Leyden Pride
August 31, 2026
A Big Week Ahead for Our Eagles
Fall Is in Full Swing at Leyden!
The new school year is moving quickly, and there is already plenty happening across our campuses.
From Safety Week and new opportunities for student health services to theatre performances, parent events and Homecoming preparations, September is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month.
Here’s what’s happening around Leyden:
This Week at Leyden
It's Safety Week
Throughout the week, students and staff will participate in a series of safety drills and activities designed to help our school community understand emergency procedures and know how to respond should an emergency occur.
Safety drills are an important part of keeping our students and staff prepared. We understand that some drills, particularly active threat drills, may bring up different feelings for students. Anyone who has questions or concerns is encouraged to reach out to their Dean’s Office for support.
Safety Week Schedule
Tuesday, September 1 - 2nd Period
Safety Video & Classroom Discussion
At West only, a safety video will also be shown during 9th period at 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2 - 2:00 p.m. | 10th Period
Hold, Secure & Active Threat Drills
Thursday, September 3 - 1:05 p.m. | 9th Period
Shelter Drill - Severe Weather
Friday, September 4 - 9:55 a.m. | 3rd Period
Evacuation Drill - Fire
Please note that first responders may have a visible presence on campus during some of the drills.
District News
Free Health Exams, Physicals & Immunizations for Students
Leyden is partnering with Advocate Children’s Hospital to bring the Ronald McDonald Caremobile to our campuses this September.
The Caremobile team will provide free health exams, sports physicals and immunizations for students who have Medicaid or are uninsured.
The Caremobile will visit:
West Leyden: Wednesday, September 16
East Leyden: Thursday, September 17
Students will be seen during the school day, and a parent or guardian does not need to be present. However, consent forms must be completed in advance.
Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Information packets will be mailed to students and are also available in the school health offices.
Questions can be directed to:
West Leyden: Rhonda Kazmierczak, BSN, RN 847-451-3130
East Leyden: Marlene Cuevas, BSN, RN 847-451-3084
This partnership is made possible through Advocate Children’s Hospital and the Leyden Health Offices.
Eagle Spotlight
Leyden Theatre Presents “Worlds Turned Upside Down”
Get ready for an evening of laughter, mystery and adventure as Leyden Theatre presents Worlds Turned Upside Down: A Collection of One Acts.
Featuring three unique shows in one night, audiences will journey from a mysterious small-town museum to an unusual Advanced Placement class and even a reunion after the end of the world.
Performances will take place:
Thursday, September 17 - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 19 - 7:00 p.m.
All performances will be held in the West Leyden Auditorium.
Come enjoy an entertaining evening while supporting the incredible talents of our Leyden student performers!
Leyden Selected for ABC 7 Chicago’s Friday Flyover
The votes are in and Leyden won!
Thanks to the incredible support of our students, staff, families and community, Leyden is one of the top five schools selected to participate in ABC 7 Chicago’s Friday Flyover.
Leyden will be featured during two hours of live broadcasts on Friday, September 18.
More details are coming, but get ready, Eagles! We’re looking forward to an early morning filled with school spirit, fun on the field and plenty of Leyden Pride.
Event: ABC 7 Chicago’s Friday Flyover
Date: Friday, September 18
Family Resources
Help Your Student Succeed
At Leyden, we know that families play an important role in helping students succeed in high school - and the start of the school is so important!
As part of Leyden’s strategic plan, we’ve created a video with information and ideas to help families support their students on their high school journey. We’re proud to partner with you every step of the way!
Saturday Success Academy
Need a little extra help getting caught up or staying on track? Leyden’s Saturday Success Academy (LSSA) is open to all students on select Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the Library at East and the Eagle's Wing at West.
Students can get help completing missing work, studying for a test, preparing for a retake or simply finding a quiet place to work.
Bring your Chromebook, charger, class materials and questions — and stay for as much or as little of the session as you need.
Next session: Saturday, September 12
East Parents Club Meeting
Families are invited to join the East Parents Club Meeting on Thursday, September 10, at 5:30 p.m. in the East Little Theatre.
Virtual Parent Series
Leyden Student Services is pleased to continue its partnership with the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families. These free, public presentations feature award-winning authors and experts who share practical guidance on topics that matter to families, including motivation, resilience, relationships, college planning and career readiness.
Community Connections
Continuing Education Opportunities
Triton College will again offer continuing education classes and free English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at East Leyden this fall. Families interested in lifelong learning are encouraged to explore these opportunities.
Free Tax Preparation Resources for Families
As families head back to school, it’s also a good time to make sure you’re aware of tax credits and benefits that may be available to you.
Free tax preparation assistance is available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Families can also learn more about available tax credits and benefits and explore options for filing federal taxes for free.
Learn more:
Find Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Coming Up
Mark Your Calendar
Aug 31 - Sep 4 - Safety Week
Sep 7 - Labor Day, No School
Sept 10 - East Parents Club Meeting
Sept 16 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) - East Campus
Sept 16 - Ronald McDonald Caremobile - West Leyden
Sept 17 - Ronald McDonald Caremobile - East Leyden
Sep 18 - ABC 7 Friday Flyover
Sept 22/23 - PreACT Testing
Sept 28 - Homecoming Week
In the News
Consulting Firm Gives District 212 High Marks
Read the Chicago Tribune story
Horror Film Fan Gets to Meet “Halloween” Director at FAN EXPO Chicago
Read the Chronicle Illinois story
Experienced Offense Takes Center Stage for Leyden
Connect with us:
Email: pr@leyden212.org
Website: www.leyden212.org
Location: 3400 Rose Street, Franklin Park, IL, USA
Phone: 847-451-3000
Facebook: leydenpride212
Twitter: @leydenpride212
Instagram: leydenpride212
YouTube: leydenpride212
Safe2Help
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.