Leyden Pride
August 14, 2023
Important dates
Aug 14: New Eagle Experience
Aug 17: First Day of School
Aug 29: Open House
Sept 5: No School, Labor Day
Leyden welcomes new teachers
Leyden welcomes several new teachers to the 2023-24 school year. These new teachers have degrees from Florida, Minnesota, Ukraine and many Illinois universities, including DePaul, Dominican, Eastern, Elmhurst, Illinois State, Loyola, Northeastern Illinois University, Roosevelt, and University of Illinois Champaign. For some a new job, for others their first job, each brings a unique and positive spirit that Leyden prides itself on.
Please join us in welcoming:
East Leyden
Snizhana Ferenchuk - EL/Bilingual
David Gonzales - Science
Roland Morgen - English
Emily Naik, English – East,
Kyle Neuner - Family & Consumer Sciences
Monika Pszczola - Student Services
Michael Seyller - English
John Tomasetti - Special Education
Ashley Tucker - Student Services
West Leyden
Ata Hinnawi - Physical Education
Katie Kochendorfer - Math
Timothy O’Connell - Special Education
Daliha Orozco - Social Studies
Zachary Schmidt - Special Education
Michael Sorensen - Family & Consumer Sciences
Anna Tomillo - Physical Education
Sabrina Treccani - Special Education
East/West Leyden
Martha Polley - Instructional Coach
Douglas Schlachter – Industrial Technology
School Breakfast and Lunch Program
All students, regardless of family income, will receive free breakfast and lunch while at school. This is an extension of a Federal government waiver allowing all schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program to provide meals for free for the 2023-24 school year.
Communication resources and expectations
At Leyden, we understand each individual has their own preferred ways of getting important information, and to that end, we strive to offer numerous methods to connect families with our school and provide information that is timely and useful in supporting students’ education such as:
New Website - A new district website launched and offers enhancements such as an improved mobile experience, translations and revised information. Check out the video tour. LINK: Website Video Tour
Leyden Pride Weekly Newsletter - Every Monday afternoon, students and families can expect to receive this newsletter by email which includes upcoming events, news, announcements, feature stories and community news. If it’s information, it will be offered here. If there is an action-required, it will be offered in this newsletter and also as a specific email to families.
Social Media - We post stories of interest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and produce high-quality videos that are shared on YouTube. Find us @LeydenPride and utilize the hostage #LeydenPride as well for event reminders, stories, shout-outs, photos and activities.
Translations - The Leyden website offers translations in many languages by clicking in the top right corner. All social media is available for translation in the user settings. Many of our videos are translated, and auto-translate is a permanent feature on YouTube, accessible in the settings options. Leyden is also using a “Translation Icon” on printed pieces and for some events, where our families can scan and connect with us in their preferred language.
Crisis Communications - The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. If an urgent situation arises, our first action is to secure the humans in our buildings and get them each to safety. Quickly following, families can expect to receive information by phone, text, and email as appropriate. Please ensure contact information is up-to-date in our systems if a family relocates or changes phone numbers or emails.
Please email us directly at PR@Leyden212.org if you have any suggestions that might help us improve our communication efforts.
Leyden shares student cell phone policy
In today’s era, cell phones offer a great deal of opportunity, but admittedly, can cause a great deal of distraction. As we continue to work through this as a school, please be aware of the following here at Leyden:
Cell phones are expected to be put away while in class unless the teacher explicitly allows them to be out.
Teachers may develop their own classroom procedures for cell phones, which may include (but are not limited to) requiring students to:
Place their phones in ‘cell phone holders’
Place their phone in their backpack
Place their phone in their pocket
Keep their phone in sight on their desk
Students found in violation of classroom policies will be referred to the Deans' Office for consequences consistent with the student code of conduct.
Cell phones are allowed in ‘public spaces’ at Leyden, such as the hallways and cafeteria.
Cell phone use is strictly prohibited in restrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, and any other areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
One Amazing Story: Alexa Giannoulis
This month we are sharing the story of Alexa Giannoulis, an East junior, who was one of 25 students selected from Illinois to participate in the Eastern Illinois University Minority Teacher Identification and Enrichment Program. Alexa stayed on campus for three weeks in Charleston while she earned three college credits towards an education degree. Alexa is enthusiastically pursuing a career as a teacher, and has already earned additional college credit and is enrolled in the dual credit pathway at Leyden.
Link: Video
Leyden High School receives award for excellence in financial reporting
Leyden High School District 212 has received ASBO’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ended 2022. This award represents a significant achievement and reflects our commitment to transparency and high-quality financial reporting.
The National School Public Relations Association honored Leyden with an Honorable Mention for their One Amazing Story featuring the transportation department. The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) honored Leyden with an Honorable Mention for their One Amazing Story featuring the transportation department.
Leyden students win prestigious art awards
2023 Leyden graduates Mariana Calderon Zapet and Wilson Rodriguez Parra won the 2023 Congressional Art Competition over the summer. Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives receive artistic submission from their districts. The winning artwork of our district's competition is displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning artwork from other districts across the United States.
Calling all Leyden Theatre Alumni
Over the past 75 years Leyden Theatre has an extraordinary array of talented and experienced alumni. Whether you worked backstage or on stage in a single show or every show your entire Leyden career we are looking for you to join our new Leyden Theatre alumni as we approach the 100 year anniversary of Leyden High school.
This alumni group will create a shared experience among our expansive alumni network that benefits individual alumni, current students and Leyden Theatre for years to come. Personal and professional connections provide opportunities for career development and also foster a sense of community among countless Leyden Alumni. Sign up to be on the mailing list using the link below. If you are interested in being more involved email fbavone@leyden212.org for more information.
Link: Sign up
In the Community
The Village of Franklin Park will be celebrating World Honey Bee Day on Saturday, August 19. Come to this free event which will be held at the Hammill Square Gazebo located at 9501 Belmont Avenue.
Melrose Park U.S. Army Recruiting is sponsoring a back to school supply giveaway on August 19, 12:00 p.m. at Winston Plaza in Melrose Park.
You can save on your internet bill
Save on the Internet with the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program, you can save on your bill and may be able to get high-speed internet for free.
Connect with us:
Email: pr@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212