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Hi, this is a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have a student at, or have expressed an interest in, Glenbard East High School. Communication between Glenbard East and our families and community is very important to us. Don't forget to add [email protected] 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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Important Dates
February 26
No School - Institute Day
&
Red and Black Ball

March 29 - April 5
No School - Spring Break

April 6
Classes Resume
A Message From the Assistant Principal for Student Services
Assistant Principal For Student Services,
Alexandria Taylor
Despite the fact that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2, predicting a few more weeks of winter, the forecast of Glenbard East remains optimistic and enthusiastic. Although at this time of the year the weather forecast is typically cold, gloomy, and dull, the atmosphere within the walls of Glenbard East is pleasant, bright, and vibrant.
 
The reason for such optimism and enthusiasm is not only a return to hybrid learning, but also a return to in-person extracurricular activities. Our schools sports and clubs / activities play a pivotal role in the climate and culture that we have grown to embrace. Through our academic successes and extracurricular participation, our Rams make East a great place to be on a daily basis. 
 
Our recent Live Life Well Week encouraged students to take stock of what is important and encouraged students to shift their attention to gratitude by focusing on their connection with others. This year’s theme reminded our student body to Ignite their Superpowers through acts of kindness, gratitude, and appreciation. In a virtual program titled Dreams and Detours: Succeeding in Tough Times, motivational speaker, Shaun Derik, used music and humor to inspire all Glenbard students to thrive.
 
Additionally, research shows that students who are involved with extracurricular activities tend to perform better in school than those who are not involved. Although your student’s high school experience is primarily about academics and preparation for their future, involvement in extracurricular activities is vital to their overall success. In both remote and in-person environments, trust me when I say, there is something for everyone at Glenbard East. With over 60+ student clubs and activities, students are encouraged to enjoy the complete high school experience by seizing the moment and getting involved.   
 
Through participation, students at East have the opportunity to give back to the community, engage in hobbies and items of interest, or compete with other students on both the local and national level. Just recently, our badminton, gymnastics, and basketball teams resumed in-person practices and are preparing for upcoming games. Our Mock trial team is heading to the state tournament and our Chess team just competed in the IHSA virtual State Finals. Our art students are working on their virtual Upstate Eight’s Art Festival, while our Glenbard East Theatre will present “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani. This beautiful and heartfelt drama is comprised of six short plays that explore love and loss in a remote mythical town called Almost, Maine. These are just a few examples of the opportunities that lie at the fingertips of students at Glenbard East.  
 
With that in mind, we ask that you encourage and challenge your son/daughter to get involved in something. It is never too late. Seize the moment. Carpe Diem. The high school years tend to fly by. The more students are involved and engaged, the fonder the memories they will have of this time in their life. Transportation is available to those students who wish to participate in after school activities. We offer pickup routes at 2pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 2:15 pm on Wednesdays to bring students back to campus. We also provide late busses home at 4:30pm and 6:15 pm departing from Door #1 on Monday-Friday. Our extracurricular program is something that we take great pride in and are excited about each of our student engagement opportunities.
 
It is important to understand that in order for students to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them, they must be attending classes, virtually or in-person. Daily attendance is vital to both academic and extracurricular success. We expect East students to attend all classes, be on time and be prepared for each day. However, if your son/daughter is sick or symptomatic, we encourage you to keep them home and call our health office at 630.424.7181. Likewise, any exposure to COVID-19 should be reported to the health office.

I look forward to continuing to see your student(s) grow and finish the school year on a good note. Without them, there is no us. They are East.
Enrollment for 21-22 School Year
Enrollment for all students has been completed. We appreciate all of the planning you and your student have conducted to complete this process, and we thank those of you who took advantage of the online format to complete this process at home. Over the next few months, the counseling staff and administration will be busy attempting to design the school’s Master Schedule for next year based on the requests that the students made during enrollment. Courses will be calculated and created based on this information during an extremely complex process. Therefore, please remember to check PowerSchool to confirm your student’s course requests. If you find an error, please contact your student’s School Counselor immediately. Due to the complexity of this process and School Board Policy 6:310-R7, all corrections and changes need to be completed by April 30, 2021.  
NHS Coat Drive for Ann's Closet - A Success!
The National Honor Society sponsored a warm weather clothing drive this January. Each member brought in at least one coat or winter item. With over 160 members, the bins were overflowing. The coats will be available to any member of the Glenbard East student body and are stored in Ann’s closet. Please see any staff member for assistance in obtaining the clothing. Ann’s closet has gone through some updates and now has shoe racks and cubicles for pants. The closet, which has been open since 2018-19 school year in its current location, honors the humanitarian spirit of Ann Banfield who was a teacher at East. The NHS advisors are Kristie Henry and Amy Rodde. The closet is located in Room 121. 
From The Deans' Desk
Welcome To A New Year And A Clean Slate!
 
There’s something refreshing about a new year and a clean slate! Second semester has begun and students (and you) get the opportunity to reset, refocus, and restart the new year with hybrid learning and the opportunity to be proactive instead of reactive. None of us imagined that the school year would go this way, but we all are committed to the success of our students. This edition of the Parent GBE Newsletter will provide some important guidelines for the second semester.  
 
Saliva Screening & Health Protocols:
If you selected the hybrid model of in-person learning for your child for the second semester, you must agree to the COVID-19 Student Consent and Waiver in PowerSchool
 
This requirement also applies to students who are enrolled in remote only learning for second semester who participate in any on-campus or in-person events including, but not limited to, extracurricular activities and athletics. 
 
The following procedures must be followed on a weekly basis by the student for in-person attendance:

A clean student saliva sample must be provided weekly on the first day of attendance of the week. If sample is forgotten, it must be provided the next time the student is on campus. 
  1. For bus entry and entry at Door 1 at GBE, all students need to provide a completed daily self- certification green check. 
  2. Students who fail to provide saliva screener samples by the end of their attendance week will be switched to temporary remote learning status until a sample has been submitted AND the student's results have been received.
 
The Dean’s Office appreciates all you are doing to help your child navigate remote learning. We know this is a challenge, but together, we will get through this! We hope your families remain healthy and safe.
 
Health Protocols:
Please continue to contact the health office at 630.424.7133 for any student or family COVID-19-like symptoms or positive test results. 
 
Exclusions - Students in second semester may be excluded from in-person learning and activities for COVID like symptoms or exposure, lack of providing COVID documentation post quarantine, missing immunizations or physicals, and saliva screener events.
 
Remote Learning After School Help
 
STRIVE: Does your child need extra help during remote learning?
 
Although the school day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday is 7:30am-12:25pm and Wednesdays from 7:30am-2:00pm, the school day is actually until 2:25pm every day. 
 
Once the synchronous learning day is over, students should be working on homework, getting help from their teachers, and turning in assignments. Students can set appointments with their teachers during teacher office hours of 1:00pm-2:25pm, M,T,Th,Fr, for one-on-one help.
 
STRIVE, our FREE after school homework help, is here to assist!  STRIVE will take place virtually from 2:45-3:45, Monday through Thursday beginning Monday, January 11th. Students can click the subject area Zoom link they need in Schoology Monday-Thursday when school is in session, and the teacher in the Zoom will assist them with their homework help needs. 
 
GELI:
Glenbard East Lunch Intervention (GELI) is for selected students who are failing one or more classes. Students are required to attend GELI for six weeks during the first 30 minutes of their lunch period until they bring up their failing grade. GELI begins February 8th by invitation only.
 
Glenbard East Student Support Services

For student wellness, social, or emotional support during Remote Learning, check out the Student Support Services one-pager. For additional support from the community, click here.
REMINDER: Please continue to call your child into the Attendance Office at 630.627.2595 if they are sick or will not be able to attend in person or synchronous remote learning for the day.

DEANS:
Jordan Carrero - [email protected]
Jorge Sánchez - [email protected]
Stacey Welton -  [email protected]
Ryan West - [email protected]
 
Seniors: College Applications
If you still need to complete any remaining college applications, please see your counselor immediately. It is not too late to still apply to some colleges, but time is quickly running out. Springtime is the time to get the financial component of the college decision process worked out before finally choosing what college you will be attending next year. Check the financial aid page on the website for each of your schools to see what types of scholarships they offer. All high school seniors must complete their FAFSA or an opt-out waiver in order to graduate. Students can complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by going to www.fafsa.gov. Colleges require the FAFSA to determine the amount of financial aid for which you may be eligible. Financial Aid does run out, so complete this form today if you have not done so already. Also, make sure you are reading all of the correspondences you are receiving from your colleges. Once you have filed your FAFSA and are awaiting your financial information from the colleges, it is not uncommon that they may ask you for additional documentation. If your FAFSA gets "flagged for verification", this does not mean you have done anything wrong, but your schools may require additional documentation to fully process your financial aid package. If it has been a while since you filed your FAFSA, and you are still waiting on your financial aid package, we encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Office at your prospective school to check on the status of your Financial Aid offer. Remember that you have until May 1, 2021, to officially commit to whatever school you plan to attend in the fall. Take the time to find out how much it will cost you before committing!
 
Colleges may be sending you a request for a final transcript in the next few months. This transcript cannot be produced until all grades for the entire year are posted in June. Counselors will be surveying seniors in May asking where they want their final transcript sent. Please disregard senior transcript requests when you receive them from the colleges…we have it covered!
Juniors: College Planning
Counselors will also be completing a college planning program with juniors before Spring Break. Information in the program includes using Naviance to find and research colleges as well as reviewing the other components of the college application process. Families can access Naviance through a link under the “Students” tab on the School Counseling Website and are encouraged to use Naviance on a regular basis to view and register for meetings with college representatives visiting Glenbard East. Students and their families are welcome to make appointments with their counselors or our College Counselor, Mr. Lilly, in April or May for more assistance in the college research process.  
Theatre Performance: Almost, Maine
Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic G.E. Theatre’s winter play production will be recorded and available for online viewing at our website: gefinearts.org/theatre
We are pleased to present the play Almost Maine by John Cariani. This Beautiful and heartfelt drama consists of 6 short plays that explore love and loss in a remote mythical town called Almost, Maine.
 
Audiences will be able to access the streaming production beginning on February 26, by going to our website, gefinearts.org/theatre and then clicking on the play title: Almost, Maine.
We are not charging admission for the streaming performance, but we appreciate free will donations to help offset our expenses. Donations can be made in two ways: By Check or By Credit Card.

  1. Checks should be made out to: G.E. Theatre and mailed to Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., Lombard, IL 60148
  2. Credit Card Donations should go to gefinearts.org. Click on the word “tickets” and follow the instructions from the online ticketing source “SEAT YOURSELF.”
Congratulations TCD Students of the Month!
Congratulations to Glenbard East student Colin O’Meara, in TCD's Criminal Justice program, who was nominated as Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) Student of the Month for January by his instructor. Nominations are based on citizenship, attitude, leadership, motivation and academics. Congratulations to Colin O’Meara!
Congratulations National Merit Scholarship Finalist!
Congratulations to Glenbard East student Ali Siddiqui who is a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Finalists have met high academic standards, received a recommendation from their principal and earned SAT scores that confirm the earlier qualifying test performance.
RAMS of the Month
The following students were recognized as our January Rams of The Month. These recipients displayed District 87 Profile of a Graduate tenets, including evidence of: communication, critical thinking, embracing diversity, creation, collaboration, or self-empowerment. These students were nominated by their teachers and were hand-delivered certificates by Principal Anderson and APSS Alex Taylor.

Congratulations to:
Chris Barrera
Gia Dagenhart
Antoinette Giordano
Dominic O'Brien
Emma Still
Chris Barrera: He is such a hard worker, always willing to participate in class, offers to help others, and remains cheerful despite all of the challenges that we are currently facing. I am always thankful to have him in class, and am so happy that I have gotten to know him throughout the year.
Gia Dagenhart: Nominated by Mr. Overbey, Gia is a self-empowered student who works tirelessly in class to complete assignments and demonstrate understanding. A real joy to have in class!
Antoinette Giordano: Anna exemplifies the profile of a graduate tenants, in particular "self-empowerment, communication and critical thinking". She is extremely self-aware and has pushed herself from a student who was frequently truant to showing up daily for all of her classes. Furthermore, her grades are excellent. She enjoys a challenge and pushes herself to think critically. This is exemplified in English where she is fully invested in our class novel and can easily put herself into the shoes of the narrator and protagonist. In terms of communication, she advocates for herself when she struggles and articulates her ideas in class clearly.
Dominic O'Brien: Dominic has done extremely well in Probability and Statistics. He is the only student to have received a 100% on the first test. He also did extremely well last semester in Advanced Math Applications. Dominic is a great student!
Emma Still: Emma is a dedicated student who has all of the profile of a student qualities we hope to foster in students. I can always count on Emma to communicate in Zoom and provide feedback. Emma is self-empowered and always takes the initiative to tackle daily assignments. Emma collaborates well with group members, promotes dialogue between peers and embraces diversity. Emma reflects on and uses feedback on assignments. Emma thinks critically in class.
Congratulations to East Staffulty of the Month
Each month Glenbard East recognizes staff members based on her/his contributions to the school and alignment with Profile of an Educator competencies: Advocates, Empathizes, Embraces Diversity, Innovates, Thinks Critically, and Collaborates. 

This month we are proud to recognize Christopher Murphy, PE/Health Teacher and Athletic Trainer and Jorge J Sánchez, Dean of Students. Here is what their colleagues had to say about them:
Christopher Murphy
Advocates: Chris Murphy consistently works to create safe opportunities for students to engage in sports-related activities, workouts and practices. His efforts are always centered around safe guidelines given the challenges of COVID-19.

Empathizes: Chris understands the importance of providing student-athletes and coaches an opportunity to work on their craft despite these unusual circumstances. These opportunities create some sense of "normal" during these difficult times. His efforts are focused on making these opportunities a safe reality.

Thinks critically: "Murph" consistently asks the question "What if..." as a way to understand the impact COVID could have on athletes in each particular sport. He's always two steps ahead on scenarios and mitigation efforts to minimize or eliminate potential COVID problems for our student-athletes.

Innovates: Chris established a system where coaches could check athletes for potential COVID situations, athletes could self-monitor and spectators could be screened prior to attending home athletic events. His QR codes are unique to each sport and allow trainers, coaches, and administration to identify potential cases and minimize transmission. This use of QR codes has allowed our student-athletes a chance to continue their involvement and participation. In addition, Chris' system has allowed parents the chance to see their student-athletes compete here at East-something they haven't been able to do at other schools.

Collaborates: Chris Murphy consistently works with others on COVID protocols and scenarios. He has consistent dialogue with athletic administrators, communicates safe practices with coaches, and discusses COVID health scenarios and quarantine issues with school administrators.

To date, athletic summer camps, a Fall season complete with spectators, non-contact workouts for all sports, and the potential to compete for our student-athletes moving forward do not happen without the efforts of Chris Murphy. Unfortunately, COVID and its impact on our students will continue for a while longer. Rest assured, Chris Murphy will continue to work with these ever-changing circumstances to find opportunities for our student-athletes to participate safely
Jorge J Sánchez
Jorge is so much more than a Dean of Students. He goes above and beyond in all that he does, not only for students and staff, but also for the families within our boundaries. Jorge is also a vital member of the administrative team providing crucial experience pertaining to equity. Lastly, Jorge finds ways to use data to make an impact on many of the decisions that are crucial for improving teaching and learning at East.

Thanks for all that you do Jorge!
Live Life Well Week
Glenbard District 87 students and staff will celebrate Live Life Well Week 2021 from Feb. 15-19. The awareness week is designed to enhance our students' wellness and the effective management of stress and other challenges. This year's theme is "Ignite Your Superpowers: Gratitude, Kindness & Mindfulness".
 
Shifting our attention to gratitude allows respite from fear and anxiety, and allows for a moment to connect with others and what is good in the world. While we may have no control over others, or the world today, we do have control over ourselves. Kindness makes the world better for everyone. It starts with being kind to one's self and taking care of one's self. Mindfulness is the human ability to be fully present, intensely aware of where we are, and what we’re doing, appreciating and focused on each moment for itself without judgement. The week kicks off with the President’s Day of Service on Monday, Feb 15 when we invite our community to commit to kindness and volunteerism. A list of possible opportunities can be found at https://www.actsgratitude.com
 
As part of physical education classes, students will hear Shaun Derik present "The H.A.R.D. Part: Succeeding in Tough Times" from his winning web-series “The Hard Part Show". In a virtual format Derik will bring high energy, humor and a fresh perspective to all Glenbard students. He will discuss the rewards of reframing and what it means to be self-motivated in these uncertain times. Using music, and anecdotal humor he will equip young people with the tools and distinctions needed to thrive.
 
The community will have the opportunity to hear Shaun Derik in a live stream performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 as part of the Glenbard Parent Series. Derek will present “Being T.H.E.R.E : Five Ways to Actively Engage Young People” to inspire, empower and assist adults to be present when working with, loving and caring for today's youth. More details at glenbardgps.org.
Superintendent Outlines Student Achievement Highlights
Superintendent,
Dr. David Larson
With so much going on during the pandemic, it’s important to pause and celebrate good things happening in our schools. The impressive metrics noted below are reflective of the strong instruction, programming and partnership of Glenbard District 87 and our six sender school districts. Let’s look at a few key student achievement highlights:

  • SAT success
  • Our students’ average SAT continues to outpace the state average SAT score by 49 points. Our SAT score growth of 16 points in the past year is also above the state and national averages.

  • College Board Equity and Excellence 
  • Our recent College Board Equity and Excellence recognition notes 47% of seniors passing one or more Advanced Placement courses during their four years at GlenbardThis is more than double the national and state averages, 20.1% and 21.5% respectively.  

  • Postsecondary success
  • We have prepared students for postsecondary success by exposing them to college-level AP coursework, increasing the percentage of students exposed to an AP course from 58% to 72% in seven years.
  • Over the past 6 years, we have added more than 1,000 traditionally underrepresented students participating in at least one AP course during 11th and 12th grade.
  • We have a 73% AP passing rate of 3 or higher, which is higher than the state and national averages.

  • Graduation rate
  • We maintain a strong graduation rate of 98 percent.

  • College graduation
  • Glenbard students graduate college with a four-year degree at a rate 9% higher than the national average.

These key highlights happened because of our students’ hard work; families’ support of students; and the work of our exceptional faculty and staff. In partnership with you, we are empowering students to be successful in the future they choose.
Athletic News: February 2021
VISION: Glenbard East Athletics aims to utilize school and sports to develop “WELL-ROUNDED” student-athletes and establish great pride in our Rams Community.
 
WELL-ROUNDEDmeans equipping our student-athletes with transferable life skills – Profile of a Graduate competencies.
ram facing right white
Updates From Winter Sports
CURRENT WINTER SPORTS (February to March, early April for Badminton)
·      Badminton ([email protected])
·      Boys Basketball ([email protected])
·      Girls Basketball ([email protected])
·      Boys Bowling ([email protected])
·      Girls Bowling ([email protected]) interim for Dawn Chantos
·      Competitive Cheer Co-Ed ([email protected])
·      Competitive Dance ([email protected])
·      Girls Gymnastics ([email protected])
·      Boys Swimming ([email protected]) 
 
SPRING SPORTS (March to mid-April)
·      Cheer Co-Ed Sideline ([email protected])
·      Dance (Poms) ([email protected])
·      Football ([email protected])
·      Soccer Boys ([email protected]) interim TBA
·      Volleyball Girls ([email protected])
 
SUMMER SPORTS (April to June 19)
·      Baseball ([email protected])
·      Gymnastics Boys ([email protected])
·      Soccer Girls ([email protected])
·      Softball ([email protected])
·      Tennis Boys ([email protected])
·      Track & Field Boys ([email protected])
·      Track & Field Girls ([email protected])
·      Volleyball Boys ([email protected])
·      Wrestling ([email protected])
Student Athletes Fees/Registration
All students/families who participate in athletics will be required to register and pay the $150 athletic fee for one, two, or three sports. Student-athletes should take advantage of this great deal and participate in multiple sports! Fees are due before the first competition. Parents can register and pay online through PowerSchool (Parent Portal only), which has now been made much easier!

MUST HAVES for Student-Athletes:
1)    Register via PowerSchool for your sport(s)
2)    Consent to the Saliva Screening Waiver (located in Parent-Portal PowerSchool)
3)    An up-to-date Medical/Physical Examination, as well as immunizations and any COVID19 mandatory paperwork need by our Nurse’s Office (630-424-7133)
4)    Passing at least five (5) classes weekly in order to maintain eligibility
5)    No pending suspensions/athletic code violations
6)    Pay $150 participation fee or apply for PEP waiver

Glenbard East Athletics on the Internet
Glenbard East Athletics keeps players, parents, and fans up to date with team news, pictures, schedules, rosters and more. For the most up to date athletic information:
Athletic Booster Club Information
Our Athletic Booster club is a family/parent-led organization. Any questions please contact current athletic booster club president, Chris O’Brien ([email protected]).  Families that have students in the athletic program have a great opportunity to contribute by: becoming a member, joining a committee, and attending various fundraiser events throughout the year. Visit the Glenbard East Booster website www.eastboosters.com for further information, membership, and other volunteer opportunities.
Booster Club Scholarships:  Scholarship awards are up to $1,000 towards continuing education. Eligible student-athletes are seniors and their family must be current Athletic Booster Club members. Applications are due by March 15, 2021 to the Athletic Office. Follow the Athletic Booster Club on Twitter: @athletic_east
 
SAVE THE DATE: Red & Black Ball and Golf Outing, TBA. This is our largest fundraiser for our Athletic Booster Club. Please plan on attending, enjoying a fun time, and contributing to the continued growth of our athletic program.