Leyden Pride

There’s plenty to celebrate at Leyden! The state’s latest report cards recognize progress in student growth, proficiency, and graduation rates, while our Eagles continue to shine through leadership, academic competitions, athletics, and hands-on learning. We’re also looking ahead to Leyden Parent University this Saturday and the upcoming winter theatre production. Read on for the latest news, student achievements, and opportunities to stay connected with Leyden!

Mark your calendars for one of Leyden's most popular events!

Leyden Parent University returns for its eighth year this Saturday, November 7, at East Leyden from 8:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This popular event is designed to inform and empower parents and guardians as they support their students throughout high school and beyond. Parents and guardians of students in grades 8 - 12 are encouraged to attend.

Attendees can choose three sessions, enjoy lunch, and have the opportunity to win scholarships for their students. The event is free, and all sessions are offered in English and Spanish. Please note that this event is for parents and guardians only, students will not attend.

Register Now: Leyden Parent University Website

Leyden shows notable increases in growth, proficiency, and graduation rates.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released its 2025 - 2026 school report cards, designating East Leyden as “commendable” and West Leyden as “approaching exemplary.” These distinctions reflect gains across the district and Leyden’s continued commitment to student achievement and attendance.

“We’re encouraged by the positive gains we’ve seen at Leyden this year, and we’re proud of the collective efforts of our students, staff, families and community partners that make this progress possible,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “While we’re excited about how far we’ve come, we know there is more to accomplish. Our new strategic plan will help guide our next steps as we build on this momentum, pursue new opportunities, and continue to educate, enrich, and empower every student.”

Read the Full Story

Get ready for a magical night of theatre! Leyden Theatre presents PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox. This production will take place at the West Leyden Auditorium November 12 - 14, at 7:00 p.m.

Inspired by the world of Harry Potter, this hilarious and heartwarming play follows a group of loyal, lovable, and often overlooked students as they navigate seven magical years filled with friendship, mishaps, and unexpected adventures.

Join us for a fun-filled performance celebrating the students who may not be the chosen ones but still have stories worth telling!

Purchase Tickets

On Saturday, October 24, more than 300 students representing over 30 clubs from East and West Leyden participated in more than 20 service projects across seven communities in and around Leyden.

The day began with a pancake breakfast prepared by Food Services and District Administration, followed by a morning of community service and a pizza lunch. Thank you to our Eagles for giving their time to help others and make a positive impact in the community!

East Leyden students in the Educator Prep Pathway earned top honors during a team-based competition on October 23, at Triton College. Students from several high schools were challenged to solve real-world problems related to the field of education through lesson planning, interdisciplinary project development, and school attendance campaigns.

East Leyden students earned the following placements:

• 1st Place – Lesson Plan (Elementary): Amis Calderon, Brianna Benavidez, and Carolyn Medina

• 1st Place – Create a Project: Karolina Szlosek, Alicja Glowacka, Gabby Sanchez, and Isabella Ewanio

• 2nd Place – Lesson Plan (High School): Ava Ohm, Jorge Sandoval, and Gabi Klich

• 2nd Place – Lesson Plan (Elementary): Elizareta Cassidy and Nicole Ankier

• 3rd Place – Attendance/Tardies: Emily Delvalle and Emely Martinez-Flores

East Leyden students earned more top honors than any other school participating in the competition. Congratulations to these future educators for their creativity, teamwork, and outstanding work!

West Leyden Operation Snowball Leader Julian Cisneros has been selected as a Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute (CGTI) Teen Ambassador, representing youth from across Illinois through Snowball, Inc. and the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH).

In this role, Julian will help bring student voices and ideas to statewide youth programming and support meaningful leadership opportunities for young people across Illinois. He was also selected by his fellow Teen Ambassadors to serve as Co-Chair of the CGTI Teen Ambassadors, recognizing his leadership and commitment to making a difference.

Leyden cross country runners are making their mark in the postseason! At the Glenbard West Regional, three Eagles earned individual qualifying spots in the IHSA Sectional Championship. On the girls’ side, Alexia Paucar finished as the third individual qualifier, while Adamari Rodriguez secured the fifth qualifying spot. The girls team placed seventh overall, just one spot shy of advancing as a team.

The boys finished eighth overall, led by David Ferrer, who placed fourth with a season best time of 15:36. Ferrer earned All-Regional honors and qualified for sectionals as the third individual qualifier.

Congratulations to our runners, and good luck to Alexia, Adamari, and David as they continue their postseason run!

West Leyden Construction students are putting their skills to work on a hands-on project, building a garage for Leyden’s Maintenance Department!

From cutting lumber and hammering nails to installing ceiling joists, students are gaining practical experience while developing their teamwork and problem-solving skills. It’s learning that goes beyond the classroom, with plenty of hard work and a little sawdust along the way.

An opportunity for families and students to plan for the future.

Beginning in November, school counselors will meet individually with students to review and discuss their course selections for the 2027–2028 school year. These conversations help students choose courses that reflect their academic interests, strengths, and future goals.

How Can Families Help?

1. Review student progress. Log in to the Home Access Center to check current grades, academic progress, and areas where additional support may be needed.

2. Talk about the future. Ask your student about their interests, career goals, and plans after high school. It’s okay if they don’t have everything figured out yet.

3. Explore course options together. Encourage your student to consider classes that match their interests, provide an appropriate challenge, and support their future goals.

4. Discuss alternate courses. Some electives may not be available because of scheduling. Help your student identify alternate courses they would also enjoy taking.

5. Review final selections. After meeting with their counselor, encourage your student to review their course selections with you.

A Few Questions to Ask Your Student:

• What classes are you most excited about taking next year?

• Are there any new subjects or career pathways you would like to explore?

• How will these courses help you work toward your goals after high school?

Important Deadline: All course selections for the 2027–2028 school year must be finalized by December 18, 2026.

For 22 seasons, Coach Tom Cerasani, Jr. has led Leyden football with dedication, loyalty, and a deep commitment to the school and its community.

This season marks an impressive milestone: Coach Cerasani has now spent more time leading the Eagles than his father spent as head coach at Schaumburg High School. His lasting impact on Leyden football and the relationships he has built along the way reflect what makes him such an important part of the Leyden family.

Read the full article to learn more about Coach Cerasani’s journey and his 22 years at Leyden.

Read the Article

Nov 3 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day

Nov 7 - Leyden Parent University

Nov 12 - 14 - Leyden Theatre presents, PUFFS

Nov 25 - 27 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec 18 - Course Selection Deadline (2027-28)

Dec 21 - Jan 4 - NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Email: pr@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212

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Safe2Help Illinois provides students with 24/7 access to support services that can help address concerns including bullying, school violence, suicide prevention and other threats to school safety.

Learn More About Safe2Help