Falcon Focus
February 5, 2021
From the Administrators
Dear Falcon Families,
I hope this latest edition of the Falcon Focus finds you and your loved ones safe and well. While the sun fills our days a bit longer each day, the current weather conditions remind us that we're still in the middle of the winter season.
As 2nd semester begins, we continue to look for safe ways to bring students back into the building and offer learning experiences that impact students, either in-person or remote. While there is much information in this newsletter, I encourage all of you to read through the FAQ for Parents/Guardians-Semester 2 Learning Expectations. This section provides needed context to many of the things happening in our classrooms and offers ways for parents/guardians to assist their student at home.
We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility as we navigate through this challenging school year.
Take care.
Have a great weekend.
Mr. Biscan, Principal
We are Falcons. We are Proud. We are North
From the Desk of Mr. Venckus, Assistant Principal of Student Services
2nd Semester Hybrid Student Attendance Policy
We have communicated our new policy and started enforcing it on Monday, February 1. In summary, once hybrid students accumulate a minimum of three (3) instances of not being present in school on their in-person days, regardless of whether they are working virtually or not, they may be moved to fully virtual learning for the remainder of the semester. Students who have elected to attend school in person are expected to report to school on their hybrid learning days. The privilege to attend in person is not an option for students who want to reserve a spot for the personally appropriate time to attend in person. Hybrid students who have not been present in school on their in-person days are being reminded by their teachers and deans of the policy and the importance of attending school in person. We understand that there are some valid reasons for working virtually on in-person days (e.g., ill, COVID-related, appointment, etc.); however, there are some reasons for working virtually on in-person days that are not (e.g., don’t feel like coming in today, slept in, overslept, etc.). Thank you in advance for your cooperation, and please let us know if you would like to discuss this further.
Surveillance Testing
Our next round of tests will be distributed to students during their lunch periods the week of February 8. A-cohort students will continue to submit their samples on Thursdays, and B-cohort on Tuesdays. All samples must be collected at home and brought to school and deposited no later than 11:00 a.m. in the bins located inside the main entrance (Door 1), the bus doors (Door 34), or the back of the building/student parking lot doors (Door 16).
Anyone who opted into earlier rounds of testing and still does not have their tests can pick them up from the Deans’ Office Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Student Parking Fee for 2nd Semester
Our student parking fee for 2nd Semester (began Monday, February 1) is $25.00. If you have a parking tag and would like to continue using it for 2nd Semester, please give your fee (cash or check payable to WNHS) to Mrs. Andersen in the Deans’ Office Monday-Friday from 7:00-12:00 or 1:00-2:45. If you are no longer using your parking tag for 2nd Semester, please return it to Mrs. Andersen to avoid getting charged the fee. You may not give it or sell it to another student. If you did not have a parking tag for 1st Semester and are interested in one for 2nd Semester, please see Mrs. Andersen for availability of spots and an application.
FAQ for Parents/Guardians - Semester 2 Learning Expectations
As we transition into Semester 2 with a fresh start for both hybrid and virtual students, we would like to share reminders of how we can partner to support all of our students. Teachers consider a variety of factors in balancing effective, engaging daily lesson activities for online and in-person learning:
Best practices for student learning
Methods for actively engaging students
Student collaboration opportunities
Providing opportunities for individual or small group teacher intervention & enrichment
Independent practice with teacher support
Responding to student learning needs and assessment data
- Total screen time
What can I expect my student to be doing when learning online?
Participating in a whole class Zoom/Google Meet
Whole Class Discussion
Direct Instruction
Teacher Feedback
Teachers showing models/examples
Collaborating in breakout rooms with classmates or their teacher
Completing individual work (on or off the main meeting)
Taking a test or quiz (summative and formative assessments)
Watching a video
They will not see their student “checking out” completely - students should be working on that course, whether on or off the computer, throughout the period.
NOTE: If the teacher is out of view of the camera, students should stay connected to the class by working on their assignments throughout the class period; teachers are still available for questions/feedback.
How can parents/guardians support their student learning?
Check out the tips linked in the question above
Remove distractions from the at-home online learning environment
Help keep your student to a regular daily schedule or routine
Remind students to check Email / Google Classroom messages
Check Email for teacher communications
Encourage your student to set up Google Meets with teachers on Wednesdays
Check ParentVue for missing and upcoming assignments/assessments
Check the to-do list on your child’s Google Classroom
Encourage your student to self-advocate with questions for teachers
Make sure your student knows how to access help
What steps can my student take to access support?
Stay on the Google Meet at the end of class to talk to teacher
Set up Google Meets with teachers on Wednesdays
Email their teachers
Connect with their teacher during class via the Google Meet/Zoom chat function
Use the Google Classroom stream to ask questions
Take advantage of the end-of-class independent practice time to ask questions, get help, etc.
Reach out to their school counselor to schedule a meeting
Monitor their progress on StudentVue to determine what they need to work on
Access co-teachers in situations where there are two teachers
How can students maximize learning resources and teacher availability on Wednesdays?
Encourage your student to make connections. Teachers, counselors and other support staff are all available to support students in various ways on Wednesdays.
Students may connect with teachers for extra help or enrichment opportunities
Students may connect with their teacher and a small group of classmates for a review session, assessment retake or other learning activity
Make up any missed work
Study for assessments
Complete enrichment activities
Organize Google Drive and other online learning materials (Managing online learning materials takes additional organizational skills and time
Students should take time each Wednesday to check their progress in StudentVue and to set a plan for what needs to be done
Attention Hybrid Students - Chromebook Charging!
Hybrid students, please make sure to charge your Chromebook nightly and to bring your charger to school if needed! Also, remember it is best to shut your Chromebook off every day so that it updates.
Incoming Freshman Student and Parent Night
When: Wednesday, February 10, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual! At 6:45 p.m. on February 10, a Zoom link will be made available on www.wnhs.org
What: A live presentation of our course-selection process from your student's future counselor. You will have an opportunity to hear from our principal, assistant principals, athletic director, activities director, department chairs, and counselors, and to learn more about the many academic and co-curricular opportunities for your future falcons!
Prior to the event, hard copies of our programs will be distributed to students at Franklin and Monroe. On the evening of the event, electronic copies of the program will be available to all attendees as well.
Please contact Alexia Ellett, Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction, with any questions at alexia.ellett@cusd200.org.
Our Virtual Resource Center is Available to All Students -- ONLINE and Open Now!
Teachers and students are ready to help your student! There are now two ways to request class assistance.
Parents and guardians looking for supports for their student(s) can now consider submitting a Virtual Resource Parent/Guardian Referral Form. Please complete the form for the course(s) your student needs assistance in and they will be connected with a peer tutor in the subject area. The form is linked here.
Please encourage your student(s) to attend our Virtual Resource Center to get help from staff and peer tutors. Follow this link to access instructions on how students can submit questions to peer tutors and connect with teachers virtually.
We hope your student will utilize this support, as needed!
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 scholarship information.
Students can request virtual meetings with their counselor via email or by calling their direct line.
2021-2022 Course Registration Presentations will begin on January 26 via your student’s access class. Both virtual and in person presentations will be available. Students and families should receive detailed information and a list of teacher course recommendations via mail in the coming weeks. The course selection information will also be shared electronically with students via their counselor’s google classroom.
Save the Date - Highly Selective College Night
Highly Selective College Night will be held on February 25 this year. Students in grades 9-11 and Parents should attend this Virtual event if they are considering applying to a Highly Selective College. More information, including an agenda and meeting links will be provided in the coming weeks. Please reach out to Counselor Wendy Biggs with questions at wendy.biggs@cusd200.org.
Class of 2021
The Local Scholarship Bulletin is now available. This is different then our typical monthly scholarship bulletin as it contains 7 scholarships available only to District 200 students. The scholarships can all be applied for via one application. Please follow the link above for additional information. You can reach out to erin.angelo@cusd200.org with any questions.
Please make sure your students are checking the monthly scholarship bulletin each month.
Senior conferences have wrapped up but counselors are still working with individual students on their college applications. If your son or daughter needs additional support, have them reach out to their counselor to set up an appointment.
All students can access virtual college visits on the counseling website. This allows students to go on virtual college visits to some of the top schools that WN students apply to in addition to schools across the country.
The FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) opened on October 1. Don’t wait to get started! For a complete guide to the FAFSA, please check out the counseling website under the Financial Aid link.
Beginning with the 2020-21 school year, in addition to all other graduation requirements,
a student must meet one of the following requirements to receive a public school diploma. (Public Act 101-0180).
File a FAFSA Application; or
File an Application for State Financial Aid; or
File a waiver/opt out with the school district. (This should only be filled out if you do not intend to complete the FAFSA. Once completed, please download and email it to the counseling office secretary at: carolyn.switalski@cusd200.org
Nothing additional is needed to meet the graduation requirement. Once you file your FAFSA, the state reports back to WN that it is complete.
Class of 2022
If you have not watched our Junior Parent Presentation, please click on the link below to download. The presentation contains full audio and is approximately 25 minutes long.
Junior Family Night Pre-Recorded Presentation Link
Parents can access all College Search Materials via the counseling website.
On November 19, counselors met with all students on their caseloads to provide an overview of Junior Conferences and the College Search Process. Parents and students can Access the Presentation here. A step by step college search guide with video tutorials can be found here. Parents can watch these videos to get a better understanding of the process as well.
Juniors formally began the college search process with their counselors after Thanksgiving Break. Conferences will take until spring break.
All students can access virtual college visits on the counseling website. This allows students to go on virtual college visits to some of the top schools that WN students apply to in addition to schools across the country.
Scholarship Opportunities
Monthly Scholarship Bulletin
Every month the Counseling Department provides students and parents with a list of local scholarships and some national scholarships through the Scholarship Bulletin. The Scholarship Bulletin is updated monthly. It is available in the Counseling Center and online at:
- Student’s personal Naviance account homepage
Local Scholarship Application
The Local Scholarship Application is now available. This is a great opportunity for students to apply for a number of scholarships by filling out one application. Due to this year’s events, not all organizations are able to sponsor scholarships, most notably the PTA. This year there are 7 scholarships on the Local Scholarship Application. To apply, hybrid students need to complete the online application and turn in an appropriate number of copies to the Counseling Center. Remote students need to email their completed applications to Mrs. Switalski at carolyn.switalski@cusd200.org . The submission deadline is Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 3:00pm. Application and scholarship descriptions are available at:
Student’s personal Naviance account homepage
From the Athletics Office
Great news from the Athletics office!
Winter sports tryouts have begun. Badminton has started their season, as well as girls and boys Basketball, boys Swim, girls Gymnastics, Cheer, & Dance. As soon as we enter Phase 4, competitions will begin.
If you are interested in workout sessions for other athletics, please visit FamilyID.com and create an account or login to your existing account. From there, you will see the available individualized workout sessions for your sport. Most all have begun their workouts. Spring tryouts are scheduled to begin in March. Please see the list of approved sports and dates in the link below.
Don't forget to follow the Athletics page on Twitter or go to our web page on the Wheaton North website for athletics news you can use. Go Falcons!
Falcon Flyer Newspaper
The Falcon Flyer is a student-run newspaper with the goal of keeping everyone connected and informed at Wheaton North. We focus on current events and news at school. We also highlight our staff and students in interviews and profiles. We throw in a mixture of fun recipes and the newest entertainment to watch and listen to as well.
We hope you enjoy the latest edition of the Falcon Flyer,
School Yearbook Information
ALL STUDENTS
Interested in purchasing a 2020-2021 yearbook?
Interested in purchasing a 2019-2020 yearbook?
A very limited number of yearbooks are available for purchase starting October 1.
Yearbooks are $50.
These are first come, first serve and can be purchased through the WNHS Main Office in person.
Falcon WiNGS
Falcon Spirit Wear
Don’t forget, our online store is open 24 hour a day, 7 days a week! Need new gear? Go to http://www.wnfalconwings.org/falcon-wear.html to place your order. Delivery or pick up available!
Scholarship application is open!
SENIORS, time to start thinking about scholarships! - Don’t miss this chance to receive a $500 scholarship from the Wheaton North Falcon WiNGS! Up to ten awards will be made to senior students who have been active in Wheaton North activities and plan to attend a one to four year accredited educational program after graduation.
Scholarship awards are made on the basis of participation in Wheaton North activities such as:
• Athletics
• Performing arts
• Student clubs
• And other school related activities, along with leadership, a personal statement and academic record.
Applications may be submitted through April 5, 2021.
Forms, including instructions and further information, may be downloaded from the WiNGS website at: www.wnfalconwings.org at any time.
Want to get involved?
The Falcon WiNGS are looking for a few new officers and committee chairs for the 2021-2022 school year. It takes a lot of us to run the program, but open positions for next year are Vice President, Treasurer, Yard Signs chair and possible Corporate Sponsorship. Many of these positions can be shared so grab a friend and get involved! For more information, contact any of the current officers listed on our website at http://www.wnfalconwings.org/
Falcon WiNGS next meeting: Tuesday, March 9 at 7pm. Location TBD