Hello - this is a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have a student at, or have expressed an interest in, Glenbard West High School. Communication between Glenbard West and our families and community is very important to us. Don't forget to add gw_news@glenbard.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! Please email any questions directly to Glenbard Staff, we are happy to respond.

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL

Congratulations to Glenbard West students James Doyle and Jacob Lachs on earning a 36 on the ACT. Typically, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of high school students receives a perfect composite score of 36.

Congratulations to Tanya Shanahan and Bruce Medic who were selected for the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award. Students in the University of Chicago Class of 2025 nominated educators whose guidance has positively impacted their lives.

ALL STUDENTS ARE WELCOME!

On Thursday, October 21st, two West AP Studio Art students, Rose Fenske and Oliver Ash (Oli Gonzalez) competed in an Illustration “Throwdown” online competition sponsored by the state-wide organization, ARTconnectED. They competed for 1 ½ hours on Zoom and were not given their Illustration prompt until the minute the competition started. Out of 45 competitors, both Oli and Rose placed in the top 5; Oli taking 2nd place and Rose earning an honorable mention. Congratulations to Rose and Oli!

Earlier this month 17 works of art into the Regional 4x5 Art Show sponsored by Oswego High School. Over 1,800 pieces are entered annually and Glenbard West student, Evan Stevens won an award in the "Computer Generated Art" category. Congratulations to Evan!

Advanced Treble Choir and Concert / Baritone Choir both performed separately at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The West Bands had a clinic session with Alex Kaminksy, the band director at Vandercook College of Music.

The West Orchestras had a clinic session with Taka Matsunaga, the Director of Orchestras at Elmhurst University.

Glenbard West High School has nine students invited to participate in the 2021 Illinois Music Educators Association All-District Festival at Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville, Illinois. The students were selected based on a rigorous audition procedure of etudes, musical excerpts, scales, triads, and sight-reading. Congratulations to the following students:

In Band: Kate Bachman, trumpet and Francesca Di Domenico, bassoon.

In Choir: Maggie Meyers, alto 1.

In 9/10 Choir: Angelina Abraham, soprano; Maggie Frigo, alto; Joel Scribner, tenor; and Parker Cain, bass.

In Orchestra: Sophie Allaway, violin, and Anna Creech, French horn.

Congrats ILMEA Students!!

Visual Art – Olivia Wallace

Music – Ella Erickson

Speech/Theater - Taylor Gottsman

Congratulations to our students who were selected to perform in the honor choirs at the American Choral Director Association (ACDA) Midwestern Conference in February at the Harris Theatre in Chicago. Students were part of a rigorous audition process across 10 midwestern states.

Congratulations to the Glenbard West students noted below.

Maggie Meyers, alto 1; Lucas Quintos, tenor 1; and Charlie Lettenberger, tenor 2.

The Madrigal Concert will be on Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 7:00 p.m.

The Music Department will present the Winter Music Festival Concert on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the Winter Music Festival are on sale right now. The Winter Music Festival is the only music department school concert in which reserved seat tickets are sold due to the large audience in attendance.

Order forms will be available online at the Glenbard West Music website and through any music student. Tickets are $5 for adults. Admission for students, senior citizens, and Booster Pass Holders will be $2.

Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 guidelines for schools have recently been updated. Please see below for the most recent guidance:

• All individuals who are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms (Fever of 100.4 or greater, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, moderate/severe headache, new loss of taste/smell, congestion, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea) must remain home from school regardless of vaccination status.

• All symptomatic individuals should have a negative COVID test prior to returning to school. COVID testing must occur within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. If testing is outside of this 48-hour window, a 10-day quarantine from the onset of symptoms will need to occur.

• Rapid tests are now being accepted for symptomatic individuals. At-home testing kits are not accepted.

• DuPage County Health Department is allowing a shortened 10-day quarantine option for individuals who remain asymptomatic during their close-contact quarantine. Please note that days 11-14, individuals will need to monitor for any new symptoms, and report to the health office if symptoms develop.

• Fully vaccinated individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID case AND have not developed symptoms are not required to quarantine. Please continue to monitor for any new onset of symptoms. If any COVID-like symptoms develop, keep the individual home and immediately report symptoms to Health Office.

• Please reference the IDPH Decision Tree with the most recent updated COVID-19 Interim Exclusion Guidance for Schools

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Health Office. Please continue to report any new COVID-like symptoms immediately, the Health Office can help provide guidance for testing or isolation/quarantine procedures. Thank you for your support in keeping our schools safe.

Student Services hosted the October Matter of Pride Ceremony on October 15, 2021. For those that are not familiar with our Matter of Pride Award, it was created over 30 years ago at West as a way to recognize students with outstanding character. This is the only award at West that focuses on a student's kindness, willingness to help others, going above and beyond for their school and/or community, and positive attitude. Basically, Matter of Pride recipients is what makes West the Best!

Congratulations to our Award Recipients: Front Row (L to R): Sam Schoettle; George Morris; Cristian Morataya; Jason Thomas

Back row (L to R) Delilah Alvarez; Mikhayla Arriola; Noah McNulty; Joshua Brooks; Maggie Meyers; Justin Keo

Each Quarter our teachers across the various departments at Glenbard West choose the one student who best exemplifies excellence within their discipline. The Glenbard West community

remains strong because of these students. We congratulate the Departmental Recognition Award Recipients and we thank the families and teachers who have helped them along the way.

Back Row L to R: Marissa Spatafora, Rudy Landaverde Aguilar, Zaahi Hussaini, Christian Nesslar, Nina Graham, Olivia Wallace, Maclayne Crews

Front Row L to R: Hannah Persino, Ella Erickson, Katherine Bachman, Taylor Gottsman, Ishrat Patel, Emiliano Morales

Not Pictured: Matthew Zurawski

The Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn Mentor Day for Glenbard West and Glenbard South High School students was held on the week of November 8. Mentor Day has been in existence for over 20 years and continues to grow. This year, 45 high school juniors participated and were connected with mentors throughout the community who work in careers of interest to the students.

We had 16 mentors that were matched with 45 students from Glenbard West and Glenbard South. Students were able to go into classrooms (teaching); participate in mock therapy sessions (therapist); observe court proceedings (lawyer) and many other offices and businesses to understand the careers and ask valuable questions to those experienced in their field of interest.

We are grateful for the companies and mentors that take their time to mentor our students.

Thank you to the Rotary Club that provides mentors that make this event a rich educational experience.

On November 12th, Glenbard West Student Council sponsored the Freshman Leadership Conference. This event looks to develop and refine the leadership skills of our freshman class. Freshmen are nominated by staff who recognize their potential for initiative and leadership.

West partners with Deb and Dana Hult of Core Trainings. Deb and Dana are nationally known and work with hundreds of schools across the United States teaching the power of positive peer relations within school. Both Deb and Dana designed extremely interactive breakout sessions customized to fit the culture of Glenbard West and focused on empowering students to make an impact on the school and community. This year we were lucky to have Deb and Dana’s son Trevor join the team. Most students seldom receive formal training in basic leadership skills and our belief is this leadership training will help them become more meaningful and effective students. Other breakout sessions are hosted by teacher/sponsor Ms. Monahan and teacher/coach Mr. Zander. The conference is a unique experience for students to interact and learn from experts as well as leaders within Glenbard West.

Your child's attendance matters. We are so happy to see our students back in the building after the pandemic. Please continue attending regularly. Students are able to miss a maximum of nine school days over the course of a school year. Exceeding nine absences will result in the requirement of a doctor's note for all future absences.

Students who are late to class are required to scan their ID using the HERO stations supervised by our Prudential Security staff. Upon scanning, the HERO system will print the student a pass that will be used to enter class. Please remember to call the attendance office (630) 858-5060 before 10:30 AM to excuse any of your child’s absences. Please see below for additional attendance information.

Once again, Glenbard West enjoyed a great fall season with many team and individual accomplishments. Here are just a few highlights:

Varsity Football, Varsity Boys Soccer, and Varsity Field Hockey all had outstanding seasons advancing in the playoffs.

The final exam schedule for first semester can be found below. Please note that students are not allowed to take early final exams due to a pre-arranged absence or family vacation. If these situations arise, students will receive an Incomplete and will make up their final exam at a later date.

Students who have three exams on Day 1 or Day 2, may elect to change or move one of their exams to the final time slot on Day 3. A rescheduled exam form must be completed and approved at least one week prior to the exam (Friday, Dec. 10th). Students can pick-up the form in the Dean’s office.

Front Row: Chris Gladish, Rhiannon Sieck, Natalie Rubino, Beatriz de Ferreira, Lissete Ochoa

Middle Row: Kate Culloton, Margie Kruk

Back Row: Jeremiah Wiencek, Tad Keely, Mike Neberz, Tony Bergantino

Check out the School Counseling College Application Resources for more info on scholarships, application support videos, and college research.

Seniors - We know you are feeling some relief as the bulk of the college application deadlines passed on November 1st! There are still applications being submitted for December and January deadlines, but we’ve currently had 4,001 applications submitted by 471 students! Make sure to remind your seniors to send a thank you note to all the teachers that took the extra time to write their letters of recommendation. We are excited to report we hosted both virtual and in-person visits by 174 college representatives, which over 482 students attended! Another reminder, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened up in October and is a graduation requirement this year. If you haven’t done so already, make sure you go to FAFSA.gov to get it completed, not only for consideration of financial aid, but also scholarships from colleges. Speaking of scholarships, Local Scholarship applications will become available in January on Naviance.

Juniors - A reminder to sign up for the free SAT test prep courses available to you from Glenbard District 87. Although the bulk of our college rep visits have taken place, there will be more in the Spring! Make sure you are checking in Naviance to sign up for these virtual visits. Counselors will be doing follow up visits to your English classes in February to get more in depth with college research.

Sophomores - Counselors will be working with your English classrooms the first week of December to present on selecting classes for next year and reviewing your options. It is never too early to start talking to your teachers about recommendations on what you should be taking junior year. In Spring, we’ll be meeting in your English classes to guide you through a personality test on Naviance and begin exploring some potential careers, college majors, and developing an activity resume.

Freshmen - Counselors are meeting in small groups with you over the next month to get to know you, show you how to choose your classes in PowerSchool, get you logged in and introduced to Naviance and work with you to set some postsecondary goals.

Class of 2026 - Electronic enrollment packets with detailed information will be going out later in December. Please make sure you check your emails and review the information thoroughly. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Chris Gladish, School Counseling Administrative Assistant at christine_gladish@glenbard.org or (630) 942-7482. For Spanish please contact Ms. Bea Ferreira, Administrative Assistant School Counseling at beatriz_romerodeferreira@glenbard.org or (630) 942-7483.

Beginning December 7

School Counseling will begin the course enrollment process for next school year. Students will once again enter their course requests online through a browser in the student portal of PowerSchool. During the week of December 7, school counselors will visit Sophomore English and Junior U.S. History classes to discuss the online enrollment process and share course enrollment forms. Freshmen will be receiving presentations from their counselor during Biology to make general selections in PowerSchool and provide instructions on how to edit from home.

Students will be able to enter their course selections beginning November 29 - January 3. Students who have an IEP or who receive academic support within the EL program will have access to view their course selections which will be chosen through an individualized team process. After the deadline, students will meet individually with their school counselors during the weeks of January 10 - 28. These dates can be found on the Glenbard West School Counseling public calendar.

The Course Selection Worksheet/Schedule and List of Courses can be reviewed and utilized as a tool to assist students/parents in selecting next year's courses.

For more detailed course descriptions please refer to the online Glenbard West Enrollment Handbook.

It is essential that your student give careful consideration to his/her course choices. Any changes after January 29 must be discussed with the student's School Counselor and will only be available on a space available basis. Parents, we value your input in this process because you best understand your own student's interests and goals. You also see how the overall academic rigor of his or her schedule affects daily functioning.

Important Dates

November 29 - December 17

Teacher Discussion Recommendations

Counselors provide enrollment information

November 29 - January 3

Input course requests in the student portal of PowerSchool

January 10-28

Individual 1:1 follow-up meetings with School Counselors

Pictured: Deandra Bass, Nisa Gabbidon, Pam Hagstrom, Caitlin John, Claire Leoni, Amanda Meyer, Chris Mitchell, Bridget Mazzone, Kristie Smalley, Jessica Walters, and Mary Yangas

Recently, Marc Brackett Ph. D. spoke to Glenbard staff about emotional intelligence (one’s ability to understand, utilize, as well as manage your personal emotions in a positive manner) and the current state of our students and educators. There were several key statistics and strategies provided to increase one’s emotional intelligence!

According to Dr. Brackett, Mental Health trends for our youth in America are as follows:

• 25% of children have school adjustment problems

• 18% of the population is affected by anxiety disorders

• 25% of children between the age of 13 and 18 have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder

With these trends in mind, as a community, we need to focus on the wellbeing of our students. Below are the main seven strategies from Dr. Brackett’s research that would be useful in conversation with your student:

• Managing Your Physiology - mindful breathing

• Managing Your Body - sleep, nutrition, exercise

• Managing Your Thoughts - positive self-talk and gratitude

• Managing Relationships (Self) - feeling safe, heard, and connected

• Managing Relationships (Others) - co-regulating others’ emotions

• Managing Life Smartly - spirituality, hobbies, entertainment

Mental health matters, we are in this together!

Glenbard West staff and faculty embrace a school culture dedicated to helping our students become self-empowered, critical thinkers who communicate effectively, collaborate, embrace diversity, and create meaningful work. This school year in particular, as we are all navigating the disruptions caused by the pandemic on an individual, local, and global level, Glenbard West staff and faculty recognize the importance of supporting the mental health needs of our students. Please refer to this infographic for additional information on how Glenbard West can support your students’ mental health needs. Additional resources available within the Glenbard Community are also included in this document for your convenience.

• Great Savings!
• Priority Seating!
• A Guaranteed Night Out!
• Email reminders when a main stage show is approaching!

Don't miss a single show...SUBSCRIBE NOW!!!

Theatre Club President Devon Kelleher was cast in the Illinois High School All-State Show, Cabaret! This is a big honor and accomplishment for Devon because students from across the state auditioned for this musical over the summer and only a select few were cast.

The company of Cabaret is already hard at work spending several long weekends preparing for performances at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival at I.S.U. on January 7 and 8, 2022.

Picture from our recent fall comedy, Midsummer Jersey

Students appearing in the photo:

In foreground (left to right): Deepa Phuyal, Henry King, Jalen Peoples. In background: Max Southwell.

Photo Credit: Bruce Medic.

Events for the 2021 - 2022 school year will be contingent

upon COVID safety guidelines of District 87.

Dodgeball is back! Gather your friends and sign up for this year's Dodgeball Tournament. The event will be hosted by Key Club and West Nation on December 3 at 6:00 p.m. We are taking teams of 6-8 people, and you must turn in this form to Student Services by November 29 to join. The final championship match will be played immediately following the boys varsity basketball game against Lyons Township. Proceeds will benefit the Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center.

During Winter Break, the Main Office will be open on December 20, 21, and 22, as well as, December 27, 28, and 29, during the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The building will be closed on December 23 and 24 and December 30 and 31.

Monday, January 3 is an Institute Day for teachers, with no student attendance. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 4.

At Glenbard West, we offer a violence and bullying hotline which allows students to provide anonymous information to school officials regarding potential school threats or bullying incidents. The number is (630) 942-7406.

Additionally, students can text a CRISIS Test Line: 74141 which sends information to a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to help individuals return to a healthy/stable level of functioning.

The Attorney General's Safety Tips homepage contains several links that may provide additional helpful resources.

http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/children/kids/safetytips.html

Students who wish to report a potential act of school violence at Glenbard West may also leave an anonymous message with our Police Liaison Officer at (630) 942-7463.