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,

First, I’d like to thank you for the compassion and condolences you’ve offered the Lonvick family, our students, and West staff over the past week. While the focus of this month’s newsletter is on other things, our focus remains on supporting all those affected by the loss of Lonnie.

This upcoming Thursday, March 7th we will be hosting a Facilities Information Forum in our building at 7 PM. This event is open to the public and represents another great opportunity for us to share information on West’s facility needs and the upcoming referendum. I hope that you will consider joining us and sharing the details of this event with your friends or neighbors. More info below.

We are entering testing season here at Glenbard West. In this month’s newsletter, our Assistant Principal of Instruction, Ms. Sara Kush, shares important information on this year’s Illinois Science Assessment, PSAT and SAT tests, and AP tests.

Parents of seniors, you’ll find the first wave of information on graduation below. Please note that Commencement will be Thursday, May 23rd at 6:00 PM, and you will receive an important mailer from the school the first week of April with required forms to complete.

And finally, as you scroll through this month’s newsletter, be sure to check out the Student Recognition section. We have so many outstanding young people at Glenbard West doing very impressive things. It is a pleasure to recognize them for their accomplishments.

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

March 5

District 87 Multicultural Night

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Glenbard East Auditorium

March 6

Mobile Dental Clinic

7:35 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

Outside Biester Gym

Rho Kappa Induction Ceremony

6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Library

March 7

District 87 Honor Band

7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Glenbard South

March 9

Spring Parent Athlete Meeting

10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Biester Gym

March 12

West Orchestra Solo Concert

7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Auditorium, Choir Room, Black Box, Band Room, Cafeteria

March 13

District 87 Voices of Glenbard Concert

7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Auditorium

March 15

District 87 Hip Hop Symposium

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Glenbard East

GBX

6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Glenbard East

March 18

Spring Break Donut Breakfast

7:00 to 7:35 a.m.

Cafe

March 25 - 29

Spring Break

April 1

No School

April 2

Classes Resume

Student Services hosted the January Matter of Pride Ceremony on January 31st, 2024. 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!

Anastasiia Hedzyk, Gabriella Knapp, Hannah Loughlin, Jett Nussbaum, Benjamin Oriedo, Cristal Perez, Elijh Phillips, Hannah Roberts, Laura Smith, and Casey Sury

Join us in congratulating senior Mia Palacios-Arteaga for being selected Youth of the Year

by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce. Mia will be honored at the Chamber Awards on

Tuesday, March 12th.

Annika Bhagwaker

Ishaan Gupta

James MacDonald

Congratulations to Collin Carrigan, state champion at 165 lbs for IHSA 3A boys wrestling

and Tony Shadid, state qualifier. Head coach is Pat McCluskey.

Congratulations to Alycia Perez, state champion at 100 lbs and Valentina Fantoni, state qualifier. Head coach is Pat McCluskey.

Congratulations to the following students who earned a medal at the IHSA speech state tournament: Olivia Pauer earned 4th in Original Comedy; Performance in the Round earned 6th, the cast included Will Lafontaine, Nate Williams, Lucie Williams, Audrey Weaver, Blake Noble, Suditi Vinay, Daniya Chishty, Bred Cane, Amana Mariam, Christian VanDeWoeStyne and Mollie Blew.

Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the IHSA chess state tournament: Jonah Miller, Cameron Keller, Matthew Tsai, Aleksander Wrobel, Owen Wright, Huzaifah Syed, Kevin Pinto, Nadar Thukral, Gabriel Shapiro, and Adam Manzke. Head coach is Scott Liechty.

Congratulations to Luke Wyrick on qualifying for the IHSA boys swimming and diving

state final meet. Head coach is Marc Beard.

Congratulations to Grace Flint and Leah Chapski on qualifying for the IHSA girls gymnastics state final tournament. Head coach is Carlos Fuentes.

Left to right: Abbie Herbold, Katie Rath, Andriy Zajac

Left to right: Noah McNulty, Cole Lisook, Lindsay Seifert, Sophia Savarese,

Katie Rath, Abbie Herbold, Stella Garland, Andriy Zajac

Photo Credits: Katy Zimmerman

Congratulations to family and consumer science teacher Mena Troianiello on being selected as District 87’s Career and Technical Education Instructor of the Year by the DuPage Area Occupational Education System and College of DuPage. Ms. Troianiello has been instrumental in getting West’s dual credit education program off the ground this year – both teaching the courses and coordinating with our feeder schools to get her students the required field experiences.

Please support the Association of Music Parents (AMP) at Glenbard West High School for a dine out on Tuesday, March 12th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Andy's Frozen Custard at 415 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn. Bring flyer, Buy a Treat, Receive $1 to support the band, choir and orchestra programs. Must present $1 Donation Voucher at time of purchase.

630-866-8737

Website: https://www.eatandys.com.

Glenbard District 87 is pleased to announce its annual D87 Voices of Glenbard concert, scheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The event will feature performances by all four Glenbard choirs, showcasing a range of musical styles. We are excited to spend this evening with you at Glenbard West High School!

Please note that seating for the event is general admission, meaning that you can choose any available seat. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and we recommend arriving early to secure the best seats. Glenbard students will have free entry and will only need to show their school ID at the door. Click here to purchase tickets.

After purchasing your tickets, you will receive an email confirmation from SeatYourself. This email will include a QR code that you must present at the door to claim your seats. You can either print the email or display it digitally on your phone.

Online ticket sales will close at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. However, a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase (cash only) outside the Glenbard West Auditorium starting at 6:30 p.m. Please note that tickets sold at the door will only be offered at the adult price, to keep the queue moving.

We just finished casting our spring drama, Romeo & Juliet.

There are close to 80 students involved in this production - including actors, tech,

and business crews. Don't miss one of the most popular plays of all time!

April 18th, 19th, and 20th!

Dear Seniors and Parents:

Glenbard West High School will hold its Commencement for the Class of 2024 at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Our teachers and administrators are looking forward to this ceremony that will recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2024. We know how hard they have worked to achieve their goals and prepare themselves for life beyond high school. Most have built relationships and connections within the school that will last a lifetime. We would like to emphasize the importance of exiting with pride and acknowledge that the most important tradition is for our seniors to end the school year with positive memories and enriching experiences. Our faculty and staff are hard at work planning a commencement ceremony that will allow your graduate and family members the opportunity to celebrate this special moment.

The administration, faculty and staff at West believe that it is important to make the end of the year special for seniors. We know that our seniors and their parents share this objective. We have worked with student leadership and planned a number of activities that are designed to maintain expectations, celebrate the accomplishments and recognize the achievements of our graduates.

As we look forward to this year’s culminating activities, we will maintain our expectations for serious work and proper behavior through the last day of student attendance. There have been unfortunate times when a graduating senior used poor judgment during these last days in high school and engaged in campus vandalism or improper conduct. Please realize that such behavior could jeopardize that student's participation in the commencement ceremony and/or result in more serious consequences. This year we have held meetings with senior leaders to hear their concerns and make sure our expectations are known and clear. Also, remember that there are NO "Senior ditch days" and students who miss school for unauthorized reasons will face academic and disciplinary consequences. We appreciate the support we receive from parents in maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all students throughout the school year.

We look forward to sharing this commencement with our families and the Class of 2024. Commencement will be an occasion where we reflect the significance of their accomplishments and the pride we all feel on their behalf. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Baker

Assistant Principal for Student Services

Tuesday, April 2, 2024- Graduation information with required forms will be sent to all senior families via email.

Friday, April 5, 2024 - Mandatory Senior Meeting in the Auditorium during Glenbard Hour

Friday, April 26, 2024 - All Graduation Forms Due

Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 10, 2024 - Seniors that attended a Glenbard District 87 school for less than 4 school years need to complete an iPad Buyout request or return their iPad to the Help Desk.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Senior Honors Convocation 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - All financial obligations due

Friday, May 10, 2024 - Complete Senior Survey

Friday, May 17, 2024- Senior Picnic/Last Day

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Mandatory Graduation Practice 11:30 a.m. in the Field House - Caps, Gowns and Ceremony tickets will be distributed.

Thursday, May 23, 2024- Commencement Day. Graduates report to the Field House by 5:00 p.m.

Friday, May 24, 2024 - Ceremony rain date if necessary

• Mandatory Senior Meeting (April 5th): During Glenbard Hour in the Auditorium, Seniors will hear important graduation and end of the year information.

• TextBooks/iPads - Seniors need to return all rented library books May 10th. Seniors that attended a Glenbard District 87 school for less than 4 school years need to complete an iPad Buyout request or return their iPad to the Help Desk. Students who do NOT return books/iPad will be fined the replacement cost of the item. Students with outstanding fees may not be able to participate in graduation.

• Cap, Gown & Commencement Tickets - Seniors with all obligations resolved will be issued their cap, gown and commencement tickets after Graduation Rehearsal on May 21st. If you have not ordered a cap and gown, please contact Herff Jones immediately at (815)756-4743 or www.highschool.herffjones.com

• Commencement Video - Communication Resource Management will be providing a Digital Download of the Commencement Video for all interested parties. Watch the High Definition video on any video streaming device including desktop, mobile, tablet, and Smart TVs. To order your Digital Download please visit: http://mygraduationvideo.com/

• Live Streaming of the Ceremony - The ceremony can be seen live using THIS LINK. Please note you will need to create a free account to view the ceremony. This can be done at any time before the ceremony.

• Photographs - Gradimages is the official photographer for the Commencement Ceremony. Each graduate will be photographed and the proofs will be available for viewing soon after the event at www.gradimages.com.

• Senior Picnic - Starting period 6 (12:00 p.m.) on May 17th the entire senior class will come together to enjoy sharing memories, looking forward to graduation and eating some delicious picnic food. Seniors are encouraged to wear their senior shirts to the picnic. “Senior Most” awards will take place at the end of the picnic and Seniors will leave campus by 2:00 p.m.

• Tickets - Each senior participating in commencement will be issued four (4) tickets. Students can request up to two (2) additional tickets by completing the extra ticket form by April 26th. More ticket information will be sent via email April 2nd.

Glenbard West Summer School Registration Is Now Open!

Summer school registration is available HERE. You can also review our course offerings at https://glenbard.formstack.com/forms/summer.

We encourage all students to enroll in a course this summer. Credit courses are available to satisfy graduation requirements and if a course needs to be repeated. Also, our noncredit (Bridge) courses help students prepare for a course they plan to take and provide an opportunity to explore areas of interest.

Please note: Summer credit courses for incoming freshmen will only be available during Semester 2 due to technology and registration. The only summer credit courses available for incoming freshmen students are Speech and Consumer Management. If you have any questions, please contact our in-year Summer School Principal, Lillie Blackmon: lillie_blackmon@glenbard.org or 630-942-7477.

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

August 5th & 6th

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Library

This two-day summer school enrichment course is for rising seniors. Students will finalize their college list in SchooLinks, begin their Common Application and get a jump start on their college essays. Come join the school counselors for this hands-on workshop and get ahead of the college selection process before the school year begins. Advanced registration required. Visit the Summer School website to register HERE.

Here is Volume Two of our AP Guide for Families in English and Spanish. You’ll find all relevant information about exam registration for second semester-only AP courses, exam order changes, and answers to frequently asked questions about exam registration. Please contact the office of the Assistant Principal for Instruction with questions: 630-942-7471. For AP-related updates, please join our Remind by texting @gbwaptest to the number 81010 or clicking here.

As in years past, Glenbard West will allow students to experience the College Board Suite of Assessments in April. One of the key advantages of the Suite of Assessments is the availability for students to receive free, high-quality exam preparation through Khan Academy online. You can access Khan Academy's SAT support here.

Please note that the PSAT and SAT testing dates will be non-attendance days for students who are not testing. Details below.

Spring Illinois Science Assessment

Testing Window: March 4, 2024 through April 30, 2024

In compliance with federal testing requirements, Illinois will administer a science assessment to all junior students enrolled in a public school district. The assessment will be administered in an online format and is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which were adopted in 2014.

School Day SAT Test for Juniors

Test Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024

All juniors will be automatically registered for this test and must take it on this day (or the designated make-up day) as a graduation requirement. This is a non-attendance day for freshmen, sophomores, and seniors.

PSAT Test for Freshmen and Sophomores

Test Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024

Freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9 and sophomores will take the PSAT 10. This is a non-attendance day for juniors and seniors.

As testing scores become available throughout the year, students may access their scores in their very own College Board portal. Click the link for Student Directions to Access Scores in the College Board Reporting Portal.

In 2024 - 2025, Glenbard West’s Business Education Department is thrilled to be offering Dual Credit Entrepreneurship (INCubatoredu), a unique, innovative, entrepreneurial business class and we are looking for community volunteers with business and entrepreneurship experience to get involved!

Dual Credit Entrepreneurship brings creativity, innovation, and expert entrepreneurial guidance together in one course that allows students to jump-start their business ideas. In a 21st century classroom, our students work in small teams to develop a business idea and collaborate with community business experts and entrepreneurs who act as mentors and coaches, helping students bring their idea(s) to fruition. Our students are taught by a team of coaches, mentors, and the classroom teacher who guide them through a hands-on and authentic entrepreneurial experience. This Dual Credit Entrepreneurship class culminates with Shark Tank style pitches at the end of the year for potential funding for their business. We are looking for coaches and mentors to work with our students this and next school year. You can find out more information by clicking here.

Glenbard West is very proud to have completed our winter season. I would like to thank all of our athletes, coaches, families for working together to make this experience as memorable as possible for especially our Senior athletes.

Congratulations to our Girls Gymnastics team who won the West Suburban Conference Silver Division for the 9th consecutive year, advanced to Sectionals, and also had 2 state qualifiers in Leah Chapski and Grace Flint. IHSA Regional and finished 4th Place in State.

Congratulations to Luke Wyrick, Boys swimmer for the West/South Coop qualified for the IHSA State Finals in the 200 IM.

Also, congratulations to our Varsity Boys Wrestling Team as they had 2 individuals qualify for State with Tony Shadid and Collin Carrigan. Collin Carrigan is the IHSA 3A Boys Wrestling State Champion at 165lbs.

Collin Carrigan

Also, Girls Wrestling finished their season with 2 individuals qualifying for the IHSA Girls Wrestling State Finals. Congratulations to Valentina Fantoni and Alycia Perez. Alycia is the State Champion at 100lbs and she is the first ever Girls Wrestling State Champion in Glenbard West history!

Alycia Perez

Spring sports have arrived! Boys Gymnastics has already began and had their first meet February 29th. Girls Badminton, Boys Tennis, Girls Soccer, Girls and Boys Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball and all began on February 26th with Boys Volleyball beginning on March 4th. Please make sure all current physical forms are turned into the athletic office prior to the first day of practice.

At times, the weather dictates changes and reschedules and we ask everyone to stay up to date with all changes on our athletic website at https://schools.snap.app/glenbardwest for the most recent updates and game schedules. There will be changes, cancellations, and postponements, so please be on the lookout for changes.

The summer will be here before long and I would encourage everyone to enroll in Glenbard West summer camps through the Glen Ellyn Park District. The complete list of camps can be found on our website along with the Glen Ellyn Park District website at www.gepark.org. We look forward to all of our current and future Hilltoppers being involved and staying active during the summer.

GO WEST!

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

Sometimes things are bigger than we can handle on our own. If you need a safe person to talk to or are concerned about your mental health or that of a friend, please reach out to one of us below.

Glenbard CARES (Community Advocacy, Resilience, Engagement and Supports) Program

In cooperation with the Illinois Department of Health and the DuPage Regional Office of Education, Glenbard Schools has been awarded grant money to improve our students’ access to quality mental health services throughout the community. We are happy to announce that the grant is directly funding the Glenbard CARES (Community Advocacy, Resilience, Engagement and Supports) Program and it is anticipated to open and start serving students in January of 2024!

Our staff will be prioritizing this support for students who are low income and/or do not have adequate coverage to access mental health support. We will be making direct connections with these families to explain the process and benefit of mental health support. If a student, parent or guardian would like to request access to support through the CARES Program, they should contact their school counselor directly.

Interested in having your student park at West? Applications will be available via Schoology beginning the week before spring break and will remain open for through mid-April. Information coming soon to your students through Schoology!

We have tremendous students doing incredible things in the hallways and classrooms, in the fields, courts, and stages, and everywhere in between. We also have tremendous students 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 so we can share it with the community and give them the recognition they deserve!

The DuPage County Health Department is coming to Glenbard West March 6th for FREE dental exams for all students who return a completed signed consent form. This exam will meet the state mandated requirements for 9th grade students if they have not completed the necessary dental examination yet. If the student meets the necessary requirements, in addition to the exam, they will receive a dental cleaning, fluoride treatment and sealants. All high school students are welcome to participate. Please contact stephanie_brezwyn@glenbard.org with any questions.

WGHS Radio Glenbard just celebrated its 2nd birthday! Broadcasting in the 60's, 70's, and 80's, it was shut down in the late 1980's and remained silent until February 2022. But now we are back and better than ever! With over 50 DJs (Students, teachers, and alumni), we play the widest variety of music. Give us a listen. We think you'll like what you hear.

No School - Spring Break

March 25 - March 29

Classes resume on Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Spring Break Office Hours:

During Spring Break, the Main Office will be open from March 25 through March 28.

Operation hours will be from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

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!

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