Leyden Pride Newsletter
August 30, 2021
Important dates for First Semester
Open House - Aug 31
Labor day - No School - Sept 6
Wall of Fame Inductions - Sept 23
Homecoming - Sept 24
Columbus Day - No School - Oct 11
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Oct 19
Holiday - No School - Nov 24-26
Winter Break Begins - Dec 22
Open House: Tuesday, August 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Overview
This is the first time in nearly two years that our families have the opportunity to come into the building to see all of the great things here at Leyden! We are planning to hold this event in-person, masks are required, and social distancing guidelines will apply to all guests in attendance.
Schedule:
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Welcome Presentation from Administration
(English in Auditorium, Spanish in Cafeteria, Polish in Little Theatre for East Leyden)
(English in Commons, Spanish in Eagles Wing for West Leyden)
6:35pm - 8:18pm: Parents & Guardians follow their students’ schedules.
(7 minutes per class period)
Note: Families who provided a cell phone number in our system may receive a text reminder from “Leyden (67587)” about Open House on Tuesday. While we intend to send occasional text messages to parents, you may opt out by replying with STOP.
Please plan on joining us at your students’ campus on Tuesday evening!
COVID-related updates and reminders
Water Stations
As we continue on with the 2021-22 school year, please be sure to bring a water bottle as our water fountains remain closed but filling stations are available at various locations in the buildings.
Outdoor P.E. Classes
Following guidance, masks are optional for students who are outside during P.E. classes.
Confirmed COVID case letter to families
In the event of a positive COVID case confirmed by our district, we are required by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Cook County Health Department (CCHD) to send a notification to all families. Please know, this letter will look the same, each time it is sent. We also update the COVID Dashboard on our district website weekly.
We will never name the confirmed individual(s) in the letter. It would be illegal to do so.
We do not specify in the letter if it’s a staff member or student. Cases and notifications are treated the same, regardless if they are a student or staff member.
In every confirmed case, our team traces who might have come in contact with this person, and provides direct and specific information to the families of those impacted. If you do not receive a specific message from Leyden, detailing a potential interaction with a confirmed case, then there is no further action to be taken.
If a case is isolated to only one school, East or West, that will be shared in the letter and the letter will only be sent to families from that school.
In the case of Leyden, with traveling teachers and combined athletic teams, there will be cases where the letter will not designate “East” or “West.” It will say “Leyden.” This means it’s possible that the person may have come in contact with both schools.
Required Vaccinations for Educational Employees
On Thursday, Illinois Governor, J. B. Pritzker issued new rules requiring educational employees to either become vaccinated or meet weekly COVID testing requirements. This mandate goes into effect on September 5.
Save the Date: Tuesday, October 26:
Richard Nardini Celebration of Life
In honor of past Board of Education member Richard Nardini, and his 36 years of service to the students of Leyden, we invite our community to join us in celebrating his life. On Tuesday, October 26, we will gather at East Leyden, in the very library that is named in his recognition, to enjoy stories and share perspectives of our time together. All are welcome.
East Leyden Ribbon-Cutting and Dedication Ceremony
Join us on Tuesday, October 26 as we officially dedicate the new addition at East Leyden and celebrate the innovation and opportunities offered by the completion of this recent renovation. It is only through the support of our communities that this project and its impact for students was possible, and so we look forward to showcasing this point of Leyden Pride with our residents, alumni, partners, dignitaries, parents, students, and staff.
Technology resources for families and students
Need help with Schoology? (What is “Schoology''?) What about Home Access Center? (Oh, is that what HAC stands for?) There’s a lot of technology available at Leyden, and with that, we have many resources to assist families in making sure they are getting the most out of these services. Visit the technology section of our Leyden website to learn more.
SAT test: October 2
For students planning on attending a four-year college or university, it is recommended to take the SAT at least two times to help get the best score possible. The next SAT will be given on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Students who intend to take this test must register in advance. The cost of the SAT is $55. Fee waivers are available for students who qualify. The deadline to register for this test is September 3. Students who have questions about the SAT should contact their counselor.
Senior portraits: September 27-30
Applause! Applause! Student, Faculty, Staff and Graduate Accomplishments
Teacher leaves for Arctic Adventure
This Friday, West Leyden Science Teacher Jon Pazol leaves for a 10-day quarantine in Norway before embarking on a six-week adventure aboard an icebreaker in the Siberian Arctic. Pazol will join a team of teachers and scientists from around the world to study interactions of fresh and saltwater ocean currents and climate change. While he is conducting his studies, he will be checking in with students via phone and video calls as wifi permits, from some of the most remote corners of the globe.
Pazol returns on October 22, with tales to tell for sure - until then, follow his journey:
Journals updated while exploring: PolarTREC - NABOS Program
Sign-up for notifications of new journals: PolarTREC Expedition Updates
*Oh, and speaking of that 10-day quarantine: In case you are wondering what Pazol has in the Netflix queue, it’s “Atypical,” “Big Bang Theory,” and “Arrested Development,” and then the entire Harry Potter book series.
Connect with us:
Email: pr@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212