Principal's August Newsletter
August 26, 2022
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.
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September 1
Open House
6PM - 8PM
September 2
12:30PM - Early Dismissal
September 5
NO SCHOOL
Labor Day Holiday
SAVE THE DATE: September 19 - 24
Homecoming Week
SAVE THE DATE: October 26 - 27
Parent Teacher Conferences
PRINCIPAL ANDERSON WELCOMES YOU TO THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
The 2022-23 school year is off to a really good start and it is filled with excitement, energy, high expectations, and spirit. Ultimately, we are here to serve. The staff at Glenbard East is committed to serve and support every student, every day in their quest to be a Glenbard East graduate that is self-empowered, thinks critically, embraces diversity, communicates, creates, and collaborates. That support and encouragement started when we welcomed freshmen students on August 5th during our new student orientation. With the help of our junior and senior Link Crew Mentors, the Class of 2026 participated in a variety of large and small group activities aimed at getting them acclimated with each other and Glenbard East. We, here on the East Side, welcome them with open arms and look forward to their growth in the years to come.
Our first full week of school culminated with an all-school assembly in our football stadium. What a joy it was to be able to gather as an entire school community in one location for the first time since the fall of 2019. We truly look forward to creating additional memorable experiences for students throughout the year. Now, as we continue to settle into a rhythm and routine this school year, I wanted to share some important information with you.
Building Safety and Security
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. To that end, we are implementing and reinforcing a few safety measures. First, all adults in the building will be required to wear an ID. This includes building staff, visitors, and contractors. It is strongly recommended that students also wear their ID. All students were provided with a lanyard for their convenience. Additionally, students and staff are expected to exit the building through authorized doors. Students should only exit the building during the school day (7:30am-2:30pm) via Door 1. Students that exit the building through unauthorized doors or allow others to enter the building through unauthorized doors compromise the safety of our school community and are subject to disciplinary action. Lastly, students are encouraged to report suspicious or alarming behaviors to school staff in a timely manner. Please reinforce this with your student as it is imperative that we all do our part to keep our building safe and secure.
PowerSchool App
The PowerSchool app is a great way to stay up-to-date on your student's grades and attendance. The PowerSchool app gives instant access to grades, scores, attendance and more. Real-time notifications mean you can stay connected to your student’s progress no matter where you are.
If you have previously used the PowerSchool app and can only see last year's courses, please delete the app and reinstall it again. You will need the District Code: TDPZ. Click here for more information about using the PowerSchool App.
Student Survey
District 87 has partnered with Equal Opportunity Schools in order to increase equitable opportunities for students in Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses. During the week of September 12 through September 23, students will participate in taking a short survey. Reports generated from the survey provide trends on information, expectations, and belonging in our Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit programs. The Equal Opportunity Schools survey provides valuable insight about student strengths and challenges in accessing rigorous coursework, as well as data on student potential and interests.
Lastly, although your student’s high school experience is primarily about academics, involvement in extracurricular activities is vital to their overall success. Please encourage and challenge your student(s) to get involved in these activities at East. They have the privilege to choose from 28 sports and over 60 clubs and activities that our school has to offer. After school transportation is available to students who wish to participate in after school activities as we offer both 4:30pm and 6pm buses on Monday-Thursday as well as a 5pm bus on Friday. As I’ve stated on many occasions, there is something for everyone.
I look forward to another exciting school year and working with the families of Glenbard East. The 2022-23 school year promises to be an exciting one and I hope that your student(s) will enjoy their experience here at East.
We Are East!!!
REMINDER: PARENT OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 1
Parent/Guardian Open House will take place in person on Thursday, September 1. We will kick off the evening at 5:30 p.m. with optional Student Services staff presentations regarding social and emotional learning. Class visits will run from 6:00 to 8:05 p.m. This evening is an invitation to walk through Glenbard East’s facilities, meet teachers, learn about the content of your child’s courses as well as teacher expectations and discover ways you can help your child succeed at East. We urge you to participate in this important introduction to your student’s school year. Click the link for the 2022 Open House schedule with more details.
Please note: There will be a 12:30 p.m. dismissal for students on Friday, September 2.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
Counselors Welcome The Class of 2026
On Tuesday, September 6th, Counselors will send a welcome video to all Freshmen students. In the video they will briefly introduce themselves and share how they can support your student throughout their years at East. In addition, counselors will introduce graduation requirements, tips for a successful year, and how to get involved.
Senior Conferences
Starting this month, GE School Counselors will begin meeting with seniors to assist with the postsecondary process. During these meetings, we will review graduation requirements and cover topics related to postsecondary planning. Students will receive an email from their School Counselor with instructions on scheduling their senior conference. Postsecondary resources that can be used throughout the year will be included in that communication. GE School Counselors always welcome the opportunity to partner with students and their families. Feel free to reach out to your student’s School Counselor with any questions.
Financial Aid Night
Feeling lost and need help understanding the financial aid process for sending your
student to college? The Glenbard East Guidance Department will host a Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, September 28th, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for both English and Spanish-speaking families. The presentations are designed to assist parents of seniors with understanding the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion process, Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, and other aspects of applying for financial aid. Parents of students in all grade levels are welcome to attend. Contact Mr. Bryan Witte at bryan_witte@glenbard.org in the School Counseling office with any questions on this event.
College Week
The School Counseling Department is looking forward to hosting our 3rd annual College Week. During the week of September 27th, information from some of Glenbard East's most popular college destinations will be available during all lunch periods. No prior registration is needed, and all grade levels are welcome. For more information, contact Scott Lilly (scott_lilly@glenbard.org) or Mara Maslo (damara_maslo@glenbard.org) in the School Counseling office.
Follow us on Instagram @GECounselors
SAVE THE DATE: PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
October 26 4 - 8 p.m. (Virtual)
October 27 2 - 6 p.m. (In-person)
More information regarding registration dates and steps will be shared with all our families in early September.
SPANISH STUDENTS VISIT SPAIN
In June a group of 18 East Spanish students along with Ms. Fagiolo, Ms. Henry and Mr. Carbajal took an amazing 10 day trip to Spain. Some of the highlights included visiting "La Mesquita" in Córdoba, walking through the beautiful Plaza de España in Sevilla and seeing Gaudi's breathtaking "Sargrada Familia" cathedral. Everyone had a wonderful time experiencing the food and culture of Spain despite the extremely warm temperatures!
GERMAN STUDENTS VISIT BERLIN
32 students in our Glenbard East German program traveled to Berlin on a community based trip from June 2nd to June 9th. Students experienced the German capital by seeing remains of the Berlin Wall, eating authentic food, and visiting German parliament along with numerous other historical sites. Glenbard East teachers Molly LeMark, Samantha Janas, Jordan Flowers, and Jackson Howenstine accompanied the group.
STUDENT PERFORMS AT TEACHER'S OPENING DAY PRESENTATION
Senior Cobi Daniels kicks off the school year with his original composition (using a word bank from Dr. Larson) at the all-district staff meeting. No pressure performing for all of your new teachers and just a few hundred others at 7:30 in the morning!
SIGN UP FOR GLENBARD NEWS
You can keep up with Glenbard information throughout the year by signing up for Glenbard News, our district-wide enewsletter, at this link.
Each week, you will receive district-wide news about students’ achievements in school-sponsored activities; upcoming events; fund-raisers; school board information and more.
Sign up for Glenbard News today at this link.
THEATRE: AUTUMN 2022
Hi, everyone! My name is Andy Bero, and I am the new Drama Director in the Fine Arts Department. I am coming to Glenbard East from Dundee-Crown High School where I taught dual-credit English and Theatre. I hold an BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University and an MA in English from Northern Illinois. I have toured with two Broadway productions, performed as lead vocalist on Celebrity cruise ships, and served as Artistic Director for the Children’s Theatre of Elgin. That’s me, let’s talk about our students:
We’re so excited to bring a full season of large-scale, exciting shows to Glenbard East!!!
● Mamma Mia: November 17th-19th
● Hayfever, by Noel Coward: February 16th-18th
● Puffs (the unofficial retelling of Harry Potter from the Hufflepuff’s point of view!): April 20th-22nd
But, no wait - our students are already debuted their first production! Glenbard East Theatre proudly presented A Ghost’s Reflection, written and directed by Senior Jessica Mayer, staring Fiona Bilkey, Michaela Rouse, and Jake Velasco-Escobar. This suspenseful and riveting play follows Daisy as she furiously tries to figure out who killed her brother Lucas. The killer may be closer than you think!
For more information about theatre performances, call the theatre at 630-424-6641
2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR TESTING DATES
PSAT/NMSQT for Grade 11 only
Test Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2023
Makeup Test Date: NO MAKEUP TESTING
All juniors will be automatically enrolled in this test. There are no student fees.
SAT for Grade 11/ *Grade 12
Test Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Makeup Test Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Accommodate Testing Window: April 12-28
*Current grade 12 students without a grade 11 score or qualifying exemption from any previous year will be rostered to take the SAT in spring 2023.
PSAT10 for Grade 10
Test Date: Monday, April 17, 2023
Accommodated Testing Window: April 17-28
PSAT 8/9 for Grade 9
Test Date: Monday, April 17, 2023
Accommodate Testing Window: April 17-28
NOTE FOR ALL TESTS: If a student is not taking a test on a designated day, she or he should not report to school. Students are instead encouraged to seek independent college or career visits.
SAT PREP & KHAN ACADEMY
Juniors should take advantage of the opportunity to take an SAT Prep Class offered at each high school during 2nd semester. A final and free way students can prepare for the PSAT or SAT test is through FREE individualized test preparation at the Khan Academy website (www.khanacademy.org/test-prep). More information about the PSAT test and the SAT test can be found at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org.
COLLEGE BOARD ACCOUNT
All Freshman-Seniors should have a College Board Account. This account allows students to enroll in their AP Class and register to take AP exams, view scores and track progress on the PSAT and SAT, send scores to colleges and universities. Directions on setting up individual college board accounts can be found here: Setting Up Your College Board Account Link
JOIN GEMA - PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The Glenbard East Music Association (GEMA) is here to support all things music at East! GEMA assists with marching band uniforms and senior banners, orchestra concerts and fieldtrips, private music lessons and Hip Hop Production music fests. GEMA helps with both manpower and fundraising, making student experiences and performances extra special. $12,000 in scholarships were awarded last year.
We invite parents, alumni, staff and community members to support the MUSIC by supporting GEMA. Please join here.
The August GEMA Newsletter can be found here.
Our next meeting is on September 8, 7:00pm, Room 201 - All are welcome.
President- Jen Griffith
VP Fundraising- Lety Elias
VP Membership- Stephani Springer
Treasurer- Jo Ebihara
Secretary- Amy LeBeau
SAVE THE DATE – OCTOBER 1 – Buy a Mattress – Support the MUSIC
SUPERINTENDENT, DR. DAVID LARSON: GLENBARD PARENT SERIES PROVIDES PRACTICAL TIPS, SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
We are so fortunate to have an award-winning program that empowers parents and guardians with the knowledge and tips to help raise healthy children. The Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) Navigating Healthy Families provides a wealth of free resources for families and those who work with young people.
Variety of Topics Discussed
GPS presents nationally acclaimed speakers who discuss issues facing young people and provide research-based tips to meet their needs. There are GPS events related to children as young as three and as old as high school seniors.
Gilda Ross, student and community projects coordinator, does an outstanding job coordinating several free GPS events each month that school is in session. Check out the following sample of topics from this year’s speaker list:
● The Quiet Power and Secret Strength of Introverts
● Caring for Ourselves and Our Children in an Unpredictable World
● More than Moody: Suicide, Let’s Talk About It
● Partnerships that Build Early Childhood Success
● Test Taking Skills; SAT Updates; and Reducing Test Anxiety
● First Phone: a Pre-Tween’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety and Etiquette
● and more.
Convenient Access to GPS
● GPS programs are presented in the afternoon and evening.
● Most of this year’s GPS events are presented as Zoom webinars. You can gain great tips from the comfort of home, while on a lunch break at work or on demand.
● Some GPS events will be presented in Spanish, Urdu and Gujarati.
Upcoming GPS Events
Here are just a few of the upcoming GPS events:
● The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward
7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30
Dan Pink in conversation with Julie Lythcott-Haims
● Stolen Year
7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7
Anya Kamenetz
● Celebrating Your Student’s Success
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8
Dwayne Williams and Ava Blalark
● Fall Community Read: War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World
7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14
Jamil Zaki
Check out the full lineup of programs at glenbardgps.org.
I encourage you to mark your calendar and set a reminder on your phone to attend a few of the powerful GPS programs this year.
ATHLETIC NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022
VISION: To utilize school and sports to develop “WELL-ROUNDED” student-athletes and establish great pride in our RAMS COMMUNITY.
RAMS FALL ATHLETIC SEASONS ARE OFF TO A VERY GOOD START
Our 7th Annual Rams Athletic Community Night was held on August 19, and was a well attended success. Each team conducted an intrasquad scrimmage in preparation for the upcoming seasons. Our Boys/Girls Golf teams started competition on Thursday, August 11 and the Rams are steadily swinging away. Our Boys/Girls Cross Country teams started their season in the Stevenson (Lincolnshire) Invite, a very competitive cross country invite. Cheer and Dance (Ramettes) are working hard with training, and will perform at our home football games, including pep rallies and Homecoming. Football returns a plethora of upperclassmen and looks to finish atop of the UpState8 Conference and earn a playoff berth for a fourth (4th) consecutive year, still building on a school record. Boys Soccer started on the pitch last Monday, August 22 versus friendly opponent, West Aurora, as well as on Thursday, August 25 versus a strong New Trier team. Girls Swimming co-op with Glenbard North and will practice and host our home meets at Fountainview (Carol Stream). Girls Tennis has an experienced varsity level with good depth, and good numbers at the lower-levels. They started the season on Tuesday, August 23 versus Glenbard North. Girls Volleyball starts their season versus defending 4A State Champion, Metea Valley on Wednesday, August 24. They will also continue to host Autumnfest (October, Friday 14 and Saturday, October 15), one of the top-tournaments in the state.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO A VERY COMPETITIVE AND ENJOYABLE FALL SEASONS, #GORAMS!
ATHLETIC COACHES INFO:
ALL Fall Sports are currently in-season. Please feel free to reach out to the following head coaches for more specific information regarding your child/children sport(s):
o Cheer CoEd Sideline: Kelly Dolan, kelly_dolan@glenbard.org
o Cross Country Boys: Andrew (Andy) Adduci, andrew_adduci@glenbard.org
o Cross Country Girls: Chris Pietsch, christopher_pietsch@glenbard.org
o Dance Poms: Courtney Clay, courtney_clay@glenbard.org
o Football: John Walters, john_walters@glenbard.org
o Golf Boys: Chris Wienke, christopher_wienke@glenbard.org
o Golf Girls: Chris Nagel, christopher_nagel@glenbard.org
o Soccer Boys: Josh Adler, joshua_adler@glenbard.org
o Swimming Girls: Chris Del Galdo, cdelgaldo@gmail.com
o Tennis Girls: William (Bill) Burt, william_burt@glenbard.org
o Volleyball Girls: Bradley Cardott, bradley_cardott@glenbard.org
PLEASE REGISTER ON POWERSCHOOL PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF YOUR SPORT, and make sure student-athletes have up-to-date medical physical examinations and immunization records. While student accident insurance is provided for all enrolled students, additional insurance is mandatory for those in tackle football. Click here for more information.
EASTSIDE CREW: We aim to have the best Student Section in the state of Illinois, which means we need our student body, even if you are not participating in athletics and/or not in competition on a given game night, come out and Join the Eastside Crew! You can help our teams simply by appropriately cheering from the stands. Please contact sponsor Mr. Chris Wienke (christopher_wienke@glenbard.org) and Mrs. Donna Slusher (donna_slusher@glenbard.org) with any questions about game schedules to cheer at and/or theme suggestions.
ATHLETICS ON THE INTERNET
Glenbard East Athletics is now prepared to keep players, parents, and fans up to date with team news, pictures, schedules, rosters and more.
Website: http://il.8to18.com/glenbardeast
Twitter: @GEHS_Athletics
Athletic Wall-of-Achievement: https://glenbardeast.touchpros.com/Home2.aspx
STUDENT ATHLETIC FEES & REGISTRATION
All students/families who participate in athletics will be required to register and pay the $150 athletic fee for one, two, or three sports. Student-athletes take advantage of this great deal and participate in multiple sports – remember, colleges and employers are searching for well-rounded students! Fees and/or confirmed payment plan are due before the first competition and can be paid online. There are fee waivers available for families, please stop by the Athletic Office and inquire. Also students must have an up-to-date medical physical examination. FRESHMEN and TRANSFERS must have all immunizations completed with their medical physical examination.
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
Our Athletic Booster Club annually raises over $30,000 that go directly to our teams and student-athletes and help to provide essentials that enhance our athletic teams pursuit of VICTORY! However, we need more parent volunteers! Please sign up and continue to help enhance our athletic program. The main website is: www.eastboosters.com for information about membership, parent volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, concession, purchasing spirit wear, and family activity passes.
● FUNDRAISER CONTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITY: Golf Outing rescheduled for Saturday, September 17 tee times 9:00am. At Glendale Lakes Golf Club
● RAMS APPAREL: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/illinois/lombard/glenbard-east-high-school
Any further inquiries please contact Athletic Booster Club President, Mrs. Jerri Gapastione (jgw8@comcast.net).
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