Leyden Pride
May 2, 2022
End-of-year checkout process
As we quickly approach the end of the 2021-2022 school year, please refer to the information below regarding student Chromebooks and Google accounts. As a reminder, students can always check which Chromebook is assigned to them through the Home Access Center. (From the HAC homepage, click on the School Links tab and then the My Chromebook Equipment link.)
Important links:
Chromebook & Hotspot Information
Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen
Leyden Google Workspace for Education Accounts
Graduating Students and Students Not Returning for the 2022-2023 School Year
Registration opens for Student Summit (3rd - 8th graders)
Registration is now open for the 7th Annual Leyden Student Summit, a 2-day event for incoming 3rd-8th graders. Participants rotate to different workshops and get hands-on experience in art, theater, coding, robotics, digital electronics, culinary arts and more fun activities. Breakout sessions are led by Leyden teachers and students who are experts in their designated area. Spots are limited and this event will sell out, so please register today! Check out our website for more information and to register.
Leyden Student Summit
June 16-17, 2022
9:00am - 2:00pm
East Leyden - Student Cafeteria
$15 registration fee
Lunch is provided
Little Eagle Academy
Little Eagle Academy Preschool Registration has begun for the 22-23 school year! Open to all 3-5 year olds, Little Eagle Academy is unique in that it is not only run by our professionally trained instructors, but assisted by Leyden students on the Education path.
Little Eagle Academy is available at East or West Leyden, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
For more information or questions, email Jen Maldonado (JMaldonado@leyden212.org) regarding East and Dana Jeske (djeske@leyden212.org) regarding West.
Link: East registration
Link: West registration
Leyden announces new director of student services
On Thursday, April 28, the Leyden High School District 212 Board of Education approved the hiring of Faith Cole as the director of student services, effective July 1, 2022. Cole fills the vacancy resulting from current Leyden administrator Dr. Brian Mahoney’s transition to the role of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Faith to our team,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “Through her extensive background in leadership, Faith will help Leyden continue on the strong path that has been established to meet the needs of our communities. She will work directly with Leyden’s student services and special education departments as well as helping to facilitate the district’s Equity and Justice Leadership Team.”
Cole currently serves as the director of student services at Oak Park District 200. Prior to that, she served in numerous other roles at Oak Park District 97, including director of multi-tiered system of supports, principal, assistant principal, lead teacher mentor and classroom teacher.
Link: Read full story
One Amazing Story: Anna Reed, Artist and Teacher
For Anna Reed, an art teacher at Leyden, it took years for her to realize that you have to give yourself the title of "artist." Through her own journey of applying and attending graduate school, she deeply related to her students as she remembered what it is like to navigate your future. She taught herself how to evolve as an artist and educator, and she understands both the benefits of being self-taught and also seeking to elevate from the experiences you have with those around you.
This month, she closes an exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, which she shares as a surreal experience. As an artist, you spend much more time than people think, just applying and trying to get your work seen. This is what makes Anna Reed, this month's One Amazing Story: her commitment, her tenacity, and just, HER...as an artist.
Link: Watch video
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
West Leyden Prom will be held on May 13 at the Empress located at 200 E. Lake Street, Addison from 6:30-11:00. Prom Tickets will be on sale Tuesday, May 4- May 6 before and after school in the main hallway. Tickets are $75 for an individual and $150 per couple. Cash will only be accepted for purchases.
There will be no tickets sold after May 6.
Prom Ticket Information forms should be filled out before buying tickets. These were sent to all seniors through their email along with Approved Guest Forms for non-Leyden guests. This form must be approved by the Deans’ Office prior to ticket purchase and must be turned in when purchasing tickets.
Educator Signing Day
On May 6, Leyden will recognize students who are committing to the field of education by pursuing a teaching degree upon graduation. Each student will receive a Golden Ticket certificate, signifying a new program that offers any Leyden graduate with a teaching degree a guaranteed interview here at Leyden. If they are hired, they will also receive a $5,000 signing bonus.
“We want our graduates to want to teach here,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “The Golden Ticket program is a way for us to build a faculty that mirrors the Leyden community over time. We want our students to see themselves in our teachers and there’s no better way to accomplish that than to actually hire our former students whenever possible.”
After the ceremonial event, numerous workshops will take place for current Leyden Education Academy students and any current/former students interested in careers in education.
Congratulations to the following students who plan to sign their commitment to a career in education this Friday: Amani Rodriguez, Aury Cervantes, Brenda Avila, Denise Cajas, Evelyn Villafan, Grace Wardisiani , Jazmine Rivera , Jessica Ramirez, Jocelyn Rodriguez, Juleeza Quintero, Maggie Cabral, Rosa Rosso, Selene Avelar , Selma Duratovic, Arianna Montez, Jocelyn Perez, Giana cangialosi, Stephanie Orbe, Eliza Martinez, , Brianna Molini, Edith Garcia , Yoselin FunesLopez, Andrea Sandoval-Soria and Giselle Gutierrez. We hope to see you back here for an interview in a few years!
Students earned dual credit at Triton
On April 26, dozens of Leyden students were invited to attend Triton College’s Honors Social in recognition of their efforts. The following students completed enough dual credit hours while maintaining a high GPA, to qualify them for Honors: Kamil Bak, Anna Ceron-Martinez, Aliyha Chaparro, Melanni Diaz, Alexander Gach, Jakub Lesny, Jesse Nunez, Gisselle Perez, Oscar Rios, Patricia Rutkowski, Adrianna Trela, Grace Wardisiani, Wiktoria Wasik, Abigail Diaz, Adrian Diaz, Elizabeth Fragoso, Denise Garcia, Fabiola Juarez, Adrian Medina, Arianna Montez, Cristian Perez and Jacob Sziel.
We are thrilled and honored to have so many students well on their way in their post-Leyden education. Congratulations!
World Cheerleading Champion
Leyden student Lucas Meizal won a gold medal with his squad in the Special Olympics World Cheerleading competition in Orlando, Florida.
In the News
Connect with us:
Email: pr@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: facebook.com/leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212