Family Weekend
October 14-16, 2022
- Friday, Oct. 14
- Saturday, Oct. 15
- Self-Care Sunday, Oct. 16
- LFA Family Portraits (New this Oct. 15)
- FAQs
Friday, Oct. 14
Friday Highlights
A Caxy Conversation with New Head of School Chris Tennyson
8 - 8:30 a.m.
Classroom Connect Mini-Classes
1:30 - 4:25 p.m.
“The Life of Galileo” Fall Play presented by the Fine and Performing Arts Department
7 p.m.
Friday Morning Virtual Offerings
(all families welcome; geared for engagement of international families)
- A Caxy Conversation with New Head of School (Virtual Kick-off)
Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea at home or at the office! Then login to the virtual kick-off of Family Weekend with fellow parents and New Head of School Chris Tennyson. We'll be making a toast to all of our parents, but especially to our international parents whose distance may prevent them from attending in-person events.- 8 - 8:30 a.m. Watch the recording here.
- Meet new Dean of Students Jennifer Rundles (Virtual)
Join us virtually to meet the new Dean of Students Jennifer Rundles and hear her vision for the school year.- 8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Watch the recording here.
- Virtual Morning Meeting (livestream)
Livestream of in-person Morning Meeting. Families from around the globe can watch this special LFA tradition.- 9:40 - 10 a.m.
- Meet LFA Coaches and Trainers (Virtual)
Join us virtually to meet the coaches, trainers, and other LFA athletic personnel who keep our Caxys competitive and strong!featuring:
David Atas – Head Athletic Trainer, girls basketball coach
Sarah Taylor – girls tennis coach
Mike Hall – girls golf and baseball Coach
Tameka Carter – girls basketball coach
Darrin Madeley – Athletic Director, prep hockey coach and softball coach- 10 - 10:45 a.m. Watch the recording here.
Friday In-Person Offerings
- Head of School and Dean of Students-Hosted Coffee/Tea for Grades 9, 10 and new transfer parents
Join Head of School Chris Tennyson and Dean of Students Jennifer Rundles at Wood House (the home of LFA's Head of School) for a casual coffee to kick-off Family Weekend. **Adults only please. Grades 9, 10 and transfer ONLY.
*Registration required. Register here.- 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. – Wood House, Lake Forest Academy
- Family Weekend Registration
Pick up your registration materials and your child's/children's mini-class schedules. Grab a bite or cup of coffee/tea on your way to mini-classes, then stop back later for a snack if you have a free period. Registration is staffed by our Parents of Alumni (Lifetime Caxys) and Parents Association Volunteers.- 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. – Garden Room, Reid Hall
- Visit the LFA Bookstore
Stop by the LFA Bookstore in the Student Center and pick up some Caxy gear! When you make a purchase at the LFA Bookstore over Family Weekend, you will be entered to win a Caxy Spirit Pack - check it out at the Bookstore!- 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and 4:30 - 5 p.m. – JC Cowart Student Center (lower level)
- Family Weekend Welcome Luncheon with Keynote by LFA Alumnus Matt Zafirovski ’04, Chief Operating Officer, ACP CreativIT
Hear from LFA alumnus Matt Zafirovski, Class of 2004, as he reflects on his journey to LFA, his pathway post high school, and how (and why) he stays engaged and connected to the Academy. Matt and the entire Zafirovski Family–parents Life Trustee Robin and Mike, and brothers Kirk ’05 and Todd ’09–have remained close to the Academy over the years, investing both time and treasure in the school. Matt embodies the LFA mission and exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong Caxy. He lives in Winnetka with his wife, Kali, and their four children.
Matt holds degrees from Duke University and from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He has worked in the fields of business and consulting for such companies as Groupon, McKinsey, and The Napa Valley Reserve. His career has taken him to South Korea, Japan, Napa, Calif., and Chicago.
Event has reached capacity. If interested in being put on the waiting list please email rjosephen@lfanet.org.- 12 - 1 p.m. – Little Theater, Reid Hall
- Classroom Connect - Mini Classes
Follow your student’s A-day schedule, abbreviated to 15-minute classes with 5-minute passing periods. Classroom locations and times are listed in your registration packet. Parents, guardians, and grandparents welcome to attend mini-classes. Limit 2 attendees per student. Mini-Class schedules must be picked up at the Registration table.If you plan on only attending mini-classes there is no need for pre-registration. Come to registration in the Garden Room from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and pick up your student's schedule.- 1:30 - 4:25 p.m. – see individual class times here.
- CAXY Friday Athletics Schedule
- 4:30 p.m. – Varsity Girls Swimming vs. Rufus King High School (Home)
- 4:45 p.m. – Varsity Girls Field Hockey vs. Lakes Community High School (Home)
- 5 p.m. – JV Girls Field Hockey vs. Glenbard West High School (Home)
- Cocktails with Head of School Chris Tennyson
Mr. Tennyson will share a vision for proposed improvements to LFA's indoor athletic facilities.
**Adults only please. Registration required. Register here.- 4:45 - 6 p.m. – Little Theater, Reid Hall
- Dinner in the Dining Hall at the JC Cowart Student Center
Special Offerings for Parents (Dinner Choices Voted on By Students)- 5 - 7 p.m.
- "The Life of Galileo" Fall Play
Lake Forest Academy Department of Fine and Performing Arts presents "The Life of Galileo," David Hare's English translation of legendary playwright Bertolt Brecht's "Lieben des Galilei."
No ticket purchase necessary to attend. Families including parents, siblings and grandparents are welcome to attend.
For those families unable to attend in person, the play will be livestreamed here.- 7 p.m. – Auditorium, The Cressey Center for the Arts
Saturday, Oct. 15
Saturday Highlights
Grandparent Brunch
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Book Club
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Caxy Tailgate
12 - 3 p.m.
Saturday Schedule
- Registration and Continental Breakfast
Stop by the registration table in the lobby of the Crown Fitness and Wellness Center if you have any questions or to pick up a copy of the Family Weekend Saturday Events Schedule and/or campus maps.- 9 - 11 a.m. – Lobby, Crown Fitness and Wellness Center
- Visit the LFA Bookstore
Stop by the LFA Bookstore in the Student Center and pick up some Caxy gear! When you make a purchase at the LFA Bookstore over Family Weekend, you will be entered to win a Caxy Spirit Pack - check it out at the Bookstore!- 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- CAXY Saturday Athletics Schedule
- 9 a.m. – JV Girls Volleyball vs. Woodlands Academy (Home)
- 10 a.m. – Varsity Girls Volleyball vs. Woodlands Academy (Home)
- 12 p.m. – Prep Hockey vs. FEHA (Home)
Concurrent Sessions for Parents & Grandparents
- Book Club hosted by Lusanda Mayikana P’14, Dean of Pluralism & Multicultural Affairs, Health, Wellness & Community Teacher
Join fellow parents to discuss the book, "Courageous Discomfort," chosen by Lusanda and presented at the first Parents Association Board Meeting. One attendee will win a copy of the book "Courageous Discomfort" as a door prize.
Open to current parents and alumni parents. Light refreshments provided. Register here.- 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Library Reading Room, Reid Hall
Or
- Grandparent Brunch* hosted by Dean of Faculty Tom Johnson
Join fellow grandparents for a relaxing and delicious brunch in our lovely Little Theater in Reid Hall. You will hear from Tom Johnson, Dean of Faculty and History teacher at LFA. Tom will discuss what makes the Academy distinctive and what sets apart LFA faculty as compared to teachers at other schools. He will also address the important role of campus housing and endowed chairs, and will discuss some of the unique and attractive professional development opportunities that are available to LFA faculty members.
Registration for this event has now closed.- 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Little Theater, Reid Hall
- Campus Tours for Parents & Grandparents
Campus Tours will be offered by Caxy Key volunteers. For those with mobility issues, there will be golf cart tours available on a limited basis.- 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please fill out the google form here to request your tour. You are not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email from the Office of Parent Relations. You may be grouped with another family on a tour. Please note that golf cart tours are outdoors only and priority is given to people with mobility issues.
- 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Family Portraits (New to Family Weekend 2022)
See tab for more information.- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Formal Gardens
- Caxy Tailgate (Alcohol-Free): Lunch for Parents, Students, Siblings, and Grandparents
hosted by LFA Parent Relations and Giving
Join fellow parents, students, siblings, and grandparents for the Family Weekend favorite–the Caxy Family Picnic! For your enjoyment, there will be a variety of classic fall foods including chilis and other fall treats. Play games and activities sponsored by the Student Council. Come in your Caxy Spirit Wear and bring the whole family! Meet LFA Mascot Caxy Frog!- 12 - 3 p.m. – Silver Family Green (rain location: JC Cowart Student Center)
- Student Art Show (display)
Browse the visual arts exhibit created and displayed by LFA students.- 1 - 7 p.m. – The Cressey Center for the Arts
- Fall Family Concert
Enjoy selections performed by the LFA choir and orchestra. No ticket purchase necessary to attend. Families including parents, siblings and grandparents are welcome to attend.
For those families unable to attend in person, the play will be livestreamed here.- 7 p.m. – Cressey Auditorium, The Cressey Center for the Arts
Self-Care Sunday, Oct. 16
Self-Care Sunday Schedule
Family Wellness Offerings
- Family Yoga & Meditation
Start your morning off right with some light movement and grounding presence! Attendees will participate in a fun and light yoga practice followed by a guided meditation. No experience is necessary, and mats will be provided. Registration is open for both parents and students. Register here.
Hosted by Information & Media Literacy Librarian Ashley Kolovitz. Ashley has been a librarian at LFA for 11 years and has been practicing yoga since 2009. She completed her RYT 200 Yoga training in 2018 to lead yoga as an LFA PE option and loves providing students with a fun way to move their bodies and de-stress.- 9 - 10 a.m. – Multipurpose Room, Crown Fitness and Wellness Center
- Wellness Walk
Join LFA parents for a casual nature walk to the surrounding Open Lands near campus. Wellness Walk will be led by current parents who are part of our Wednesday Walkers group. Open to all LFA family members; strollers and leashed pets are welcome.- 9 - 10 a.m. – Walkers will meet in the Cressy parking lot
- Family Brunch
- 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Dining Hall at the JC Cowart Student Center)
LFA Family Portraits (New this Oct. 15)
LFA Family Portraits
New this October 15, 2022
- Family Portraits in Formal Gardens
Stop by the beautiful Formal Gardens designed by famous landscape architect Jens Jensen in the heart of campus to pose for a keepsake photo with your family. Digital copies will be sent to families via email by the end of October. This is perfect timing for your holiday greeting card photos!
Portraits will be available on a first come, first served basis. They are drop in only. No registration required.- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Formal Gardens
FAQs
What is Family Weekend 2022?
Family Weekend (previously Parents Weekend) is an informative, engaging and important yearly tradition! Over the course of the Weekend, LFA welcomes parents and families to visit campus and engage with us online in order to interact with the people and places that have become so important to your students.
This year, we look forward to topical and interesting programs, both in-person and virtual, by LFA faculty, staff, and parents, along with interactions with members of the student community.
When is Family Weekend?
Family Weekend 2022 will be held October 14 - 16.
What if I can't attend Family Weekend?
Parent Relations has planned a virtual experience for families who cannot attend campus. Virtual offerings will be a mix of live and on-demand programming, with opportunities to connect on social media. On Friday, October 14, we begin Family Weekend with a virtual kickoff—Coffee & Conversation with Head of School Chris Tennyson. For additional virtual offerings, please refer to the full schedules on the Friday and Saturday Event tabs.
Why should I attend Family Weekend?
In addition to the opportunity to experience programs, discussions, concerts, performances and more from members throughout the LFA community, attending Family Weekend also provides a wonderful chance for you to spend quality time with your student, future Caxy siblings, and grandparents.
What is the format of Family Weekend?
Family Weekend includes two days of programming (in-person and virtual) and opportunities for you to engage with your students. Family Weekend is designed in a conference format where you choose which sessions to attend. Each day has many activities—so you’ll pick what feels most relevant to you and exciting for your family.
Friday is the busiest. Programming starts in the morning and continues into the evening. Your student will have a G-day class schedule this day, so the in-person events are more intentionally geared towards parents and visiting family members beginning in the afternoon. More programming is offered on Saturday with more opportunities to attend events alongside your student. Caxy siblings and grandparents are encouraged to attend!
Are Grandparents invited to Family Weekend?
Yes, Caxy Grandparents are invited to be part of Family Weekend. There is a special Grandparent Brunch and campus tours offered on Saturday, October 16, leading up to the Caxy Family Tailgate. If you would like the Caxy grandparents in your family to receive a Family Weekend invitation, please fill out this form here.
Is there a Picnic this year for Family Weekend?
Yes, there is a Caxy Family Picnic on Saturday, October 15, which siblings and grandparents are invited to attend. As part of the picnic, we are planning a Chili Fest on the Quad with student-led activities for future Caxys.
What about hotel and travel accommodations?
Many LFA guests choose to stay at the Forester Hotel, a Hyatt Place hotel, located less than two miles from campus at 200 N. Field Dr., Lake Forest, Ill. 60045. For booking, use LFA's direct booking link. Phone: 847-582-6400. Visit www.TheForesterHotel.com. You can also visit the Lake Forest County Visitors Bureau at www.visitlakecounty.org or the City of Lake Forest visitor information at www.cityoflakeforest.com.
What should I do if I have additional questions about Family Weekend?
Please do not hesitate to give fellow parent and Director of Parent Relations & Giving Leigh Ann Jacobson P'13, '23 a call at 847-615-3238 or email her at leighann.jacobson@lfanet.org if you have questions regarding the weekend's activities.