Editor’s note: The RoundTable will also publish a District 65 101 next week on everything students, parents and families in elementary and middle school need to know before the first day on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Evanston Township High School welcomes students back for the first day of school this coming Monday, Aug. 12. The day features a morning class rotation and an optional picnic just for freshmen, and an afternoon welcome for all other grades. The school expects heavy traffic and is advising students to head to the building at least 20 minutes early.
For students and parents, you can find everything you need to know for the year’s kick off in this back to school information guide on the ETHS website. You can also check out Superintendent Marcus Campbell’s welcome back letter and Principal Taya Kinzie’s “Top Five Things to Know.”
All new and returning students are required to verify residency and complete the returning student registration form in the Home Access Center (HAC). Class schedules for all students are also viewable in the HAC as of Friday, Aug. 4.
What’s new in 2024
Students will be expected to abide by a new “bell to bell, no cell” policy during class time this year. The policy was rolled out earlier this year during summer courses, and is based on research indicating the positive effects on learning and mental health of removing phones from the classroom.
Students will keep their phones in assigned storage units available in every classroom during class time. They will be allowed to use wired headphones with their school Chromebooks for music during appropriate times, but must disconnect and put away any bluetooth devices connected to their phones.
Also new this year is a student scan-in policy, intended to “support our commitment to create a safe, welcoming environment for our students, staff, and visitors,” according to the school. Students must scan their ETHS issued ID, which they’ll receive on the first day, every time they enter the building.
Families might also be wondering what the school’s policy on Artificial Intelligence use looks like as AI platforms become more prevalent on social media and search engines.
ETHS does not restrict the use of generative AI technology on their devices, according to David Chan, the school’s director of instructional technology. Students have access to a variety of different technologies at home and outside of school in general besides just their school Chromebooks, and could use AI on these devices.
“We want to make sure we work with teachers on how to use it, should they be interested,” Chan said.
ETHS is focusing on educating teachers on the possibilities of using AI based on their classroom goals, according to Chan. Some might need help designing assignments and questions that can’t be answered by AI and require individual or creative thought. Others might use AI to help build lesson plans or check for plagiarism, or even assign projects that ask students to figure out constructive ways to use it.
“We’re continuing to have these dialogues, and I appreciate the work that teachers are doing,” Chan said. “It’s going to take some time to continue to work with staff on policy.”
Registering for fall sports
Most of the information you need to sign up for one of ETHS’s 42 sports or for fall tryouts is available on the How to Register for Sports page on the website. Students interested in participating in sports have to register online at myeths.com, and must provide parental consent and a doctor’s physical to file with the school nurse’s office. Incoming freshmen and new athletes also have to complete an imPACT Baseline Test as part of the school’s concussion protocol. Student-athletes can find more information about the start dates and levels for all fall sports here.
Any students who do not complete the registration requirements by the start date listed for their sport have to email athleticscontact@eths202.org and the varsity coach to notify them of their registration.
First day schedules and key dates
If any students have trouble finding their schedules or accessing the online HAC portal, they can email homeaccesscenter@eths202.org or call 847-424-7121. ETHS will not provide printed schedules or mail them home.
On the first day of school, all freshmen will start their day at 8 a.m. with an assembly in the auditorium. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. Student ambassadors will be on campus to assist any new students with their schedules or to point them in the right direction. Freshmen will then go through a 15-minute class period for each of their courses before dismissal at 11:05 a.m. All ninth graders are encouraged to stick around for a picnic lunch from 11:10 to 11:40 a.m. as well.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors will report to school at 12 p.m. after freshmen have completed their day, and they will also go through 15-minute blocks for each of their classes during the afternoon. Regular daily schedules will then start on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
ETHS will distribute printed student ID cards on the first day of school, and students can also access their own virtual IDs online at their myETHS account. New students will have a chance to take their ID photo during orientation, and more information about IDs is available here.
During the first few weeks of school, ETHS is also hosting several events and meetings for parents and families. Here’s a comprehensive list of those gatherings:
- Orchestra and choir parent night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 in the auditorium
- Fall sports parent meeting: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 in the auditorium
- Virtual career planning and college application process for parents and guardians of seniors, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, Zoom link to be announced
- Band parent night: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 in the auditorium
- ETHS Open House: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29
- ‘Kits, ‘Cats and Kids Block Party: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at ETHS Lazier Field
Payments, fees and free/reduced price meal applications
Annual school fees are past due, and any fees paid at this point will have a late charge of $30 added. You can view all of your outstanding balances on your myETHS account, and you can pay any bills at the ETHS Web Store. Students and families can also save time on paying for school meals by adding funds to their online SNAP meal account.
Families can apply to receive free or reduced price meals here, and they can find more information about applying here.
Health requirements
All new students must submit proof of a physical examination done within the last calendar year through the Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination Form. A health care provider also has to verify a student’s immunization history before they can attend school.
A full list of the required immunizations is available here. Seniors also must provide proof of receiving the second dose of the meningitis vaccine.
If needed, students can get a physical exam and vaccinations free or for a low cost through the school-based ETHS Health Center located in room H100. Call 847-424-7265 to set up an appointment.
ETHS 101: Everything you need to know before school starts is from Evanston RoundTable, Evanston's most trusted source for unbiased, in-depth journalism.