Leyden Pride Newsletter
August 21, 2020
Welcome to the 2020-21 school year!
Remote learning a step forward
Leyden’s first week of remote learning was a success. Principals opened the school year with a virtual welcome with over 2,000 students logged in. Attendance was at 95 percent. A step in the right direction.
Thanks to all students and staff for your hard work!
Read what the Leyden school community shared this week:
Share your Leyden stories by using #leydenpride and tagging us @leydenpride212.
Congratulations to our newest student board members Ms. Amanda Le and Ms. Cassandra Diaz! #leydenpride
East Leyden Student Board Member Ms. Amanda Le
West Leyden Student Board Member Ms. Cassandra Diaz
Separated by the pandemic and travel bans, couple remains hopeful
West campus math teacher Aysha Shedbalkar lives in Lombard. Her husband,
Rezan Al Ibrahim, lives in the Netherlands. Their relationship has been primarily
long distance because of his status as a Syrian refugee. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the Trump administration’s travel ban, Al Ibrahim has been prohibited from visiting or living in the United States. Currently the couple awaits approval of a U.S. spouse visa.
Click on the links to learn more about their story.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/i-just-want-to-be-with-
him-chicago-area-woman-husband-separated-by-pandemic/2308367/%3famp
Science and technology staff members support healthcare workers
This summer career and technical education department faculty and staff showed their gratitude to first responders and medical professionals by manufacturing and delivering personal protective equipment (PPE) to those in need.
As supplies ran low, first responders and medical professionals asked the public for help restocking PPE equipment. Leyden CTE teachers and other staff members responded by using their technical skills, knowledge and experience to help replenish PPE supplies.
Participants set up 3D printers in their homes, and went to work identifying crucial components like protective equipment design and appropriate filament materials. Ultimately the group made more than 600 face shields, N95 masks and protective ear savers that were distributed to local hospitals, long term care facilities, and police and fire stations.
In recognition of supporting first responders and healthcare professions, thank you to Nick Polyak, Frank Holthouse, Brian Burcham, Mike Matticks, Rob Hamman, Todd Veltman, Joe Ruffolo and Brad Henning.
Open House Update
In lieu of Open House we ask that you visit your child's Schoology courses where you will find a course information folder that includes a teacher welcome video, information about the course, and ways to contact your child's teacher.
Free Grab and Go meal distribution
For the 2020-21 school year, Leyden will provide all students with a healthy school breakfast and lunch at no charge. The district is part of the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students can participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.
Meal distribution takes place Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please note that a Leyden school ID must be presented at meal distribution sites. Parents picking up meals must present their child's school ID. See below for meal distribution sites.
Student athletes back in action
Girls Tennis: Emily Klepacki & Kamiya Giza
"I'm glad that we are out here and that I get to play my senior year," Emily Klepacki.
Girls Swimming: Maya Madej
"The year has been rough but I feel that we are slowly getting back to having a little bit of normalcy. The videos that the district sends us, and having the opportunity to participate in a sport and be with my teammates, is what keeps me motivated."
Girls Swimming: Caroline Gorski
"This season is different. There are only two people per lane and we need to have our mask on when we are not in pool. But I'm very excited for this season and I hope that we are all back together soon."
About Us
Email: cmoreno@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212