like work at all.

didn’t just come from our seniors. We experimented with a variety of formations before the start of the postseason, from a 4-3-4 to a 3-4-3 to a 4-4-2 diamond. We were more prepared than ever, for any team. Our top attackers (Becker, Gallun, and Steele) unlocked defenses.”

soccer coach for Knutsford’s town team. I was 15 when I started playing for the team, meaning I got to compete with and against men in their 30s and 40s.

“You could say I grew up in a hurry as a soccer player.”

Between his freshman and sophomore

NSCD’s Raiders advanced to the next playoff round on penalty kicks.

“Even though North Shore Country Day school is small, its students are encouraged to dream big, and when they do—after putting in the work to go along with the dreams— great things are possible, like winning a state championship.”

A month after Jones’s 2019 squad took fourth at state, Keith Jones died. Four years later, on a soccer pitch in Hoffman Estates, Keith was on Kyle Jones’s mind and in his heart.

“I told my wife,” he recalls, “that if I’m ever fortunate to coach another team in the state finals, I’m going to do all I can to win it for Dad.”

Kyle Jones

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