Principal's March Newsletter
March 2023
Hi, this is a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have a student at, or have expressed an interest in, Glenbard East High School. Communication between Glenbard East and our families and community is very important to us. Don't forget to add ge_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
March 23
Percuss-O-RAMa
7PM – Biester Auditorium
March 27 - 31
NO SCHOOL
Spring Break
April 4
Glenbard East Music Association (GEMA)
Exec Board Meeting – All are welcome!
7PM – Room 201
April 7
NO SCHOOL
April 10
String Showcase
7PM – Biester Auditorium
April 14 - 28
D87 Art Show
Auditorium Foyer during school hours
April 12
SAT Testing - JUNIORS ONLY
NO SCHOOL - FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORES/SENIORS
April 14
On the Spot Jazz & Improv Concert
7PM – Cafeteria
April 17
PSAT Testing - FRESHMAN & SOPHOMORES ONLY
NO SCHOOL - JUNIORS & SENIORS
April 20 - 22
Spring Play - Puffs
6PM – Dinner with Harry Potter Quiz and Raffles, Biester Auditorium
7PM – Play in Rider Hall
Tickets available at gefinearts.org
April 24
National Signing Day - Athletics
1:45PM - East Gym
April 27
Lilac Band Concert
7PM – Biester Auditorium
April 28
Art Show Reception
6:30 – 8:30PM – Auditorium Foyer
APRIL PSAT TESTING
PSAT testing will impact the following school dates:
● Wednesday, April 12, 2023 SAT Testing for all juniors (No school for freshman, sophomores and seniors). All students in the Life Skills program will have scheduled classes that will conclude with the standard SAT testing schedule.
● Monday, April 17, 2023 PSAT 8/9 & 10 for all freshman and sophomores (No school for juniors and seniors). All students in the Life Skills program will have scheduled classes that will conclude with the standard PSAT testing schedule.
● Students testing with accommodations will test within the Accommodated Testing Window: April 12-28
PSAT 8/9 for Grade 9
The PSAT 8/9 Exam Will be Administered to all Freshman on Monday, April 17. *Accommodated Testing Window: April 17-28, 2023.
The PSAT 8/9 will be administered to all freshmen on Monday, April 17, 2023. The PSAT 8/9 is the same test your student took in 8th grade. The PSAT 8/9 serves several important purposes:
- It is a state required exam.
- We use the information from this exam to measure growth from freshman year in the areas of reading and math.
- These scores will be used for course enrollment recommendations.
- A student and family can use the results of this exam to gauge a student's progress and readiness towards the SAT, an important college placement test that is administered to all juniors in Illinois.
Results will be available 4-6 weeks after the exam, and students will access their results for this exam, as well as all future college board exams through their college board account. Students can set up their college board account by visiting the College Board website linked here: Setting Up Your College Board Account. Contact Scott Lilly (scott_lilly@glenbard.org) or Joan Witkus (joan_witkus@glenbard.org) if you have questions about this assessment.
Test Day Tips: Students should bring two #2 pencils, a calculator, a water bottle and snacks.
There will be no make-up exam for this test.
PSAT10 for Grade 10
The PSAT 10 Exam Will be Administered to all Sophomores on Monday, April 17. *Accommodated Testing Window: April 17-28, 2023.
The PSAT 10 will be administered to all sophomores on Monday, April 17, 2023. The PSAT 10 serves several important purposes:
- It is a state required exam.
- We use the information from this exam to measure growth from sophomore year in the areas of reading and math.
- These scores will be used for course enrollment recommendations.
- A student and family can use the results of this exam to gauge a student's progress and readiness towards the SAT, an important college placement test that is administered to all juniors in Illinois.
Results will be available 4-6 weeks after the exam, and students will access their results for this exam, as well as all future college board exams through their college board account. Students can set up their college board account by visiting the College Board website linked here: Setting Up Your College Board Account. Contact Scott Lilly (scott_lilly@glenbard.org) or Joan Witkus (joan_witkus@glenbard.org) if you have questions about this assessment.
Test Day Tips: Students should bring two #2 pencils, a calculator, a water bottle and snacks.
There will be no make-up exam for this test.
*Current grade 12 students without a valid grade 11 or 12 score or qualifying exemption from any previous ISBE-provided administration will be rostered to take SAT with Essay in spring 2023.
The SAT + Essay will be Administered to all Juniors in the State of Illinois on Wednesday, April 12. *Accommodated Testing Window: April 12-25, 2023.
All juniors in Illinois will take the SAT exam on Wednesday, April 12. This exam serves as a college entrance exam and is a graduation requirement for all students in Illinois. Students do not have to register for this exam. Contact Scott Lilly (scott_lilly@glenbard.org) or Joan Witkus (joan_witkus@glenbard.org) if you have questions about this assessment.
In order to be prepared on test day students and families should do the following:
❖ Sending Scores to Colleges: Students can select 4 colleges or universities to send their results to free of charge. If and where to send results is an individual family decision. Students will code where they would like to send their results on their answer sheets the morning of the exam. A complete listing of colleges and universities can be found here: SAT Answer Sheet Instructions starting on page #8. We HIGHLY encourage families to check the websites of schools they may be interested in applying to review their test-optional admissions policies prior to selecting schools to have their scores sent.
❖ Results: Results from this assessment will be available 4-6 weeks after the exam on students' college board accounts (paper results are no longer mailed). All students need a college board account. To set up an account, please follow this link: Setting Up Your College Board Account.
❖ These scores will be used for course enrollment recommendations.
Test Day Tips: The SAT + Essay is a long test with few breaks. Students should bring two #2 pencils (no mechanical pencils), a calculator, a water bottle and snacks. They should eat a good breakfast, get a good night's sleep, and visit the restroom before taking the exam.
Make Up Exam: The make-up date for this exam is Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT: SAVE THE DATE
Save the Date for our Senior Awards Night
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Biester Auditorium
7:30 - 9 p.m.
BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK: SAVE THE DATE
The first day of school for students, for the 2023-24 school year is Thursday, August 17th. Glenbard East will hold Back to School Week events the week of August 7 – 11. These events included: Freshman Parent Night, Freshman iPad Training, Freshman Orientation and Sophomore, Junior, Senior day, when students will purchase books that they may need as well as get their student ID’s and schedules.
In order for your student not to miss any class time on their first day of school, August 17, please make their attendance at these events a priority. Registration information will be mailed out this summer which will contain more details about Back to School Week. Additionally, more details will be available in the coming months – please be sure to watch your email and the Glenbard East website for more information.
PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IS ENCOURAGED FOR ALL
Although your student’s high school experience is primarily about academics and preparation for their future, involvement in extracurricular activities is vital to their overall success. Research shows that students who are involved with extracurricular activities tend to perform better in school than those who are not. Through participation, students at East have the opportunity to give back to the community through the completion of service projects, engaging in hobbies and items of interest, and competing with other students on both the local and national level. For example, the GEHS Scholastic Bowl Team finished third in the Upstate 8 Conference Tourney on March 4th. John Polyak and Ben Polyak were chosen as All-Conference selections this year. John is a two-time All-Conference recipient. We look forward to building off of this year's success in the coming years.
Additionally, the Chess Team's season culminated at the state tournament in Peoria in February. Although we were seeded low, our team finished in the middle of the pack with 3 wins and nearly had a 4th win during one of our closest matches of the year. This placed our overall finish in the top third of all teams in the state. We stood out this year for once again hosting the most high school chess tournaments of any team in the state, bringing a combined 32 teams consisting of 350 chess players together during our competitions.
MAY AP TESTING
Glenbard District 87 will administer AP exams to all students in paper and pencil format over two weeks in May: May 1–5 and May 8–12. Registration for exams was conducted at the start of each semester when each student joined their class in the AP Classroom portal, and exam fees were collected via your PowerSchool registration over the summer. If you have questions about testing, please contact our AP Coordinator, Beth McNett, at beth_mcnett@glenbard.org. Click here to view the 2023 AP Exam Schedule.
Exam Order Changes
November 15th, 2022 was the exam ordering deadline for full-year or first-semester
courses. Exams ordered between November 16 and March 15 for full-year or
first-semester courses incur a late order fee in addition to the exam fee. This fee
doesn’t apply to exams for courses that start after November 15.
If you decide not to take an exam that was ordered for you, the charge is $40 per exam instead of the full exam fee. The $40 fee applies to any unused or canceled exam. If your student does not plan on taking an exam for which they are currently registered, please notify their school counselor or the AP Coordinator, Beth McNett, as soon as possible.
Partial credit (exam cost minus a $40 canceled exam fee) may be available until April 14. Students who are absent on test day will be offered the option of late testing, but will not be eligible for a refund. Click here to view the 2023 AP Exam Late-Testing Dates. If you have questions, please contact our AP Coordinator Beth McNett (beth_mcnett@glenbard.org).
SPRING PLAY: PUFFS
Puffs by Matt Cox, Directed by Josh Rubin, and Tech Directed by Andy Bero, is a comedic play that parodies the Harry Potter series. The story follows a group of misfit students at a certain school of magic, focusing on Wayne Hopkins, a lovable underdog who is sorted into the Puff’s house, the house for the "other" students who aren't brave, smart, or evil enough to be Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, or Slytherins. Throughout the play, the Puffs face challenges and adventures that parallel events in the Harry Potter books, including encounters with a certain dark wizard, a deadly tournament, and a battle against evil forces. The play also explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of finding one's place in the world. The performances will be from April 20-22, 2023 and will accompany a dinner option with Harry Potter Trivia before the show. Dinner starts at 6PM and the performance starts at 7PM.
ATTENTION: PARENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2023
All cap and gown orders, whether placed online or at school, will be shipped to Glenbard East and distributed on May 4, 2023. Currently, a calendar of important dates for seniors has been posted to our school website under the “Students” tab. Please click on Graduation 2023 to access this information.
Please note that Friday, April 14th, 2023 is the date that all financial obligations to District 87 must be paid-in-full, in order to purchase PROM Tickets. Parents may view student balances through their PowerSchool account. If you have questions about your specific account balance, please contact our District Bookkeeper, Andrea Beckham, at 630-942-7593.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS NIGHT ANNOUNCED
Save the date: Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Local Scholarship Awards Night for the Class of 2023.
The Local Scholarship Committee is currently evaluating applications and planning the awards night for students who won a Glenbard East Local Scholarship. Student winners will receive an email through their Glenbard Gmail in late April. The email will include an invite for students and their families to attend the Local Scholarship Awards Night on May 9th in Biester Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
PROM 2023 - ENCHANTED NIGHTS
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, May 12th
6:30 Check-In
7:15 Sit-Down Dinner
8:15 pm-10:30 pm DJ & Dancing (No admittance after 8:00 pm)
Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook, IL
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets will be on sale April 26-28 during ALL lunch periods in the cafeteria hallway (Off-Campus/Direction Students can purchase after school in the School Counseling office 2:30-3:00)
$80 per ticket
All ticket sales are FINAL-No refunds- No exceptions
No ticket sales after deadlines
No ticket exchanges
No refunds for any reason
Non-EAST-Student Guest Procedure To Purchase a ticket:
● An EAST student may bring ONE (1) non-EAST-student guest who is approved
● The guest must be at least a freshman in high school and 20 years old or younger
● Please follow these steps to bring your non-EAST-student guest:
1) Pick up a Permission Form: They are available in the Dean’s Office
2) The EAST student fills out the pertaining information, including their own guardian’s signature
3) The Non-EAST Student guest needs to fill out their portion & it needs to be signed by the guest’s parent/guardian and high school administrator.
4) The EAST student brings the completed form AND a copy of their guest's PHOTO ID to get approval from their dean.
5) The EAST student brings a completed form with the dean's signature to purchase the tickets.
6) No refunds or exchanges can be made
When purchasing a ticket you must have:
➢ Glenbard East Student ID
➢ (If applicable) The Student Guest Permission Form with a signature from the dean AND a copy of their photo-ID
➢ Completed prom google form (before ticket purchase)
Prom Entry Guidelines
- All students must present their current student ID at the door and keep it in their possession at all times to show if requested
- Non-EAST guest must have their ID that was submitted
- Persons who are late will not be admitted to prom. Any student denied entry to prom because they are late will NOT be issued a refund
- All personal items will be searched upon entry and purses, bags, and backpacks must be coat checked
- DO NOT leave any items unattended at your table. EAST HS is not responsible for lost or stolen items
- Students and guests may not leave prom until 10:00 pm
RAMS OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY
Our Rams of the Month are outstanding students who display our District 87 Profile of a Graduate tenets which include evidence of communication, critical thinking, embracing diversity, creation, collaboration, or self-empowerment within their classrooms or extracurriculars. These students were nominated by staff and are deserving of our recognition. Congratulations to all!
Samantha King
Sam King has been incredibly self-empowered over the past few months. Sam was asked to take on the additional responsibility of playing in Symphonic Band at the start of the semester. Since then, Sam has spent hours of free time attending extra rehearsals and practicing, and has even begun private lessons on the oboe to gain a deeper understanding of the instrument. Sam balances all of this extra responsibility while keeping up with her studies and participating in athletics. We are very proud of Sam! - Ms. Cappelletti
Nora Opila
Nora is a freshman, who always went above and beyond in PE. She always incorporated as many students as possible and worked well with students with special needs within the class. She is reflecting that same behavior in my Health class; she's a hard worker and overall great person.
- Mr. CardottJacob Macias
This student advocated for himself during first semester in Computer Discoveries realizing we had AP CS and self studied to be able to enroll 2nd semester in the AP course. He is a key communicator expressing needs and also works with others to fill in the gaps from 1st semester. Also enrolled in INCubator, he has expanded his tech skills into website design to further his contributions to his entrepreneurial group and the marketing of their product.
- Mx. ShirleyNafahat Musa
Nafahat (Nova) has made incredibly rapid growth in her English communication skills since moving to the U.S.A. last year. Nova takes pride in improving her reading and writing skills, but more importantly her interpersonal communication skills are a model for her classmates in EL English-Bridge. Nova shines in assisting other students, such as during our PALS peer coaching experiences. Her time in Sudan and Jordan has given her a valuable perspective that enriches our school community. Nova is exceptionally self-motivated and does not shy away from accepting new challenges, as evidenced by her joining East's softball team this spring. As a star example of our PoG tenets, Nova's future looks extremely bright!
- Mr. Lakowski
Luis Trejo
Luis works hard and strives for excellence every day. He always greets others with a smile and a helping hand. Luis helps me eagerly and assists other classmates without being asked. I am grateful for his presence in our class!
- Ms. DeVasto
RAM ARTISTS ATTEND AND WIN AT UPSTATE 8 ART EXHIBITION
Ten Glenbard East art students, along with their art, attended the Upstate 8 Art Exhibition and workshops on March 6th at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin. This is an honor and was an amazing opportunity for collaboration between GE and GS art teachers and students who shared a bus and many of the day's activities. Students chose workshops such as "Drawing with Smoke" that allowed them to experiment with new materials and techniques. Spontaneously, creating and exercising their critical thinking skills to create diverse forms of expression. Following the workshops students had the opportunity to view and critique the exhibition artwork.
The day culminated with an awards ceremony where five RAM artists were honored for their award-winning work.
Congratulations to the following students:
Allison Ihms
Highlight - Mixed Media/ Printmaking
Honorable Mention
Allison Schmuldt
Rebirth - Digital Art/Graphic Design
Honorable Mention
Emma Still
Naturally Beautiful - Mixed Media/ Printmaking
Honorable Mention
Julianna Vasicek
Can't The Future Wait - Painting
Honorable Mention
Maggie Suarino
Scopophobia - Ceramics/Pottery
Honorable Mention
STAFFULTY OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY
The Glenbard East Staffulty of the Month Award has been established to recognize outstanding people for their dedication, professionalism, and work. Those receiving this award are nominated by administrators, colleagues, and students for exhibiting our D87 Profile of an Educator tenants.
Each month, we recognize two staff members based on their advocacy for students, empathy for others, critical thinking, embracing diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
Congratulations to this month's honorees!
Jamie Davis
Jamie was nominated by a staff member for exhibiting the following Profile of an Educator competencies: Advocates, Empathizes, Thinks Critically, Embraces Diversity, Innovates, Collaborates. Here is what they had to say:
"Jamie has been a co-leader for PBIS for several years, under more than a few leaders! They have continued to come up with innovative ideas to help reach students at EAST! They keep their wheel of positivity and inspiration going to do what they can for students! From monthly videos to cans of CRUSH, to Skittles, to pizza parties, donut parties, endless gift card prizes and more, they keep pushing through to reach students (and teachers)! They meet all the profile of a graduate criteria in their branding of making PBIS what it is today! AND they don't stop there, they see a new need and they think of a way to reach it! They get little to no recognition so I wanted to nominate them for Stafulty of the month! (Danielle too)"
Jake Novak
Jake was nominated by six students for exhibiting the following Profile of an Educator competencies: Advocates, Empathizes, Thinks Critically, Embraces Diversity, Innovates, Collaborates. Below is what they had to say:
"He’s such a good guy."
"Mr Novak is the best!!! He always includes everyone, does his best for the class, and his hard work is apparent. He is also very accepting of students and supports us in every way possible. Because many of the students in my class are theater kids, he will always go and watch the plays/musicals when they perform. One time, I lost my coat in the school and he offered to give me his for the evening. He always wants the best for his students, and he never fails to give us his all!"
"Mr. Novak brings a positive influence to everyone, does his best for the class and his hard work stands out very well. He is very accepting of his students and supports us in every way that is possible. I also want to thank Mr. Novak for helping us in Humanities English class."
"He is just a really great teacher and always makes the class a good way to end the day."
"Mr. Novak is the best!!! He always includes everyone, does his best for the class, and his hard work is apparent. He is also very accepting of students and supports us in every way possible. Because many of the students in my class are theater kids, he will always go and watch the plays/musicals when they perform. One time, I lost my coat in the school and he offered to give me his for the evening. He always wants the best for his students, and he never fails to give us his all!!"
"He is the sweetest teacher i've ever had. having him as my humanities teacher is the highlight of my day. Mr Novak is super caring and understanding. im so lucky ive had the honor of having him 2 years in a row:)"
SUPERINTENDENT, DR. DAVID LARSON, HIGHLIGHTS POSTSECONDARY PLANNING
With the graduation season quickly approaching, it is a good time to be reminded of the intentional work that we do to ensure every student has a postsecondary plan that aligns with their college and career goals. Each year, our school counselors work closely with each student to align their course selection with their postsecondary plan, and ultimately prepare a personalized postsecondary plan with them during their senior year.
Our talented and knowledgeable school counselors encourage students to explore a variety of courses in different industries and challenge themselves by taking rigorous courses. Choosing the right courses creates opportunities for students to challenge their academic abilities and learn about a variety of careers. Students should consider their interests, talents and career goals when selecting courses. They don’t have to go it alone, though; encourage your student to have ongoing conversations about course selection with their school counselor.
Naviance/SchoolLinks
Our school counselors use Naviance and SchoolLinks, online college and career readiness tools, to help students understand their strengths and interests and use that information to identify college and career options that fit their needs. Within these tools, our school counselors can track and analyze data about college and career plans and support students along the way.
Students use Naviance/SchoolLinks to:
· Research careers and career clusters and take career assessments.
· Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers.
· Complete a college search, research a college and create a target list of schools in terms of size, location and major.
· Apply to a diverse group of colleges to include match, reach and likely schools.
College enrollment and graduation
Among Glenbard students whose plan is to attend college, 78% of Glenbard students enroll in a 2-year or 4-year college, compared to only 62% nationally, and 90% of Glenbard students who enroll in a 4-year school graduate, compared to only 63% nationally.
Whatever career path our students follow, we want each of them to experience success after high school throughout their life. In partnership with families, we are preparing students for success in the future they choose.
MARCH ATHLETIC NEWS
Remember our athletic motto: Students First: VICTORY Will Happen…as victory in life is way more important than just simply winning a game/contest. We continue to implement the Glenbard Profile of a Graduate transferable life skills and its six competencies: self-empowered, communicates, thinks critically, embraces diversity, creates, and collaborates. We feel these skills will afford our students post-secondary opportunities.
SPRING SPORTS AND COACHES' CONTACT INFO:
BADMINTON - Head Coach Scott Llorens (scott_llorens@glenbard.org)
BASEBALL - start date Monday, February 27, Head Coach Clayton George (clayton_george@glenbard.org)
BOYS GYMNASTICS BOYS – Head Coach Wayne Hill (wayne_hill@glenbard.org)
GIRLS SOCCER - Head Coach Athena Toliopoulos (athena_toliopoulos@glenbard.org)
SOFTBALL - Head Coach Victor Swanson (victor_swanson@glenbard.org)
BOYS TENNIS - Head Coach Steven Hoogerheide (steven_hoogerheide@glenbard.org)
BOYS TRACK & FIELD - Head Coach Daniel Greco (daniel_greco@glenbard.org)
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD - Head Coach Molly LeMark (molly_lemark@glenbard.org) and Interim Jordan Flowers (jordan_flowers@glenbard.org)
BOYS VOLLEYBALL - Head Coach Kelly Markworth (kelly_markworth@glenbard.org)
Student Athletic Fees/Registration - $150: All students/families who participate in athletics will be required to register and pay the $150 athletic fee for either one, TWO, or three (3) sports. Student-athletes should take advantage of this great deal and participate in multiple sports!
Fees are due before the first competition. Parents can register and pay online through PowerSchool. If financial help is needed, there is a pep grant waiver available through the athletic office.
GLENBARD EAST ATHLETICS ON THE INTERNET
Glenbard East Athletics keeps players, parents, and fans up to date with team news, pictures, schedules, rosters and more. For the most up to date team schedules and announcements, please visit the following:
● Athletic website: http://il.8to18.com/glenbardeast
● Follow us on Twitter: @GEHS_Athletics and Instagram: @GEHS_Athletics
● YouTube Livestream: www.youtube.com, please subscribe to GE_Events
● Click here to view Athletic Wall-of-Achievement, living history of Rams Athletics
SAVE THE DATE: NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Monday, April 24, 2023 (1:45pm in the East Gym) to celebrate our senior athletes that are afforded the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
Our Athletic Booster Club attempts to annually raise over $30,000 which go directly to our teams and student-athletes. They help provide essentials that enhance our athletic teams ability to pursue VICTORY! However, we need more parent volunteers! Please sign up and continue to help enhance our athletic program. The main website is: geramsboosters.org for information about membership, parent volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, concession, purchasing spirit wear, and family activity passes. Any further inquiries please contact Athletic Booster Club President, Mrs. Jerri Gapastione (jgw8@comcast.net).
A huge THANK YOU to the community members who attended and contributed to our 2nd Annual Trivia Night. It was completely sold out and the donations will greatly help our athletic programs.
Glenbard East High School
Email: ge_news@glenbard.org
Website: glenbardeasths.org
Location: 1014 South Main Street, Lombard, IL, USA
Phone: (630) 627-9250
Twitter: @GE_Rams