Principal's Newsletter

Hello - this is a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have a student at, or have expressed an interest in, Glenbard West High School. Communication between Glenbard West and our families and community is very important to us. Don't forget to add gw_news@glenbard.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! Please email any questions directly to Glenbard Staff, we are happy to respond.

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Glenbard West Community,

The hilltop offers an amazing view of the changing leaves in late October, and all of us here at West are leaning into the season. Student Council will host a Halloween donut breakfast on the 31st and our annual Turkey Trot fundraiser on November 9th. I want to congratulate all of our fall athletes on their successful seasons—those just wrapping up and those still continuing in the postseason. And it’s not too late to reserve your seats for our fall musical SpongeBob SquarePants. Opening night is Thursday, November 2nd.

Thank you for reading our newsletter. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns.

Go West!

Ben Peterselli

630-942-7473

ben_peterselli@glenbard.org

October 31

Halloween Donut Breakfast

7:00 - 7:30 a.m.

Cafeteria

November 2, 3, and 4

Fall Play Performance

The SpongeBob Musical

7:30 p.m.

Auditorium

November 4

ILMEA Senior Jazz Festival

St. Charles East High School

November 9

Turkey Trot

2:40 - 3:30 p.m.

Duchon Track

November 11

ILMEA Senior Festival

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Dundee, Crown High School

Winter Parent-Athlete Meeting

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Biester Gym

November 15

Gratitude Day

2:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Cafeteria

November 16

Band Ensemble Concert

7:30 p.m.

Choir and Band Rooms

November 22 - 24

No School - Thanksgiving Break

November 27 - December 1

Student Council Toiletry Drive

November 30 and December 1

Madrigal Performance

7:00 p.m.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

December 1

West Nation Dodgeball Event

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Fieldhouse

December 6

Winter Music Festival

7:30 p.m.

Auditorium

December 11 - 15

Student Council Winter Break Spirit Week

December 15

Winter Break Donut Breakfast

7:00 - 7:30 a.m.

Cafeteria

December 16

Topper Tournament

6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

December 19

Hot Chocolate with the Principal

7:00 - 7:30 a.m.

Cafeteria

December 20 - 22

Final Exams

See schedule below

December 22

End of First Semester

December 25 - January 5

Winter Break

January 8

No School - Teacher's Institute Day

January 9

Classes Resume

Congratulations to Glenbard West student Mira Kernagis on earning a medal at the IHSA girls tennis state final. She finished 3rd place at the IHSA state final for 2A singles. Head coach is Kevin Graham.

Congratulations to the following Glenbard West students selected for the Illinois Music Education Associations's District IX Honors Music Festival. Each student was chosen from the more than 1,000 students across the Western suburban area who submitted audition recordings consisting of prepared musical selections and scales.

Chorus: Moira Manas, alto 1 and Gabriella Knapp, alto 2

Band: Hailey Weaver, flute

Orchestra: Alina Blashchuk, violin

Jazz Ensemble II: Bennett Garippo, drum set

Student Services hosted the October Matter of Pride Ceremony on October 19, 2023. For those that are not familiar with our Matter of Pride Award, it was created over 30 years ago at West as a way to recognize students with outstanding character. This is the only award at West that focuses on a student's kindness, willingness to help others, going above and beyond for their school and/or community, and positive attitude. Basically, Matter of Pride recipients are what makes West the Best!

Congratulations to our October Award Recipients:

Back Row L-R: Jaqueline Molina, Brianna Deutscher, Grant Roscich, Joel Scribner, Ava Dunham

Front Row L-R: Juelle DeLaPaz, Alexa Dutca, Betrand Ngong, Andrew McCluskey

Ben Loughlin (not pictured)

Back Row: Mary Yangas, Gracie Schendel, Griffin Ross, Darlene Yamane, Jessica Walters, Amanda Meyer, and Deandra Bass

Front Row: Nisa Gabbidon, Pete Baker, Claire Leoni, Jaclyn Reeves, Pam Hagstrom, and Max Hufnagle

Related Services Supports

Students for Students Club (SFS) and the Student Services Department want you to know Red Ribbon Week was held during October 23-27. RRW is the nation's largest and longest running drug prevention campaign. The 2023 theme is “Be Kind to Your Mind, Live Drug Free”. As we know, high school is a pivotal time for teens to shape their identities and select activities and healthy outlets to find joy, belonging, and personal wellness. At Glenbard West during RRW, we encouraged students to find their “natural highs”. This can come from any activities that make them feel good and don’t involve drugs. Doing things they truly enjoy like hobbies and special interests can release natural feel-good chemicals in their brains like dopamine which regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and happiness.

Drug and alcohol addiction is one of the greatest risks our teens face. If you’re like most parents, you want to make a difference in their lives and protect them against drug and alcohol abuse, but you’re not sure how to do it. We’re here to help. Teens who consistently learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t.

Some activities you can consider doing with your child can be found here, including ways to talk about drug use and a drug-free pledge to sign. If you have concerns regarding drug use or abuse and your student(s) please reach out to your student’s counselor or the Student Services department. Resources: RRW, Natural High, NH Blog

AP Guide for Families

The deadline for withdrawing from a year-long or first semester AP course is fast approaching. November 15 is the last day students can withdraw from a year-long or first semester AP exam without incurring College Board’s $40 canceled exam fee. Please review the AP Guide for Families if you have not done so already for more information regarding exam registration and answers to frequently asked questions: AP Guide for Families - English and AP Guide for Families - Spanish. For any other questions, please contact the office of the Assistant Principal for Instruction: (630) 942-7471. For AP-related updates, please join our Remind by texting @gbwaptest to the number 81010 or clicking here.

Glenbard West Earns Gold Recognition on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll

New this year, College Board awards schools for their 2023 AP School Honor Roll sharing that “the AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.” Glenbard West earned an overall Gold status on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll, earning Gold status on the “College Culture” criteria and Platinum status for both their “College Credit” and “College Optimization” criteria. Click here for more information on AP School Honor Roll.

Save the Date: 8th Grade Family Night

We are excited to welcome the families of incoming freshmen to Glenbard West for our 8th Grade Family Night on Wednesday, January 17 beginning at 6:30 p.m. This night is an opportunity for us to share information about our academic offerings, summer school enrichment opportunities, and the registration and enrollment process. Additional information will be sent directly to families of incoming freshmen in early December.

Free SAT Prep Course

District 87 is once again offering a free ten week in-person or fully virtual SAT Prep course for all Glenbard Juniors. The SAT Prep course is provided by Academic Approach, a leading test preparation provider. Participating students average a 90 -100 point overall gain on their score. Students will receive 12 hours of evidence-based reading and writing support and 12 hours of math, in addition to two practice assessments. Scoring well on the SAT affords students with post-secondary opportunities, including scholarships and admission to competitive colleges and universities.

In-person classes will be Thursdays from 2:45 - 5:30 p.m and the virtual class option will be on Thursdays from 5:45 - 8:30 p.m. The course will begin on Thursday, January 25, 2024 with a diagnostic test given on Thursday, January 11, 2024. More detailed information and registration details will be shared soon.

Staff Spotlight

Kristin Brandt, Glenbard West Social Studies Department Chair, presented with Gilda Ross, Glenbard Student and Community Projects Coordinator, at the Illinois Democracy Schools Annual Convening on “How to Create a School-Community Partnership with a Speaker Series: The Glenbard Parent Series (GPS).”

Stefanie Geeve, Glenbard West math teacher and instructional coach, presented with Sheri Alonso, fellow math teacher and instructional coach at Glenbard East, and Melissa Creech, Executive Director for Teaching and Learning, at the Illinois Council of Instructional Coaching. They presented our annual 87 Fest event which “highlights the most innovative instructional coaching collaborations from the school year” and shared this model as an incredible way to celebrate coaching and honor staff growth and creativity.

Congratulations to Kristin and Stefanie for representing the Hilltopper staff and showing off all the incredible work being done here at West and in the district.

The final exam schedule for first semester can be found below. Please note that students are not allowed to take early final exams due to a pre-arranged absence or family vacation. If these situations arise, students will receive an Incomplete and make up their final exam upon return from Winter Break. If you know that your student will miss final exams, please alert our Deans Office as soon as possible.

Students who miss an exam due to an unexpected absence can make arrangements with their teacher to take the exam during the Makeup Exam slot on Friday at 10:45 a.m.

Students who have three exams on Day One or Day Two may elect to change or move one of their exams to the Rescheduled Exam slot on Friday at 10:45 a.m. A rescheduled exam form must be completed and approved at least one week prior to the exam (Wednesday, December 13). Students can pick up the form in the Dean’s office.

We are excited to announce the following dates for the start of winter sports at Glenbard West. Please note there is a mandatory winter parent/athlete meeting on Saturday November 11 at 10:00 a.m. in Biester Gymnasium.

Competitive Dance and Competitive Cheer begins Monday, October 23.

Boys Bowling Coop with Glenbard North (Girls are welcome) begins Monday, October 23.

Girls Basketball begins Monday, October 30.

Boys Basketball, Girls Gymnastics, Wrestling begins Monday, November 6.

Boys Swimming Coop with Glenbard South begins Monday, November 20.

Anyone interested in participating must register in PowerSchool. All physicals must be current within the last 13 months in order to participate. Physicals can be dropped off in the Athletic Office or emailed to Ms.Ellen Reifel at ellen_reifel@glenbard.org.

Please check our athletic website at https://schools.snap.app/glenbardwest for current schedules. Please remember that athletic schedules change daily and the Glenbard West 8 to 18 site is the ONLY schedule that is updated daily.

GO WEST!

Parents,

Reminder! Please make sure you are calling the attendance office by 10:00 a.m. if your student is absent for the day. If you are picking up your student from school early, please call the attendance office ahead of time so they can provide your student with a pink pass. If you are dropping them off late for a partial day excused absence, let your student know they should check in with the attendance office as well. This will ensure your student is marked appropriately each day.

Also, we have tremendous young men and women doing incredible things in the hallways and classrooms, in the fields, courts, and stages, and everywhere in between. We also have tremendous young men and women doing incredible things beyond the school, and the Dean’s Office wants to hear about it! If your student or a student you know recently accomplished something spectacular, is contributing to the community, volunteering, or anything else you believe is noteworthy, please complete this Google form and let us know about it!

The Dean’s Office

This is the staff of WGHS Radio Glenbard

Listen to WGHS Radio Glenbard. It is Glenbard West’s very own radio station, streaming out on Live365. All of the DJ’s, program managers, engineers, sportscasters, and business reps are students of Glenbard West. The radio station used to broadcast at 88.5 FM in the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, but now it can be heard world wide, 24/7! Scan the QR code here or do a Google search for WGHS Radio Glenbard. We ARE the Castle that ROCKS!

Back Row: Tony Bergantino, Tad Keely, Jeremiah Wiencek, and Mike Neberz

Front Row: Peggy Mirka, Beatriz de Ferreira, Chris Gladish, Kate Culloton, Natalie Rubino, Rhiannon Sieck, and Lissete Ochoa

Students who have notified their counselor and will complete all graduation requirements by the end of first semester are invited to attend the Early Grad Meeting on Tuesday, November 14 during 2nd period in the MURC.

Early grads will have the opportunity to learn about the logistics of finishing mid-year, including participating in the annual graduation ceremony held in May. A representative from the Admissions Office at the College of DuPage will also be on hand to answer questions and assist students interested in transitioning to the College of DuPage for the second semester. This meeting is mandatory for early graduates.

Invitations will be sent to students via the School Counseling office prior to the 14th. Contact Mr. Tad Keely in the School Counseling Office at tad_keely@glenbard.org with any questions about this event.

Glenbard West Theatre will present “The Spongebob Musical” at 7:30 p.m. November 2 through 4 in the Glenbard West auditorium.

When Spongebob and his friends discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy Bikini Bottom, they must come together to save their undersea home. When all hope seems lost, an unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world. Conceived by visionary Steppenwolf director Tina Landau, this Tony award-winning musical features original songs by John Legend, Lady A, Panic! at the Disco, Cyndi Lauper and many more.

Tickets are $14 ($10 for ages 10 and younger) and are available at glenbardwest.seatyourself.biz. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

Student leaders include student director Hannah Roberts, choreographer Anne Crum, student technical director Jackie Houghtaling, and student business director Kalee Shah.

The cast includes Bella DiCosola, Charles Grogan, Alexa Dutca, Elijah Zimmerman, Henrikas Tatarunas, Cole Lisook, Casey Sury, Addie Williams, Sam Kroening, Paige Brondyke, Griffin Coyle, Wesley Zagortz, Rohail Khan, Abbie Herbold, Rowe Lamkey, Samantha Lavin, Gio Scarpelli, Maggie Sampson, Dasani Acklin, Grace Burger, Kabari McDonald, Diego Hernandez, Eli Conteras, Leila Salvidas, Katie Rath, Lindsay Seifert, Chase Qualio, Marley Juridico, Lucie Williams, Irie Condon, Julia Morgan, Channing Smith, Parker Alholm, Maggie Crum, Autumn Sury, Suditi Vinay, Griffith Albrecht, Josie Ehrhart, Aiza Nouman, Madeline Strawn, and Liam Allen.

The technical crew includes Kristin Vogel, Teba DeMarco, Maggie Fischer, Owen Rees, Thomas Wuertzer, Finn Saldeen, Allison Penley, Francesca Nicastro, Diana Sotelo, Andiry Zajac, Angelo, Guerrero, Arianna Gene, Arina Dutca, Ash Stron, Evelyn Ablen, Evie Sandacz, Gustavo Lara, Logan Letarte, Parks Lamkey, Spencer Watson, Stella Garland, Madi Storm, Gabby Knapp, and Thanh Dinh.

The business crew includes Grace Cernich, Sophia Savarese, Maggie Frigo, Elle Flanagan, Angela Jaegar, Afreen Fazdane, Arfa Shareef, and Annabelle Lunn.

The pit orchestra includes Chris Tran, Hailey Weaver, Molly Creech, Arushi Mehta, Kalee Shah, Rizwan Panjwani, Caroline McCormick, John Koprowski, Matthew Tsai, Stella Garland, Cathay Hlavacek, Emma Elzroth, Thomas Wuertzer, Bennett Garippo, Annalise Ricci, Enna Murgic, Willa Haynes, Ava Garzaro, Ethan Xie, Eden Chan, and Nolan Beery.

The staff production team includes Mike Fox, director; Andy Jeffrey, vocal director; Jon Walsh, music director; Rob Matz, technical director; William Schumacher, assistant technical director; Susan Hajny, costume designer; Karen Winter, props manager; and Jacob Kelleher, business director.

During Winter Break, the Main Office will be open on December 27, 28, and 29, as well as, January 3, 4, and 5, during the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The building will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1, 2.

Monday, January 8, 2024 is an Institute Day for teachers, with no student attendance. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

ENRICHING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Academics ・ Activities ・ Athletics

We encourage every parent, alum, and family to join and sponsor Glenbard West Boosters. Membership fees and sponsorships go directly to assisting academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. Family memberships, Pride of Glenbard and Tower level sponsorships include an activity pass that provides admission to most district-wide music and sporting events. Your support contributes to the Pride, Excellence, and Tradition that are the hallmarks of Glenbard West High School.

To join or sponsor the Glenbard West Boosters, please visit www.gwboosters.com

GO WEST!

Glenbard District 87 is pleased to partner with OrganicLife as our new food service provider.

Organic Life menu offerings and nutrition/allergen information here.

We encourage you to visit www.pushcoin.com to sign up for the prepayment option with their easy-to-use system.

As part of West’s Centennial celebration, we partnered with the Dupage Foundation to create the Glenbard West Centennial Scholarship Fund. This annual scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who best embodies the ethos and character of a Glenbard West graduate. Its purpose is to celebrate the past, recognize the present, and inspire the future of Glenbard West. If you are interested in donating, please click here. Go West!

Through our partnership with the College of DuPage, our students are taking dual credit classes in high school and have the opportunity to earn college credit. These classes are a valuable opportunity for students.

Dual credit courses, which we offer at no cost to families, allow students to experience early college coursework, taught by Glenbard teachers during the regular school day. Students who take dual credit classes can get a head start on college general education requirements and explore fields of interest.

Dual credit courses taken in high school help students reduce college costs. They free up a spot in a student’s college schedule and empower students to choose other options when they get to college.

Many of our dual credit courses are part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative, which means the courses are transferable for college credit among more than 100 participating colleges and universities in Illinois.

At West, more than 700 students are enrolled in the following dual credit courses:

• Dual Credit English
• Dual Credit Math
• Dual Credit Multivariable Calculu
• Dual Credit Introduction to Education
• Dual Credit School Procedure
• Dual Credit Introduction to Horticulture
• Dual Credit Introduction to Urban Sustainable Agriculture
• Dual Credit Speech

I am so proud of our students who enroll in these challenging classes and are taking the next step in their educational journey. Also, I appreciate our teachers who are teaching these college-level courses. Our dedicated educators are challenging and supporting our students who are stretching themselves by taking dual credit. What a powerful way for our students to get familiar with college-level work.

When college admissions officers consider applications, they rank grades in college prep courses, such as dual credit, among the top five factors for admission for first-time freshmen. They certainly notice the challenging classes our students take.

We have a great partnership with COD, and I look forward to us continuing to expand dual credit opportunities for our students.

Our school newspaper, the Glen Bard, offers students a platform to share their passions in writing, art, film, and photography. Here, students share ideas and work together to provide relevant and entertaining information about the school, current events, and pop culture. Their most up-to-date information can be found on their link below!

You can keep up with Glenbard information throughout the year by signing up for Glenbard News, our district-wide enewsletter, at this link.

Each week, you will receive district-wide news about students’ achievements in school-sponsored activities; upcoming events; fund-raisers; school board information and more.

Schools across the nation are experiencing more and more students who have latex allergies. Often, students with this allergy can have severe and even life-threatening reactions if exposed to latex resins and powders. For their safety, there are certain latex products we no longer allow on campus. Latex balloons and “Silly String” pose a significant health threat to students with a latex allergy. These products are not allowed on campus at any time, including after school, evening, and weekend events. With this in mind, we request your help: Please talk with your children about this health and safety issue. Some students might not understand the reason for a “balloon ban.” At West, we want all parents to know that their children are safe on campus.

Crisis Text Line - Text REACH to: 741741

This sends information to a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to help individuals return to a healthy/stable level of functioning.

Safe2Help Illinois Call 844-472-3345 or Text 72332(SAFE2)

Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. This program is intended to get students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”

Students who wish to report a potential act of school violence at Glenbard West may also leave an anonymous message with our School Resource Officer at (630) 681-3177 or call the Bullying Hotline Call (630) 942-7406

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call/Text 988

This number has trained staff to answer calls and respond to texts from individuals at risk for suicide as well as those experiencing other mental health and substance use-related emergencies. Specialized services will be available for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other groups.

Email: gw_news@glenbard.org
Website: glenbardwesths.org
Location: 670 Crescent Blvd.
Phone: 630-469-8600
Twitter: @GWHilltoppers