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Summer had come to a close and 930 refreshed staff from
Round Lake Area Schools CUSD 116 in Northeastern Illinois
flowed into the gym at Round Lake High School. There was
a vibe in the air, something different from in years past.
Following exuberant performances by students and staff,
Superintendent Dr. Constance Collins approached the
microphone for her welcome back speech. Her message was
filled with an unending list of extraordinary accomplishments.
Two special bullet points were left for last…
Round Lake Area Schools is a district that has experienced
its fair share of challenges over the years, yet has overcome
them all. “We Rise Up at RLAS-116! Nothing can keep
us down!” chanted Collins. Years of hard work toward an
aggressive strategic plan have led us to two monumental
By Heather Bennett
Public Relations Officer
Round Lake Area Schools CUSD 116
Turnaroundof RoundLakeschools
nothingshort of amazing
achievements; increased four-year graduation rate and
achieving the vision of becoming a nationally top-ranked
school district.
A school that experienced graduation rates as low as 71
percent over the last decade now boasts that 90 percent of
its students would cross that stage at year end! U.S. News
& World Report named Round Lake High School one of the
Best High Schools in Illinois and the Nation—the Silver Medal
designation! How is it possible for a school to turn such a
large ship in a short period of time? Members of the Round
Lake High School team are proud to tell this story.
“I wish I could say that there was one magic idea or initiative
that moved our school in a positive direction,” said Dr.
Donn Mendoza, Deputy Superintendent and former RLHS
Principal. “It’s a combination of many efforts, including
Center, Superintendent Dr. Constance Collins;
at left, 6th grade student Tumi Ademola and at
right, her mother Bridgette.