670 Crescent Boulevard Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Phone: (630) 469-8600 |
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Principal's Newsletter
Homecoming Edition
September 2020
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Photos from Homecoming 2019
Photo credit: Ms. Wendy Rosario
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HOMECOMING 2020
SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 2
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The IDPH school guidance and the social distancing guidelines created a challenge for our Student Council while planning Homecoming for 2020. Many of our traditional homecoming events could not work in their existing format. This did NOT stop the Student Council Executive Board! They were determined to create events our student body could participate in safely. Like every year, Student Council identified a theme for Homecoming to anchor their work around. The 2020 Homecoming theme is Hawaiian Nights, and we will celebrate Homecoming from September 28th through October 2nd.
Each day will have a spirit theme. We would love to see everyone participate and fill our teacher's Zoom classrooms with school spirit. The themes are listed below:
Monday, September 28
Spirit Day: Pajama Theme
Tuesday, September 29
Spirit Day: Class Spirit Day
Seniors: Green
Juniors: White
Sophomore: Black
Freshman: Class t-shirt
Faculty: College Shirt
Wednesday, September 30
Spirit Day: Wacky Hat Day
Thursday, October 1
Spirit Day: West Gear Day
Friday, October 2
Spirit Day: Hawaiian Day
Though we cannot gather in large groups we can still show our support in other ways.
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Tuesday, September 29th:
Raising Cane's Fundraiser from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The money raised will go to help support the Needy Hilltopper Fund and Student Council.
Please make sure you say "Glenbard West" at the time of purchase. If you wait until after you get your food, it's too late for us to get the 15% credit.
Friday, October 2nd:
Drive Thru Homecoming Pep Rally from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Our big event occurs on Friday, October 2nd, the Drive-Thru Homecoming Pep Rally. Starting at 5:30 p.m. and lasting until 7:30 p.m., student representatives from sports, clubs and student organizations will line the sidewalks and driveways around the campus to celebrate our homecoming and school spirit. Students, alumni, and parents are encouraged to drive through our pep rally to see and hear our Hawaiian theme celebration. Come decked out in your Hawaiian gear anytime between 5:30-7:30 p.m. to be part of this newly designed event.
Participants include:
- Student Council Executive Board and your class boards are collecting canned food for the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry along the parade route. Please bring as many items as you can!
- Clubs & Fall Sports
- Senior Homecoming Royalty will be crowned
- Glenbard West Marching Band
- Glenbard West Dance Team
- Lots of fun decorations and school pride
- Specific details about the route will be sent to students as plans are finalized.
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Attention Seniors
BE A 2020 GW WOODCHUCK!
HERE'S HOW...
Being a woodchuck is a long time honored tradition here at west. Even during this unprecedented time, we are keeping the tradition going...just a little differently. Build your own model of a bonfire and show it off in a short video on why you should be a 2020 Woodchuck! Videos should be no more than 2-3 minutes. see attached for more details. Deadline is September 23, 2020.
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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD |
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Glenbard West Distinguished Alumni Award
This year, Glenbard West High School is celebrating its 97th year. What better time than now 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 continued to embody our school's motto of "Pride, Tradition, and Excellence."
The 2020 Distinguished Alumni class includes six Glenbard High School and Glenbard West High School alumni from three different decades: Doug Arenberg (1982), Karlene Keirn Ball (1970), Fareed Haque (1981), Michael Herbick (1967), Troy Luckett (1985), and Ted Wass (1970).
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?
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THE HISTORY OF GLENBARD WEST
SECOND EDITION - AVAILABLE NOW!
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Now available! The History of Glenbard West —SECOND edition!
Over 400 pictures and updated information. All copies are signed by the author: Glenbard West High School English teacher, Steve Wiersum.
or click on this link to go to the GWHS History Webpage here.
100% of profits go towards the Glenbard West High School English Department Writing Scholarship: The Firley Award.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 for The Firley Award. This will continue to allow the Glenbard West English Department to give the award for at least ten years.
Thank you so much…and go Hilltoppers!
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Please review our Fall Calendar 2020. There are slight variations in the Hybrid Schedule from week-to-week in order to maximize in-person learning and accommodate holidays, institute days, national test days and final exams. Please see the schedule here for a complete look at the fall calendar. This is subject to change if our region moves to different stages in the Restore Illinois plan. We will follow this schedule whether we are in our Hybrid Model or Fully Remote Model.
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Wondering about paying for college? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available October 1st but Save the Date for September 22, 2020, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be hosting a presentation for juniors and seniors to provide an overview of the financial aid process. If interested, you can register for this event HERE
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The State of Illinois has announced that schools can provide an SAT for the Class of 2021 on Wednesday, September 23rd. All District 87 Seniors will take the SAT with an essay during the school day on September 23rd. Please be aware that Illinois is still requiring all seniors to take a School Day SAT for graduation and this will fulfill this requirement. Doors open at 7:15 a.m.
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will not be
in attendance on September 23rd.
Attention Seniors - You will be taking the school-day
SAT with Essay on Wednesday, September 23rd.
- Test day schedule is 7:35-12:35. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to allow for entry screening procedures.
- You will need to enter through Door #2 or Door #23.
- The SAT needs to be taken on a school day to satisfy the graduation requirement. This is a required test, even if you have already taken an SAT.
- Please discuss any medical concerns with your doctor and family. Notify your school counselor of these concerns.
- Please bring multiple sharpened pencils. Use of the pencil sharpener will not be allowed.
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Bring an approved calculator. We will not have any calculators available to loan.
- Wear a mask. You will be required to wear the mask during the entire time in the building (and bus).
- Regular bus routes will be running in the morning and after testing.
- Bring either a school or government issued ID.
- All temperatures will be screened upon entry. You will not be allowed to test if you have an elevated temperature.
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You will be required to complete the COVID screener and display the check mark prior to entering the building. Please complete ahead of time and screenshot the check mark.
- If you have any symptoms of COVID, stay home. The make-up date is in late October.
- Social Distancing will be enforced.
- Water fountains are disabled. Bring your own filled water bottle to drink during breaks.
- Snacks will not be provided and are not allowed unless you have an approved accommodation. Eat a healthy breakfast!
- You will not be allowed to go to your lockers or congregate in hallways. You will report directly to your assigned classroom when you enter the building.
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Here is a link to your Assigned Classroom. If you do not see your name, be on the lookout for a letter and/or email with your room assignment.
- You will be allowed to send your scores to four colleges for free if you indicate where at the time of testing. Please know which four colleges you would like to receive your scores prior to test day. If you are unsure where you want to send your scores, please send them to COD. If you plan on applying test optional to college, you can still send your scores and select test optional on the colleges’ applications. Let your counselor know if you have questions about this.
Get a good night sleep next week and good luck!
Please direct any questions to your student's counselor.
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Yearbook Photo Procedures
Fall 2020
We are excited to safely welcome our freshmen, sophomores, and juniors back to Glenbard West to have their yearbook photos taken for the 2020-21 school year. LifeTouch will once again be photographing our students as they typically would have done during Back-to-School Week. We are confident in our safety procedures, as well as those of Lifetouch, to allow our students to be safely photographed. You can view Lifetouch’s Picture Day Safety video by clicking here. Senior Portraits will be taken over the course of 14 afternoons/evenings between November 2 - November 20. Seniors will receive specific information from Lifetouch regarding the scheduling of photos.
Families must sign up for a one time slot over the course of three days. The dates are Thursday, October 15th, Saturday, October 17th, and Thursday, October 22nd.
No more than 25 students will be scheduled per 15-minute time slot. In order to register for your time slot, please click here. Please do not write anything in the “Comment” section and please leave “Quantity” at 1.
Please read the following notes prior to coming to Glenbard West:
- Students should enter through Circle Drive using Door #2. Students will proceed through the thermal scanner to verify they are fever-free.
- Families must wait outside, only the student being photographed may enter the building.
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All families must certify that their student is free of fever and COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the building. Your student has a link to the electronic self-certification on their iPad. It can also be accessed at www.glenbard.org or by clicking here. The green “Allowed Access” screen should be shown upon entry. If doing so from an iPhone, you may want to follow these instructions.
- Once the photograph is taken, all students should exit the building out of Door #7 next to the Black Box Theater. Students can be picked up on Crescent Blvd.
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A mask must be worn at all times while in the building. The only exception is while the photograph is being taken.
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Events for the 2020 - 2021 school year will be contingent
upon COVID safety guidelines of District 87.
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Please consider a membership to the Glenbard West Booster Club. We are so fortunate to have an outstanding Booster Club at West that raises over $100,000 each year that directly benefits academics, activities, and athletics here at West. Please take the time to donate and support all they do for us.
Benefits of Booster Membership include
Optional activity pass – provides admission to most district-wide music and sporting events.
Your membership contributes to the revenue raised by Boosters and goes directly to assisting academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities.
Your support assists in continuing the Pride, Excellence and Tradition that are the hallmarks of Glenbard West High School.
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GLENBARD WEST COMMUNICATION
HELP US CONNECT WITH YOU
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Adding Glenbard Mass-Communication Contact Info
Attention Parents/Guardians:
This video shows how to add an email address & phone number that will receive mass-communications from your student's high school. Video Here
2. Click "Student Info" on the left-hand column
3. Scroll down the page to the "Glenbard Notification Information" area
4. Add your information and check the “I authorize the above statement” box in the large red section at the bottom of the page
5. Click submit at the bottom of the webpage
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PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES |
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Parent-Teacher Conference Scheduling Starts at 9:00 a.m. on September 26th!
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be VIRTUAL on October 28th (4:00-8:00 p.m.) and October 29th (2:00-6:00 p.m.). To schedule conferences, parents will need to access PowerPTC through PowerSchool beginning September 26th at 9:00 a.m. Please follow the Parent/Guardian quick start guide to begin scheduling conferences.
Important Information
Parents will NOT contact teachers to schedule conferences.
Parents will only be able to schedule conferences using PowerPTC through their PowerSchool account starting September 26th at 9:00 a.m. until October 26th at 11:59 p.m.
Parent-Teacher Conferences occur October 28th 4:00–8:00 p.m. and October 29th 2:00–6:00 p.m.
Please use the following link: PowerSchool to sign-on and schedule your conferences.
If you do not have a PowerSchool account, please notify the API Office.
Conferences are 5 minutes in length.
Friday, October 30th is a non-attendance day for students.
If parents experience technical difficulty or if they are unable to schedule a conference online, they may contact Mr. Leo Aviles at (630) 942-7471.
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No School - Friday, October 30
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SCHOOL MESSENGER
TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE - OPT IN!
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A MESSAGE FROM THE DEANS' OFFICE |
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Hey everybody! We are excited to announce that Glenbard West is off to an outstanding start for student attendance! This is a direct reflection of your ability to be adaptable and hard working during challenging times.
As we continue to learn from an online platform, here are some tips that will help you be successful
- Stay organized
- Keep a schedule
- Communicate with teachers
- Set personal goals
- Stay positive
Click HERE to read an article with more details.
If you notice that you are getting tired from online meetings, watch this VIDEO. It is a great tutorial that will show you different ways to reduce strain on your eyes while using your IPAD.
Contact us if you are struggling with grades, attendance, or if you need additional support!
Click HERE to for contact information for Student Services.
Click HERE for contact information for School Counselors.
Click HERE for contact information for Deans.
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GLENBARD WEST
2020-2021
THEATRE SEASON
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- Great Savings!
- Priority Seating!
- A Guaranteed Night Out!
- Email reminders when a main stage show is approaching!
Don't miss a single show...SUBSCRIBE NOW!!! Click Here
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DR. REBECCA SULAVER
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FOR INSTRUCTION
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STUDENT RECOGNITION
National Merit Semifinalists
Nikola Jukic
Gavin Schilling
Maya Umlauf
Zoe Umlauf
AP Seminar and Research Certificate
Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research
Taylor A. Huff, Samantha M. Lane, Griffin J. McDonald, Juliette L. Winter.
AP Capstone Diploma
Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and
AP Research and on four additional AP exams of their choosing
Ella K. Batz, Benjamin Brandt, Alexander T. Demeris, Paul du Vair, Meg E. Farley, William D. Flewelling, Sydney A. Hopper, Lily J. Jesanis, Chloe D. Karp, Christopher M. Klancnik, Riley A. Krudop, Emily A. Milianti, Claire E. Paul, Francis M. Sheehy, Mary Alyna Sladewski.
National AP Scholar
Granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams
Ella K. Batz, Julianne E. Billings, Rory M. Campagna, John J. Clark, Michael B. Cornejo, Pierce A. Cousins, John W. Dirkmaat, Paul du Vair, Collin E. Estes, Ethan A. Falck, Olivia G. Faris, Sarah A. Hatlestad, Kevin S. Hermiller, Sofia G. Iannicelli, Yousuf Khan, Colin R. Lewis, Luisa Metz, Dimitri C. Mihalopoulos, Asiya E. Mohiuddin, Chris Mukelli, Harsh K. Patel, Chase T. Pierce, Joshua M. Reifel, Morgan M. Rose, Gavin Schilling, Nicola E. Setterdahl, Francis M. Sheehy, John E. Solak, Joshua M. Varghese, Thomas-Shadi V. Voges, Mikolaj R. Wrobel.
AP Scholar with Distinction
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all
AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams
Mariyah M. AbdurRahman, Marina F. Akamatsu, Lauren M. Alcock, Maxwell D. Alexander, Inayah Y. Ali, Nailah S. Ali, Jacob M. Anastasi, Isabelle Ang, Alan R. Avalos, Sarah A. Baab, Dylan E. Baedke, Penelope H. Baltimore, Ella K. Batz, Matthew F. Bender, David B. Billings, Julianne E. Billings, Michelle Bishka, Raquelle M. Blentlinger, Bartosz Bobak, Amelia E. Boeh, Cate S. Borgman, Mia K. Browder, Rory M. Campagna, Luke Cavan, Rida A. Chishty, John J. Clark, Anna E. Cleaver, Michael B. Cornejo, Pierce A. Cousins, Trevor Daigel, Emily R. Davidson, Alexander T. Demeris, Jackson Detterbeck, Gabriella G. Di Domenico, Luca G. Diomede, John W. Dirkmaat, Konstandina K. Dronjak, Paul du Vair, Madelyn A. Elvart, Christopher A. English, Collin E. Estes, Jillian A. Evans, Scott M. Everson, Christopher D. Faganel, Ethan A. Falck, Olivia G. Faris, Meg E. Farley, Olivia Farley, Maxwell A. Fasules, Michael Flanagan, William D. Flewelling, Sarah L. Fox, RJ T. Frew, David Gallardo, Roxanne S. Geballe, Jack Y. Gelfer, Melissa G. Gibson, Matthew J. Graham, Jessica E. Griffin, Syed T. Habibullah, Sofia E. Hadley, William L. Halkyard, Michael P. Hall, Quinn S. Hardesty, Kathryn A. Hardy, Michael B. Harrington, Katelynne M. Hart, Sarah A. Hatlestad, Kendall K. Hermanson, Kevin S. Hermiller, William R. Hohe, Sydney A. Hopper, Cora G. Hortatsos, Molly K. Howard, William A. Humble, Sofia G. Iannicelli, Eric C. Jorgensen, Sophia L. Kalivas, Chloe D. Karp, Katherine E. Keller, Huzefa Khan, Laiba Khan, Yousuf Khan, Emma E. King, Spencer C. Knotts, Makiah A. Knudsen, Kathryn E. Kooy, Riley A. Krudop, Alexandra V. Kud, Aline H. Lamadrid, Colin R. Lewis, Hannah R. LoGalbo, Thomas V. Lohman, Patricia G. Madel, Andrew C. Malek, Robert P. Matthew, Charles D. Mattoon, Patricia R. McCormack, Grace M. Metcalf, Luisa Metz, Dimitri C. Mihalopoulos, Emily A. Milianti, Asiya E. Mohiuddin, Emily A. Montesinos, Ryan S. Morris, Chris Mukelli, Grace C. Naegelen, Mia K. Navarro, Kaylee L. Nguyen, William J. Novak, Megan D. Odiet, Harsh K. Patel, Claire E. Paul, Elysia Paullo, Chase T. Pierce, Ava M. Powell, Sophia J. Radke, Natalie J. Ratowski, Joshua M. Reifel, Dominic A. Renzulli, Natalie E. Reynoso, McKenna F. Rooney, Morgan M. Rose, Joseph J. Rueth, Mary I. Saldeen, Dylan J. Santangelo, Amanda M. Scheller, Gavin Schilling, Skye X. Schulze, Anna M. Sear, Nicola E. Setterdahl, Colleen M. Shanahan, Francis M. Sheehy, Ali Siddiqi, Muhammad A. Siddiqui, Julia Skarzynska, Mary Alyna Sladewski, Madeline D. Snyder, John E. Solak, Braden P. Spiech, Johann D. Summers, Aiden R. Sup, Avnika Surapaneni, Maya Umlauf, Zoe S. Umlauf, Kaitlin E. Valdick, Rylie N. VanDermolen, Joshua M. Varghese, Omar Villa-Zuniga, Thomas-Shadi V. Voges, Kaylee K. Wagner, Ashlee E. Waitkus, Amy X. Wozniak, Mikolaj R. Wrobel, Haley S. Yeager, Afreen B. Zameer, Luke H. Zemenak.
AP Scholar with Honor
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all
AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams
Lauren L. Alving, Niklas P. Anderson, Grant D. Ardell, Alexandra J. Avolio, Julia L. Ayres, Katherine B. Bachman, Christian M. Balanon, Jacob H. Beaudoin, Madeline M. Beery, Jack A. Benkert, Roshan Bhagwakar, Ian Boynton, Benjamin Brandt, Abdurrahman Choudhary, Gillian M. Dailey, Giabella R. Danno, Melissa A. Dudley, Matthew K. Dugan, Evelyn M. Erickson, Oscar Espejel, Carl L. Fenske, Elyssa M. Fischer, Lucas J. Ford, Brandon P. Frew, Lucy J. Ganser, John A. Goodman, Liam K. Griman, Natalie L. Hermiller, Megan J. Hoerster, Adel Hrncic, Ellis N. Irwin, Jeffrey Johnston, Karina K. Johnston, Nikola M. Jukic, Aleena J. Khan, Tasdique N. Khan, Grace K. King, Christopher M. Klancnik, Julia E. Lagomarsino, Jeremiah T. Lanzillo, Harsimran K. Lehal, Molly K. MacDonald, David C. Manzke, Jack D. McGurk, William R. Metcalf, Brook G. Mezgebe, John M. Miller, George T. Morris, Aidan M. Murphy, Sophie A. Netzel, Victoria L. Nguyen, Emma G. Nielsen, Jacob M. Nothvogel, Alexander J. Olechowski, Daniel S. Pasinski, Cody M. Paul, Elise J. Peterson, Kenna Rasmussen Royce, Joey T. Richmond, Mykhail B. Sandacz, William J. Schwegel, Ridah Shaikh, Mahak Sharma, Elizabeth G. Short, Andrew J. Stolfe, Michael L. Szwedo, Gabrielle V. Szymczak, Lucy K. Tolman, Matthew M. Travers, Allison Updegrove, Katherine M. Vogel, Marisa G. Voigt, Evan J. Walch, Jacob P. Walsh, Arden G. Wheeler, Isabelle I. Williams, Kiera E. Wright, Jonathan R. Yangas, Michael R. Zeboski, Rocco A. Zucchero, Zachary R. Zurawski.
AP Scholar
Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.
Lauren M. Ackermann, Fawwaz Ahmed, Nayyer Ahmed, Khadijah S. Ali, Asha J. Amin, Katlyn M. Anderson, Ali Azfar, Matthew R. Banach, Allison M. Bertoia, Tyler R. Brandt, James T. Brokos, Julia M. Brosnan, John L. Cavanagh, Idalis M. Chavez, Grant P. Chay, Lei Chen, Klaudia K. Czepiel, Ryan N. Dahlgren, Chloe K. Davis, Treeya D. Desai, Zain A. Dhatwani, Izabell R. Diaz, Jaclyn J. Dougherty, Ali Ebraheemi, Olivia R. Edakkunnathu, Edward W. Egan, Elizabeth L. Eichin, Ana Escobar Gonzelez, Elizabeth S. Fausey, Nicole M. Fiegl, Samantha Figueroa, Samuel H. Ford, Benjamin M. Galvanoni, Kathryn A. Glynn, Lindsey A. Haan, Noah J. Hanson, Arfa Hassan, Cyndy Herrera, Colin J. Hess, Sarah F. Hess, Zachary S. Hoffman, Zaahi M. Hussaini, Genevieve S. Ick, Kyle J. Irwin, Bailey R. Jackson, Kaylee JacoboTrujillo, Lily J. Jesanis, Kathryn L. Kabat, Noah M. Kaye, Ella G. Krudop, Samantha M. Lane, Kathryn G. Langan, Elizabeth G. Latta, Courtney C. Leach, Sophia J. Lee, Deepkaran S. Lehal, Denin E. Limouris, Wendy Lopez, Ishan Malhan, Luke W. Mayer, Bridget K. McBride, Griffin J. McDonald, James T. Meinhart, Jessica Mills, Ayaan M. Mohammed, Harrison J. Monteith, Henry A. Morof, Katherine L. Morris, Kathryn G. Morrison, Fatima MunozMartinez, Nathan J. Navarro, Emma B. Ohrnstein, Julia Z. Oledzka, Carlie E. Olsen, Maria A. Ordonez, Balaji Palanisamy, Marc A. Palicki, Aksh M. Patel, Audrey Pauer, Jackson C. Pekny, Alexandra N. Perez, Matthew Perlman, Aidan G. Petersen, Kaylee A. Phillips, Deepa Phuyal, Aaron Piszczek, Taylor G. Posey, Trevor Powell, Joshua G. Preda, Sara Rajapkar, Peter E. Ranchero, Sean T. Rath, Noe Rodriguez, Gianna Rossolille, Kyle J. Rossy, Eleanor F. Saguto, Numa A. Samnani, Audrey J. Scherer, Mina S. Shahid, Faiza F. Shareef, Elizabeth M. Small, Emerson G. Smith, Lazerick T. Smith, Nicholas M. Spadavecchia, Josephine R. Spata, Luke P. Sullivan, Gavin S. Swartz, Umaimah J. Syed, Alena R. Tammaru, David M. Testyon, Kevin M. Tracy, Kaitlyn H. Tran, Haley N. Trippel, Grace W. Troyer, Gerik C. Tyburk, Emelia VanDyke, Kendall F. Vervaet, Biridiana Villarreal, Louis W. Wahlgren, Thomas Wahlman, Kate E. Walsh, Matthew T. Wind, Juliette L. Winter, Myles D. Yarman, Addison J. Yeager, Tyler D. Yeager.
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ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP) FEE PROCESS
AND ONE FREE TEST
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NEW! Simplified AP Fee Process & One Free Test for 2020-2021
We are excited to announce that we have simplified the AP exam fee payment process for the 2020-2021 school year. These changes will not only eliminate the need for families to create a login and pay test fees through a third party, but they will also mean that every student will have the opportunity to take their first AP exam at no cost!
New for the 2020-21 school year, AP exam fee exams will be charged to a student’s Glenbard fee account through the registration process in the summer, along with the other annual student fees. Our School Board has made the investment to defray the cost of the first AP exam for every student, so families will only be responsible for paying the AP exam fee for their student’s 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc exam each year. Families will have the opportunity to “opt-out” of the exam and fee by October 15, 2020 or February 15, 2021 for 2nd Semester only AP courses. After these dates, families will be responsible for a $40 unused/canceled exam fee after October 15, 2020 or February 15, 2021 for 2nd-semester only AP courses.
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2020-2021 School Year Testing Announcements:
Juniors: You are invited to take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) on Saturday, October 17. This exam serves several purposes:
- It provides you with a good practice opportunity for the SAT which you will take on Wednesday, April 13 with your class.
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It allows you to enroll in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. This is the qualifying exam.
More information about registration will come soon. Juniors will be offered an opportunity to take an SAT Prep Class offered at each high school during 2nd semester. A final and free way students can prepare for the PSAT or SAT test is through FREE individualized test preparation at the Khan Academy website (www.khanacademy.org/test-prep). Junior students will learn about this free offering at school. Parents and students can learn more about this free resource by watching a 10 minute video. More information about the PSAT test and the SAT test can be found at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org.
Sophomores: An optional exam for you to take is the PSAT/NMSQT exam offered on Saturday, October 17. This exam will provide you with ongoing practice and feedback as you prepare to take the SAT your junior year. You will take a similar exam (the PSAT 10) on April 14.
Freshman: All freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9 exam on Tuesday, April 14. This is the same exam used for student placement in 8th grade, and allows students/parents feedback relative student learning and preparation for the SAT junior year.
College Board Account: All Sophomores-Seniors should have a College Board Account. This account allows students to enroll in their AP Class and register to take AP exams, view scores and track progress on the PSAT and SAT, send scores to colleges and universities. Directions on setting up individual college board accounts can be found here: Setting Up Your College Board Account Link
Advanced Placement: District #87 will pay the exam fees for one AP test for every student enrolled in AP Courses this year. All additional Advanced Placement Exam fees will be included in student registration this year. Students will register for their AP class/exam during the first two weeks of the school year using their College Board Account.
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SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT |
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The School Counseling Department is excited, and a little nervous this year, to officially kick off the college application season with several videos and virtual events for our upperclassmen. First of all, as of the date of this newsletter, we have about 100 college representatives available for Glenbard West students to meet with live online. We are collaborating with other high schools in the District, so we expect that number to more than double. Last year we hosted over 200 just at Glenbard West in person! Please encourage your child to sign up for some college rep meetings through Naviance; information was emailed to them and posted through Schoology. These are excellent opportunities for students to not only gather more information on numerous colleges while at West but also to get a live meeting with the admissions representatives for specific colleges in which they may be applying.
A reminder that the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a graduation requirement for the Class of 2021, and the opening date is less than a month away, available October 1st! 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, including a breakout session at College Night on October 7th for Juniors. In addition, there will be a FAFSA workshop for Senior parents on October 15th from 6-8:30 p.m. Senior students can receive help with the FAFSA on Mondays every two weeks starting in early October through virtual help sessions. Keep on the lookout for more detailed information.
School Counselors sent out a College Application Video Series to all their seniors on September 1st. These videos include detailed information on the whole electronic college application process discussing the steps for requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation through Naviance. In addition, we review the timeframe for admissions testing, essay writing, and a complete application checklist. Afterward, School Counselors began sending seniors and parents emails with their transcripts and an abundance of virtual resources to utilize in researching and finalizing their college application list. After seniors take their survey in the videos, we will begin meeting with them based on where they are in the application process in order to guide them along the way. 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. In addition, we created a college application instructional video for parents, which was released initially at Back to School Night.
For Juniors, counselors are continuing the developmental process of college preparation by creating a virtual curriculum to work with them on college research and further developing their activity resumes in Naviance. In addition, we will host the annual College Night on Wednesday, October 7th, so make sure you save the date! The structure of this is still being developed, but in previous years we held sessions on the college admissions process, financial aid, and a Naviance tutorial for parents. Stay tuned for a more detailed agenda!
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DR. DAVID LARSON, SUPERINTENDENT |
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Suggestions to support students during remote learning
We’ve had a great start with fully remote learning. I was pleased with our faculty and staff’s nimbleness, resourcefulness and flexibility. I have received emails and been in informal conversations with parents, and overwhelmingly, parents and students have been pleased and impressed with the first weeks' learning experience. A few examples of the comments I heard include:
- “The teacher really prioritizes fostering a classroom community atmosphere.”
- “The organization and structure really help my son stay organized and focused.
- “The teacher reached out with a personal note to welcome my son even before school started."
Our faculty and staff continue to leverage our technology platforms, tools and infrastructure and tap into our strong instructional plans.
We recognize that some students do well with remote learning and others might struggle. The following are suggestions to help your student do well during remote learning. If you have unique challenges or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher or school counselor.
Establish routines and expectations
During a time of great uncertainty and constant change, it’s important to establish routines and expectations about school work, mealtimes, physical activity and sleep. These practices will support students in their school work and general well-being.
Designate a study space for your student
While students and adults are working from home, it’s important that students have a designated study space in the home. The space should be in a quiet, well-lit area that has room for the student’s iPad and related school materials. A common space where parents/guardians can check a student’s work is ideal.
Monitor communications from your student’s teachers
Schoology is the place where teachers post links to the live stream, along with assignments and learning materials. With your Schoology account, you will be able to view your student’s activity within Schoology, including the homework they have turned in, teacher feedback, due dates for future assignments and other important class information.
Encourage physical activity
It’s important that students make time to move. Something as simple as a long walk or jog can clear the mind and raise the heart rate. Physical activity also is a great thing for parents/guardians to engage in with their teens. Going for a bike ride, shooting hoops or doing yardwork are a few possibilities.
Be mindful of stress
We’ve never had to adapt to so much change in so little time. During times as challenging as these, coping mechanisms make a big difference. Encourage your teen to develop positive coping skills such as reaching out socially, exercising, getting a lot of sleep and taking care of themselves and others. These coping skills will help over the long term.
Reinforce importance of social distancing protocols
We’ve seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among young people in the suburbs when large groups of people gather for social events and ignore health officials’ social distancing guidelines. Remind your student the danger of the virus spreading at these events and reinforce the importance of them wearing a mask when in public and maintaining at least six feet from others as much as possible.
Make time for quiet and reflection
Find some quiet in these chaotic times. Take a break from information overload for a bit by turning off the television, video games, YouTube and music.
Set guideline around social media use
Encourage your son or daughter to take a break from social media. Social media breaks can allow a teen to engage in deep focused work or an activity that they love doing. Encourage them to turn off notifications on their phone or device or leave their phone in another location in the home. Taking a break helps them develop healthy attitudes toward social media that will stick with them into adulthood.
Be patient
Each of us is facing new challenges every day, and we each respond to these challenges differently. We need to be patient with ourselves and others. Remind yourself that you and others have never been through a pandemic before, and everyone is doing the best they can.
Many thanks for partnering with us to support our students during this historic time.
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October 12, 2020
No School - Columbus Day
October 13, 2020
No School - Teachers' Institute
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GLENBARD PARENT SERIES
UPCOMING EVENTS
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SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND BULLYING HOTLINE |
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Bullying Tip Line
The School Violence and Bullying Tip Line (630) 942-7406 is for students and others to anonymously report threats of school violence and/or bullying behavior.
The Attorney General's Safety Tips for Children Link Here contains a number of links that may provide additional helpful resources. Students who wish to report a potential act of school violence at Glenbard West may also leave an anonymous message with our Police Liaison Officer at (630) 942-7463.
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Main Office
(630) 469-8600
Attendance (24-Hour Line)
(630) 942-7480
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Attendance
(630) 858-5060
Nurses' Main Office Number
(630) 942-7493
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Attendance AFTER HOURS (630) 858-5060
Bullying Tip Line (630) 942-7406
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Glenbard West High School
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