Glenbard News (11-11-2025)

• Spotlight: Glenbard D87 pays tribute to our Veterans
• Dr. John Mensik named DuPage High School Principal of the Year
• Glenbard South spreads kindness with Community Food Drive
• Take part in Glenbard West’s Community Food Drive
• Parent-Teacher Conferences feedback survey
• Save the date: Upcoming Glenbard D87 Construction Community Forums
• Fall theater productions in Glenbard
• DuPage TPC event on Nov. 12: social security benefit overview
• GPS event - Restoring Youth: Foster Communication, Conversation & Connection
• Learn techniques to improve brain function for a healthier, joy-filled life
• GPS conversation walked parents through the seven transitions to adulthood
• Important dates to remember

Students extended their gratitude even further by writing heartfelt messages to hundreds of veterans, sharing appreciation, respect, and support. Their actions reflect our deep gratitude for the courage, commitment, and service of every veteran. We extend our sincerest thanks for your dedication to protecting our freedoms and our nation.

Glenbard East students proudly participated in the Village of Lombard’s Veterans Day ceremony at Village Hall. Olive Turner performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” offering a powerful musical tribute to the men and women who have served. Benjamin Castro-Jimenez followed with trumpet performances of the call to Assembly and Retreat, adding a solemn and meaningful touch to the ceremony. Their contributions helped honor the courage, commitment, and dedication of veterans in our community and across the nation.

Glenbard West students had an extraordinary opportunity earlier this year to travel to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans alongside several World War II veterans, an experience made possible through the Gary Sinise Foundation. These students were paired with members of the Greatest Generation, forming meaningful connections that have continued long after the trip. Since July, they have stayed in contact with the veterans—sending care packages, handwritten notes, and messages of appreciation to honor their service.

We are proud to share the ABC7 Chicago story that captured this remarkable journey, highlighting how our students learned firsthand about sacrifice, courage, and the enduring impact of service from veterans who helped shape our nation’s history.

Dr. John Mensik has been selected as the DuPage Region’s High School Principal of the Year, a recognition that reflects his exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact on the Glenbard North community. This regional honor follows his nomination for the statewide High School Principal of the Year award, and his name has now been forwarded to the Illinois Principals Association for statewide consideration. The state winner will be announced in the spring. This recognition speaks to Dr. Mensik’s unwavering commitment to students, staff, and families, and we are proud to see his work celebrated at the regional and state levels.

In celebration of World Kindness Day on November 13, Glenbard South is spreading kindness all week through a community-focused Food Drive running November 12–19. Students, staff, and families are encouraged to join together in support of local families by donating nonperishable food items. This effort reflects the Raider community’s commitment to compassion, generosity, and helping those in need. Let’s make a meaningful impact—one act of kindness at a time.

Glenbard West is organizing several donation opportunities to support our Glenbard families and neighbors during this time of need. As many households face financial challenges and rising food costs, our community is coming together to ensure that no family goes without essential resources.

The first collection event will be held Friday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 594 N. Ellyn Avenue in Glen Ellyn.

All donations will benefit two local food pantries that serve our community year-round, Glen House Food Pantry and Family in Faith Food Pantry.

*Students can also bring donations to Elliott Library during school hours.

Our partnership with families is essential to ensuring students continue to find success inside and outside the classrooms.

If you participated in October’s Parent-Teacher Conferences, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a few minutes to complete our short online survey. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective.

• Click here to fill out the Parent-Teacher Conferences feedback survey

Join us at our upcoming Construction Community Forums to gain a clear look at the work happening throughout our buildings. These forums provide a space to ask questions, understand the purpose behind each project, and learn how these improvements support both students and the broader community. Your voice and partnership matter as we continue shaping safe, modern, and student-centered learning spaces.

Welcome to Rydell High in 1959! Summer romances fade into school-year drama. When Sandy Dumbrowski unexpectedly transfers to Danny Zuko’s school, their summer love is put to the test as they navigate the hilarious, heartfelt ups and downs of teenage friendship, identity, and rock ’n’ roll. Packed with iconic songs like “Greased Lightnin’”, “Summer Nights”, and “We Go Together”, this high-energy musical celebrates the joy of youth and the power of finding where you belong.

Performances will take place in the Biester Auditorium on Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 13-15 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for adults and can be purchased online at www.gefinearts.org or at the door.

We hope you’ll join us for a rockin’ good time at Rydell High!

What if the characters in your favorite book could talk back? Between The Lines tells the story of when Delilah, a lonely teenager who finds comfort in reading, discovers that the handsome prince from her favorite fairy tale is actually real, and he can speak to her from the pages. As Delilah gets pulled deeper into this world, she begins to question what’s real, what’s fiction, and whether she has the power to rewrite her own story. Filled with humor, heart, and a little magic, this show is a whimsical and moving musical, perfect for book lovers and dreamers alike.

Between The Lines will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 13-15 in the Glenbard West auditorium. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased online at glenbardwesths.seatyourself.biz.

It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well, dead. So whodunit? Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist. Content disclosure: This production utilizes theatrical weapons, gun shots and has adult themes.

Clue runs Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Little Theatre. Tickets are $10 at the door or online at glenbardnorthhs.seatyourself.biz.

This parody of the famous Harry Potter series is told from the perspective of the "Puffs," a group of underdog students at a certain magical school who just want to survive all seven years while another more famous boy wizard keeps stealing the spotlight.

Performances will be Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre. Seating is general admission, and all seats are $12. This show is not recommended for younger audiences (below middle school), but folks old enough to get a letter to a wizarding school and up should find this show fun!

Tickets are available online with credit card at glenbardsouthhs.seatyourself.biz/. Tickets at the door are cash/check only, please. Donate a non-perishable food item at the door for a $2 discount on cash/check tickets at the door. Food items will be donated to the Glen House Food Pantry.

The DuPage County Transition Planning Committee (TPC) will be hosting a Zoom presentation about social security benefits on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.

Summer Alzawawi (Program Director, Public Benefits Access at the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform) will give a social security benefit overview: how to apply, where to find assistance, and the ticket to work program.

The DuPage County TPC regularly meets to network, educate, learn, share and support services for individuals with disabilities. Zoom links for the Nov. 12 event can be found here.

Questions? Email dupagetpc@gmail.com or erin_hoving@glenbard.org.

Don’t miss our HYBRID GPS event with Cathy Adams and Dr. John Duffy on November 12! Learn how to restore communication, build trust, and spark meaningful conversations with teens. Join us at noon in person at College of DuPage or on Zoom, and again at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

PLUS—more great programs ahead on brain health, emotions, school challenges, college readiness, and more.

Visit GPSParentSeries.org for location details, a preview and Zoom links.

Glenbard North Assistant Principal for Student Services Erika Willis is showcasing a book by psychiatrist Drew Ramsey MD, the author of "Healing the Modern Brain: Nine Tenets to Build Mental Fitness and Revitalize Your Mind."

The bestselling author will come to GPS for virtual events on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at noon and 7 p.m. titled Nourishing the Modern Brain: The Food Mood Connection. Participants will learn to make educated decisions on the road to improved mental health.

Check out Ramsey’s preview and find Zoom links on his speaker page. Visit GPSParentSeries.org to view the brochure and browse other upcoming events.

Recently, the GPS Parent Series welcomed psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour in conversation with journalist Jennifer Wallace to explore the evolving challenges of raising adolescents in a rapidly changing world. During their program titled Untangling Teen Challenges: Social Media, Relationships, and the Epidemic of Stress, Damour – author of three New York Times best sellers including “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers” and “Under Pressure” – introduced the three R’s of building relationship with kids. Read five essential takeaways from the presentation, or view the entire program here.

Be sure to check out other Past Program videos on the GPS website. To receive detailed program summaries and be notified of upcoming events, sign up for the GPS weekly newsletter.

Click to view the board highlights from the November 10, 2025 Board of Education meeting.

Board highlights feature a brief description of the action items and discussion items on the meeting agenda. Board highlights do not replace minutes. The minutes are approved by the board and posted after the next regularly scheduled board meeting.

Nov. 13-15 = Glenbard East musical – Grease

Nov. 13-15 = Glenbard West musical – Between the Lines

Nov. 20-22 = Glenbard North play – Clue

Nov. 20-22 = Glenbard South play – Puffs*

*Attendees who bring a canned good to donate to the local food pantry will receive $2 off their ticket

November 26-28 = NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Recess

Dec. 9 = Free heart screening for Glenbard East students (Young Hearts for Life)

Glenbard Township High School District 87 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Glenbard offers classes in several college preparedness courses, as well as career classes at TCD, admission to which is non-discriminatory. Lack of English-language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in those programs.