Falcon Focus
September 2, 2022
FROM MR. BISCAN
I hope this edition of the Falcon Focus finds you safe and well. We continue to be grateful for a strong start to our school year and it's hard to believe that we're completing our third week of the first semester.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at our first semester Curriculum Night next Wednesday. It's a great opportunity to see the people who work with your children on a daily basis and find out more about the classes that they're learning in.
Our Library Learning Center (LLC) is the center of our school and its learning. Mrs. Pigoni and her staff do a wonderful job providing and creating diverse learning opportunities for our students and staff. In an effort to make sure that everyone understands the offerings of our LLC, I'm going to share more information about the Library Management System that we, and all District 200 schools utilize.
As stated above, Destiny is the library management system used by all District 200 schools. This system is online and accessible to all parents and students through each school’s website. Destiny allows all parents and students to have access to the titles of books available in each school’s LLC. You can access it by going directly to destiny.cusd200.org, clicking through the school website, or from a student’s classlink page. You do not need to be logged in to search the catalog, but students will need to log in for some of the more advanced features. I want to highlight a few features of Destiny available to all students and families.
Students can log in to their Destiny accounts from any device with online access. From there, they can see all books that are checked out to them. They can also put holds on titles that are checked out. Each student can create their own Favorites List to keep track of books they would like to check out.
Steps for creating a favorite list:
Log in to your school’s Destiny catalog using your child’s District 200 login information.
Find and open the record for the book you wish to add to your favorites list.
Click on the three dots toward the right of the screen.
Select “Add to Favorites”
A student’s favorites list is accessible by choosing “My Stuff” at the top of the screen.
If there are particular titles in our school’s collection you don’t wish your child to read or are not sure they will make the distinction on their own, reach out to Mrs. Pigoni.
You can learn about Destiny and how to create a favorite list by viewing this video.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Matt Biscan, Principal
We are Falcons.
We are Proud.
We are North.
FROM THE DESK OF MR. VENCKUS
FALL CURRICULUM NIGHT
FROM THE DESK OF DR. PAVLINI, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF STUDENT SERVICES
Thank you to everyone for your support in getting this school year off to a strong start. During our class meetings, held with all students last week, we reminded students how important it is to take responsibility for themselves. With that focus, we shared four specific reminders of what being responsible looks like here at school: Be on time. Avoid distractions. Stay in class. Use a pass.
As we continue reinforcing habits that will help students be responsible throughout their lives, English classes have been reminding students of our expectations pertaining to academic dishonesty. English classes are reviewing examples and academic dishonesty to be sure students understand how to avoid these inappropriate choices. Please reinforce these expectations in conversations at home, noting that contributing to a peer’s cheating or plagiarism is also behavior that is subject to consequences. A few discussion points for your at-home conversation are listed below:
Academic dishonesty refers to an act that is unethical in regards to academic work, typically encompassing a form of cheating or plagiarism. Students who contribute to a peer’s cheating or plagiarism are also subject to the consequences.
Academic Dishonesty includes:
1. Copying from another’s assignment or assessment–with or without–the person’s permission.
2. Passing off another’s ideas as your own, or sharing your own ideas with a peer, even if it’s been reworded.
3. Quoting material, imitating structure or posing an argument without citing the original source; not revealing the extent to which you have borrowed from a text or other source.
4. Resubmitting a former assignment as new, original work.
Consequences for Academic Dishonesty - Instances of Academic Dishonesty are documented and tracked throughout a student’s high school experience and carry over from one grade level to the next.
NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY
Wheaton North is proud to announce that we are starting a chapter of the National Art Honor Society. We invite all sophomores-seniors who have taken (or are currently taking) at least three semesters of fine arts courses at WNHS to apply. We are excited to assemble a group of artistic minds who want to serve our building by helping run Art Club and serve our community in many creative ways.
The application process begins with this form which must be completed by Friday, September 16th.
(Students will need to be logged into their school account to access the form.)
Questions? Email danielle.wennmaker@cusd200.org
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Join us in preparation for fun conferences including a weekend stay in Chicago, where we meet students from all over the country and the world.
We will be having our next meeting on September 11th at 6:45 in Room 902. Can’t make it? Don’t worry—contact us to let us know you are interested, and join one of our other meetings which are every Monday at 6:45 in Room 902. See Mrs. Lotspeich with any questions.
SPEECH, DEBATE, AND ACTING TEAM INFO MEETING!
FROM THE ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT
2022-23 Senior Portrait sessions will be September 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th and 21st from 3:30-9pm in rooms 802/804.
Students should check their Senior Google Classroom page for their assigned time slot and fill out the confirmation form to confirm their yearbook photo. These pictures are FREE!! Seniors must take a photo with Prestige Photos to be in the yearbook. This is the LAST CHANCE to be photographed, and we cannot take a photo from a different photographer. If you have questions, please contact 630-910-6800 and press option 2.
SECOND SEMESTER DRIVER EDUCATION STUDENTS
FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
General Announcements
Please follow the counseling department on Twitter @wncounseling for up-to-date information on a variety of topics from scheduling to the college search process.
During the 2022-2023 school year, students can request virtual or in person meetings with their counselor by visiting the counseling office, via email or by calling a counselor’s direct line.
Updated Counselor Assignments
Wondering who your counselor is for the 2022-2023 school year? Check out the updated
Save the Date
Financial Aid Night - Tuesday, September 20th, 6:00 P.M. - Virtual Event
All students and families are invited to attend financial aid night. This event is held in collaboration with Wheaton Warrenville South and will be fully virtual. More information will be released closer to the scheduled date.
Senior Family Night - Wednesday, August 31st, 7:00 P.M. - Virtual Event
If you missed Senior Family Night, you can check out the recorded session on the counseling website on our Senior Grade Level Curriculum page.
Curriculum Night - Wednesday September 7th - 6:30 P.M.
Prior to curriculum night, counselors will be available in the Counseling Center, starting at 6:30, to answer any individual questions related to the college application process or post-secondary planning.
Senior Class of 2023
Counselors hosted a college application process presentation for seniors during lunches on Friday August 26th. This presentation will cover general information about the application process and include an overview of individual senior conferences, the transcript request process and updates to Naviance.
Students can begin requesting transcripts for college and scholarship applications. No requests should be filled out until the application is complete.
Individual Senior conferences kicked off the last week of August and will continue throughout September and October. If your son or daughter has questions prior to their individual meeting, they can reach out to their counselor to set up an appointment or ask a question.
Seniors can sign up for college rep visits or by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are already scheduled to visit us.
Juniors Class of 2024
Juniors will begin the college search process with their counselors near the end of November and continue through Spring Break. Students and families looking to get a headstart can access all College Search Materials via the counseling website. Materials will update throughout first semester.
Juniors can sign up for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are
already scheduled to visit us.
Sophomore Class of 2025
Sophomores can sign up for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are already scheduled to visit us.
ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS
The PSAT/NMSQT Exam is being offered to Junior students on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at 7:30 am.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a national standardized exam.
This test is for Juniors only.
Students who score in the top 4% nationally may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
This is an OPTIONAL exam, so students must register to take it.
Registration Information
Registration will open on Thursday, September 1st.
Deadline to register is Friday, September 9th.
A registration link will be shared on our school’s website and on Counselor’s Google classrooms Sept. 1st.
The cost of the exam is $27.
If you think your student qualifies for a fee waiver, please instruct them to see Mr. Longenbaugh in the Counseling Office before Sept. 8th to confirm status.
October 12th is a Falcon Late Start Day - Please Plan Accordingly
TCD
Interested in attending TCD next year? Parents and students are invited to the TCD Fall open house on Thursday September 15, from 6-8 PM. The purpose is to not only learn about current programs offered at TCD, but also see industry partners, colleges & universities where they could go after completing their time at TCD. We encourage you to see the TCD facilities to learn if this opportunity is a good fit for your student.
September 23rd is a WN Teacher institute day with no school. TCD is in attendance. It is OPTIONAL to attend TCD on this day. Students may transport themselves to and from TCD with TCD permission.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GVwCDkdzJzL5kQpZ8meHkcKZErADxl6J/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j7-kl4pugyak0vPbszsLZ9mcDx4mTxH7/view?usp=sharing
No School on Labor Day for either TCD or WNHS students.
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
If your student becomes ill during the school day, please remind them to go to the Health Office before texting a parent/guardian to go home. A student may be sent to the Health Office on a teacher's pass in case of sudden illness or injury. If the nurse feels the student is to be sent home, a parent or another authorized emergency contact will be consulted and transportation options discussed. Students leaving school because of illness or personal emergencies must check out through the health office to avoid an unexcused absence. A parent/guardian's request to excuse the absence after the student leaves during the school day cannot be honored. This process saves time and eliminates confusion, so we appreciate your cooperation.
Students entering the 9th grade for the 2022-2023 school year must show proof of having received a physical examination dated on or after August 17, 2021. A copy of this physical exam is expected in the Wheaton North Health Office by the first day of school - August 17, 2022.
If your student will be participating in interscholastic athletics, please make a copy of the completed physical form and turn it into the Athletic office via Family ID. Please note, the Illinois High School Athletic Association sports physical form does not qualify for the required 9th grade physical, but the required state physical form does qualify for both school and sports.
Students entering 12th grade for the 2022-2023 school year must show proof of having received a dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4) on or after their 16th birthday. Proof of having received this vaccination is due in the Health Office by the first day of school - August 17, 2022.
Physical Exam and Immunization records may be dropped off in the Main Office at WNHS or scanned (no screenshots, please) and emailed to: Wheatonnorthhealthoffice@cusd200.org
Please call the WNHS Health Office with any questions:
630-784-7327.
JOIN MATH TEAM!
FALCON WINGS
The Falcon WiNGS is our booster club with a mission to help our Falcon’s Fly. Last year, the Falcon WiNGS donated over $100,000 back to Wheaton North students because of support from our parents and community. You can still join the Falcon WiNGS! Check out our membership options!
Please join to support all students.
Choose to purchase a sports pass.
Or you can even get parking for home football games!
Those that have already joined the Falcon WiNGS, you may pick up your sports passes and membership cards at the north gate of the football stadium at any home football game!
Questions? Please contact Erin Froebe at membership@wnfalconwings.org.
CONCESSIONS
The majority of our fundraising is done through the concession stand, but we can’t do it without your support. This year, sports teams, clubs and organizations have signed up to run the concession stand at various athletic events. When your sport, club or organization volunteers to staff the concession stand, the Falcon WiNGS will make a donation to that specific group. Details are our volunteer link. Questions, contact Jennifer Devalk at volunteers@wnfalconwings.org
SAVE THE DATE!
The Falcon WiNGS with the support of Evereve in Danada will be hosting a shopping fundraiser on Thursday, September 29th. Hold off on getting new fall clothes… when you purchase on Thursday, September 29th and mention the Falcon WiNGS, Evereve will donate 15% of your purchase back to the WiNGS! Follow us on Facebook for more information.!
Interested in Corporate Sponsorship of the WiNGS, including the banners you see on the fence by the Football Field & Track? Contact Becky Lewis at sponsorship@wnfalconwings.org.
Want a Wheaton North yard sign for your student? Please order on-line or contact Cali Belini and Erin Young at yardsigns@wnfalconwings.org. Orders are placed every Friday and will be delivered to your home when they come in. Let’s paint the Northside Blue and Gold!
Looking for Falconwear for 2022-2023? We’ve got some great new gear! Order on-line anytime or look for us at home sporting events this fall near the Falcon Feeder Concessions Stand or inside the school. Questions? Please contact Terese Janik or Kelli Ahern at falconwear@wnfalconwings.org.
Falcon spirit wear sales:
9/9 6:00 pm - 9:00pm football game
9/30 Homecoming 6:00pm - 9:00pm football game
10/7 6:00pm - 9:00pm football game
10/21 6:00pm - 9:00pm football game
Falcon wear will also be on sale at school on Thursday from 10-12:30.
All D200 PE Uniform purchases benefit PTAs & Booster Clubs (at North: Falcon WiNGS). PE Uniforms are available at the Wheaton Sport Center (1000 W Prairie Ave, Wheaton). If you have questions, please contact cusd200peuniform@gmail.com .
The Wheaton Sport Center is proud to give back all proceeds from PE uniforms to the school where each student purchaser attends. The WSC has donated over $15,000 to the PTAs and high school Boosters! Thank you, WSC!
The Wheaton North Falcon WiNGS Newsletter comes out at the beginning of each month and periodically throughout the school year with important information. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your spam and add secretary@wnfalconwings.org to your inbox!
The Wheaton North Falcon WiNGS posts information on Social Media. Be sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook page at Wheaton North Falcon Wings. For specific classes you can also follow:
Wheaton North Parents Class of 2023; Wheaton North Parents Class of 2024; Wheaton North Parents- Class of 2025; or Wheaton North Parents Class of 2026. All local information about the school will be posted there!
Upcoming meeting: Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022 in the Wheaton North Commons. Hope to see you there!