Principal's October Newsletter
October 20, 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
IMPORTANT DATES
October 21
Athletic Boosters Art & Craft Fair
10AM - 3PM – Fieldhouse
October 24
Voices of East Concert
7PM – Biester Auditorium
October 25 & 26
Early Dismissal
&
Parent/Teacher Conferences
by Appointment
October 27
NO SCHOOL
November 15
Gratitude Day
2:45PM - 3:45PM - Cafeteria
November 16, 17 & 18
Fall Musical - 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
7PM - Rider Hall
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE SCHEDULING IS OPEN!
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be virtual on October 25th (4-8PM) and in-person on October 26th (2-6PM). To schedule conferences, you will need to access PowerPTC through PowerSchool and schedule your appointments by October 22nd at 9PM. Follow this Parent/Guardian quick start guide. If you experience technical difficulty or are unable to schedule a conference online, contact Jody Losacco 630-424-6623 or jody_losacco@glenbard.org.
Note: Friday, October 27 is a non-attendance day for students
Please come out this Saturday, October 21 to a FREE event and enjoy Glenbard East Athletic Boosters 1st Annual FALL CRAFT FAIR from 10AM - 3PM. View more information via the GBE Athletic Booster FaceBook site: https://fb.me/e/8s8o5QEva
FRESHMAN LEADERSHIP DAY
We would like to invite you/your son/daughter to participate in Freshman Leadership Day to be held at Glenbard East on November 4, 12:30PM - 5PM. Students are invited to participate on a first come-first served basis, so please turn in the application as soon as possible.
All the participants will go through extensive leadership training led by the Glenbard East Leadership team and the 2023-2024 Senior Leaders. The students will also attend sessions on negotiation and problem solving skills, acting with courage, and specific methods of leadership. The theme for the 2023-2024 Leadership Program is: Supported by Community - Strengthened by Love at Glenbard East High School. We strongly believe that participating in this leadership day will have a significant and positive impact on our school and your son/daughter. The cost of the leadership day is $12 per student. The $12 fee includes training, snacks, and a t-shirt.
If you would like your son/daughter to participate in this leadership training, please click HERE to fill out the form by Tuesday October 31. Additionally, please send cash or check for $12 made out to Glenbard East to school with your child. Checks can be brought to the Main Office or given directly to Ms. Slusher or Ms Miller. Please feel free to contact either coordinator with any questions: Donna Slusher (donna_slusher@glenbard.org), Nicole Miller (nicole_miller@glenbard.org).
INCOMING FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE GLENBARD EAST
In an effort to begin the transition process from middle school to high school, current 8th graders from Glenn Westlake and Marquardt Middle Schools are scheduled to visit Glenbard East on Wednesday, November 15, and Thursday, November 16, respectively. The purpose of these visits is to acclimate our future 9th graders to the school building and expose them to the various extracurricular activities and elective opportunities in Fine Arts, Technology and Engineering, Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, and World Languages. This information will be important to them as they begin to think about extracurricular activities and prepare them for the course selection process which will take place during the month of January.
THE WRITE PLACE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
The Write Place is a new resource for students to receive help on any writing assignment from tutors who are trained to guide students towards their writing goals. Tutors can help students at any stage of the writing process: whether it’s brainstorming ideas, drafting their writing, or revising their essays. The goal of the Write Place is to help students build confidence in their writing and strengthen their skills.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMS
It is an expectation at Glenbard that any students enrolled in an AP course will also take the course AP exam in May. The cost of a student’s AP exam(s) is factored into school registration fees at the beginning of the school year. The D87 School Board has made the investment to pay for one AP exam for every Glenbard student every year. All subsequent exams are $98—except AP Seminar and AP Research, which are $146.
To officially register for each AP exam, students must join the My AP classroom for each of their AP courses. My AP is a College Board website where students register for exams, access course resources, and see their exam scores. To register students use a specific join code provided by their teacher. Students are not registered for the exam(s) until they register with this code. We ask all AP teachers to complete this process with their students in the first month of the school year.
If your student drops an AP class, the student’s balance will automatically be updated to reflect the change. The exam fee will be credited in full until College Board’s November 15th deadline. After this date, families will receive a partial credit (exam cost minus a $40 cancelled exam fee).
If there are extenuating circumstances, families can withdraw from the exam without financial penalty: November 15, 2023 for full year AP courses, and March 15, 2024 for 2nd semester only AP courses. Please notify your school counselor or the AP Coordinator Beth McNett. Partial credit (exam cost minus a $40 cancelled 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.
If you have questions about AP Exams, feel free to contact your students counselor or AP Coordinator, Beth McNett at beth_mcnett@glenbard.org.
FROM THE DEANS' DESK
ATTENDANCE
WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Deans spend a good portion of their day clarifying students’ absences. Please make sure to call your child into the Attendance Office at 630-627-2595 if they will be out of school for the day, are sick, have a late arrival, an appointment, or an early dismissal. Sleeping in, missing the bus, or school refusal are not viable reasons to be late or to miss school. Students will be issued an unexcused tardy or TRUANT for any of these reasons. Detentions and other consequences will be assigned based on frequency and severity of infractions.
ACADEMIC HELP
Does your child need extra help with a class or two? Contact your child’s counselor for information about how to get your student signed up to participate in:
- STRIVE: FREE before and after school homework help! STRIVE takes place from 6:55AM-7:25AM, Monday-Thursday and from 2:45PM-3:45PM, Tuesday through Thursday in room 251.
- RAM time: Students can sign up to meet with teachers based on the subjects they need help in during RAM time. Please assist by helping your student identify the areas of need.
BUS CONDUCT
We have had several issues regarding student behavior on the bus. Please remind your child that misconduct on the school bus can result in a school consequence. Thank you for your support.
GLENBARD EAST STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
For student wellness, social, or emotional support, check out the Student Support Services one-pager. For additional support from the community, click here.
DEANS
Ernest Travis- ernest_travis@glenbard.org
Braden Kass- braden_kass@glenbard.org
Gianna Pigoni- gianna_pigoni@glenbard.org
Ashley Perisee- ashley_perisee@glenbard.org
Charles Hinriksson- charles_hinriksson@glenbard.org
GLENBARD EAST FINE ARTS BOOSTERS (GEFAB)
Exciting news from the Fine Arts Department! Our booster organization has expanded from music to include all of the Fine Arts at Glenbard East!
Joining GEFAB helps to support all of the activities in music, art, theatre, and film production. Your membership helps fund the “extras” that make the Fine Arts Experience at East so special to our students. Through membership and fundraising GEFAB provides lesson scholarships, college scholarships, field trip assistance, and support for events throughout the year. GEFAB volunteers help with marching band and concert uniforms, theatre production build and performances and hospitality at events.
Please consider joining GEFAB for $25. Go to gefinearts.org for more information.
GEFAB Exec Board meets November, 6pm, in Room 201
All are welcome.
RAMS OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER
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!
JOHN RUSSELL BOBIER
LJ exhibits the qualities of a profile of a graduate in the context of the science learning environment. He has shown immense initiative, effort, and ownership of his learning and achievement in the course through ambitious goals, self-regulation and self-advocacy. LJ also exemplifies thinking critically as he has been able to apply his intellect, logic, and reasoning to take the chemistry material to a deeper level. Finally, LJ also collaborates and communicates well through positive relationships with his peers and teacher. He brings a positive energy and respect to all interactions in the classroom.
BRIANNA ARNIERI
Bri is a self-empowered student leader in the class to whom her tablemates regularly seek help. She has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to think critically and often leverages her curiosity to improve the quality of our class discussions.
DOMINIK HOMOLA
I feel so incredibly lucky to have Dom in my 8th period class. Even though it is the end of the day, Dom has a positive attitude every day. He is quick to ask for help if he needs it-both in class and via email. He supports his tablemates as we work through tasks. Dom is an incredible model for his peers due to his hard work and kindness. He is off to an amazing start to his high school career!
RAYYAN SAEED
Rayyan has worked diligently since Day 1 of his Freshman year to do the very best he can, academically. He regularly checks his PowerSchool. Rayyan also advocates for himself via email if he has a question or concern.
KELLY WEBB
Kelly has been taking on a leadership role in class. She assists the other students with completing their journals and helps them read out and present their answers. She encourages students who struggle with self-regulation to follow directions. She has learned their individual plans and is encouraging and runs their token economy. She is a pleasure to have in class. Kelly is always willing to do any task and be a teacher's helper. She is taking care of others that have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She embraces diversity by accepting our Life Skills students and helping them achieve their daily goals.
PHOENIX FODREY
Phoenix is doing a fantastic job in AP Calculus BC. Homework is great, participation great, attitude great. Asks great questions and benefits the whole class by being such an active learner. Phoenix is very conscientious, pays attention to detail, and is knocking it out of the park on quizzes and tests. Thank you, Phoenix!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE RECOGNIZED STUDENTS!
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation notes that "Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation." Congratulations these National Merit Commended Students for their academic excellence:
National Merit Commended Students
Patrick Barry
Claire Flanagan
Thomas Gill
Daniel Zlatanov
CONGRATULATIONS TO SELECTED CHOIR STUDENTS
Choral students from East were selected to perform in the Illinois American Choral Directors Association High School Honor Choir. The concert will take place in Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on Saturday October 28, 3PM.
Bass
Jaden Tybor
Zach Mullins
Lucas Logacho
Ethan Hamilton
Tenor
Puneet Singh
Serge Dulang
Erik Vazquez
Maxx Weinsheim
Alto
Allie Piña
Sofia PeBenito
Ivonne Vazquez
Soprano
Annalee Kalbfleisch
Tricia Tran
Jazmin Acuña Manzo
STAFFULTY OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER
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!!!
Lizette Ramirez
Lizette Ramirez 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:
"Lizette, has truly exemplified the Profile of an Educator. I have personally witnessed Lizette present and excel in each of the competencies through every facet of her role. As a newer Glenbard employee, I've had the pleasure of being Liz's mentee. In addition to training me, she also recently took on interns to continue to support and develop future members of the School Counseling profession.
While she possesses all skills, I'd like to focus on advocates and thinks critically.
Advocating is truly one of Liz's core values. Her love, passion and devotion to education, equity and inclusion truly drives her work forward. Her intense passion is what makes Liz such a strong leader in our department and school building. Liz is a forward thinking problem solver who tries to get ahead of potential barriers for our students. Most recently, she noticed our EL students struggling with solidifying a classroom during our ram time. To assist them, noting the language barriers, she rallied up other EL staff members and coordinated a visit into EL study methods classes to get everyone signed up! 5 classes later, every student in attendance was signed up for their first agency day.
Lizette is a great listener, respectful colleague and a critical thinker. Our team has seen her shift and pivot many times with grace and a great attitude, specifically, within her EL role. While many do not know the ins and outs of the day to day EL world and how heavy it can feel at times, Liz takes everything in stride and always remains centered and unmoved when it comes to giving our students the best support and experience possible.
Liz is an active member of Latinos US, Student Council, our Equity team, an EL pioneer in our department and an absolute powerhouse! Her work ethic and ability to function at a high level EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. is inspiring and worthy of praise. Her leadership, empathic and genuine spirit is infectious and truly motivating. We are all so lucky to have Liz on our team and in our building!"
MARISSA MCLEAN
Marissa McLean was nominated by a staff member for the exhibiting the following Profile of an Educator competencies: Advocates, Empathizes, Thinks Critically, Embraces Diversity, Innovates, Collaborates. Here is what they had to say:
"Marissa is an exceptional educator and colleague. I am recommending Marissa because I want her to know how valued and appreciated she is.
While Marissa has exemplified all the skills listed, the ones that drove me to complete this form are advocates, empathizes and collaborates.
I have personally collaborated with Marissa on many projects and she always thinks of the entire student body and how our decisions align with the district’s mission for inclusivity and equity. Marissa is a fierce advocate and a very intentional person. She’s a great listener and is willing to compromise but also arms herself with as much knowledge about what she’s advocating about to ensure that others have additional context. While sometimes it is easier to do the same thing over and over again, Marissa is constantly looking at our procedures and intentionality to ensure equity and inclusion. She is willing to do the work…even if that means starting something from scratch.
Her empathic nature has made working with Marissa really great. I’ve personally had EL students tell me how amazing her Hip Hop class is and how they feel welcomed in her classes. She is willing to support students and will go above and beyond to ensure an amazing high school experience.
Lastly, I cannot say enough about what an amazing collaborator she is! She took me under her wing when I started a year ago as the STUCO advisor and I can tell you that her support and patience as I learned new procedures has truly made this experience so wonderful. Her push to be intentional and to keep equity and inclusion at the core is a reason why we are looking to reinvent our homecoming court next year.
Overall, I’m so appreciative and grateful to work alongside such a fierce advocate! I have personally seen Marissa walk in the building at 6am and leave at 9pm- with a smile on her face! Her dedication to our students and their high school experiences are valued and appreciated.
So happy to have the pleasure of working with Marissa!"
HELPING YOUR TEEN SET GOALS
SUPERINTENDENT, DR. DAVID LARSON, HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF DUAL CREDIT CLASSES
Through our partnership with the College of DuPage, our students are taking dual credit classes in high school and have the opportunity to earn college credit. These classes are a valuable opportunity for students.
Dual credit courses, which we offer at no cost to families, allow students to experience early college coursework, taught by Glenbard teachers during the regular school day. Students who take dual credit classes can get a head start on college general education requirements and explore fields of interest.
Dual credit courses taken in high school help students reduce college costs. They free up a spot in a student’s college schedule and empower students to choose other options when they get to college.
Many of our dual credit courses are part of the Illinois Articulation Initiative, which means the courses are transferable for college credit among more than 100 participating colleges and universities in Illinois.
At East, more than 400 students are enrolled in the following dual credit courses:
- Dual Credit English
- Dual Credit Math
- Dual Credit Speech
- Dual Credit Introduction to Horticulture
- Dual Credit Multivariable Calculus
- Dual Credit Introduction to Urban Sustainable Agriculture
I am so proud of our students who enroll in these challenging classes and are taking the next step in their educational journey. Also, I appreciate our teachers who are teaching these college-level courses. Our dedicated educators are challenging and supporting our students who are stretching themselves by taking dual credit. What a powerful way for our students to get familiar with college-level work.
When college admissions officers consider applications, they rank grades in college prep courses, such as dual credit, among the top five factors for admission for first-time freshmen. They certainly notice the challenging classes our students take.
We have a great partnership with COD, and I look forward to us continuing to expand dual credit opportunities for our students.
ATHLETICS NEWS FOR OCTOBER
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 NEARING POSTSEASONS
Our Girls/Boys Golf finished their seasons a few weeks ago near the top of the UEC and were competitive in the IHSA State Series, including an individual qualifier to the IHSA Sectional. Girls/Boys Cross Country continue to set personal records (PRs) and ran pretty well at the UEC Tourney - girls finished 2nd place and boys finished 5th place. They now prepare to compete in the IHSA State Series starting with the Regional (hosted at Naperville North). Cheer and Dance (Ramettes) worked hard with training, performed at our home football games, including pep rallies and Homecoming, and now prepare for their respective competitive winter seasons. Football has clinched a playoff berth for the fifth consecutive year, and will host an IHSA playoff pairing watch party on Saturday, October 21. We anticipate hosting round one of the playoffs at 7:00PM on Friday, October 27 vs. TBA. Boys Soccer finished near the top of the UEC and competed in an IHSA Regional earlier this week. Girls Swimming continues to compete in the DuKane County Conference (DKC) and prepare for a conference tournament followed by an IHSA Sectional. Girls Tennis finished 3rd in the UEC. Their season ended last week with a competitive showing at the IHSA Sectional (hosted by Downers Grove South). Girls Volleyball continues to improve week-to-week, competed in Autumnfest, one of the top-tournaments in the state, and now will prepare for the IHSA State Series.
A special note to football. Glenbard East and Glenbard South agreed to an inaugural trophy this season, the “Rivalry Trophy” that will be a part of the annual game. With a 28-14 win, the 2023-24 trophy stays at Glenbard East and will be housed in our trophy case (2nd floor hallway).
WINTER ATHLETIC COACHES INFO & SEASON START DATES:
Please feel free to reach out to the following head coaches for more specific information regarding your child/children sport(s):
- Basketball Boys: Eric Kelly, eric_kelly@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Nov 6
- Basketball Girls: Nicole Miller, nicole_miller@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Oct 30
- Bowling Boys: Steve Bair, steve_bair@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Oct 23
- Bowling Girls: Dawn Chantos, dawn_chantos@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Nov 13
- Cheer CoEd Competitive: Kelly Dolan, kelly_dolan@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Oct 23
- Dance Competitive: Courtney Clay, courtney_clay@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Oct 23
- Gymnastics Girls: Jessica Bugajsky, jessica_bugajsky@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Nov 6
- Swimming Boys: Tyler Buss, tyler_buss@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Nov 20
- Wrestling Boys: Donald Pool, donald_pool@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Nov 6
- Wrestling Girls: Matt Nelson, matthew_nelson@glenbard.org, tryouts start Mon Nov 6
Please register on PowerSchool prior to the start date of your respective sport(s). Please 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 or if a family wants additional insurance. Click here for more information.
Student Athletic Fees/Registration - $150
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 should 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 on file. 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; helps provide essentials that help enhance our athletic teams pursue 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.
RAMS APPAREL (enjoy and shop well): CLICK HERE
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