Back to School Information Guide
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First Day of School: Monday, August 11, 2025
Get ready for a great year at ETHS! This page has everything you need to get started. Check out the Back-to-School messages for the latest updates, then explore the sections below to prepare for a successful school year.
ETHS focuses on four guiding principles throughout each school year:
- Social Emotional Learning
- Racial Equity
- Literacy
- Post High School Planning
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Getting Ready for the First Day
We understand the beginning of a new school year can be both exciting and a little stressful. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a helpful checklist:
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Complete Registration: All students, new and returning, need to register and prove residency for the 2025-26 school year. For questions about proof of residency requirements, contact the Residency Office at (847) 424-7182 or residency@eths202.org.
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Update Health Records: Make sure your student’s health records are up-to-date with the Nurses’ Office. Visit our website to read the Health Requirements for students in grades 9-12 and to access forms. Or, if you need an appointment, contact the ETHS Health Center.
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Pay School Fees: Student fee statements are available online through your myETHS account. Be sure to pay by August 5 to avoid late fees. For information about student fees and financial assistance, please visit the ETHS website.
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Provide Consents: Use myETHS to provide consent for sports and activities or to modify FERPA consent status for yearbook photos, the graduation program, etc.
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Update Contact Information: Keep your contact information up-to-date in Home Access Center (HAC) to receive important school communications. Follow the steps listed on the How to Update Your Contact Information - Parents page.
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Opt In to Emergency Text Alerts: To opt in to emergency text alerts (severe weather, lockdown, all-clear), follow the steps listed on the Text Messaging Service page.
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Stock up on School Supplies: Review the general school supplies list. Teachers will inform students during the first few days of class of any additional supplies that are required.
- Review the Student Handbook: The Pilot: Student & Family Handbook outlines school rules, policies, and expectations.
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Schoolwide Expectations
To build a community of trust, accountability, and responsibility, ETHS students are expected to make a positive contribution to their classroom communities and their overall school community.
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Arrive on time to every class every day. The first class begins at 8:30am.
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Go to the assigned cafeteria listed on your schedule. See more information in the Lunch Block Expectations, Cafeterias and Alternatives.
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Turn off cell phones, put them in the classroom storage units until the end of class. Cell phones are not permitted to be used in instructional spaces.
Cell Phone Policy
- During Class: Cell phones must be silenced or turned off and stored in cell phone storage units during class time. Phones must remain in the storage unit for the entire block, including during bathroom or water breaks. Earbuds and wireless headphones must also be put away during class.
- For more information, view our FAQs, review the Cell Phones/Electronic Devices policy in the Student Handbook (pages 7-9), or contact your Dean.
NEW: One Device Policy
- Chromebooks Only: Beginning this school year, ETHS will follow a one-device policy for use during class time. This means only district-issued Chromebooks will be allowed for classroom use. Students will not be permitted to use personal laptops, tablets (iPads), iPods, or cell phones during instructional time.
Student IDs
- Scanning In: Students need to scan their ETHS ID to enter the school. You’ll receive your ID on the first day of school (see below).
- ID Distribution: Printed ID cards and orange lanyards will be handed out on the first day of school.
- Mobile ID Option: ETHS has a mobile ID card that can be accessed via phone, tablet, or Chromebook. Directions for accessing the mobile ID card are online.
- Questions? Email idcenter@eths202.org or call 847-424-7316.
Arriving at School
- Have your ID out and ready to scan upon arrival.
- Entry Options: Extra doors will be open from 8:00-8:30am for faster entry.
- Main entrances: Doors 1, 2, and 3
- Extra entrances (8:00-8:30am): Door 59 (near Door 1) and Door 35 (near Door 2)
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Make the Most of Your High School Experience
ETHS offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved, explore their interests, and develop their talents. Here are a few highlights:
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Join a Club or Activity: With over 80 clubs available, there's something for everyone!
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Explore Community Service: Give back to your community and gain valuable experience through our Community Service Office.
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Participate in the Arts: ETHS offers a variety of programs in theatre, music, speech and debate, and visual arts.
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Play Sports: Try out for one of our many sports teams. Sports registration can be completed in myETHS.
- Get Help When You Need It: We have a variety of academic support services available to help all students succeed.
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Important Dates
- August 7: Chromebook Warranty Renewal (optional). Renew one-year policies by August 7 to maintain coverage without interruption. Families that purchased the four-year warranty do not need to renew. Review the ChromeCare Warranty information and payment options.
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August 11: First Day of School. Please review the first day bell schedules and information. A student who does not have a first-block class can go to The Hub (W220), Central Library (H200), or East Library (E220). Please remember that traffic will be heavier than normal on opening day. Students should be prepared to arrive at least 20 minutes early on the first day of school.
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August 28: Open House.
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October 21: Wildkit Futures Day. Students participate in activities by Class.
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December 15-19: First Semester Exams.
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April 8-9: Assessment Days. Students in grades 9-11 will take the preACT or ACT.
- May 18-22: Second Semester Exams.
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Key Info
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Absence Reporting. Parents/guardians are encouraged to use myETHS to report their student absent. For step-by-step instructions, please see myETHS Absence Report User Guide. Parents/guardians may call the Student Attendance Line at 847-424-7800 to report a student absence. For more information about Absence Reporting and Attendance Guidelines, please see the ETHS website.
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Class Schedule Questions. If there are questions about a student’s schedule, please contact your counselor by email on Wednesday, August 6.
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Financial Assistance. Qualifying families can receive reduced school fees, meals, and other fees by completing the Financial Assistance Form by August 5.
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Hall lockers. Students are assigned hall lockers that they keep for the duration of their high school experience. Hall locker assignments and combinations are available on HAC > Registration and on myETHS.
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Parking & Transportation. The Parking & Transportation page has information about student drop off/pick up, as well as biking and public transportation. Students may purchase or reactivate a reduced fare card for PACE or CTA in the Business Office (H108). More information is available on the Parking and Transportation page of the ETHS website.
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School Meals. Breakfast and lunch menus are available on our website. You can also view menus and dietary information through the MealViewer app. Visit the school meal payment options page for more info, including how to add money to your student’s meal account before the first day of school.
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Semester Exams. Every class will have a culminating exam or project to show mastery and connect learning across time. It will make up 10% of the semester grade.
- Tech at ETHS. The Tech Guide has answers to some of the most commonly asked questions as well as important links.
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Stay Connected
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Home Access Center (HAC) and myETHS: These online portals for students and parents allow you to monitor your student's progress and access important information.
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ETHS Mobile App: Get school news and events right on your mobile device! Download the free ETHS mobile app in the App Store or Google Play Store.
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ETHS Events Calendar: You can subscribe to ETHS calendars to stay connected on any mobile device or your Google calendar. Calendar information also appears on our mobile app.
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Parent Involvement: Learn about opportunities for parent involvement at ETHS.
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ETHS Social Channels:
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Principal's Top 5 Things to Know
Read Dr. McNeal's top five things you should know for the 2025-26 school year.