Skip to main content

Community High School District 155

Enter with Promise. Leave with Purpose.

Crystal Lake Central Back-to-School Guide 2026-27

Posted Date: 07/22/26 (02:00 PM)


Back-to-School Guide

Crystal Lake Central High School

Welcome, Tigers!

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! This guide will help you and your student start the year off right as we prepare to welcome students back on August 12, 2026.

You will find registration and distribution day details, key dates for incoming freshmen, school-specific information, attendance procedures, counselor contacts, and athletic and activity opportunities.

We look forward to partnering with you for a successful school year and can't wait to see our students back in our schools!
 

Registration Open for 2026-27 School Year

STEP 1: Update Student Information

Parents and guardians are required to verify and update email addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts, and health information through Skyward Family Access. Student information should be updated and completed for each student before Distribution Days. 

If you have a current D155 student, you can use the same login information for Skyward Family Access. If you forgot your login or you’re new to D155, click here​.

STEP 2: Pay Registration Fee Online via Skyward

PAY BEFORE AUGUST 12 AND SAVE $25 PER STUDENT - $275
Registration Fee (After August 12) - $300

The registration fee includes unlimited participation in extracurriculars, a student activity pass (non-state series), and a Chromebook. Incoming freshman and new students will also receive a PE shirt.

Parents and guardians can pay registration fees online through Skyward Family Access. After logging in, go to “Fee Management” to pay the fees associated with your student. If you do not have computer access, you may pay by check or cash at Crystal Lake Central High School (45 W Franklin Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL).

Please note: Applications for Fee Waivers are available on the Student Services website.

NEED ASSISTANCE WITH ONLINE REGISTRATION?

Contact the Crystal Lake Central Student Services Department at: (815) 459-2505 ext. 2249

STEP 3: Distribution Days

Wednesday, August 5: Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores
Thursday, August 6: Freshmen

Distribution hours:  11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

All students must attend their designated distribution day to receive their class schedule, textbooks, and have their student ID and yearbook photo taken. Students will also be required to turn in a physical, vaccination record, and/or medication form at Distribution Day or by emailing their forms to the school nurse (clcnurse@d155.org). Please plan accordingly; the first 30 minutes of each session are busy.

School Information

2026-27 School Calendar (Eng)
Calendario Escolar 2026-27 (Spa)
Class Schedules
 

Administrative Team

Carson Sterchi - Principal
Jerad Beckler - Vice Principal
Ted Juske - Athletic Director
Jessica Galla - Assistant Principal of Student Services
Dave Shutters - Tosa Dean of Students (A-K)
Christian Saenz - Administrative Dean of Students (L-Z)
 

Student IDs and Yearbook Picture

Every student’s ID picture will be taken on distribution day. Please come prepared to be photographed. This photo will be used in the yearbook for all grade levels and on all student IDs. Any student unable to have his/her yearbook photo taken on distribution day will have an opportunity during retakes in October. Students who were unable to get an ID picture taken may get their ID picture taken in the front office once school starts. Students are required to carry their ID at all times while at school. It serves as their library card, bus pass, work-release, lunch release, and activity ticket, and is required for textbook sign-out and admittance to study hall, the library, and the collaborative space. Juniors and seniors approved for open campus will present their ID when entering and exiting the building. The replacement cost for a lost or altered card is $5.
 

Free or Reduced Lunch Fee Waivers

If you have a Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF number, you should receive a letter in the mail regarding your direct certification of lunch benefits and approval for waiver of fees. If you have any questions regarding the direct certification process or about the forms, please call the Student Services Office at (815) 459-2505 ext. 2249. If you do not receive a direct certification letter and would like to apply for fee waivers, forms are available on the school’s website by visiting the Student Services Forms page on the district website. Please complete this process by distribution day. To learn more about the Fee Waiver Application Process, please click the link below.

 

Attendance

24-Hour Attendance Hotline: (815) 455-8507

Attendance is the most important factor in a student’s success. As a district, we are committed to ensuring that every student is present in class every day, as it’s essential to their academic achievement, personal growth, and overall well-being.

D155 attendance procedures align with the state. Students have 5 parent excused days per semester to help reduce chronic absences while maintaining flexibility. Vacation and college visit days are no longer separately excused; students must use their 5 parent excused days for these. Students will still have 5 additional mental health days per year.


  • A parent or guardian must call the school each day a student misses all or part of his/her school day.
  • You may leave information on the automated voicemail system 24 hours a day, or you may call the switchboard between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Written notes are not acceptable to excuse absences.

For more information about attendance procedures, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions.
 

Attendance Notifications

The school will use an automated calling system to alert parents when their student is considered absent/truant. The notification system also allows the school to communicate via text message. Parents and guardians who gave permission to be called and/or texted and provided a mobile phone number during online registration will receive attendance notifications. Parents and guardians can revoke this consent at any time by notifying Shannon Podzimek, director of communications, spodzimek@d155.org, or by following the instructions in the automated phone call or text messages. Please ensure that your primary number stays up-to-date throughout the year so that we can provide you with pertinent information if necessary. 
 

School Communication and Emergency Alert Notifications

D155 will use ParentSquare to communicate with you, and you will receive all district and school communication via email, text, or app. You can download the free mobile app for iOS or Android or use the desktop version at www.parentsquare.com. If you do not download the app, you will continue to receive notifications via email and emergency notifications via text, email, and phone call. Please ensure your primary number stays up-to-date throughout the school year to receive important school alerts.

School Procedures

The student handbook includes all school rules and regulations on academics, student conduct, cell phone policy, student attire and dress, attendance, transportation, athletics, and activities.  Parents and students must become familiar with the content of the student handbook, which is available on the school’s website. All students will be held accountable for the information found in the handbook.
Student Handbook

Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students

Chromebook Distribution

Chromebooks will be distributed to the class of 2030 and transfer students during distribution days.

Freshman and Transfer Student Orientations

The Crystal Lake Central staff and students invite the Class of 2030 to Connect Crew Freshman Orientation. 

Freshmen Orientation - Tuesday, August 11, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Fieldhouse)
New Student Orientation - Tuesday, August 11, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Student Center)

The purpose of this orientation is to make the transition from middle school to high school a positive one. Seniors and juniors will serve as leaders and mentors to the freshmen. Large and small group activities are designed to address students’ needs and concerns in an enjoyable manner. Wear comfortable clothes and don’t bring school supplies. Travel light! Due to the nature of this program, make-up opportunities are not available. If you have any questions, please email the Mentor Sponsor, Mrs. Velasquez (gvelasquez@d155.org)

Resources for New Families

New families can find important dates, additional resources about health services, food services, transportation, school supplies, and frequently asked questions by clicking the link below.
Resources for New Families

Student Services

Student Services encompasses much more than scheduling. Parents and students should feel free to stop in or call our office with any social-emotional needs, as our department includes counselors, social workers, a psychologist, and a school nurse. In addition, students and parents have access to our College and Career Center to research various post-high school educational and career options. Student transcripts are also maintained by the Student Services Office. For more information visit the Student Services website.

Jessica Galla - Assistant Principal of Student Services
COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS
Brandon Polonsky - (A - DQ) ext. 2255
Tristan Stewart - (DR - J) ext. 2224
Dr. Hank Harvey (K-MD & INA) ext. 2222
Paul Lichtenheld - (ME - R) ext. 2236
Sara Huser - (S - Z) ext. 2238

COUNSELOR SUMMER HOURS
A school counselor will be available for scheduled appointments beginning July 23. The only schedule changes allowed will be for errors (i.e. schedule has Spanish IV, but should have Spanish III.)

Faith's Law Resource Guide

All children have the right to grow up in safe and healthy communities that have welcoming and nurturing schools. The Illinois State Board of Education has developed and published the Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide, available on the district’s website. The district is required to share this information with parents/guardians and make it available on the district website. 

Health Services

Freshman Requirements | Bring two forms on Distribution Day, August 6

FRESHMAN PHYSICAL
All freshmen are required by law to have a physical examination completed between August 8, 2025, and August 6, 2026. The exam must be documented by a physician using the state-approved form available to download on the district website, parents must complete the Health History section. Physical examination forms are available on the Health Services website.

**Please note that Athletic physicals do not meet the requirements for students entering 9th grade.

FRESHMAN DENTAL EXAM
All freshmen are required to submit proof of a dental exam within 18 months of the start of freshman year. The exam must be documented by a physician using the state-approved form available on the Health Services website.
 

Senior Requirements

MENINGITIS VACCINATION: All seniors must meet Illinois Department of Public Health immunization requirements for meningococcal disease before the start of the 12th grade. Proof of vaccination must be provided before Senior Distribution Day, August 5, 2026.
 

All Students

MEDICATION FORM: Any student needing to take medication (prescription and/or over-the-counter) must have a Medication Form on file with the school nurse. Forms must be submitted annually. The form is available on the Health Services website.

ASTHMA ACTION PLAN: Students who have asthma are required to have an "Asthma Action Plan." It must be kept on file in the school nurse's office. The form is available on the Health Services website.

Athletics and Extracurriculars

Crystal Lake Central Athletics
2026-27 Athletic Registrations
Crystal Lake Central Activities

Crystal Lake Central Booster Club

CLC Booster Club Information