Leyden Pride
August 24, 2026
A Big Week Ahead for Our Eagles
The school year is in full swing, and there is already plenty to celebrate at Leyden! From students creating a thriving prairie habitat to our band bringing Eagle spirit to Chicago Fan Expo, our students continue to make us proud.
And now, thanks to the incredible support of our students, staff, families and community, Leyden has another exciting opportunity on the horizon, ABC 7 Chicago’s Friday Flyover!
Here’s what’s happening around Leyden:
This Week at Leyden
Safety Week: Preparing for Emergencies
Safety Week will take place from August 31 - September 4. 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.
Saturday Success Academy Returns
Need a little extra help getting caught up or staying on track? Leyden’s Saturday Success Academy (LSSA) is here to help.
Open to all students on select Saturdays, LSSA provides a quiet place to work and support with missing assignments, test preparation, retakes or other classwork.
The first session of the school year will be Saturday, August 29, from 9:00 a.m. - noon.
Students should bring their Chromebook, charger, class materials and questions. Stay for as much or as little of the session as you need.
Don’t wait until you’re underwater, level up at LSSA!
First session: Saturday, August 29
Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon
East Leyden Location: Library
West Leyden Location: Eagle's Wing
District News
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
From Student Idea to Thriving Habitat
What began as a vision by freshmen Javier Gomez and Wiktor Mindowicz four years ago has grown into a thriving pocket prairie at West Leyden.
Now, thanks to a fully funded $6,000 Power for Good grant from ComEd and Openlands, the pocket prairie on the West Leyden campus will expand to more than 3,000 square feet.
The project will include new signage, a nesting box and webcams, creating an interactive learning space for students while providing valuable habitat for native wildlife, including monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and migrating birds.
What started with a student idea has blossomed into a hands-on learning experience and a lasting contribution to the West Leyden campus.
Eagle Spotlight
Leyden Brings Eagle Spirit to Chicago Fan Expo
Our Leyden High School Band and baton twirlers brought the spirit to Chicago Fan Expo in Rosemont on Sunday, August 16.
Our talented students performed for the crowd with a special guest joining them right in the middle of the performance, R2-D2! The beloved droid moved around to the music as the band played, making for a memorable performance.
We’re so proud of our students for representing Leyden, sharing their talents and bringing Eagle spirit to the event!
Family Resources
Looking Ahead: Leyden Parent University
Save the date for Leyden Parent University on Saturday, November 7!
Parent University brings families together for workshops, resources and information designed to help parents and guardians support their students throughout high school and prepare them for life after graduation. More information and registration details will be shared as the event approaches.
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.
Coming Up
Mark Your Calendar
Aug 29 - First Saturday Success Academy | 9:00 a.m. - noon | Library
Aug 31 - Sep 4 - Safety Week
Sep 7 - Labor Day, No School
Sept 16 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) - East Campus | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Sep 18 - ABC 7 Friday Flyover
Sept 28 - Homecoming Week
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.