Principal's Newsletter

Hello - this is a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have a student at, or have expressed an interest in, Glenbard West High School. Communication between Glenbard West and our families and community is very important to us. Don't forget to add gw_news@glenbard.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! Please email any questions directly to Glenbard Staff, we are happy to respond.

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Glenbard West Community,

As I write this, our students are wrapping up their final exams for first semester. I’d like to thank our staff for the extra time and effort put forth in these last few weeks to ensure high levels of student success. And congratulations to our students for their strong finish! I hope everyone has a joyful holiday season and restful winter break.

While it might be hard to believe, this is the time of the year when students and families start to think about courses for the 2024-25 school year. All current West families received an email in late November with course recommendations. Families can enter their course selection preferences in PowerSchool until Sunday, January 8th. Starting January 16th, students will meet with their counselor to finalize their courses for next school year.

I want to welcome all new Glenbard West families to our monthly newsletter. Below you’ll find a message from our School Counseling Department about course recommendations and enrollment for incoming freshmen. In the coming months we will host two events to help you and your new West student(s) get acquainted with our school and its programs:

• 8th Grade Family Curriculum Night on Wednesday, January 17th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. I’ll welcome students and their families in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m., and then representatives from all of our academic departments will be stationed throughout the building to say hello and answer your questions about course offerings and curriculum.

• 8th Grade Athletic and Activity Night on Wednesday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. We hope that all of our students—but especially our freshmen—get involved in at least one sport or club. Our coaches and club sponsors will be on hand to provide information and promote participation.

And finally, we invite all West families—new and current—to join us on Saturday, January 20th for our annual Pack the Place event in Biester Gym, hosted by the Glenbard West Boosters. Our Varsity Girls Basketball team plays at 3:30 p.m., and our Varsity Boys Basketball team plays at 5:30 p.m. This is a fun evening of sports, entertainment, food, and raffles.

Thank you for reading our newsletter. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns.

Go West!

Ben Peterselli

(630) 942-7473

ben_peterselli@glenbard.org

December 25 - January 5

Winter Break

January 8

No School - Teacher's Institute Day

January 9

Classes Resume

January 15

No School - Martin Luther King Day

January 16

Orchestra Ensemble Concert

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Choir Room, Band Room, 3rd Floor Bridge

January 17

8th Grade Family Curriculum Night

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Auditorium

January 18, 19, and 20

Black Box Performance

7:00 p.m.

Black Box

January 20

8th Grade Enrollment

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Virtual

January 20

Booster's Pack the Place

12:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Biester

January 22

District 87 Art Show

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Glenbard South High School

January 25

8th Grade Enrollment

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Virtual

On Dec. 11, 2023, the Glenbard District 87 Board of Education took action that may have a lasting positive effect on the learning environment in all Glenbard high schools. The board authorized the administration to proceed with a referendum to assist in funding Glenbard District 87’s 10-year Facility Master Plan.

A group of parents, students, principals and members of the planning team presented the Facility Master Plan to the board at its Nov. 27 meeting. The plan is the culmination of a process that began in 2022 to identify next steps to improve Glenbard's four high schools and gather community feedback on priorities.

On Dec. 11, the board unanimously approved a resolution to place a question on the March 19, 2024 ballot to seek voter approval to issue $183 million in bonds to improve the sites of and alter, repair and equip Glenbard’s four high schools, which are between 51 and 101 years old. The new Facility Master Plan identified $312 million of priorities for improvements at each of the high schools. Glenbard District 87 is asking the community to approve $183 million of bonds to fund the plan, and the district will contribute $129 million of funding from its operating revenues over the next 10 years to fund the $312 million plan.

The bond proposal will cost the owner of a $300,000 home about $4 per week. Use this tax estimate calculator for estimate of tax payment increase on Glenbard District 87 building bonds referendum on March 19, 2024.

Glenbard District 87 Superintendent David Larson said, “This is an exciting chapter in Glenbard’s history. I look forward to moving forward with this proposal. We have many facility needs, and we are eager to launch the 10-year facility master plan to address those needs.”

In February, Glenbard District 87 engaged Wold Architects & Engineers to develop a new 10-year facility master plan. The previous 10-year facility plan concluded with the summer 2023 capital improvement projects. In 2014, Glenbard committed to spending $100 million over 10 years on the facility needs; however, Glenbard exceeded that commitment by spending $154 million over the past 10 years ($35 million from 2014 referendum) while maintaining balanced budgets.

The proposed improvements will address significant needs. While Glenbard’s buildings are structurally sound, they are old and out-of-date. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations/CSBO Seth Chapman said, “We are committed to ensuring our buildings support today’s best practices in curriculum and instruction. The referendum is a path forward that continues our history of responsible planning. We spend less on buildings and operations; carry less debt; and have a lower tax rate than most districts in the metropolitan area.”

Addressing these needs now allows Glenbard to continue to protect what matters most by avoiding expensive, future repairs. “Doing so will make sure we continue to provide the type of schools and community our children and families need and deserve,” Larson said.

The majority of the projects identified in the new 10-year Facility Master Plan fall into the

following categories:

• Continue to upgrade and renovate, where needed, building infrastructure - items like roofs, windows, electrical systems, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems

• Enhance safety and security systems and entrances throughout the district
• Upgrade out-of-date science labs
• Modify classrooms to support current best practices in curriculum and instruction
• Upgrade cafeteria space to provide flexible learning and program spaces and eliminate overcrowding

Investing in community assets is critical as Glenbard District 87 maintains approximately 1.6 million square feet of space and continues to demonstrate fiscal stewardship demonstrated by the low amount of the total budget allocated toward debt payments (roughly 2.2%).

The following is how the referendum will be stated on the ballot:

• Shall the Board of Education of Glenbard Township High School District Number 87, DuPage County, Illinois, install safety and security improvements, increase accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, repair and replace mechanical systems, roofs and other infrastructure, improve energy efficiency and technology infrastructure, renovate classrooms, science labs, vocational labs and learning spaces and undertake other building and site improvements to, and purchase equipment for, each of the School District’s four high schools – Glenbard East, Glenbard North, Glenbard South and Glenbard West – and issue its bonds to the amount of $183,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?

Each year Glenbard West recognizes one deserving student for the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award. Simone Annan is the 2023 - 2024 recipient of the Glenbard West DAR award. The DAR Good Citizen Award recognizes one student who excels in dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. Simone displays strength in all these areas through her involvement in activities and clubs at Glenbard West as well as her academic achievements. The local DAR chapter will honor Simone during an award ceremony at Glen Ellyn Historical Society on February 27, 2024.

Congratulations to senior Yusuf Hussain on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Service Project, Yusuf built a shaded picnic bench for Carriers of Light in Wheaton, as well as a terraced garden at the front of the school's property.

Student Services hosted the November Matter of Pride Ceremony on November 30th, 2023. For those that are not familiar with our Matter of Pride Award, it was created over 30 years ago at West as a way to recognize students with outstanding character. This is the only award at West that focuses on a student's kindness, willingness to help others, going above and beyond for their school and/or community, and positive attitude. Basically, Matter of Pride recipients are what makes West the Best!

Congratulations to our November Award Recipients:

Back Row L-R: Vivian Garnica, Erika Tchuindjang, Brad Gomez, Matthew Sioson

Front Row L-R: Gavin Hutter, Abby Sutter, Hussam Malik, Anne Crum, Kylie Clifford

(Not Pictured) Riley Ruddy

Each Quarter, teachers across the various departments at Glenbard West choose the one student who best exemplifies excellence within their discipline. The Glenbard West community remains strong because of these students. We congratulate the Departmental Recognition Award Recipients and thank the families and teachers who have helped them along the way.

(Back row L - R) Moira Manas - Music, Drew Bennett - Math, Mary Ikens - Science, Arianna Malabehar - Driver’s Ed, Michell Saavedra Parra - Business Ed, Mihir Sharma - Social Studies

(Front row L - R) Rory Hughes - Health, Eli Martin - English, Vladyslav Mykhailiuk - English Language Learners, Grisel Gutierrez - World Languages, Lilly Carroll - Art, Daniel Albert - Physical Education

(Not Pictured) Alexandra Dutca - Speech, Eduardo PazCaballero - Technology Center of DuPage

“The largest ‘small’ art show in the nation!” - Oswego HS

The Chicago Area 4x5 Art Exhibition has grown over the years from 12 participating schools to over 40, spanning from "Waukegan to Gurnee to Lombard to the South Side of Chicago." This is an exhibition that consistently showcases over 1000 pieces in one year surpassing most Chicago galleries in quantity and grandeur.

This year 1,461 pieces of 4" x 5" art are on display and were judged/juried. 160 pieces won awards. Congratulations for Ana Marjanovic and Jackie Houghtaling on each earning an honorable mention in their respective submission categories: drawing and painting!

Junior students from Glenbard West and Glenbard South had the opportunity to go into the community and shadow a professional in a career of their choice. In partnership with the Glen Ellyn Rotary Club, 40 students spent the morning with 28 mentors learning about different professions, what a typical day is like, and how students can prepare for that field. Students and mentors then gathered together for a luncheon at the Glen Oak Country Club hosted by the Rotary. Students were chosen based on an interest survey that was sent to juniors in September. We are very grateful for the continued support of the Rotary Club and the various businesses and professionals that made this day a successful learning experience for our students.

The following Glenbard West students participated in the Mentor Day: Ella Formanski, Kendal Cullen, Benjamin Jarka, Lola Jimenez, Lindsay Seifert, Daniya Chishty, Victoria Monarrez, Tehami Khalique, Rehan Ghias, Kamila Raczka, Brianna Kaptur, Yusuf Farooqui, Nessa Danielewicz, Scarlett Schulz, Colton Nikols, Hamid Ali, Ian Rondeau, Rida Irfan, Sumbul Mateen, Rehenaz Shaikh, Vanesa Munoz, Graham Van Ek, Mia Brogle, Hannah Reyes, and Maddie Turner.

Congratulations to Glenbard West Varsity Football Coach Chad Hetlet on being recently named to the Illinois Football Coaches Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Coach Hetlet has led the Hitters to State Championships in 2012 and 2015 along with 12 West Suburban Conference Silver Championships and 17 consecutive playoff appearances.

Back Row: Tony Bergantino, Tad Keely, Jeremiah Wiencek, and Mike Neberz

Front Row: Peggy Mirka, Beatriz de Ferreira, Chris Gladish, Kate Culloton, Natalie Rubino, Rhiannon Sieck, and Lissete Ochoa

Para Español haga clic aquí.Español

Hello future Glenbard West parents, this is the Glenbard West School Counseling office sharing information about enrolling your current 8th graders for high school next school year.

We wanted to give you a heads up that emailed electronic enrollment packets with detailed information on course recommendations and important enrollment dates will be sent to you between January 9 - 12. Your email will be received prior to 8th grade Family Curriculum Night, which is Wednesday, January 17, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Glenbard West.

Please make sure you check your emails and review the information thoroughly as there will be step-by-step instructions on the enrollment process. Please note, any students receiving services through Special Education or as an English Language Learner will most likely not be receiving course recommendations, as they will be completed through a team meeting, but you will still need to follow all of the enrollment steps. Also, if your child took the PSAT with us for their high school course placement, their scores will also be included along with their personalized course recommendations.

At Family Night on January 17, you will have an opportunity to receive a welcome to West and talk to Department Chairs and teachers in the various curricular areas to aid you in researching all your opportunities for freshman year classes.

You will NOT be finalizing 9th-grade classes at Family Night. Actual Course Selection Dates to finalize freshman year courses are scheduled for Saturday, January 20 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or Thursday, January 25 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. These will be online meetings and links to make an appointment with an Enrollment Counselor will be sent in the Registration email you’ll receive in early January.

If you have any questions, please contact the School Counseling Office at (630) 942-7482, or (630)942-7483 for Spanish.

Sincerely,

Jeremiah Wiencek

School Counseling Department Chair

Each year, local organizations, school-wide clubs and generous individuals provide financial support through our Local Scholarship Program, awarding more than $150,000 in scholarships to Glenbard West Seniors. All students are encouraged to apply by completing the Local Scholarship Application found in SchooLinks. The deadline for submissions is Monday, January 22, 2024 at 3 p.m. Seniors can see their school counselors with any questions.

Back Row: Mary Yangas, Gracie Schendel, Griffin Ross, Darlene Yamane, Jessica Walters, Amanda Meyer, and Deandra Bass

Front Row: Nisa Gabbidon, Pete Baker, Claire Leoni, Jaclyn Reeves, Pam Hagstrom, and Max Hufnagle

Related Services Supports

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

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

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

We are excited to welcome Families of the Class of 2028 to Glenbard West for our 8th Grade Family Curriculum Night on Wednesday, January 17th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. This evening is an opportunity for us to share information about our academic offerings, summer school enrichment opportunities, and the registration and enrollment process. Additional information on this event will be shared with families via email in the coming weeks.

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

This month students are meeting with their counselors to select classes for next school year. The Glenbard West Academic Program Guidebook can help students and parents better understand the wealth of courses offered at West, as well as which courses fulfill high school graduation requirements. We encourage families to discuss students’ educational interests and post-secondary goals during the registration process. Should you or your student have any questions, please reach out to their school counselor.

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

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

Spring Illinois Science Assessment

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

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

School Day SAT Test for Juniors

Test Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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

PSAT Test for Freshmen and Sophomores

Test Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024

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

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

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

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

Once again, Glenbard West enjoyed a great fall season with many team and individual accomplishments.

Here are just a few highlights:

• Varsity Girls Volleyball finished with a 35-4 record, won the WSC Silver for the second consecutive year and won an IHSA Regional Championship.

• Varsity Girls Cross Country qualified for the IHSA 3A State Finals and competed in Peoria.

• Varsity Boys Soccer won the Glenbard Cup for the 3rd consecutive year and won an IHSA Regional Championship for the first time since 2014.

• Varsity Football won the WSC Silver and advanced to the 2nd Round of the IHSA 8A Football playoffs.

• Senior Hilltopper Girls Tennis player Mira Kernagis finished 3rd Place at the IHSA 2A State Finals in Singles. Finishing 3rd in State represents the highest singles finish ever for a West player.

• Grant Roscich and Ivan Blood both qualified for the IHSA Boys Golf 3A State Finals in Bloomington.

GO WEST!

Parents,

Hope you are looking forward to a nice, long break!

Just a reminder that the most important component of a student’s success is in their attendance and this is the time of year when getting up and out the door can be a struggle!

Please make sure you are calling the attendance office by 10:00 a.m. if your student is absent for the day. If you are picking up your student from school early, please call the attendance office ahead of time so they can provide your student with a pink pass. If you are dropping them off late for an partial day excused absence, let your student know they should check in with the attendance office as well. This will ensure your student is marked appropriately each day.

Also, we have tremendous young men and women doing incredible things in the hallways and classrooms, in the fields, courts, and stages, and everywhere in between. We also have tremendous young men and women doing incredible things beyond the school, and the Dean’s Office wants to hear about it! If your student or a student you know recently accomplished something spectacular, is contributing to the community, volunteering, or anything else you believe is noteworthy, please complete this Google form and let us know about it!

On that note, we’d like to recognize Hakeem Hussain for Beyond the Hill. Hakeem was recently elected as Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) for BSA Scout Troop 99. Hakeem was unanimously chosen to lead the group of 45+ scouts in the upcoming year. Congrats, Hakeem!

The Dean’s Office

Did you know that students entering 12th grade must show proof of having two doses of the meningococcal vaccine?

Start making your appointments now for this needed vaccine and turn in your vaccine proof to the health office after your appointment! You can receive this vaccine when going to the doctor for your annual checkup or when getting a sports physical.

Questions about if you have already received it? Stop in the health office and we can let you know!

Have you turned in your proof of dental examination?

If not, please turn in the proof of examination form to the health office ASAP. Dental exams performed on/after 11/15/2022 will be accepted for this requirement. Exams can be sent to stephanie_gloodt@glenbard.org or faxed to (630) 942-7559

Winter is a busy season for Glenbard West Theatre! We have comedies to make you laugh in both the West Auditorium and the Black Box.

First up is the Black Box New Plays, January 18 - 20, 7:00 p.m. This features two new student written plays: LackLuster by Abbie Herbold & Jackie Houghtaling, and Rewind by Katie Rath. See both new plays for only $5. Tickets are only available at the door, so arrive early!

Our second winter comedy is The Play That Goes Wrong in the Larry Shue Auditorium, February 1-3, 7:30 p.m. It is Broadway's funniest and longest running play.

Use this link to purchase tickets: https://glenbardwest.seatyourself.biz

During Winter Break, the Main Office will be open on December 27, 28, and 29, as well as,

January 3, 4, and 5, during the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The building will be closed on December 25, 26, and January 1, 2.

Monday, January 8, 2024, is an Institute Day for teachers, with no student attendance.

Classes resume on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

SAVE THE DATE - Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Glenbard West will host its annual incoming 8th Grade Athletic and Activity Night in Biester Gym. All of our coaches and club sponsors will be there to provide information and promote activities at Glenbard West. We encourage all current 8th graders to come and get an early look at the many opportunities available to students at Glenbard West.

We are very excited to welcome the Class of 2028!

ENRICHING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Academics ・ Activities ・ Athletics

We encourage every parent, alum, and family to join and sponsor Glenbard West Boosters. Membership fees and sponsorships go directly to assisting academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. Family memberships, Pride of Glenbard and Tower level sponsorships include an activity pass that provides admission to most district-wide music and sporting events. Your support contributes to the Pride, Excellence, and Tradition that are the hallmarks of Glenbard West High School.

To join or sponsor the Glenbard West Boosters, please visit www.gwboosters.com

GO WEST!

Glenbard District 87 is pleased to partner with OrganicLife as our new food service provider. Organic Life menu offerings and nutrition/allergen information here. We encourage you to visit www.pushcoin.com to sign up for the prepayment option with their easy-to-use system.

As part of West’s Centennial celebration, we partnered with the Dupage Foundation to create the Glenbard West Centennial Scholarship Fund. This annual scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who best embodies the ethos and character of a Glenbard West graduate. Its purpose is to celebrate the past, recognize the present, and inspire the future of Glenbard West. If you are interested in donating, please click here. Go West!

Our school newspaper, the Glen Bard, offers students a platform to share their passions in writing, art, film, and photography. Here, students share ideas and work together to provide relevant and entertaining information about the school, current events, and pop culture. Their most up-to-date information can be found on their link below!

You can keep up with Glenbard information throughout the year by signing up for Glenbard News, our district-wide enewsletter, at this link.

Each week, you will receive district-wide news about students’ achievements in school-sponsored activities; upcoming events; fund-raisers; school board information and more.

Schools across the nation are experiencing more and more students who have latex allergies. Often, students with this allergy can have severe and even life-threatening reactions if exposed to latex resins and powders. For their safety, there are certain latex products we no longer allow on campus. Latex balloons and “Silly String” pose a significant health threat to students with a latex allergy. These products are not allowed on campus at any time, including after school, evening, and weekend events. With this in mind, we request your help: Please talk with your children about this health and safety issue. Some students might not understand the reason for a “balloon ban.” At West, we want all parents to know that their children are safe on campus.

Crisis Text Line - Text REACH to: 741741

This sends information to a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to help individuals return to a healthy/stable level of functioning.

Safe2Help Illinois Call 844-472-3345 or Text 72332(SAFE2)

Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. This program is intended to get students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”

Students who wish to report a potential act of school violence at Glenbard West may also leave an anonymous message with our School Resource Officer at (630) 681-3177 or call the Bullying Hotline Call (630) 942-7406

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call/Text 988

This number has trained staff to answer calls and respond to texts from individuals at risk for suicide as well as those experiencing other mental health and substance use-related emergencies. Specialized services will be available for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other groups.

Email: gw_news@glenbard.org
Website: glenbardwesths.org
Location: 670 Crescent Blvd.
Phone: 630-469-8600
Twitter: @GWHilltoppers