The WJHS Panther Pride Newsletter

We hope this season fills your heart with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with your loved ones.

The Newsletter Elves will be taking a well-deserved break over the holidays, so there will be no new Panther newsletters until Friday, January 12th.

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, delicious meals, and unforgettable memories. We look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year!

SCHOOL RESUMES JANUARY 6, 2025!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the Westmont Lions Club for their incredible generosity in fulfilling so many wishes from our WJHS Angel Tree! Your kindness has brought joy and light to families in need this holiday season.

We wrapped up Student Councils Holiday Spirit Days today, and I have to say, it is one of our favorite traditions at WJHS. Check out our Facebook page for some pictures, here are a few for you to enjoy!

Dress like a Teacher or Student Day!

I think it is safe to say Mr. McLeod, Mr. Prysny and Mr. Kuhn NAILED IT!

We invite you to join our Winter Reading Challenge and celebrate the joy of reading!

We’d love for you to share creative photos of your reading moments. Here are a few fun ideas to inspire you:

• Winter Wonderland: Take your book outside in the snow or pair it with a cozy mug of cocoa.
• Furry Friends: Include your pets—they make the best reading companions!
• Cozy Corners: Show us your favorite reading nook, complete with blankets and cozy vibes.
• Travel Tales: Snap a picture of your book in an exciting or peaceful vacation spot.

Share Your Creativity!
Email your photos to: news@cusd201.org
Tag us on Facebook or Instagram using @CUSD201 and #CUSD201Reads

Let’s celebrate the love of reading together! We can’t wait to see your photos! #CUSD201Reads

We’re excited to announce plans for our 6th Grade Outdoor Education Trip, and we’d love for all 6th graders to join us!

This February, we’ll be heading to White Pines Ranch in scenic Oregon, Illinois, for an unforgettable three-day, two-night adventure exploring nature and the outdoors. The trip cost is $165.00.

There’s some paperwork to complete, and students will need to choose their class options—everything you need can be found HERE.

We’re finalizing our count by January 7, so please review the information and secure your spot soon.

This trip is one of our favorite WJHS traditions, and we want every student to be part of it!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Jen Burisek at jburisek@cusd201.org or 630.468.8222.

Ladies are you interested in playing volleyball?

There is an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 7th, from 3:30-4:15.

Tryouts are:

Thursday, January 9th

Friday, January 10th

3:30-5:15.

You MUST have a current physical on file with Nurse Knight.

Coach Palmer and Coach Borg are looking forward to an amazing season!

It’s hard to believe, but the time has come to start preparing for the 8th Grade Dance! We’ll be forming the 8th Grade Dance Committee at the end of January, and more details will be shared after we return from winter break. Stay tuned!

Hey 8th graders….if you would like to get some early outfit shopping done over break, graduation pictures are scheduled for Friday, January 10th. Mark your calendars!

Erin’s Law, House Bill 6193 was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on January 24, 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades pre-K through 12.

Victor Pacini, a survivor of sexual abuse, author and motivational speaker, will be assisting our schools in implementing this mandate. Mr. Pacini’s program is developmentally appropriate, interactive, and aligned with learning standards. The focus of his presentation is to teach children basic skills to keep them safe from dangerous or abusive situations. The concepts that will be discussed are:

• Distinguishing safe from unsafe touches

• Safety rules at home and school

• Saying “NO”

• Safe/Unsafe Secrets

• It’s not the child’s fault if someone touches him or her

• Telling a trusted adult

Mr. Pacini’s organization will be presenting at our schools. The date for the student presentations at WJHS is Jan. 15, 2025.

Requests to Opt-Out: If you prefer that your child opt-out of this prevention education session, please email Amy Quattrone @ aquattrone@cusd201.org

The 6th Grade Rock Climbing Field Trip is quickly approaching. If your child plans on participating they will need to provide the following:

1. Printed Field Trip Form turned in.

2. $20 Cash or Check made out to WJHS.

3. Parents need to complete the waiver for their child and NOT register themselves as climbers. Students who do not have a waiver completed with an email confirmation will not be able to climb.

Mr. Cornacchia and Ms. Hillertz will notify students and parents who do not have a waiver completed before winter break.

Additional information can be found on the attached flyer.

When we return in January, Ms. Quattrone and Mr. Lipinski will be reaching out to parents/guardians of students at risk of not meeting the requirements for graduation activities, whether due to academic standing or SSLC hours.

Together, we will collaborate to develop a plan tailored to your student, equipping them with the support and guidance they need to achieve success.

The Mighty Oak Athletic Winter Break Strength Camp runs from December 21 to January 4, offering unlimited 1-hour training sessions for only $125 per child.

Don’t miss this opportunity to keep your child active and strong during the break!

Sign Up Here

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and check our WJHS Calendar for a list of events and activities throughout the year.

As we wrap up 2024, we want to thank you for being part of our school community this year. We wish you a joyful and restful holiday season!

We look forward to seeing you back on January 6, 2025. Here’s to a bright and exciting new year ahead!