The WJHS Panther Pride Newsletter

We are proud to announce that our school has been recognized as an Illinois Exemplary School! This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and creating an outstanding learning environment for our students.

What’s more, we are thrilled to share that we are officially ranked #1 in DuPage County and #2 in the entire state of Illinois! This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our amazing students, teachers, staff, and families.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we are shaping the future and setting new standards for excellence in education!

As we say goodbye to our wonderful Taiwanese exchange students, we look back with gratitude on the time we’ve shared. Their visit has brought joy, curiosity, and a unique cultural perspective that enriched our school community.

We hope they enjoyed all the sights they experienced during their visit, especially the unforgettable trips to Chicago! From its iconic skyline to its vibrant neighborhoods, we trust the city left a lasting impression—just as they have left on us.

Though parting is bittersweet, we’re excited for the stories they’ll share back home about their time here. The friendships we’ve formed will undoubtedly transcend the miles between us.

Wishing them safe travels, bright futures, and warm memories of their time here. Until we meet again, 再見 (zài jiàn) – goodbye and see you soon!

Attending school regularly is key to success, helping students stay engaged and connected with their learning. However, we also recognize that health comes first.

If a student is feeling unwell, especially with symptoms such as fever, persistent coughing, or contagious conditions, it’s best to rest and recover at home. Taking care of health not only aids recovery but also helps protect classmates and staff from illness.

Unsure when to send them, and when to keep them home? See the chart below for some helpful guidelines.

Let’s work together to balance the importance of education with the need for self-care. Healthy students are better learners, and we’re here to support both wellness and academic success!

If your child texts you requesting a pick-up due to feeling unwell, please remind them to visit the nurse first. Students must see the nurse, who will assess their condition and determine if they need to go home. If so, the nurse will contact you directly. We kindly ask that you wait for her call before arriving to pick up your child. Rest assured, we will never force a student to stay if they are truly unwell. Our school nurse is highly skilled in evaluating each situation with care and attention to individual needs.

You can reach the nurse anytime at 630-468-8234.

While it may seem early to talk about graduation, we are already speaking with students about their academic standing and the SSLC hours that are required to walk the stage. After our Thanksgiving break, Ms. Quattrone and Mr. Lipinski will be meeting with parents/guardians of students who are currently in jeopardy of not participating in graduation activities.

The Student Service Learning Commitment (SSLC) is a graduation requirement for all students earning a Westmont Junior High School diploma at the graduation ceremony. Students perform this community service with an approved not-for-profit organization, and must include the phases of preparation, action and reflection.

Students at WJHS are required to earn:

• 9 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of May of their 6th grade year.

• 12 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of May of their 7th grade year.

• 15 SSLC hours by the first school day of the 2nd week of April of their 8th grade year, or a total of 36 hours over the course of their 3 years at WJHS.

Credit for Student Service Learning Commitment can be earned starting the summer after Grade 5 and must be completed by junior high school graduation. Students may earn SSLC hours in the following ways:

Active membership in approved school clubs; Early Act, SMART Service, Seeds of Hope/Sprouting Seeds, Outdoor Environmental Science, Recycling, Student Council. Other clubs may be eligible for SSLC hours after administrative approval is given.

Students will have opportunities inside and outside of school to fulfill this commitment.

For more about SSLC, and Frequently asked questions, click on these links:

SSLC Program Description

Ideas for Earning SSLC Hours (Slideshow)

6th Grade SSLC Log

7th Grade SSLC Log

8th Grade SSLC Log

With the holidays approaching this would be the perfect stocking stuffer for only $25 bucks and it's good for a year!

Sign up with the instructions below to create your account. Use the QR code on the flyer and check out some of 750,000 places you will receive a discount. Many of our local restaurants, movie theaters, car washes and much more are participating!

You can also win up to a $500 Amazon gift card for the most cards sold. Share this with your family and friends.

Look at the amazing prizes!!

Top seller $500 Amazon gift card
1st place $250 Amazon Gift Card
2nd place $150 Amazon Gift Card
3rd place $100 Amazon Gift Card
4th-10th $20 Amazon Gift Card

See the attached flyer for instructions how to sign up!

Calling all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Throw on your comfy PJs and come spend the evening with friends at WJHS! There will be music, games, a hot chocolate bar, and more. Be sure to fill out the form below and return it with your payment to the front office. Be sure to print your name clearly and put your payment in a sealed envelope or bag. I​can't wait to see you there!

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.

​It’s time to start thinking about OE–our 6th Grade Outdoor Education Experience! All 6th graders and their families are invited to join us on Thursday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center to hear what OE is about. Please note there is no obligation to attend the meeting. We want to share information about our favorite WJHS tradition–OE. We hope you’ll join us! Any questions can be sent to jburisek@cusd201.org.

We are thrilled to announce a special event for our families! CUSD201 has partnered with Maercker School District 60 to bring the engaging and dynamic performance of 123 Andrés to our community. 123 Andrés is a beloved musical experience that promotes language and cultural connections through song and dance.

CUSD201 encourages our families and staff to come out and bring their younger children, who might enjoy the celebration.

Check out the Save the Date video for additional information!

Unlimited Training

Nov 25-30

It is hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. If you are looking for some holiday fun for the family, be sure to take a look at the Westmont Park District calendar of events.

Remember to check the WJHS calendar for up-to-date information on Clubs, Events, and athletics and our Facebook page for the day-to-day happenings at the Junior high.

Next week marks Thanksgiving—a time to reflect on all we’re grateful for and to enjoy a well-deserved break with family and friends. It’s hard to believe, but we’re also approaching the halfway point of the school year!

As we look back on the past months, we’re proud of all the hard work, growth, and memories our students have created. Let’s carry this momentum into the second half of the year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Wishing everyone a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and plenty of good food!

Sincerely,

Amy Quattrone

WJHS Principal