Leyden Pride
November 20, 2023
Dec 23 - Jan 3 - No School - Winter Break
Jan 6 - No School - Institute Day
Jan 20 - No School - Martin Luther King Day
Feb 17 - No School - President's Day
The Taste of East will be held Tuesday, December 3, and the Taste of West will be held on Wednesday, December 4. Both events run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
This is the first event in a student’s career at Leyden High School and offers families and students a glimpse into the curriculum and many activities that are offered throughout the school year. A postcard was mailed out with additional information. Please contact the main office at West Leyden at 847-451-3122 or East Leyden at 847-451-3023 with any questions.
The Leyden Fine Arts Department will be hosting its 30th Annual Yuletide Celebration on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the East Leyden Commons. Join us for an evening of delicious warm beverages as we serenade you in our East Leyden Commons. Our carolers will parade you through our beautiful holiday lighting ceremony. Return to your seat to find a scrumptious treat! Advance tickets are required, so purchase your tickets today.
Link: Purchase tickets
Tuesday, December 10, between 4 - 7 p.m., the McDonalds on North Avenue in Northlake will donate 20% of proceeds to the West Leyden Parent’s Club. Mention the fundraiser when ordering or show the picture of the flyer. Also, parents interested in joining the club can email leydenparentsclub@gmail.com to get involved.
December 4: Autonomy/Balanced Parenting: Reduce Parent Burnout and Raise Competent Kids
Link: Information
December 5: FUSE - First a Dream: Find your future at college night
Every Wednesday: Parenting Unplugged: Raising Healthy Teen Minds (Podcast)
Link: Information
Leyden esports Rocket League team wins state
On Saturday, November 23, Leyden High School’s Rocket League team won the Illinois High School Esports Association (IHSEA) state championship. The team, consisting of West seniors Rodrigo Diaz and Jonathan Rosas, East junior Isaac Merino, and East freshman Ian Giron, competed in the online tournament against more than 100 schools throughout Illinois. They went into the competition ranked 2nd, going into the double elimination round in the 3A division.
“This was an amazing accomplishment in and of itself, yet the circumstances surrounding this win are exceptional, and demonstrated incredible sportsmanship and perseverance of our students,” said Coach Eric McFadden.
Link: Full Story
Leyden participates in ILMEA District 1 Jazz Festival
The following Leyden musicians were selected to perform at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 1 Jazz Festival: Vocal Jazz 1: Sophia Arguezo, Edgar Garcia, Lily Montes, Nathan Pera, and Shaina Vasa; Vocal Jazz 2: Michelle Abeja, Marwa Avinger, Jassy Gill, Yurem Mesa, Sonya Morales, James Quesada, Claudine Ricana, Emanuel Rios, and Katya Solis.
Soccer players recognized by the IIllinois High School Soccer Assocation
On November 18, the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA) honored several Leyden soccer players: Brandon Delgado was named All-Sectional; Fabian Rodriguez earned All-State and Sectional Sportsmanship honors; and Christian Esquivel was recognized as All-State. This marks the first time in school history that two players have received All-State honors in the same season.
Two Leyden nutcrackers featured in public art project
The Village of Rosemont hosted its second annual display of nutcrackers, featuring two Leyden art pieces! The students at West Leyden were asked to design one for Representative Brad Stephens, for the state of Illinois, and in turn, Stephens also sponsored a nutcracker in honor of Leyden’s 100th anniversary.
Link: See All Nutcrackers
Leyden hosted Navy Recruits
On Thanksgiving, Leyden hosted a holiday celebration for approximately 100 Navy Recruits from Great Lakes Naval Station. Leyden sent buses up to the base in Waukegan, and the recruits spent the day enjoying a full thanksgiving meal and experience at East Leyden. Treats were prepared by the Leyden culinary students, entertainment by the Chamber Choir, and there were games, including football, table tops, bags, and even Chromebooks and cell phones so that the recruits could connect with their families.
“It gives us such joy to be able to treat those who serve our country a family-style experience at a time when we know they aren’t able to be with their own families,” said Superintendent, Dr. Nick Polyak. “Our hope is that their time with us helps to show them the love and support of our Leyden communities.”
Leyden Orchesis preparing for Illinois High School Dance Showcase
Orchesis members Emma De Leon, Rosalia Di Paola, Solimar Morales, Jaydee Uy, and Natalie Villalba Acosta had the opportunity to collaborate with a professional dancer from the Giordano Dance Company in Chicago. They have been working closely with this dancer, who choreographed an original piece specifically for the upcoming Leyden Orchesis performance at the Illinois High School Dance Festival.
Chamber Singers perform at state education conference
The Leyden Chamber Singers performed at the 2024 Joint Annual Conference of the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) on Friday, November 22. One of the largest state education conferences in the nation, the event welcomed local school board members, superintendents, secretaries, administrators, educators, state and regional officials, school attorneys, and university professors.
Student Council offers ways to give back this holiday
West Student Council's food and toy drive runs through December 13. New, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items will be donated to the Leyden Community Food Pantry. Donation boxes are available in the Main Office and the Student Activities Office.
East Student Council is organizing its annual food and toy drive to benefit Leyden Township. Donations of toys and non-perishable food items can be dropped off in the Student Activities Office (Room 152A) or the library. Donations will be accepted through December 6.
Exhibit will be moving to Franklin Park Public Library
The 100th Anniversary Traveling Exhibit, Leyden: Making History, will be making it's way to the Franklin Park Public Library on December 5. The exhibit will be available for viewing during library hours and will be on display through the first week of February.
Connect with us:
Email: cdundovich@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212
Instagram: leydenpride212
YouTube: leydenpride212