Leyden Pride

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Mar 24 - Family Conferences

Mar 30 - Apr 6 - No School - Spring Break

May 19 - East Graduation

May 20 - West Graduation

May 22 - Last day of school

Please help Leyden reach the state-required minimum participation of 20-percent on the 5Essentials survey. We are SO close! 16-percent (East) and 14-percent (West). Help us get there by March 13.

Take Survey

Leyden only receives the feedback report if the minimum level of participation is met. These insights from our families are important to us and guide future actions and planning in our district.

Illinois just made the college application process a little easier with the One Click College Admit program. Students who enroll in this direct admission program, give permission for Leyden to share their GPA with the state. Then, colleges that are a good match are able to admit students without the added need for applications, essays, fees or letters of recommendation.

In order to participate, juniors must opt-in prior to May 22, by visiting the website www.OneClickAdmit.org and enrolling in the program. Please use your personal email address when applying.

Students may visit their school counselor or the website www.oneclickadmit.org for help with answering questions or to receive additional information.

The fourth and final Future Week of the school will take place March 16-20 and features four-year colleges and universities. Session include throughout the week will include visits from college representatives and professionals in fields such as computer science, health sciences, fine arts, and community college transfer pathways. These sessions help students learn about different majors, the college admissions process, and what college life is really like. A four-year college experience can open the door to many career opportunities while helping students build independence, critical thinking skills, and prepare for future success.

Starting this school year, the Board of Education designated a budget for the senior student representative so that they would be able to address a meaningful issue at their school.

West Leyden’s student Board representative Jonathan Guerrero, informally observed and discussed opportunities for improvements with administrators throughout the first semester. His focus is on making senior year memorable and is recommending two action items for implementation this school year:

Senior attendance challenge

If the West Leyden senior class as a whole can increase their daily attendance rate by 2-percent between now and the start of spring break, they will earn the reward of a free meal from an on-campus food truck. The results of the challenge will be announced during Junior Olympics.

Senior advisory photos

All West Leyden seniors will receive a free group photo of their advisory during the graduation ceremony.

“Our student Board representatives bring great ideas and big discussion items to the table and we wanted to provide them with an opportunity to take action as a result,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Polyak. “Giving them a budget offers the ability to implement something meaningful as a demonstration of the legacy of their time of service on the Board.”

Student Board representatives serve a two-year term, starting their junior year. Both our East and West principals select one student each through a nomination process. Currently, Zuzanna Karyta serves as the East student Board representative, and will be given the same opportunity to address a meaningful issue next school year.

Leyden Student Services is excited to continue its partnership with the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families. These free, public presentations feature a new award-winning author or expert every week, offering valuable guidance on topics ranging from relationships and mental health to college admissions and career planning.

March Calendar of Events:

March 11 : Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef - Cooking up Resilience

March 17: The Balancing Act: Creating Healthy Connections Without Losing Yourself

March 19: In-Person BPAC in Spanish: Inculacando hábitos financieros responsables y saludables en los jóvenes / Instilling Responsible and Health Financial Habits in Youth

March 24: College Admission Essentials from “The College Essay Guy”

Link: Full list of offerings and links

In accordance with school code, Leyden High School is providing notification of upcoming pesticide applications. During the week of spring break, March 28 – April 4, our maintenance department will be applying fertilizer to all grassy areas across campus as part of routine grounds maintenance.

West Leyden junior Zoey Dodgers earned 2nd place in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) girls wrestling state championship on Saturday, February 28. Zoey battled her way through a highly competitive bracket to earn a spot on the podium, demonstrating the high levels of determination, strength, and dedication.

Leyden welcomed alumni, community leaders, mayors, and professionals from a variety of fields for our annual Ask the Expert Day which took place over the past two Fridays and both East and West. Guest professionals visited classrooms to share their career journeys, discuss the education and training required for their professions, and answer students’ questions about life after high school. The event provided students with valuable insight into different career paths and inspired them to begin thinking about their own future goals.

Members of the Leyden Choir, Wren Arjuezo, Emelie Gutierrez, Ayomide Kehinde, Annalize Lopez, Nathan Martinez, Alexis Matticks, Yurem Mesa, Sonya Morales, Nathan Pera, Emanuel Rios, Jesus Rosa, Katya Solis and Diego Samayoa were selected to participate in the prestigious 2026 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Midwest Regional Honor Choir in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chosen from more than 850 audition submissions, these talented vocalists earned the opportunity to perform alongside some of the top student singers from across the Midwest.

On March 3, the Arab Affinity Group at East Leyden hosted a Ramadan iftar community dinner and fundraiser. With the support of club sponsor and East Social Studies teacher Noor Maghrebi, students Selene Alhasan, Razan Bayoussef, Rayan Allababidi, and Maysam Saleh shared a presentation about the significance of Ramadan with guests. The group also raised $220 for Save the Children to support children in need around the world.

West Leyden Senior Lucas Latiker set a new school record in the 55-meter dash with a blazing time of 6.55 seconds.

Leyden artists earn top awards at Triton art show

Missing a Leyden Pride newsletter or can't find an old one in your inbox? Check the Leyden website for a full listing of past editions. Link: Leyden Pride e-Newsletter archives

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