Principal's March Newsletter
March 15, 2024
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
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
March 15
GBX musicfest
6PM-9PM in Biester Auditorium
tickets on sale HERE
March 19
Election Day
March 21
Percuss-O-RAMa
7PM – Biester Auditorium
tickets on sale at gefinearts.org
March 25 – April 1
NO SCHOOL
Spring Break
April 10
SAT Testing - JUNIORS ONLY
NO SCHOOL - FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORES/SENIORS
April 11
PSAT Testing - FRESHMAN & SOPHOMORES ONLY
NO SCHOOL - JUNIORS & SENIORS
April 12 - 26
D87 Art Show
Auditorium Foyer during school hours
April 12
On the Spot Jazz & Improv Concert
7PM – Cafeteria
tickets on sale at gefinearts.org
April 15
String Showcase
7PM – Biester Auditorium
tickets on sale at gefinearts.org
April 17
NHS Induction
7:30 PM – Biester Auditorium
April 18 - 20
Spring Play – A Monster Calls
7PM – Rider Hall
tickets on sale at gefinearts.org
April 25
Lilac Band Concert
7PM – Biester Auditorium
tickets on sale at gefinearts.org
April 26
Art Show Reception
5PM – 9PM – Auditorium Foyer
APRIL TESTING
Testing will impact the following school dates:
● Wednesday, April 10, 2024 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.
● Thursday, April 11, 2024 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.
PSAT TESTING: FRESHMAN
PSAT 8/9 for Grade 9
The PSAT 8/9 Exam Will be Administered to all Freshman on Thursday, April 11.
The PSAT 8/9 will be administered to all freshmen on Thursday, April 11, 2024. 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.
To access scores and get additional insights, all students should create a personal College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.org. If you need more information, see the PSAT 8/9 Student Guide. If you are having trouble with your account, contact SAT Customer Service at 866-756-7346.
Test Day Tips:
The following items are required for taking the PSAT 8/9:
- A pen or pencil for scratch work (it doesn’t have to be a No. 2 pencil).
- A fully charged school issued iPad with the most updated IOS and the Bluebook app already downloaded.
Though not required, consider bringing:
- Snacks and drinks (which must be under your desk during testing)
- An acceptable calculator—please see the Student Guide for a full list for use on the Math section of the test (if you prefer using a handheld calculator to using the embedded Desmos calculator in Bluebook)
- Extra batteries, a power cord, and backup calculator
Make Up Exam: The make-up date for this exam is Thursday, April 18, 2024.
If you have questions, contact Scott Lilly (scott_lilly@glenbard.org) or Joan Witkus (joan_witkus@glenbard.org).
PSAT TESTING: SOPHOMORES
PSAT10 for Grade 10
The PSAT 10 Exam Will be Administered to all Sophomores on Thursday, April 11.
The PSAT 10 will be administered to all sophomores on Thursday, April 11, 2024. 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.
To access scores and get additional insights, all students should create a personal College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.org. If you need more information, see the PSAT 10 Student Guide. If you are having trouble with your account, contact SAT Customer Service at 866-756-7346.
Test Day Tips:
The following items are required for taking the PSAT 8/9:
- A pen or pencil for scratch work (it doesn’t have to be a No. 2 pencil).
- A fully charged school issued iPad with the most updated IOS and the Bluebook app already downloaded.
Though not required, consider bringing:
- Snacks and drinks (which must be under your desk during testing)
- An acceptable calculator—please see the Student Guide for a full list for use on the Math section of the test (if you prefer using a handheld calculator to using the embedded Desmos calculator in Bluebook)
- Extra batteries, a power cord, and backup calculator
Make Up Exam: The make-up date for this exam is Thursday, April 18, 2024.
If you have questions, contact Scott Lilly (scott_lilly@glenbard.org) or Joan Witkus (joan_witkus@glenbard.org).
SAT TESTING: JUNIORS*
*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 2024.
SAT for Grade 11
The SAT + Essay will be Administered to all Juniors at Glenbard District 87 on Wednesday, April 10.
All Glenbard District 87 juniors will take the SAT exam on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. This exam serves as a college entrance exam and is a graduation requirement for all students in Illinois. Students do not need to register for this exam. To find out more about the School Day SAT, take a look at the SAT Student Guide.
The following items are required for taking the SAT:
- A pen or pencil for scratch work (it doesn’t have to be a No. 2 pencil).
- A fully charged school issued iPad with the most updated IOS and the Bluebook app already downloaded.
Though not required, consider bringing:
- A list of 4 colleges/scholarships you would like to send your scores to.
- Snacks and drinks (which must be under your desk during testing).
- An acceptable calculator for use throughout the Math section of the test (if you prefer using a handheld calculator to using the embedded Desmos calculator in the Bluebook app). See the Student Guide for a complete list of acceptable calculators.
- Extra batteries, a power cord, and backup calculator.
Score Sends: During the Digital Readiness Check prior to the test, 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. 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 in the students' college board accounts (paper results are no longer mailed). All students should already have a college board account. If you are new to Glenbard and need to set up an account, please follow this link: Setting Up Your College Board Account. If you are having trouble with your account, contact SAT Customer Service at 866-756-7346.
These scores will be used for Glenbard course enrollment recommendations.
Make Up Exam: The make-up date for this exam is Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Contact Scott Lilly (scott_lilly@glenbard.org) or Joan Witkus (joan_witkus@glenbard.org) if you have questions about this assessment.
SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT: SAVE THE DATE
Save the Date for our Senior Awards Night
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Biester Auditorium
7:30PM - 9PM
BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK: SAVE THE DATE
The first day of school for students, for the 2024-25 school year is Thursday, August 15th. Glenbard East will hold Back to School Week events the week of August 5 – 9. These events included: Freshman Parent Night, Freshman Orientation, and Sophomore, Junior, Senior day, when students will 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 15, please make their attendance at these events a priority. More details will be available in the coming months – please be sure to watch your email and the Glenbard East website for more information.
We wish our students a restful and refreshing spring break! In the face of challenging weather and illness, our teachers, families and students have persisted to keep learning and being engaged! In the weeks before and after a school’s spring break, drops in attendance are common. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn and connect to peers and their teachers. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and commitment to our school community. We look forward to seeing everyone back when school resumes on Tuesday, April 2. Until then, have a wonderful spring break!
To report absences, use our Attendance 24-Hour Line (630) 627-2595
- Report absences before 10:30 a.m. on or before the day of the absence.
- State the student’s name, ID number, your relation to the student, and reason for absence
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. Our Glenbard East Scholastic Team finished fourth out of seven teams at the Upstate 8 Conference Tourney on February 24. Patrick Barry and Atlas Mika were selected as All-Conference honorees as well. Good luck in the state series.
MAY 2024 AP TESTING
Glenbard District 87 will administer AP exams to all students in paper and pencil format over two weeks in May: May 6–10 and May 13–17. 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 2024 AP Exam Schedule.
Exam Order Changes
November 15th, 2023 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 2024 AP Exam Late-Testing Dates.
If you have questions, please contact our AP Coordinator Beth McNett (beth_mcnett@glenbard.org).
GBX MUSIC FEST TONIGHT!
GBXmusicfest, the Glenbard D87 Commercial Music Festival, takes place TONIGHT from 6-10pm in Biester Auditorium at Glenbard East.
GBXmusicfest features 90% original music created by students from across District 87. Students from each building serve on the Student Management team and the event is run by student volunteers. We also sell custom merchandise and will have concessions for sale!
GBXmusicfest is open to all members of our community and is a night full of positivity, excitement, and support for our performers. The performance features 7 headlining acts, 10 interlude performances, student emcees, DJ Surge, a performance from Glenbard East Staff member, Ava Blalark, and Chicago area guest artist: Sen Morimoto.
Tickets are $12 3/11-3/14 and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased with cash in person or online through the PushCoin Webstore.
Feel free to follow @ge_ramrecords on Instagram for continued updates, headliner info, etc.
We look forward to seeing you!
Glenbard East High School Theatre program proudly presents A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Directed by Josh Rubin, and Tech Directed by Andy Bero.
13-year-old Conor has had the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill with cancer. But tonight, when he wakes, there’s a monster at his window, and it wants something from Conor. It wants the truth. Conor’s dream life and the real world begin to bleed into one another until he must face his monsters and the reality of his mother’s illness in a story of love, loss, and hope.
The performances will be from April 18-20, 2023 at 7:00pm in Rider Hall.
PROM 2024
Date: Friday, May 17, 2024
Place: Abbington Banquets, S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn, 60137
Cost: $80 per ticket
Check in: 6:45PM
Sit-Down Dinner: 7:15PM
Admission cut off: 8:00PM (no entry after 8)
DJ & Dancing: 8:15PM - 10:30PM
*Students will not be permitted to leave until 10PM
TICKET SALES:
May 1-3 during ALL lunch periods in the cafeteria hallway.
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:
- Pick up a Permission Form: They are available in the Dean’s Office.
- The EAST student fills out the pertinent information, including their own guardian’s signature.
- 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.
- The EAST student brings the completed form AND a copy of their guest's PHOTO ID to get approval from their dean.
- The EAST student brings a completed form with the dean's signature to purchase the tickets.
- No refunds or exchanges can be made
Please click this link to learn more about Social Hosting Information
Watch the website and future newsletters for more information!
CONGRATULATIONS TO NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS!
Congratulations to Jason Cisnero and Kayla Hickman (pictured left to right) for being named Finalists in the 2024 Competition for National Merit Scholarship awards!
RAM ARTISTS ATTEND AND WIN AT UPSTATE 8 ART EXHIBITION
Timothy
Julia Merrick, Senior
Ceramics/Pottery - 3rd Place
Behind the Magic
Marvin Flores, lunior
Digital Illustration - 2nd Place
Congratulations to Marvin Flores who won a Second Place Medal for their Digital Illustration, and to Julia Merrick, who won a Third Place Medal for their Ceramics!
The winning art and eight other outstanding artworks from RAM artists can be viewed in person at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin through the end of the month.
GO RAM ART!
GERMAN STUDENTS COMPETE AT UIC GERMAN HIGH SCHOOL DAY
Over 25 German students participated in the University of Illinois Chicago’s annual High School competition on March 1st. Language events include a spelling bee, poetry reading, essay, city guide, skit, commercial and cover art. This year East took home the 1st place trophy in the skit category which included writing their own short play and performing it live for judges from the German Consulate, Swiss Consulate, Goethe Institut and UIC Professors. Skit performers include Sabrina Childers, Lauren Dolgin, Ace Escamilla, Corinne Petiprin, Maya Reinheimer, Celeste Zito. Senior Maria Gronwold also brought home a 3rd place trophy for her incredible writing on the Energiewende in Germany. Gut gemacht, alle zusammen!
STAFFULTY OF THE MONTH: MARCH
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!
Delaney Hansen
Delaney was nominated by two students for exhibiting the following Profile of an Educator competencies: Advocates, Empathizes, Thinks Critically, Embraces Diversity, Innovates, Collaborates. Here is what they had to say:
"Ms. Hansen has only shown kindness to me and has taught me exceptionally well; she not only teaches me, but she makes me interested in the units we learn. For example, right now we’re reading the fountains of silence, and she’s actually made me like the book which is actually rare for me since I don’t necessarily enjoy reading, but this book is way different and I thank her for that. Every day I go to class with a smile and she always manages to make me feel better and I just enjoy being around her and enjoy her as my teacher."
"Ms Hansen is a very helpful teacher and so welcoming. There isn’t really a box to check for my main reason but last April I had a seizure. I don't mind sharing this personal story because I want others to know how amazing and brave she was. The seizure was unexpected and it happened in the middle of her class. she immediately took action and knew what to do (pushing me to a side, making sure i don't hit something, and getting a nurse to help and call 911) It was scary for the students who saw, but I can’t imagine how scary it was for her. But she didn’t show her fear, instead, she thought quickly and did what was needed to be done to help me.
She still emails me and asks how I am doing because she truly does care about her students. I honestly don't think I would still be here if it weren’t for her quick thinking. I believe Ms Hansen deserves this award. She saved my life and made me a better person."
Christopher Pietsch
Chris was nominated by two 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:
"Pietsch makes the classroom a fun and positive environment. He’s inclusive and takes care of his students. Along with all of this he makes sure we all still learn. He brings enjoyment back into school for many."
"Mr.Pietsch NEVER fails to make a challenging class like AP US History during the last period of the day actually enjoyable. He invites and welcomes every student by name and does well in feeding us all the necessary information for the AP Exam while integrating clever skits, fun and relative stories, and even helpful songs! He makes himself widely available for extra help and even sets up individual meetings for students to improve their essays, which has proven really helpful for me and my peers."years in a row:)"
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 - 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)
LACROSSE - Head Coach Vincent Trombetta (vince_trombetta@glenbard.org)
SOFTBALL - Head Coach Dawn Chantos (dawn_chantos@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 Jordan Flower (jordan_flowers@glenbard.org)
BOYS VOLLEYBALL - Head Coach Kelly Markworth (kelly_markworth@glenbard.org)
SAVE THE DATE: NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Tuesday, April 30, 2024 (1:40pm-2:40pm in the East Gym) to celebrate our senior athletes that have been 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.
GOLF OUTING SPONSORSHIP
Inaugural 18-Hole Golf Outing Sponsorship
“Rams Golf Classic: Teeing Up Support for Glenbard East Athletics”
Glenbard East Athletic Boosters is a group of parent and alumni volunteers that represent athletic programs at GBE. The primary purpose of the Boosters is to support our student athletes by raising funds to meet the needs of 29 athletic programs. Funds raised by the Boosters are utilized for uniforms, supplies and equipment, scholarships for athletes, and much more! Please join us in supporting our community of athletes by being a premier sponsor of our Inaugural “Rams on the Green: Teeing Up Support for Glenbard East Athletics”! There are contest and hole sponsorships available too! The outing will be Friday, June 21, 2024 at Glendale Lakes Golf Club in Glendale Heights, our boys and girls golf teams’ home course. The outing format will be a shotgun, scramble with a start time of 11:00am and will end with an awards ceremony. For pricing and benefits, please see table below. GBE Boosters Club is a charitable organization: You will receive a letter for tax purposes with the amount donated along with the Tax ID.
Please email your Company logo in JPG or PDF format to Kristy Mastalarz: khayes461@gmail.com
Kindly submit your payment and company logo file no later than Friday, March 15. Any questions can be directed to Kristy via email (khayes461@gmail.com), call, or text: (630) 546-9870
Visit the following website to choose sponsorship level and submit donation:
https://glenbard-east-booster-club.square.site/golf-outing
Please note: If you plan to be present at the Tee Box, no outside alcohol is allowed to be served at Glendale Lakes Golf Course due to being owned by the Park District of Glendale Heights. You will need to bring your own table, chairs, tents, etc. Please feel free to bring promotional items to hand out.
Please make checks payable to: Glenbard East Boosters
Mail check to: Kristy Mastalarz, 362 N Lombard Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
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