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Leyden Pride

November 13, 2023

Leyden PrideNovember 13, 2023

Important dates

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November: 22, 23, & 24: No School - Thanksgiving

December 21: Half-day schedule (11:30 a.m. Dismissal)

December 22: Last day of classes for Semester 1

Half-day schedule (11:30 a.m. Dismissal)

January 9, 2024: 1st day of Semester 2

Link: Subscribe to the Leyden calendar!

Leyden celebrates American Education Week

American Education Week (November 13-17) is a special time when we celebrate our public school community. The designation was created by the National Education Association (NEA) as a way to honor the team of people who work in our nation’s public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.

Here at Leyden, we celebrate by recognizing our staff through written acknowledgments, tokens of appreciation and treats throughout the week.

“This week gives us a great opportunity to recognize and thank each and every one of the Leyden staff for all of the hard work they do to positively impact the students and families in our communities,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “And to all those who are working in public education, we express our sincere gratitude for your ongoing commitment to kids.”

Leyden High School District 212 offers two west-suburban public schools to serve the communities of Franklin Park, River Grove, Rosemont, Schiller Park, unincorporated Leyden Township and portions of Northlake and Melrose Park. The total student enrollment is 3,621, distributed between East Leyden and West Leyden.

Leyden employs 601 professionals who each contribute to the educational experiences of our students. From teachers, support staff, food service staff, bus drivers, security, maintenance and administrators, we are each committed to “Doing What’s Best for the Kids.”

Leyden recognizes School Board Members

The Leyden Board of Education is made up of seven, unpaid, elected officials and two Leyden student board members who represent the voice of our communities and serve in the interests of students. Board members include President Greg Ignoffo, Vice President Gloria Murawska, Secretary Jim Lima, Lisa Anthony, Sandy Boehm, Cesar Garcia and Joe Trevino, along with our student board members, Adriel Carrera and Joyslyn Maldonado.


In order to recognize the outstanding efforts of nearly 6,000 elected school board officials, the state of Illinois has designed November 15 as “School Board Members Day.” According to the state, this is an opportunity to build community awareness and understanding about the essential role locally elected board of education members assume in a representative democracy.


We would like to thank the school board members for all they do for our district, our students and our community.

Library open after school for students

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Starting today, November 13, the East and West Leyden libraries will be open for students who are in need of after school academic support. Students can find a quiet, safe place to do homework or study, or if they would like support from a teacher, there will be a teacher available Monday through Thursday from 3:25 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.

Leyden Theatre presents The Play that Goes Wrong

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Leyden Theatre will be performing The Play that Goes Wrong on November 30, December 1 and December 2, at the West Leyden auditorium starting at 7:00 p.m.


Get ready for a night of mishaps, mischief, and madcap mania! It’s the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” and things have quickly gone from bad…to utterly disastrous. The troupe’s ambitious 1920’s whodunit has everything you never want in a show: falling props, collapsing scenery, an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything…including their lines. How will this eager ensemble battle against all of the disastrous odds? Will they make it to the final curtain call?


Don’t miss this international hit that’s equal parts Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes – The Play That Goes Wrong is full of hilarious perfection. This play within a play is perfect for everyone from first time theater-goers to seasoned thespians.

Links:
Purchase tickets
Full Cast List

Spanish Parent Speaker Series

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As part of Leyden’s Spanish Parent Speaker Series, well known author Dr. Ferney Ramirez will present "How to effectively communicate with your adolescent,” this Wednesday, November 15, at 6:30 p.m. at West Leyden High School. He will present in Spanish and English translations will be available. This event is hosted by the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), West Leyden Student Services, and Operation Snowball.

Link: Informational Flyers

End of semester schedules

Students attend two half-days as part of Leyden’s end of semester schedule. December 21 and 22, (most) students attend from 7:35 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Grab and go lunches are provided both days.

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West Leyden graduate’s art displayed in New York City gallery

Sergo Farfán, a 2014 West Leyden graduate will be displaying his artwork at the Krause Gallery in New York City. The gallery will present "Crossing Paths," a duo show between Farfán and artist Chris RWK.


Farfán will be exhibiting his newest series "Portraits" which pays homage to the thriving urban scene that has not only shaped the narrative of New York City but has also left an indelible mark on pop culture across the world.


In this show, Farfán explores the essence of this culture through a collection of artworks that pay tribute to the bold spirit of the city. Each piece is meticulously framed in museum-style fashion as if immortalizing New York's rich history like the iconic works displayed in the grand halls of The Met.


"Crossing Paths" remains on exhibit through December 30.


Link: Krause Gallery

In the News

Missing a Leyden Pride newsletter or can't find an old one in your inbox? Check the Leyden website for a full listing of past editions. Link: Leyden Pride e-Newsletter archives
Safe2Help
Safe2Help Illinois is a school safety program that offers students 24/7 access to support services that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety.