Principal's January Newsletter
January 13, 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.
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January 16
NO SCHOOL
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
January 18
Jazz Concert
7PM - Marquardt Middle School Performing Arts Center
January 19
Senior Honors Recital
6PM - Rider Hall
February 1
Valentines for Vets
2:30PM - 3:30PM - Cafeteria
February 4
24 Hour Theatrefest Performance
7PM - Rider Hall
February 6
4th Annual Women's Empowerment in Sports Day
February 7
Winter Band Concert
7PM - Biester Auditorium
February 16/17/18
Winter Theatre Performances
7PM - Rider Hall
ACADEMIC COURSES AND PATHWAYS
It’s that time of year when Glenbard East students meet with their school counselor to register for next year’s classes. With so many course offerings at East, it is important for students and parents/guardians to discuss educational and career pathways and develop a plan to work toward graduation requirements as well as post secondary high school intentions.
The East Academic Program Guide will help students and parents plan a high school program based on these goals. This guide contains specific course descriptions, high school graduation requirements and descriptions of specific programs. Selecting the right courses not only prepares students for life after high school, but also creates opportunities for students to challenge their academic abilities. Students should consider their interests, talents, and future career goals when selecting courses. Parents are highly encouraged to be actively involved with their student in selecting an appropriate program of courses for the coming year by discussing the appropriate course selection with their student, teachers, and counselor.
2023 STANDARDIZED SCHOOL DAY TESTING INFORMATION
Illinois State Assessments
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM STUDENT SERVICES
As we progress through this winter season, here are a few reminders to ensure your student is optimally equipped for success. If you have any questions or concerns related to student services, please contact Mr. Broderick L. Booth, Assistant Principal for Student Services at 630-424-6603. Thank you in advance for making student health, attendance, and engagement a priority with your student.
Glenbard East Student Support Services
Does your child need extra help? Check out this link: Student Support Services
Student Helpline
Encourage your child to call our student helpline 630-424-6670 anytime they need to make reports about student safety. Anonymous reporting is available. We are here to help!
Exposure to COVID-19?
Parents/guardians should continue to report exposure to COVID-19 and diagnosis of COVID-19 within the home. Students can report exposure here. Exposures can also be reported to the Health Office at 630-424-7133 or email Laura_Grabowski@glenbard.org.
Student Activities
School engagement does not just mean involvement in academics. It also includes getting involved in one of our extracurricular activities. Encourage your student to participate in one of our 50+ clubs or activities and become more connected with fellow peers and teachers.
Live Life Well Week
Glenbard District 87 students and staff will celebrate Live Life Well Week 2023 from February 20-24. The week is an opportunity to bring focus to the skills necessary to persevere, moving forward in positive healthful ways, developing the resilience and healthy habits to “Live Life Well.” This year's theme is: MOTIVATED TO SUCCEED: The Confidence and Mindset to Thrive in School and Life. By the end of this presentation, students will have clarity on their definition of success and the steps they can take to get there. The week kicks off with special GPS events on Feb. 15th and 16th focusing on positive mindset and the importance of building healthy relationships Link at GlenbardGPS.org.
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Each year over 40 local scholarships are awarded to Glenbard East Seniors who are planning to further their education. Last year over $50,000 was awarded to Glenbard East Seniors. You will find information about the application process and the application here. The application and recommendations are due the evening of February 2nd. Good luck!
Additionally, Please click here for the Glenbard East Scholarship List for scholarship information and scholarship search engines, as well as financial aid resources.
COURSE ENROLLMENT
The online enrollment process closed on January 3, 2023. Students will continue to be able to view their choices in their Power School accounts, but any changes will need to be requested through their school counselors. Counselors will meet with all students individually between January 11th and February 4th during all PE/Health/Drivers Education classes to ensure that student selections address remaining graduation requirements. Please look at the enrollment resources and timeline to be best prepared to finalize your course requests with a counselor. Please continue to monitor your student’s Power School account during that time to note any changes. Parents, please continue to work and review your student’s course requests for the 23-24 school year.
AP EXAMS AND FEES
Click here for the 2023 exam schedule set by the College Board. If your child did not sign up for an exam and would like to, there still is time. A $40 late fee will be charged on top of the testing fee.
Unused/Canceled Exam Fee: If your student is registered for an AP exam and decides not to take the exam that was ordered, there will be an unused/canceled exam fee of $40 per exam. The $40 fee applies to any unused or canceled exam, including an exam ordered for a student who qualifies for a College Board fee reduction. It’s important to tell your AP coordinator if you decide not to take an exam.This fee doesn’t apply if you transfer out of a school.
Contact our AP Coordinator Beth McNett if you have questions. She can be reached at beth_mcnett@glenbard.org or by calling 630-424-6758.
HOW TO ACCESS COLLEGE BOARD SCORE REPORTS
AP, SAT, PSAT 8/9, PSAT10 and PSAT NMSQT Score Reports - As testing scores become available throughout the year, students may access their scores in their very own College Board portal. Click the link for Student Directions to Access Scores in the College Board Reporting Portal.
REMINDERS FROM THE DEANS' OFFICE
See Something, Say Something!
School safety is a community effort. Please continue to report and encourage your children to report concerns from social media and school to the Deans’ office. Students who SEE SOMETHING AND SAY SOMETHING are integral in our efforts to keep GBE safe for all students and staff.
Attendance: We need your Help!
CLEAN SLATE: Semester 2. All students’ attendance is now clear for semester 2. Please review the Student Handbook for attendance policies regarding absences in excess of 12 days. REMINDER: Please call your child into the Attendance Office at 630-627-2595 if they are sick, have a late arrival, an appointment, or an early dismissal.
- Truancy: Students with excessive unexcused absences will receive a TRUANT notification and may receive consequences including detentions or BIA. Please encourage your child to attend all their classes and to be on time, or please call the attendance office for an all day excused absence.
- Early Dismissal: A parent/guardian should call the attendance office at least 2 hours prior or provide a note the morning of to secure your child’s early dismissal.
Remember that a parent/guardian must call their child into the Attendance Office as soon as possible if they will be out of school for the day. 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. Thank you for your assistance with this!
Health Protocols
Please stay home and contact the health office at 630-424-7133 for any student or family COVID-19-like symptoms or positive test results.
DEANS:
Gianna Pigoni - gianna.pigoni@glenbard.org
Ernest Travis - ernest.travis@glenbard.org
Rebecca Hernandez - rebecca.hernandez@glenbard.org
Braden Kass - braden.kass@glenbard.org
ATTENTION: PARENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2023
Graduation Commencement information is posted on the Glenbard East website under the “Parents/Families" & "Student” headings. Please just click on the “Graduation 2023" link for Important dates, Josten's Order Calendar, and Commencement Frequently Asked Questions. Periodically the "Graduation 2023" link will be updated.
EAST PAYS A VISIT TO MARQUARDT MIDDLE SCHOOL
On January 10, staff members Famous Hulbert, D'Wayne Bates, Dean Ernest Travis, and Dr. Kisha Jenkins, took eleven students to Marquardt Middle School to attend their annual Marquardt Serving Society Luncheon. The group spoke to Marquardt students about the importance of taking academics seriously and being involved in co-curricular activities and/or athletics. Glenbard East students gave heartfelt testimonials, and everyone spent time answering the middle school students' questions about the challenges associated with transitioning to high school.
CONGRATULATIONS TO DAR AND SAR WINNERS!
Congratulations to Hannah Hadraba for earning the Good Citizenship Award sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution for the class of 2023. Hannah earned this award through a write-in ballot amongst Glenbard East staff based upon the merits of leadership, dependability, service and patriotism.
Congratulations to Tyler Johnwick for earning the Outstanding Citizenship Award sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution for the class of 2023. Tyler earned this award through a write-in ballot amongst Glenbard East staff based upon the merits of dependability, honesty, courtesy, respect, leadership and patriotism.
MATILDA TO BE PERFORMED AT THEATRE FEST
The cast and crew of Matilda, East Theatre’s travelling children’s show, has been invited to perform at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. New this year, this ensemble toured to 4 elementary schools in a single day to set-up, perform and move on their 40 minute show. Congratulations!
MATILDA Cast & Crew
Lyel Pascasio, Jilly Gorvett, Amoni Cook, Jordan Carino, Madi Shoemaker, Allie Pina, JP Maldonado, Iria Youstra, Benjamin Judd, Jake Velasco, Tricia Tran, Anthony Nichols, Sophia Opila, Linaea Walsh, M-Kay Rouse, Samantha Rotar, Lain Petiprin, Alex Schneider, Michael Acuna, Jessica Mayer, Christina Chiero, German Ramirez
Director: Micki Marin-Bunting
Artistic Director of GBE Theatre: Andy Bero
Student Director: Corinne Petiprin
WIN FABULOUS RAFFLE PRIZES
$200 PRIZE FOR THE HIGHEST SCORE
Plentiful Hors d’oeuvres
Bring a Dessert to Share
Age 21 and over
Cost $30 per person-Tables of 8 to 10
Sign up as a team of at least 8 or if you have
less you can join a team
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL-STATE MUSICIANS
The following students have been selected to the All-State level and will travel to Peoria to participate in the 2023 Illinois Music Educators Conference (IMEC) this month.
Musicians qualify for All-State by having the top rankings in their ILMEA district. Composition winners were chosen from over 300 entries in 21 categories.
Linaea Walsh: Honors Vocal Jazz, soprano. Honors Vocal Jazz is an ensemble of 12 musicians from across Illinois.
Grace Boddy: All-State Vocal Jazz, soprano. All-State Vocal Jazz is an ensemble of 24 musicians from across Illinois.
Elliot Humphrey: Composition: Honorable Mention Rap/Hip Hop. Untitled
Lyel Pascasio: Composition: 1st Place Electronic Dance Music. juicy, 2nd Place Remix. grated cheese. Lyel has also been invited to perform juicy and be interviewed at the convention during an All-State musicians gathering.
Danny Gonzalez, Max Paton, Lily Lopez, Charlie Jones: 1st Place Rock Band, Be Your Man
These students, as the band Infinite Monkey Theorem, have been invited to perform at the convention awards ceremony and to sit for an interview.
STAFFULTY OF THE MONTH: NOVEMBER
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!!!
ERIKA WILLIAMS
Erika Williams was nominated by a staff member for exhibiting the following Profile of an Educator competencies: Empathizes, Embraces Diversity, Innovates, Collaborates. Below is what they had to say:
"As a new member of the counseling team, Erika has made contributions beyond what we could have expected. Erika is one of the EL counselors in the building and has embraced diversity within her caseload. She has taken steps to ensure that new students from various backgrounds have felt welcomed into the building and ensures that they have the tools to have a good transition. This has involved finding mentors, making use of the district resources such as the language line to communicate and even making sure students get home who have no English skills (i.e. walking students to find taxis).
Erika has also brought innovative ideas including a senior tracker that has allowed our department to take our post secondary initiatives (part of our work plan) to the next level through the data that has been made readily available to the team. She is diligent in making sure she is able to use her skills to help our team meet our benchmarks.
Erika has come into our team and is taking the time to learn the building and has a desire to learn from veteran counselors while also making meaningful contributions. She is a true collaborator within our team and the various projects she has taken the lead on including the PSAT, post secondary initiatives, and the EL Team.
We are so happy to have her in the building!"
BRYAN WITTE
Bryan Witte was nominated by a staff member for exhibiting the following Profile of an Educator competencies: Thinks Critically, Innovates, Collaborates. Here is what they had to say:
"I am nominating Bryan Witte this month for his diligent work and leadership regarding our tracking of seniors’ participation in the FAFSA. This is a large project that requires 100% accuracy and constant supervision throughout the year to match our data with ISAC’s.
Thinks Critically - Bryan has carefully considered the challenges of this process from last year, and he has been developing systems to avoid potential problems. In our meetings, he has shown how his methods are specifically designed to eliminate human error and take up less of employees’ time. Additionally, he has gone above and beyond when analyzing data in order to investigate demographic trends.
Innovates - Bryan has been creating systems in Google Sheets in order to compare our data with ISAC’s. Bryan has been implementing formulas to pull senior data from PowerSchool and flag potential issues. His systems search for and mark withdrawn students, repeated students, new students, and erroneous entries so that we can easily identify and correct our lists.
Collaborates - Bryan has been leading a joint effort between all of the counselors and the registrar. Bryan has graciously listened to feedback and has sought to make things more convenient for everyone. For FAFSA tracking, counselors receive Nonparticipation forms from their students, the registrar uploads this data to PowerSchool and ISAC’s website, and Bryan organizes this information for tracking purposes. Bryan has worked on streamlining this sharing of information and has helped centralize information so that everyone can more easily be on the same page."
SUPERINTENDENT, DR. DAVID LARSON: ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER PROGRAM
Although the weather outside is cold, it’s time to think about summer school. Registration for summer school will begin in mid-January. Your principal will share summer school details soon, and information also will be included in Glenbard News.
Variety of Course Formats Available
I am proud of our robust summer school program offerings, which features many free classes, as well as classes taught by our teachers.
Our summer courses are a great opportunity for incoming freshmen to take a Bridge class and get acclimated to their new school environment. It’s also an important opportunity for older students to take enrichment, get-ahead credit classes, and credit recovery. Let’s take a closer look at these offerings.
- Bridge courses are noncredit bearing and help students transition from eighth grade to freshman year in specific content areas. Bridge classes are also free, and an important opportunity for new students to familiarize themselves with their high school building, staff and teachers. I imagine many of us remember that feeling of being overwhelmed and a little lost when we started high school. Bridge classes alleviate that feeling for students, while reviewing academic skills at the same time.
- Enrichment courses are noncredit bearing, free and designed for rising sophomores through seniors as support over the summer in preparation for the upcoming school year. AP Launch is a popular course specifically designed to help students who will be experiencing an Advanced Placement course for the first time.
- Credit recovery courses provide students with the opportunity to recover course credit from a previous school year. These classes also are free. These courses align with our goals of ensuring that all students graduate on time and with a clear postsecondary plan.
- Get-ahead credit courses allow students to get ahead in earning their graduation requirements, and free up room in their schedule during the regular school year to explore additional coursework. These are the only summer program classes with a fee.
Benefits of Summer Program
Summer school is part of our school culture. During the summer, it is common to see many of our students in school. I am proud of our students for taking advantage of this opportunity, and I appreciate families who prioritize year-round learning. Research shows that students who take summer school courses avoid “summer slide” in their learning. Additional benefits include:
- Summer school cultivates a work ethic that will serve students well in the future.
- Summer school also provides structure for young people and helps them build confidence in their skills and abilities.
We developed our summer program to meet the needs of each of our students. Our knowledgeable school counselors help students determine which classes to take during the summer.
Room for Learning and More in Summer
We understand that students have a lot going on during the summer, including working, family time and participating in summer camps. Our summer program is designed to allow students to take classes and still have time for all of these things and more.
I encourage you and your student to keep an eye out for the announcement of when summer school registration begins, review the course offerings and register for a summer class. The summer program will make a meaningful difference in students’ academic achievement.
ATHLETICS NEWS: JANUARY 2023
Happy New Year and hope 2023 is off to a great start! We continue to build and live by our athletic motto: Students First: VICTORY Will Happen…as victory is way more important than just simply winning. We continue to implement the Glenbard Profile of a Graduate transferable life skills and its six (6) competencies: self-empowered, communicates, thinks critically, embraces diversity, creates, and collaborates. We feel these skills will afford our students post-secondary opportunities including college, jobs/careers, military, and help them to be successful in whatever they choose to do.
2022-23 Spring Athletic Head Coaches
- INDOOR TRACK & FIELD BOYS - start date Tuesday, January 17, Head Coach Daniel Greco (daniel_greco@glenbard.org)
- INDOOR TRACK & FIELD GIRLS - start date Tuesday, January 17, Head Coach Molly LeMark (molly_lemark@glenbard.org) and Jordan Flowers (jordan_flowers@glenbard.org)
- GYMNASTICS BOYS – start date Monday, February 13, Head Coach Wayne Hill (wayne_hill@glenbard.org)
- BADMINTON - start date Monday, February 27, Head Coach Scott Llorens (scott_llorens@glenbard.org)
- BASEBALL - start date Monday, February 27, Head Coach Clayton George (clayton_george@glenbard.org)
- SOCCER GIRLS - start date Monday, February 27, Head Coach Athena Toliopoulos (athena_toliopoulos@glenbard.org)
- SOFTBALL - start date Monday, February 27, Head Coach Victor Swanson (victor_swanson@glenbard.org)
- TENNIS BOYS - start date Monday, February 27, Head Coach Steven Hoogerheide (steven_hoogerheide@glenbard.org)
- VOLLEYBALL BOYS - start date Monday, March 6, 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 one, two, or three sports. Student-athletes 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 ATHLETIC 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 our athletic website:
- http://il.8to18.com/glenbardeast
- Follow us on Twitter: @GEHS_Athletics
- NFHS Livestream: If you cannot attend in-person, please view our Rams teams that compete in the East Gym-Main Gym and in the Stadium: Click here for Livestream Events
- Athletic Wall-of-Achievement: https://glenbardeast.touchpros.com/Home2.aspx
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
Our Athletic Booster Club attempts to annually raise over $30,000 that go directly to our teams and student-athletes, helping to provide essentials that 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: 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).
Be on the lookout for information upcoming for fundraisers in 2023, including Trivia Night (February 24 at the VFW in Villa Park.
GLENBARD EAST MUSIC ASSOCIATION
The primary objectives of the Glenbard East Music Association (GEMA) are to generate and maintain an enthusiastic interest in the various music classes and performing ensembles at Glenbard East High School, lend moral and financial support to the music programs, cooperate with the music department personnel in building and maintaining an organization of people and parents for the purpose of promoting the programs and general activities. We raise and distribute funds for approved projects and objectives in collaboration with the music directors and provide over $12,000 in Scholarships annually. Visit the https://www.gefinearts.org/ website for more information as well as to join/donate.
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