Life Instruction Guiding Huntley Transition
The LIGHT Program was launched in 2013 with the aim of providing transition services for students with special needs aged 18-22.
The program serves students with disabilities who opt to delay acceptance of their diploma to receive additional services to help transition from school to post-secondary life, including employment services, additional education and/or training, and assistance with independent living. LIGHT provides students high-quality learning experiences in a non-traditional high school setting. Staff members work with students to develop yearly plans and experiences designed to meet their specific goals.
We’ve partnered with dozens of businesses and organizations in the local community to set up meaningful and accessible employment opportunities, as well as experiential learning and job shadowing experiences for students who choose to pursue paid employment.
Please explore the frequently asked questions below or reach out to a staff member for more information.
Contact
Keith Panke
LIGHT Program Principal
(847) 659-4952
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is a student considered eligible for the LIGHT program?
Students ages 18-22 years old are considered eligible for the district’s 18-22 transition program when they have delayed acceptance of their high school diploma in order to receive additional support and instruction before entering independent or interdependence adulthood. A member of the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) will recommend a student based on data, file review, transition goals and the student’s transition plan.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes. Transportation services will be provided to and from school Monday through Friday. The LIGHT Program also works closely with the district’s transportation department to provide transportation services as student travel to internship and job experiences. Transportation will not be provided on holidays.
Will transition courses be listed on students’ transcript?
No. Transition courses will not be listed on students’ final high school transcript. The graduation date will be listed as when a student has completed their high school graduation requirements.
Can students enroll at MCC while participating in the LIGHT program?
Yes. At McHenry County College, transition students are considered High School PLUS students. Families are responsible for the payment of all MCC courses; due to state requirements, transition students are not eligible for financial aid. Please note, all MCC courses will appear on a students’ college transcript. Huntley 158 also partners closely with MCC to provide students in the LIGHT program with unique experiential learning opportunities, such as hydroponic planting, college course preparation, and more.
Will related services continue?
Yes. Related services will continue to be provided based on a student’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
How can a student exit the LIGHT Program?
Students in special education are eligible for transition services until the end of the school year during which they turn 22. Students will exit the LIGHT Program once they have met their transition goals and may accept their Huntley High School diploma at any time before they “age out” of the program.
“Transition planning is an essential step in preparing students with disabilities to assume adult roles. Transition planning should focus on students’ future goals, empowering them to create a personal vision and identifying opportunities to help them meet their current needs as they transition into postsecondary education and training, employment and quality adult life.”
Transition to Adult Living: An Information and Resource Guide
LIGHT Program Staff
Name | Title | Email |
|---|---|---|
| Korn, Jennifer | Speech Language Pathologist | [email protected] |
| Palmer, Nancy | Substitute | [email protected] |
| Rossi, Vincenza V. | Aide | [email protected] |
| Ericson, Lisa | 1:1 Aide | [email protected] |
| Johnson, Jennifer | Occupational Therapist | [email protected] |
| Fisher, Leslie L. | Teacher | [email protected] |
| Radloff, Kelly | Teacher | [email protected] |
| Spoeth, Holly | Job Coach | [email protected] |
| Precour, Lori | Program Aide | [email protected] |
| Sara, Lindsay | Teacher | [email protected] |
| Golovin, Jennifer | Social Worker | [email protected] |
| Kubic Peterson, Kristin | Transition Specialist | [email protected] |
| Kelly, Jill | Hearing Itinerant | [email protected] |
| Panke, Keith | Principal | [email protected] |
| Cornett, Brenda | Job Coach | [email protected] |
| MacCrindle, Amy | Assistant Superintendent for Learning | [email protected] |
| Meindl, Alison | Paraprofessional | [email protected] |
| Reed, Richard | Director of Food Services | [email protected] |
| Sullivan, Renae | Sub Teacher | [email protected] |
| Kowalczyk, Pamela | Teacher | [email protected] |
| Norton, Gina | Job Coach | [email protected] |
| Lauinger, Bradley | Mobile Technician | [email protected] |
| Jensen, Julie | Transition Facilitator | [email protected] |
| Shadel, Jill | Family Engagement Liaison | [email protected] |
| Krey, Theresa | Substitute | [email protected] |
| Waters, Kristie | Nurse | [email protected] |
| Holtz, Jennifer | Substitute Nurse | [email protected] |
| Rosenberg, Katherine | Psychologist | [email protected] |
| O'Brien, Colleen | Contracted Nurse | [email protected] |
| Dabe, Aimee | Job Coach | [email protected] |
| Peters, Emilie | Substitute | [email protected] |
| Bryson, Kristin | Paraprofessional | [email protected] |
| Dill, Laura | Teacher | [email protected] |
| Cosgray, Stella | Nurse | [email protected] |
| Tirado, Koryna | Substitute | [email protected] |
| Gill, Deanna | Assistant Superintendent | [email protected] |
