Falcon Focus

Dear Falcon Families,

It takes many people to provide an impactful educational experience for all students. Whether you're leading students, answering an office phone, or cleaning a classroom, the contributions of all people in a school make a difference. From a broader standpoint, high-quality leadership provides the foundation for schools to work on behalf of every student.

On Monday, November 15, we celebrate National School Board Appreciation Day. Please join me in recognizing the CUSD200 board members for their leadership, thoughtfulness, and time that they give to our district and community. While their role can be challenging, I know they are steadfast in their commitment to making our district work for all students.

We have much to celebrate this school year as our students continue to demonstrate learning in various settings. But being back in school five days a week with a full schedule has been an adjustment for many students. Developing healthy routines, contributing positively to our culture, and following school rules help everyone have a great experience at Wheaton North High School. We have high expectations and we want to make sure that everyone is clear about what those expectations are for all students. Please take a moment to read through Dr. Pavlini's Student Services update for specific information and reminders as we begin our third full month in school. We appreciate your support and partnership.

I hope that this edition of the Falcon Focus provides you with some useful information and important reminders as we progress towards the Thanksgiving holiday.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thank you for your continued patience as we have worked through the closures of our boys’ bathrooms. The damage that was caused over the past several months resulted in the purchase of replacement soap dispensers, repairs to damaged stalls and fixtures, plumbing damage that is still under repair and countless hours of non-routine cleaning for staff. While the damage was literally disgusting and disheartening, we realize the closures have also been trying on students and families; we’re hopeful that we’ve finally turned a corner with the pattern of misbehavior: We’ll be reopening all of these restrooms on Monday, November 15 and will have additional monitoring for vandalism and misbehavior.

To assist with our plans to keep the bathrooms open, we are also adopting two additional school-wide expectations:

• Students leaving class to use the restroom will be expected to leave their cell phones in the classrooms. Cell phones will continue to be prohibited for use in the school bathrooms, and students using phones in route to/from the restroom or when out of classes on a restroom pass will receive a consequence for misuse of a pass.

• Students will be expected to use the restroom closest to the classroom for that period of the day, as noted on their hall class pass.

We are confident these school-wide expectations, along with additional monitoring of the restrooms will help to limit unnecessary time out of class and prevent misbehavior in the bathrooms.

A few other reminders:

• We have three offices available to provide support for students who are experiencing emotional stress or a mental health crisis: Blue Support Hub, Gold Support Hub, Counseling Center. These offices are staffed by mental health professionals who can assist students in using their coping strategies and preparing to return to class.

• Face Coverings are still required; students must consistently wear their face covering over both their nose and mouth while in the school building. The exception to this rule is while eating at lunch.

• Dress Code - Hats and hoods are not permitted. Our school rules allow for students to wear a scarf, hair wrap, or hair bonnet (now approved). Religious headwear (such as hijabs, burkas, etc.) are, of course, permitted. To begin the year, we have been offering students reminders of our no hats/no hoods rule; in the coming week, we will begin issuing consequences to students who are not complying with this rule.

Please remind your students of the importance of following school expectations and of ways to access support. The entire Wheaton North staff is committed to ensuring North is a physically and emotionally safe space for all students.

Breakfast of Champions

We would like to acknowledge the following students who were recognized at our fall Breakfast of Champions event on November 4:

Rylan Bergen, Matthew Fitzgerald, Catherine Fonanih, Jada Hopkins, Carina Jones, Ella Landstrom, Omnia Mamyo, Sheridan Morrison, James Paddock, Jr., Peyton Pasqualicchio, Anthony Patanella, Mang Pi, Isaac Raske, Aubrey Samuels, Leyla Shayusupova, Esa Siddiqui, Jessica Swain, Janos Torok, Naomi-Ruth Westberg, Skylar Youngberg and Maisie Zink.

These students were nominated by one of their teachers for a particular accomplishment, character trait, interaction, or for improved academics, attendance or behavior. This breakfast is a long-standing tradition at Wheaton North and a wonderful way to recognize our students for being the outstanding people that they are. We look forward to commending more students at our spring semester breakfast.

SAT Test Preparation Class - For Juniors and Their Families

All Juniors in Illinois are required to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) as a state high school graduation requirement. It is also a commonly accepted standardized test for admission into many colleges and universities. For these reasons, the state pays for all Juniors to take the test each year. The state testing date for this year is Wednesday, April 13, 2022. All Wheaton North Juniors will take the SAT at Wheaton North free of charge on that day. More information in regards to the test will be coming.

To that end, many Juniors prepare for this test by engaging in a variety of test-preparation strategies. One that we have offered over previous years is through ExcelEdge, a company that specializes in test preparation. Information and registration for their in-person classes that will be held at Wheaton North on Thursday nights from January 27-March 17 can be found here. Registration ends December 31, 2021. You can also visit our website for more information on test-preparation strategies.

Please contact Jim Venckus (james.venckus@cusd200.org/630-784-7348) with any questions.

Please access this Link to place your cap and gown order. Don’t delay as orders close December 1, 2021. Students must log in using their CUSD200 email address. This information is for ordering purposes only. Graduation fees are part of registration fees in myschoolbucks.com.

Are you a sophomore or junior interested in attending TCD next year? Please join the Going to TCD next year? 2022-23 google classroom for up to date information.

Classroom code: 2wy4w5d

Missed the TCD field trip? Don't worry, TCD will be hosting an open house on Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 6:30 PM -8:00 PM.

There will be a mandatory Google Meet on Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 6:00 PM -7:00 PM for students and parents. Information and a link can be found in the Going to TCD next year? 2022-23 Google Classroom.

Registration will begin in late January-February with WN Course selection for 2022-23 school year. Any questions, please contact wendy.biggs@cusd200.org

TCD Google Classroom Invitation

TCD Winter Open House

Acceptable Covid Tests
Aligned with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) COVID-19 Interim Exclusion Guidance for Schools in this scenario, “...a negative RT-PCR, rapid molecular (rapid PCR), or negative antigen test is acceptable” for a student or staff member to return to school or childcare center. HOME TEST KITS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

1:1 Chromebook Care
In preparation for every school day, Falcons should ready their Chromebook for the next day of school. This includes:

• Charging Chromebooks EVERY NIGHT and bringing them to school EVERY DAY.
• Powering all the way down EVERY NIGHT for updates and the best Internet connection at school tomorrow.

Any student having Chromebook issues should stop by the LLC for tech support.

Early Bird Permit Test for Second Semester Driver Education Students

There have been 138 students who have "accepted" the invite into the Spring Semester Driver Education to take their Permit Test before the semester begins. The study materials were posted November 4. The Permit Test opened on Wednesday, November 10. It will close on Sunday, November 14, at 3:00 pm.

You will be able to pick up your Application for a Permit on Tuesday, November 16. Students should check the Google Classroom for updates on what they need to get their permit processed.

If you have any questions please contact:

Mr. Eaton - David.Eaton@cud200.org

Mr. Oleszek - Michael.Oleszek@cusd200.org

General Announcements

Please follow the counseling department on Twitter @wncounseling for up-to-date information on a variety of topics from scheduling to scholarship information.

All students should join their counselor’s Remind account for important text updates. Parents are welcome to join as well. You can find more information on joining via the Counseling Remind Codes page.

During the 2021-2022 school year, students can request virtual or in person meetings with their counselor by visiting the counseling office, via email or by calling a counselor’s direct line.

Check out the updated counselor assignments.

Senior Class of 2022 - Important Financial Aid Information

Check out the updated information on the Counseling Financial Aid Page regarding the 2021-2022 FAFSA and Financial Aid.

This year’s first scholarship bulletin will be posted to the counseling office website in early October. Seniors can apply to a number of local scholarships by following the links provided.

The FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) opens today, October 1. This application allows students to receive financial aid from a number of resources. All students should complete the FAFSA regardless of the family income level. Many colleges require the FAFSA in order for students to receive any kind of aid, including merit scholarships. For a complete guide to the FAFSA, please check out the counseling website under the Financial Aid link.

Students must meet one of the following requirements to receive a public school diploma (Public Act 101-0180):

1. File a FAFSA Application; or

2. File an Application for State Financial Aid; or

3. File a waiver/opt out with the school district. (This form should be printed and dropped off in the counseling office). Emailed forms will not be accepted.

Nothing additional is needed to meet the graduation requirement. Once you file your FAFSA, the state reports back to WN that it is complete.

Senior Conferences are complete.. If your son or daughter has questions they should reach out to their counselor to set up a follow up appointment.

Make sure to continue checking Naviance to see if any of your prospective schools still have visits scheduled at Wheaton North. This is a great opportunity to ask any follow up questions about housing, scholarships and potential majors.

There are some great resources to assist you and your students as your family navigates the college application process. Check out the Senior Grade Level Curriculum for more information.

Juniors Class of 2023

College Preview Night was held on October 27, 2021. The presentation was recorded and will be posted to the counseling webpage as soon as possible. The presentation is geared towards families with Sophomore and Junior students interested in attending 4-Year Colleges or Universities after graduation.

Juniors will begin the college search process with their counselors near the end of November and continue through Spring Break. Students and families looking to get a headstart can access all College Search Materials via the counseling website. Materials will update throughout first semester.

Juniors can sign up for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are already scheduled to visit us.

Sophomore Class of 2024

Sophomores can sign up for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are already scheduled to visit us.

Interested in Purchasing a 2021-2022 Yearbook

If so, please click HERE to be directed to the Jostens Website. Yearbooks are $50.

Interested in Purchasing a 2020-2021 Yearbook

These can be purchased through the Athletic Office. Yearbooks are $50. If you did not receive your yearbook, please stop by the Athletic Office to pick up your book today.

Senior Recognition Ads

To purchase an ad, please see the attached flyer and follow the online instructions. Each ad may feature photos, memories, shout outs, and stories and will take up 1/4 of a page. All ad orders are due by January 16, 2022.

FALCON WINGS AND EVEREVE!

WHEN?

Wednesday, November 17 from 5 pm - 7 pm
Thursday, November 18 from 11 am - 2 pm

WHERE?

Evereve - 121 Town Square

WHY?

To get a jump on your holiday shopping! Just mention the FALCON WiNGS and EVEREVE will donate 15% of sales back to our kids!

SPEAKING OF HOLIDAYS...AMAZON SMILE!

With the holidays quickly approaching, please consider listing the Falcon Booster Club as your designated charity. It’s an easy way to support the Falcon WiNGS and our kids! IMPORTANT: Once you choose the Falcon Booster Club as your charity, YOU MUST order at smile.amazon.com, not amazon.com. If you do, Amazon will donate .5% of all qualifying purchases back to the Falcons.

THE REINDEER RUN IS BACK!

The Wheaton Park District is hosting the Reindeer Run, both virtual (December 4-18) and in-person (December 4!) Registration is linked below, use code WINGS to receive $5 off registration AND have $5 donated back to the Falcon WiNGS!

Reindeer Run Sign-Up

SAVE THE DATE!

The Hollidazzle Sale is coming soon! The sale will be held on Saturday, December 4 and will feature some brand new, never-before seen Falcon gear… just in time for the holidays! More details to follow...

The Falcon WiNGS wish the Falcon Football Team the best of luck in their contest tonight….Go Falcons!

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 11, in the Wheaton North Commons