Leyden Pride

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!

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.

Eagle Time A = Monday/Thursday classes

Eagle Time B = Tuesday/Friday classes

Leyden is pleased to partner with Young Hearts for Life® (YH4L) to offer all Leyden High School students a free, potentially life-saving ECG screening, on Tuesday, February 27, at East, and Tuesday, March 5, at West. These screenings are optional and parent/guardian authorization will be required. Parents/Guardians will receive information via email in early 2024 with the required authorization form.

Link: More Info and to Register

Leyden Leydenette’s Dance Team is hosting the Little Leydenettes Clinic on Friday, January 26, in the East Leyden South gym from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This clinic is open to participants in kindergarten through 8th grade. All students will practice technique, learn a dance routine and perform at the Varsity boys basketball game at 7:00 p.m. that evening. The cost to register is $35, which includes a t-shirt and pizza. If you have any questions please contact Brittany Cieplinksi at bcieplinksi@leyden212.org or Georgia Thomas at gthomas@leyden212.org.

Link: Register

Auditions for the Leyden musical, The Music Man, will take place on December 11, at 3:30 p.m. in the West Leyden auditorium and on December 12, at 3:30 p.m. in the East Leyden auditorium. Please complete the audition form if interested in auditioning. If you have any questions please contact fbavone@leyden212.org.

Link: Audition form

Senior yearbook pictures will be taken January 9-10, in the auditorium, during English classes, and after school until 3:30 p.m. The make-up date for seniors will be January 22. Orders can be placed through hrimaging.com. An email will be sent prior to the date with additional details. Please contact vgiordano@leyden212.org with any questions.

Underclassmen make-up photos will take place on January 11, from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the cafeteria, and on January 22, from 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Pre-pay order forms will be available in the lunchroom and can be ordered online through hrimaging.com.

The Chicago Bears selected Leyden Special Education Teacher/Vocational Coordinator Kevin Mitchell as a Chicago Bears Classroom Legend, presented by CDW. Mitchell works with students aged 18-22 in the district’s transition program, which helps build independence for post-secondary real-world living.

Earlier today, Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and former Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton, surprised Mitchell in his classroom and presented him with a custom football and jersey, tickets to an upcoming game and a check for $1,000.

“Kevin Mitchell is a winner in the field of education,” shared Bears Community Engagement Strategist Emily Rooney, in the presentation of the award. “Not because he accomplishes every goal he sets for himself, but because at the end of the day, he gives his best effort. Kevin embodies what it means to work hard, try your best, and be a leader on a team.”

Mitchell is a Bears “super fan” and was nominated for this honor by his wife, Danielle Mitchell.

“I’m so grateful and I am so honored,” said Mitchell. “It’s not just me, there are so many people, it’s a team effort and I just want to thank you all.”

On Tuesday, December 5, the Bridge World Readiness class had their 6th annual Holiday Unwind event for teachers and staff. The students prepared a variety of sweet and savory snacks for more than 50 guests to enjoy. This event let students practice restaurant vocational skills along with the speech and social work skills.

The U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance came to West Leyden to teach the Adaptive PE class (LIFE and BRIDGE students) the sport of golf. During the six-week clinic,students learned basic skills using modified rules and equipment and earned a certificate marking its completion.

Need assistance with food? The Leyden Township Food Pantry and Northern Illinois Food Bank offers food for families in need.

Links:

Leyden Township Food Pantry

Find a local Food Pantry

Open enrollment for healthcare is going on now through December 15 for coverage that starts January 1, 2024.

Link: HealthCare.gov

Need to renew your state medical coverage? To keep getting care through HealthChoice Illinois, participants are asked to renew Medicaid coverage every year.

Link: Medicaid Renewal

Help is available to manage healthcare, food, and cash assistance benefits through the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE).

Link: Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE)

Email: pr@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212