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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Hello Hilltoppers,

This is your Glenbard West Historian, Steve Wiersum, ready to share a few fun facts about the school we call "Glenbard West." Today's lesson focuses on the 1920's. Of course, we need to begin with the very name: Glenbard. A merging of the original two communities (GLEN Ellyn and LomBARD) there was a time when the school was nearly called "The Lombard School of Glen Ellyn" to honor both towns. To give the school a solid name, a contest was held and an unknown student won with "Glenbard."

The school district became official in 1916. At that time, classes were held in a portion of the DuPage County Bank Building. Glenbard West now sits on what was called Honeysuckle Hill--a weedy tangle of wild growth. The cornerstone was laid in 1922 and can be easily seen. Just go near the Victory Bell side of the building and you will see it at the top of the stairs leading up to the tower.

The architectural team of Coolidge and Hodgeson designed the building. This was the same team that designed buildings at the University of Chicago as well as the Art Institute of Chicago. The building was ready for students in April 1923, but the official opening and dedication was delayed until May 15, 1923. According to a 1922 article in The Glen Ellyn News, the school's first section of construction cost $225,000. The original, leaded-glass windows came from England.

It was Mr. Fred L. Biester himself, the school's first principal, who accompanied the students as they moved from the bank building to their new school, Glenbard High School. The school would be called "Glenbard High School" until the fall of 1957 when Glenbard East opened. The school was built in sections. For instance, the tower was not added until 1926.

If ever there was a person who should be called "The Father of Glenbard," it would have to be Mr. Biester. Originally a chemistry teacher, he came to the district in the fall of 1918 and served as the principal and then as superintendent until his death in March, 1962--an incredible career that touched on parts of six decades. Biester was also Glenbard's first football coach. In fact, it was Biester himself who opposed permanent bleachers of any kind by the football field. He wanted to keep an unobstructed view of Lake Ellyn.

There are no known pictures of the interior of Glenbard High School from 1923-1930. The yearbook was not published until 1940. Most details from years 1923-1939 come from public record as well as the school newspaper, The Glen Bard.

Coming Next: The 1930's

September 19 - September 24

A huge part of our centennial celebration is the entire Homecoming Week. The Student Council works diligently to plan an exciting and action-packed week for students and alumni. This year's Homecoming theme is Dancing through the Decades. When walking through the halls, you can feel the energy and see the school spirit as students dress for theme days, prepare for the parade, decorate classroom doors, and our famous Woodchucks build the bonfire. We welcome our alumni back for the weekend's festivities and expect our students to show their overwhelming support at all the events. Throughout Homecoming Week, Student Council will host activities before, after, and even during the school day.

Student theme days are a great and easy way for all students to get involved with the Homecoming Festivities. Below are the themes and activities:

Friday, September 16

2:40 p.m.: Clubs/Activities/Sports decorate classroom doors

Sunday, September 18

Spirit Activity: Fall captains paint the rock located at Circle Drive, donated by the Class of 2021

Monday, September 19

Spirit Day: Pajama Day

Lunch Activity: Candy giveaways

Evening Activity: West Nation presents the Pass, Punt, and Kick competition on Memorial Field at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 20

Spirit Day: Sports Jersey Day

Lunch Activity: Mini Sports Games

Wednesday, September 21

Spirit Day: Beach Day

Lunch Activity: Senior Handprints in the Cafe

Thursday, September 22

Spirit Day: 100/Centennial Day

Lunch Activity: Bingo

Friday, September 23

Spirit Day: West Spirit Day

Lunch Activity: Karaoke Day

The schedule of events for Friday and Saturday includes:

Friday, September 23, 2022

Pep Rally (Biester Gym) 6:00 p.m.

Come support our activities and athletic programs at the Homecoming Pep Rally. The Glenbard West Cheer, Dance, and Steppers teams will perform to get everyone in the spirit and ready for the Bonfire.The 2022 Distinguished Alumni class will be announced.

Bonfire (Duchon Field Conclusion of the Pep Rally)

The prestigious Woodchucks will be hard at work building the annual Bonfire. They cannot wait to see the school and community come together!

Saturday, September 24, 2022

Booster Pancake Breakfast (Cafeteria) 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Join us for the Annual Pancake breakfast on Saturday, September 24th from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria. It is FREE for GBW students with an ID and $6.00 for community members.

Boys Soccer vs Glenbard South (Memorial Field) 9:00 a.m.

Homecoming Parade (Main/Forest) 10:00 a.m.

This family-friendly event showcases the best of Glenbard West past and present. Arrive early to get a good seat along the route.

Girls Field Hockey vs Naperville North (Memorial Field) 11:00 a.m.

Glenbard West Alumni Tours 11:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

The tours allow alumni to revisit the very hallways they walked as students. They provide a trip down memory lane as well as showing off some of the recent additions and improvements made at West. Meet at Door #2 at the designated times.

Varsity Football Game vs Addison Trail (Duchon Field) 1:30 p.m.

Homecoming Dance 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Any questions regarding the parade, please contact Elizabeth McGann at elizabeth_mcgann@glenbard.org.

Coming soon! The History of Glenbard West High School: 3rd edition. After two years of revisions and additions, this Centennial edition book is ready. Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Glenbard West High School with this gorgeous, full-color, hardcover book. All copies are signed by the author: Glenbard West English teacher, Steve Wiersum

The book is chock full of pictures and tells the story of Glenbard West High School beginning with its Glen Ellyn High School roots of the 1880's. In addition to the decade-by-narrative, it also includes information on when each sport, club, and activity began and a section on famous and notable alumni.

100% of profits go towards the Glenbard West English Department's Writing Scholarship: The Firley Award.

This year, Glenbard West High School is celebrating its 100th year, with the theme of "Celebrate the Past and Inspire our Future." What better time to acknowledge and celebrate our Distinguished Alumni! We have created this recognition to honor and celebrate those former students who have left the hallowed halls of ivy and continue to embody our school’s motto of “Pride, Tradition, and Excellence.”

The 2022 Distinguished Alumni class includes six Glenbard High West High school alumni from four different decades: Larry Shue (1964), Jeffery Deaver (1968), Julie Deaver (1971), Alex Green (1983), Dr. Timothy Fong, (1990) and Liz Fosslien (2005).

Glenbard West is extraordinarily proud of the accomplishments and record of service represented in this group.

Do you have someone in mind for next year’s Distinguished Alumni Award?

CLICK HERE for the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form

College Board National Recognition Program Recipients

National African American Recognition Award

Aniya Clark

Haydon Green

Kamil Voges

National Hispanic Recognition Award

Juan Barajas

Fiona Culhane

Jose Gonzalez

Andrea Hall

Katherine Krynen

Eliana Williamson

National Indigenous Award

Eric Dare

For the 2022-23 school year, we are making two changes to how student grades are recorded. First, we switched from number grades (5, 4, 3, 2, 1) to letter grades (A, B, C, D, F). Secondly, we changed from a 5.0 system to a 4.0 system for calculating grade-point averages (GPA). This aligns with what most colleges and universities use, making the college application process clearer and more consistent for our students.

The 5.0 GPA system that we have used up until this point is uncommon. Most other high schools, colleges and universities use a 4.0 system. Of the top 20 colleges and universities that our students attend after high school, all 20 use a 4.0 grade system. Because the 4.0 grading system is so widely used, our students had to convert their 5.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA when applying to college and scholarships. This was extremely confusing for students, families and colleges. Our school counselors were regularly contacted about this issue and tried to provide clarity about how our 5.0 grading system worked in a predominantly 4.0 grading system world.

The change to our new grading system was reviewed and approved by the Student Performance and Achievement committee, Policy Committee and Board of Education last winter. We are excited about how this change will streamline postsecondary planning for our students and their families. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ben Peterselli, Assistant Principal for Instruction.

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEANS' OFFICE

Mr. Pete Baker, Ms. Monique Godziszewski, Mr. Jordan Poll

It has not gone unnoticed that we have had an amazing start to our school year. It seems like yesterday, we were welcoming students back and reintroducing rules, routines, and resources to support students so that they may succeed on all levels. Now that our athletic events are underway, like us, many of you are already feeling the school spirit and are seeking to support all of our athletes at their games whether home or away. We here in the Dean’s Office would like to remind everyone who attends the games that this is a school sponsored event and that you are representing Glenbard West. Students who violate the School Code of Conduct by bringing any alcohol, weapons, and/ or drugs to a game will face consequences within the Dean’s Office.

So, let’s conjure up that Hilltopper spirit and support our teams! Here are ways in which fans can represent the school in a positive light by:

• following the West Way which means being successful, involved, and respectful;

• demonstrating good sportsmanship by supporting and building up our team;

• wearing colors and outfits that represent the theme for each game, so that the team can see and feel the support in real time; and by

• making positive, healthy choices ensuring this will be a memorable experience.

West has had a great start to the school year with so many student athletes involved. This fall, we have over 700 student athletes involved in fall sports who are constantly striving for success in the classroom and on the playing fields. We are very appreciative of the entire West community that supports all of our programs. We have a constant schedule of home events throughout the fall, so please notice the most current schedules at http://il.8to18.com/glenbardwest.

Thank you once again to the West Boosters who support all of our students at West in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Please look to sign up and participate in some way on one or more of their committees. More information can be found at www.gwboosters.com.

Please note the weekend of September 23rd and 24th on your calendars. This is Homecoming at West and we look forward to showcase our teams and school that represent pride, tradition, and excellence. We are so proud to celebrate the Centennial of Glenbard West this year and look forward to celebrating the past with all of our sports programs. We also look to inspire the future by representing our school and community in a positive way.

Tentative schedule for Athletic Events Saturday, September 24th:

9:00 a.m. Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Glenbard South at Memorial Field

11:00 a.m. Varsity Field Hockey vs. Naperville North at Memorial Field

1:30 p.m. Varsity Football vs. Addison Trail at Duchon Field

SCHEDULES OF ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, REFER TO: CLICK HERE

GO WEST!

State Testing Information:

As in years past, Glenbard District 87 will provide students with the College Board’s SAT Suite of Assessments in 2022-23:

• Wednesday, October 12, 2022: PSAT / NMSQT for Juniors

• Wednesday, April 12, 2023: SAT for Juniors

• Monday, April 17, 2023: PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 for Freshmen and Sophomores

Only the grades assigned to an exam on the above days will be in attendance. Families can learn more about the SAT Suite of Assessments by clicking here. Students can find free individualized test preparation through Khan Academy. Additionally, Glenbard offers a free SAT prep course to juniors. Additional information on this program will be sent later this fall.

AP Guide for Families, Volume One

Here is Volume One of our AP Guide for Families (Spanish version here). You’ll find all relevant information about exam registration for year-long and first semester AP courses, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. For any other questions, please contact the office of Mr. Ben Peterselli, 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.

Parent-Teacher Conferences, Wednesday, October 26th and Thursday, October 27th

Please save the date(s) for this year’s Parent-Teacher Conferences. Like last year, families will have two options for conferences: Virtual conferences through Zoom on Wednesday, October 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and in-person conferences at Glenbard West on Thursday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Students will be released at 1:10 p.m on both conference days. There is no school on Friday, October 28. Information about registering for conferences will be sent in mid-September.

STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Front Row: Kristie Smalley, Nisa Gabbidon, Jaclyn Reeves, Mary Yangas, Claire Leoni, Pam Hagstrom

Back Row: Amanda Meyer, Bridget Mazzone, Chris Mitchell, Deandra Bass, Jessica Walters

SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Front Row: Peggy Mirka, Kate Culloton, Rhiannon Sieck, Jeremiah Wiencek, Chris Gladish, Beatriz de Ferreira, Lissete Ochoa

Back Row: Mike Neberz, Tad Keely, Natalie Rubino, Tony Bergantino

The School Counseling Department is excited to officially kick off the college application season with several events for our upperclassmen. First of all, as of the date of this newsletter, we have around 100 college representatives coming to Glenbard West to meet with our students. Last year we had over 200 by the end of the year so make sure your student is monitoring our list of college reps visiting in Naviance and in the School Counseling office! All signups can be done through Naviance under “college visits.” These are excellent opportunities for students to not only gather more information on numerous colleges while at West, but also to get a face to face meeting with the admissions representatives for specific colleges to which they may be applying. Also a reminder that the FAFSA application opening date is right around the corner, October 1st! The FAFSA is a graduation requirement (non-participation form available) and financial aid for college is on a first come first serve basis, so the earlier you file the better. There will be several workshops in the District to assist with this process if needed. There will be FAFSA workshops for Seniors during lunch periods throughout October and a Parent workshop on October 17th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the West Library! There will be additional Financial Aid Workshops throughout the year so stay tuned.

School Counselors met with all their seniors on August 23rd to review a detailed college application checklist and discuss the steps for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation through Naviance. We also have a brag sheet students can share with their teachers to help guide their rec letters. In addition, we reviewed the timeframe for admissions testing, essay writing, scholarship applications, and financial aid. Afterwards, School Counselors began meeting with Seniors in small groups and/or individually to walk them through the Naviance and Common App college application process. We encourage all parents of seniors to have a discussion with your child regarding the meetings with their counselor and work with your student on their Naviance account to complete the Parent Input Form in order to enrich the letters of recommendation counselors are writing. All of our College Application Resources can be found here, including links to a Senior Video Series on YouTube with step by step instructions to help students navigate the application process.

For Juniors, counselors are continuing the developmental process of college preparation by visiting English classrooms this September to work with students on college research and developing their activity resumes in Naviance. Also, a heads up that Glenbard will be converting to SchooLinks from Naviance next year so we will introduce Juniors to this exciting new platform in the Spring. In addition, the annual College Night will be on Tuesday, November 15th, so make sure you save the date! We invite all juniors and their parents to join us as we plan this virtual conference with a panel of college representatives and several breakout sessions to learn more about the college admissions process, financial aid and Naviance. Stay tuned for a more detailed agenda!

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.

On these days, freshmen and new students are required to remain at school from 2:00 to 2:35 p.m. for additional enrichment activities. Busses will be provided for students at the conclusion of the meetings.

September 12

September 19

October 3

November 7

December 5

Alice in Wonderland: Thursday, October 6, 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 8, 2:00 p.m.

(NOTE: Due to GW Auditorium renovations, performances will be held at the Glenbard East little theatre.)

Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! The finale has Alice watching a trial, but she suddenly finds herself the accused! The play provides a modern view to Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

Black Box Comedy: The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase, October 20-22, 7:00 p.m.

(Limited seating, tickets sold at the door.)

When Uncle George invites his family for a weekend of fun to his rustic cabin, he actually wants them together so he can read his will. When his relatives learn that somewhere on the property is a suitcase holding $480,000, they wrestle each other, fall down stairs, and get stuck in furniture. But George's gift is more important than money, teaching that even broken families can reunite and find peace.

Glenbard Parent Series provides practical tips, support for families

We are so fortunate to have an award-winning program that empowers parents and guardians with the knowledge and tips to help raise healthy children. The Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) Navigating Healthy Families provides a wealth of free resources for families and those who work with young people.

Variety of Topics Discussed

GPS presents nationally acclaimed speakers who discuss issues facing young people and provide research-based tips to meet their needs. There are GPS events related to children as young as three and as old as high school seniors.

Gilda Ross, student and community projects coordinator, does an outstanding job coordinating several free GPS events each month that school is in session. Check out the following sample of topics from this year’s speaker list:

• The Quiet Power and Secret Strength of Introverts
• Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World
• Partnerships that Build Early Childhood Success
• Test Taking Skills; SAT Updates; and Reducing Test Anxiety
• First Phone: a Pre-Tween’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety and Etiquette and more.

Convenient Access to GPS

• GPS programs are presented in the afternoon and evening.
• Most of this year’s GPS events are presented as Zoom webinars. You can gain great tips from the comfort of home, while on a lunch break at work or on demand.
• Some GPS events will be presented in Spanish, Urdu and Gujarati.

Upcoming GPS Events

Here are just a few of the upcoming GPS events:

Celebrating Your Student’s Success

6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 8

Dr. Dwayne Williams and Ava Blalark

Fall Community Read: War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World

7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14

Jamil Zaki

More than Moody: Suicide, Let’s Talk About It

Noon and 7 p.m. September 21

Harold Koplewicz

Check out the full lineup of programs at glenbardgps.org.

I encourage you to mark your calendar and set a reminder on your phone to attend a few of the powerful GPS programs this year.

Reminder: use our health reporting form to report school-related health issues.

The DuPage County Health Department offers the following reminders to manage and prevent severe illness related to COVID-19:

• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
• Staying home and getting tested if you have symptoms.
• Washing your hands often or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Increasing air flow and maintaining improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible. Spending more time outdoors and in well-ventilated settings.

Glenbard West Boosters is primarily a fundraising organization with more than 500 members and 100+ Board members that plans various Booster-sponsored fundraising and service projects. The funds raised enhance academic and athletic programs and extra-curricular activities that enrich the student experience at Glenbard West.

In the past ten years, more than $1,300,000 was raised and disbursed thanks to the ongoing generosity of families and merchants in the Glenbard West community.

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Booster members work all-year-long promoting West spirit by

• selling Glenbard West gear and sportswear

• flipping pancakes at the Homecoming Pancake Breakfast

• manning the Homecoming bonfire

• chaperoning the Homecoming dance

• serving up steaming plates of pasta at the “Pack the Place” winter sports extravaganza

• hosting annual fundraisers for adults in the community

We encourage every parent, alum, and Glen Ellyn resident to consider joining Glenbard West Boosters. It is easy to become a member. Remember that your generous donations and personal involvement make a big difference in enriching the students’

experience at West.

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If you are interested in learning more about the Glenbard West Boosters, have an interest in joining the Board, or wish to get involved in a specific activity, please contact an Executive Board member or send an email to President@gwboosters.com. We are eager to share the news about the organization and find a way for you to help the kids! So get involved, make a difference, meet some great new people, and have fun!

​

Go West!

CLICK HERE FOR BOOSTER WEBSITE

JOIN WEST NATION!

Purchase a West Nation Membership for your student for $20. Purchase of this Membership will confirm your support for West Nation’s many service and social activities and add you to our mailing list for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and other updates. In addition, it will provide one student full admittance to four West Nation Member Activities for this coming school year: Circle Drive Dance, Punt Pass & Kick, Dodgeball and Spring Fling. As always, West Nation events are offered in accordance with D87 guidelines for COVID 19 safety.

Make a donation to West Nation. All donations directly support West Nation programming. West Nation is a 501c3 organization. Membership and donations may qualify for tax deductibility. Please consult your tax adviser.

West Nation proudly supports Glenbard Parent Series (GPS). Visit www.GlenbardGPS.org for information on the nationally recognized speaker series for parents, students, educators and community members. The series is free and open to the public.

Please visit www.gbwnation.com to purchase a membership, make a donation and to volunteer. We invite all students and parents to be a part of WEST NATION!

Follow us on Twitter/@GWWestNation or Facebook/GlenbardWestNation

Events for the 2022 - 2023 school year will be contingent

upon safety guidelines of District 87.

IMPORTANT DATES:

September 19 - 23

Senior Yearbook Retakes

3:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Library

Monday, September 19

West Nation Pass, Punt, Kick Competition

7:00 p.m.

Memorial Field

Friday, September 23

Homecoming Pep Rally and Bonfire

6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 24

Booster Pancake Breakfast

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Homecoming Parade

10:00 a.m.

Homecoming Alumni Tour

11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Homecoming Alumni Tour

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Varsity Football Game vs Addison Trial

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Homecoming Dance

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 28

Fall Band Concert @ Glenbard North

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

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