Falcon Focus
August 19, 2022
FROM MR. BISCAN
The beginning of every school year brings great energy and optimism. This year has been no different. As we know, the first day of school is important in setting a positive tone for the school year. I can say with supreme confidence that despite the safety situation which presented itself on Wednesday, we're extremely excited and hopeful for the 22-23 school year.
The challenge we encountered on Wednesday not only provided an opportunity to work together, but also highlighted the care that everyone has for one another. I could not be more proud of our students and staff, and I'm grateful that the situation resulted in a safe and non-threatening outcome.
This edition of the Falcon Focus contains information that ranges from Athletics and Activity registration to important news regarding how students can purchase breakfast and lunch at Wheaton North.
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Sincerely,
Mr. Biscan, Principal
We are Falcons.
We are Proud.
We are North.
FROM THE DESK OF MR. VENCKUS
Fall Curriculum Night
Fall Curriculum Night is returning to an in-person event on Wednesday, September 7 from 7:00-9:05 PM. Please see here for more information. Our past in-person Fall Curriculum Nights have been well attended, and parking is limited. We highly recommend you arrive early, carpool or walk if you can. Please contact Jim Venckus, Assistant Principal of Support and Enrichment (james.venckus@cusd200.org / 630-784-7348), with questions.
FROM THE DESK OF DR. PAVLINI, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF STUDENT SERVICES
During the WN lockdown on Wednesday, 8/17 our students and staff implemented the protocols we have learned over the past several years. Our students and staff remain prepared by regularly reviewing appropriate steps to take during any type of emergency, ranging from a safety situation to a fire to severe weather, such as a tornado. In District 200, the safety and security of our students, staff, and the entire school community is our top priority. As a District, we take a multi-faceted approach to school safety which includes but is not limited to supporting the social emotional and mental health of our students; secure school entrances; and maintaining strong, working relationships with first responders. We also encourage students and staff to always say something if they see something that doesn’t seem right or safe. In this situation, members of our school community modeled that behavior and properly executed safety drills as we have trained.
Our Student Services team is available to support students who are continuing to process their emotions and thoughts following Wednesday’s lockdown. If your student is in need of any additional support, please contact their counselor or another member of that alpha team. Our team partners are listed below; students are assigned to a team alphabetically by counselor. Counselor assignments can be found here on our website.
Blue Team
Counselors - Mr. Schoon and Mrs. Angelo
Dean - Mr. Wardynski
Psychologist - Ms. Adkins
Social Workers - Mrs. Burnham and Ms. DeCarlo
Gold Team
Counselors - Mrs. Eaton, Mrs. Wittersheim and Mr. Coan
Dean-Mr. Ferguson
Psychologist - Ms. Coons
Social Worker - Ms. Ollerer
White Team
Counselors - Mr. Longenbaugh and Mrs. Biggs
Dean - Mr. Murphy
Psychologist - Ms. Pantazopoulos
Social Worker - Mr. Ford
School Hours
Our building is open for students from 6:30am-2:30 pm. Students are permitted at school beyond those hours only when they’re supervised by a staff member for a specific club, sport, etc.
Activity Bus
Students who are staying late for a school-sponsored activity, detention or meeting with a teacher are able to take the WN activity bus home; the activity bus leaves WN at 3:45pm, Monday-Thursday. There is NO activity bus on Fridays. Students are not permitted to stay on campus after school unless they are participating in a school-sponsored, supervised activity. Students riding the activity bus will be required to sign-in as they board the bus, noting the activity that kept them after school.
Breakfast & Lunch
The universal school breakfast and lunch program has been discontinued; however, families who are directly certified for free or reduced prices are still eligible for breakfast and lunch to be provided. If you think your family should qualify and you’ve not been directly certified, you can apply on our website.
Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up Locations
We will have 5 campus doors unlocked and supervised before school each morning. These entrances also serve as our student drop-off/pick-up locations: 1) the main entrance/circle drive (Door 1), 2) the bus doors east of the main entrance (Door 34), 3) the athletic/field house entrance (Door 7), 4) the art/music entrance off Morse Street (Door 16), and 5) the east side of the building off Papworth (Door 31). They are all locked once school begins at 7:20 am. Students who arrive later can only enter through the main entrance. Please do not drop off/pick-up students in the visitors’/staff parking lot in front of the school or in the staff parking lot behind the school off Papworth.
Daily Attendance & Doctor Appointments
Please call the Attendance Office (630-784-7334) by 10:00 a.m. on the day of your student’s absence. (You may also leave a message on our spanish line at 630-784-3507.) If a call to document an absence is not received by 10 a.m., the absence will be considered unexcused. Regular daily attendance is necessary for students to stay engaged, successful and on track for graduation (www.attendanceworks.org).
If your student has to leave for an appointment during the school day, please call the Attendance Office in advance of the appointment. It is then your student’s responsibility to pick up a pass from the Attendance Office so they can leave class early for their appointment. The Attendance Office is located at the front of our building, off the Commons.
Student Deliveries Not Permitted
As in past years, students are not permitted to receive deliveries at school in order to maintain a safe and secure building. This includes food deliveries, as well as items forgotten at home (homework, game/practice clothes and equipment, etc.) and delivered by family members. We appreciate your help in keeping our buildings safe and secure.
We’re here to be your partners throughout your student’s high school experience, so please reach out with questions or ways we can help: Assistant Principal for Student Services, Dr. Pavlini at 630-784-7306 or julie.pavlini@cusd200.org
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
General Announcements
Please follow the counseling department on Twitter @wncounseling for up-to-date information on a variety of topics from scheduling to the college search process.
During the 2022-2023 school year, students can request virtual or in person meetings with their counselor by visiting the counseling office, via email or by calling a counselor’s direct line.
Updated Counselor Assignments
Wondering who your counselor is for the 2022-2023 school year? Check out the updated counselor assignments.
Save the Date
Financial Aid Night - Tuesday, September 20th, 6:00 P.M. - Virtual Event
All students and families are invited to attend financial aid night. This event is held in collaboration with Wheaton Warrenville South and will be fully virtual. More information will be released closer to the scheduled date.
Senior Family Night - Wednesday, August 31st, 7:00 P.M. - Virtual Event
Parents and students can gather updated information about the college application process and learn how counselors will be assisting students during this year’s application season. This year’s meeting will be entirely virtual. Please follow this link to join the presentation. Families will have the option to enter a virtual breakout room for a Q and A session with a school counselor as well. Don’t worry if you can’t make it. The presentation portion will be posted on the counseling department website at a later date. A reminder will be sent to all senior students and families prior to the event.
Curriculum Night - Wednesday September 7th - 6:30 P.M.
Prior to curriculum night, counselors will be available in the Counseling Center, starting at 6:30, to answer any individual questions related to the college application process or post-secondary planning.
Senior Class of 2023
Counselors will host a college application process presentation for seniors during lunches on Friday August 26th. This presentation will cover general information about the application process and include an overview of individual senior conferences, the transcript request process and updates to Naviance.
Students can begin requesting transcripts after our meeting on the 26th. No transcripts will be sent prior to this date.
Individual Senior conferences will begin the last week of August and continue throughout September and October. If your son or daughter has questions prior to their individual meeting, they can reach out to their counselor to set up an appointment or ask a question.
Seniors can sign up for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are already scheduled to visit us.
Juniors Class of 2024
Juniors will begin the college search process with their counselors near the end of November and continue through Spring Break. Students and families looking to get a headstart can access all College Search Materials via the counseling website. Materials will update throughout first semester.
Juniors can sign up for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are already scheduled to visit us.
Sophomore Class of 2025
Sophomores can sign up for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance account using “Clever” and then entering their Google credentials. Students should then click on “Colleges” and select “College Visits”. This allows students to hear directly from a college representative visiting Wheaton North. Don’t delay, sign up now as many colleges and universities are already scheduled to visit us.
FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE
ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS
The PSAT/NMSQT Exam is being offered to Junior students on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at 7:30 am.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a national standardized exam.
This test is for Juniors only.
Students who score in the top 4% nationally may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
This is an OPTIONAL exam, so students must register to take it.
Registration Information
Registration will open on Thursday, September 1st.
Deadline to register is Friday, September 9th.
A registration link will be shared on our school’s website and on Counselor’s Google classrooms Sept. 1st.
The cost of the exam is $27.
If you think your student qualifies for a fee waiver, please instruct them to see Mr. Longenbaugh in the Counseling Office before Sept. 8th to confirm status.
October 12th is a Falcon Late Start Day - Please Plan Accordingly
TCD
Interested in attending TCD next year? Parents and students are invited to the TCD Fall open house on Thursday September 15, from 6-8 PM. The purpose is to not only learn about current programs offered at TCD, but also see industry partners, colleges & universities where they could go after completing their time at TCD. We encourage you to see the TCD facilities to learn if this opportunity is a good fit for your student.
September 23rd is a WN Teacher institute day with no school. TCD is in attendance. It is OPTIONAL to attend TCD on this day. Students may transport themselves to and from TCD with TCD permission.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GVwCDkdzJzL5kQpZ8meHkcKZErADxl6J/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j7-kl4pugyak0vPbszsLZ9mcDx4mTxH7/view?usp=sharing
No School on Labor Day for either TCD or WNHS students.
FINE & APPLIED ARTS
Interested in the Falcon Weekly, WN's student-run Video Broadcast? JOIN the Falcon Weekly Classroom with CODE: 5fegzwh. The Club meets the first THURSDAY of each month in Room 613, from 2:23-3:10. All students are welcome.
ANCHOR AUDITIONS will be held after school on WED., Sept 14 and THURS, Sept 15. Join the Classroom to access the SIGN-UP SHEET. You can also sign up for an OPTIONAL practice session with the teleprompter on Monday & Tuesday of that week. See Ms. Verdon in Room 613 with questions.
FLIGHT SHOW CHOIR AUDITIONS
Cue the lights, it's show time! Any current Wheaton North students interested in auditioning for Flight, Wheaton North's competitive Show Choir, for the 2022-2023 school year should attend the information meeting and dance clinic on Wednesday, August 24 from 5:00-6:30 PM. Students should meet in the auditorium at 5:00 PM in comfortable clothes and tennis shoes to learn the audition dance. Students will also learn about the season, the audition process, and have the chance to have any questions answered. If students are unable to make the information meeting, all information covered will be posted on www.wnflight.com following the meeting.
Contact Ms. Krause at kassandra.krause@cusd200.org with any questions or visit our Instagram @wnflight for an inside look at becoming part of the WN Flight Family. Flight Band and Flight Crew auditions will take place later this fall.
Wednesday, August 24 | 5:00-6:30 PM | Information Meeting | Auditorium Saturday, August 27 | Individual time between 11:00-2:00 | Auditions
For a peek at what WN Flight is all about, check out their past shows at www.wnflight.com/media
FROM THE LLC
To encourage students to continue reading over the summer, the Wheaton North English Department and the Wheaton North LLC invited students to read great books of their choice all summer! Mark your calendars, Falcons! On Friday, September 2, any students who have read over the summer will be invited to a casual lunchtime chat in 802-804 about what they read. Treats and prizes will be given to students who attend and participate in this fun lunchtime book chat.
QUESTIONS? Please contact the English Department Chair, Mrs. Blazier, or the LLC Director, Mrs. Pigoni.
FROM THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
It’s not too late! Be sure your student athlete gets registered today to try out for Fall Athletics on the Family ID website! No fees are due until final rosters are set, but all students must be registered and approved to try out for their sport BEFORE August 8th. Additionally, we need a current (within 13 months) physical on file as well as the signed IHSA form, consent/waiver and Code of Conduct to complete the registration so your athlete can be approved to participate. Physicals must be uploaded in the Participant section. The Athletic office does not accept any paper copies.
Please click here to register your athlete. If you have previously registered your athlete for a past season, you just need to select ‘REGISTER HERE” and choose their sport. You will then select your athlete’s name, sign the waivers at the end and submit/complete registration. Their participant info should auto-populate for you. If you have a current physical on file, you do not need to upload another, but if your physical is expired, please upload PRIOR to tryouts to be approved for participation. Be sure to click SUBMIT once you are done.
We are asking for Fall registrations to be completed by Friday, August 5th in order to be reviewed and approved in time for the August 8th start date.
Thank you and best of luck to your athlete at tryouts!! Any questions, please reach out to Lynnette in the Athletics Office 630-784-7318.
FROM THE ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT
Please click the link below to register your student. Students registering for Competitive Music Activities (Marching Band, Color Guard, Show Choir) will need to upload a current (within 13 months) physical as well as the signed IHSA form, consent/waiver and Code of Conduct to complete the registration and be approved to participate. Physicals must be uploaded in the Participant section. The Athletic office does not accept any paper copies.
The Fall season begins August 8th so please register ASAP!
https://www.familyid.com/organizations/11273/programs
Any questions, please reach out to the Activities Office 630-784-7316.
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
If your student becomes ill during the school day, please remind them to go to the Health Office before texting a parent/guardian to go home. A student may be sent to the Health Office on a teacher's pass in case of sudden illness or injury. If the nurse feels the student is to be sent home, a parent or another authorized emergency contact will be consulted and transportation options discussed. Students leaving school because of illness or personal emergencies must check out through the health office to avoid an unexcused absence. A parent/guardian's request to excuse the absence after the student leaves during the school day cannot be honored. This process saves time and eliminates confusion, so we appreciate your cooperation.
Students entering the 9th grade for the 2022-2023 school year must show proof of having received a physical examination dated on or after August 17, 2021. A copy of this physical exam is expected in the Wheaton North Health Office by the first day of school - August 17, 2022.
If your student will be participating in interscholastic athletics, please make a copy of the completed physical form and turn it into the Athletic office via Family ID. Please note, the Illinois High School Athletic Association sports physical form does not qualify for the required 9th grade physical, but the required state physical form does qualify for both school and sports.
Students entering 12th grade for the 2022-2023 school year must show proof of having received a dose of Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4) on or after their 16th birthday. Proof of having received this vaccination is due in the Health Office by the first day of school - August 17, 2022.
Physical Exam and Immunization records may be dropped off in the Main Office at WNHS or scanned (no screenshots, please) and emailed to: Wheatonnorthhealthoffice@cusd200.org
Please call the WNHS Health Office with any questions:
630-784-7327.
WHEATON NORTH FALCON MARCHING BAND
Wheaton North Falcon March-a-Thon
One Band. One Goal. Color Guard Uniforms & Sousaphones.
Help the Wheaton North Falcon Marching Band Look Good and Sound Great!
August 15, 2022 -- On Saturday, August 27th from 8-11:00 am, you will find the Wheaton North Falcon Marching Band parading through the streets of Northside Wheaton, playing music and drumming up funds needed for new color guard uniforms and new-to-the band sousaphones. The students pledge to march and entertain the community for a 3-mile parade route. In turn, they are asking the community to cheer them on and donate money to support their efforts.
Giving is easy. Just visit https://go.rallyup.com/wnmarchingband and make a donation or, text FALCONSMARCH to 855-202-2100 to get a direct link to donate. The band will even take cash donations during the march.
Step off for the one-band parade is at 8:00 am at Central Athletic Center. The band will head east on Indiana St, north on Washington St, west on Seminary Ave, south on Hale St, west on Ave, perform at Memorial Park, resume north on Wheaton Ave, west on Oak Ave, north on West St, west into Northside Park parking lot, perform at Northside Park, take west trail along park, exit on Armbrust Ave, north on Papworth St, and west into Wheaton North High School parking lot.
The Wheaton North Falcon Marching Band is under the direction of Kent Krause and is a competitive 3A marching band. This season, you can watch the 90+ member band perform at all varsity home football games and five local marching band competitions. Learn more about the entire band program at Wheaton North High School at wheatonnorthband.com.