Glenbard West Community,
We are just a few weeks from the start of the 2023-24 school year, and all of us at Glenbard West are excited to get the students back in the building. As we head toward our Back to School week and the start of the fall athletic season, I want to take a moment to share details about our new bell schedule and highlight the changes to our administrative team.
Glenbard Hour is a new forty-minute instructional period built into our bell schedule every Monday and Friday. Glenbard Hour consists of two different experiences for students: Advisory and Support. Advisory days will allow students to learn the procedures and expectations of our school, while Support days will allow students to meet with teachers to receive support or enrichment in their classes. I encourage you to watch this four-minute video for additional details about Glenbard Hour.
The 2023-24 school year brings several changes to our administrative team. I am moving into the Principal role after two years as West’s Assistant Principal for Instruction and nine years as the English Department Chair. Prior to that, I taught English at Wheaton North High School. I am a proud West alum and parent, with three generations of Hilltoppers in the family. I know well the expectations that all of us have for our students’ educational experience and am committed to ensuring that Glenbard West continues to be a source of pride for our students, families, and communities.
While there are new faces in positions of leadership at Glenbard West, our commitment to the well-being and success of our students will remain our highest priority. Please join me in welcoming the following educators to our administrative team:
Sara Kush, Assistant Principal for Instruction: Ms. Kush comes to Glenbard West after eight years as the English Department Chair at Glenbard East. Prior to that, she was an English teacher at York High School in Elmhurst. Ms. Kush is excited to work with the dedicated and dynamic staff at Glenbard West to continue the tradition of excellence in providing incredible learning experiences for all students.
Pete Baker, Assistant Principal for Student Services: Mr. Baker previously served Glenbard West as Dean of Students for four years. Before coming to West, he worked as both a Dean and a Social Studies teacher at West Aurora High School. Mr. Baker is extremely excited to continue to serve students at Glenbard West, and believes it is an absolute honor to be a part of such a great school community.
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!
Welcome back to another exciting school year at Glenbard West! We are thrilled to have your child as a valued member of our community. At our school, we take pride in offering a wide range of enriching extracurricular activities that fit the diverse interests of our students.
Our mission is to foster a strong sense of belonging among all students by encouraging them to explore their passions and engage in various activities, clubs, arts, theater, and athletics. Research shows that involvement in organized activities plays a crucial role in improving mental health and overall well-being. Students who pursue interests or passions are going to experience reduced stress levels, increased mood, and a decreased likelihood of suffering from depression.
In addition, participating in extracurriculars provides an excellent opportunity for students to get active and involved, promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation. Whether it’s through sports, artistic endeavors, or club participation, these group activities contribute to improving social awareness, enhancing relationship skills, and creating a sense of belonging to the school.
We truly believe that by taking part in our extracurriculars, your child will not only grow academically, but also develop essential life skills that will benefit them both in and outside of the classroom.
Together, let’s make this school year a great one! It is our sincere hope that all students at Glenbard West have a great experience. If your student is interested in becoming more involved, please check out the Glenbard West Club and Interest Form.
In addition to being involved in extracurriculars, we place a high emphasis in wellness and mental health. If you recognize that your student is struggling, please feel free to contact the appropriate staff member listed below to seek support, guidance, and necessary resources.
Save the Date for Our Back to School Open House, Thursday, August 31
We are excited to welcome parents to Glenbard West with our annual Open House on Thursday, August 31st from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please plan to join us for this opportunity to hear from school counselors, walk your student’s schedule, meet their teachers, and learn more about course content and other school programs. Additional details will be communicated later in August. The following day, Friday, September 1st, we will run an early dismissal schedule with students released at 12:35 p.m.
State Testing Information
As in years past, Glenbard District 87 will provide students with the College Board’s SAT Suite of Assessments in 2023-24:
Tuesday, October 10, 2023: PSAT / NMSQT for Juniors
Wednesday, April 10, 2024: SAT for Juniors
Thursday, April 11, 2024: PSAT 8/9 for Freshmen and PSAT 10 for Sophomores
Only the grades assigned to an exam on the above days will be in attendance. Families can learn more about the SAT Suite of Assessments by clicking here. Students can find free individualized test preparation through Khan Academy. Additionally, Glenbard offers a free SAT prep course to juniors. Additional information on this program will be sent later this fall.
AP Guide for Families, Volume One
Here is Volume One of our AP Guide for Families. You’ll find all relevant information about exam registration for year-long and first semester AP courses, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. For any other questions, please contact the office of the Assistant Principal for Instruction: (630) 942-7471. For AP-related updates, please join our Remind by texting @gbwaptest to the number 81010 or clicking here.
All fall sports begin on Monday August 7, 2023. Fall sports include Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Golf, Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Girls Swimming, and Girls Field Hockey. Please look for specific practice times that will be posted on our athletic website as we get closer to the season. Information will also be available at registration week.
In order to participate, each student-athlete needs to be registered for their sport (on Power School) and have a current physical on file. Physicals are valid for 13 months and MUST be turned in to the Athletic Office before practicing. Physicals can be sent to ellen_reifel@glenbard.org. Please visit our athletic website for more information: https://schools.snap.app/glenbardwest
Please note that our mandatory Fall Parent-Athlete Meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. You will learn important updates with regards to fall sports, Booster involvement, and our District wide GPS series. This will help both new and returning athletes and their families familiarize themselves with Glenbard West Athletics as we get ready for a great year.
Please click on this link for the 2023 Tryout/Practice Information.
As we approach the start of the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to update you on the work that has taken place at Glenbard West this summer. Over the last few month our team has worked hard to improve and enhance our facilities to provide a safe, clean, and inviting learning environment for our students. Below is a brief list of things we accomplished:
Indoors-
Field House floor/track replacement
New carpet in the library and select office spaces
New furniture in Social Studies, Student Services, and select classrooms
Painting of numerous classrooms and hallways
Bathroom Remodel (third floor)
New flooring and lights in select classrooms
Outdoors-
New turf on Memorial Field
New infield mix on softball field
8 New tennis courts
Landscaping work on Circle Drive
I look forward to a safe and successful school year.
Stacy Scumaci
West Nation proudly supports Glenbard Parent Series (GPS). Visit www.GlenbardGPS.org for information on the nationally recognized speaker series for parents, students, educators and community members. The series is free and open to the public.
Please visit www.gbwnation.com to purchase a membership, make a donation and to volunteer. We invite all students and parents to be a part of WEST NATION!
Follow us on Twitter/@GWWestNation or Facebook/GlenbardWestNation
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!
Larson outlines benefits of Glenbard Hour
I am excited about the new school year and the many opportunities that come at this time of year. In particular, I am enthusiastic about the Glenbard Hour in our new school day schedule.
Glenbard Hour
The number one need identified by students, parents/guardians and staff in the November 2021 survey about the school day was time for student supports and learning extensions throughout the day. The Glenbard Hour addresses those needs.
During the twice weekly Glenbard Hour, every teacher and every student will be involved in making choices; seeking help; getting involved in physical activities; learning new concepts and gaining new skills. This dedicated time each week will allow students to access their teachers for the support they need to experience academic success. It also will reduce the need for students to arrive early or stay after school to seek assistance.
Most Glenbard Hour sessions will be devoted to student agency. The goal of student agency days is for students to use these instructional minutes in areas that most benefit them. Examples include:
- Students getting help from their teachers
- Extending students’ learning
- Students collaborating with peers
- Tests and lab retakes
- Future planning through college/postsecondary presentations
The Glenbard Hour also will feature advisory sessions on topics such as:
- Course selection
- Postsecondary planning
- Skill development in self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision making, relationship building and social awareness
- Safety drills
- Surveys
- Standardized testing
- Assemblies
- Award ceremonies and more.
Glenbard Hour App
As part of our preparation for the new school year, we are developing a Glenbard Hour app for students’ Glenbard iPads. Through the app:
- Students will have up-to-date information on their grades to make responsible decisions about their Glenbard Hour choices.
- Students will schedule where they will spend the Glenbard Hour sessions devoted to student agency; for example, working with their school counselor or meeting with a study group.
- Students will check into spaces where they will spend the Glenbard Hour sessions devoted to student agency, such as in the library or AP Cafe.
- Teachers will be able to assign students to spaces, as needed; for example, to a test center to make up an exam. A teacher who assigns a student to a space would discuss that with the student.
Preparation for the Glenbard Hour
I appreciate the great work of many administrators and faculty and staff members who have been researching and developing systems to implement the Glenbard Hour. Preparation for the Glenbard Hour has included:
- District-level committees made up of teachers, support staff and administrators to look at logistics, adaptive needs and technical needs
- Building-level committees made up of teachers, support staff and administrators to look at logistics, adaptive needs, technical needs and curriculum
- Visits to Naperville Central and Downers Grove North high schools to experience their implementation
- Conversations with key personnel at Maine Township High School District 207, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and DuPage High School District 99
- Ongoing curriculum development
- Designing schedules and teacher teams
- Development of experiences/opportunities to support diverse student body
- Creation of the Glenbard Hour app
Overall, the Glenbard Hour will benefit each student, whether they need help with classwork or are doing well and want to tap into extended learning opportunities. I am eager to welcome back students and see the positive outcomes of the Glenbard Hour.
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.
SAFE2HELP ILLINOIS
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.”
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE/TEXT 988
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.
Glenbard West High School
Email: gw_news@glenbard.org
Website: glenbardwesths.org
Location: 670 Crescent Blvd.
Phone: 630-469-8600
Twitter: @GWHilltoppers