Leyden Pride
Homecoming spirit is in the air at Leyden! This week, students will be taking part in Pre-ACT testing, while we celebrate our Eagles’ accomplishments, look back at Leyden’s feature on the ABC Chicago Friday Flyover, and share a new One Amazing Story featuring West Leyden senior Milena Mitka.
You’ll also find important information about Homecoming Week, the Homecoming Football Game, and the Homecoming Dance. Plus, check out the latest news featuring Leyden students exploring robotics and manufacturing careers. Let’s catch up on all things Leyden Pride:
Leyden Pride on Display on ABC Chicago's Friday Flyover
What a beautiful morning! We had more than 600 students and staff come out before school last Friday to show Chicagoland our Leyden Pride on ABC Chicago’s Friday Flyover!
This special celebration was possible because of our amazing students and staff who made this a moment to remember. We are grateful for our students, staff and families who voted and supported this event, and for our alumni and communities who proudly watched Leyden on TV.
Check out the segment links available on the ABC website: Watch Leyden
One Amazing Story: From “Algae Boogers” to an International Honor
It’s not every day that a high school project earns a spot in the Nobel Prize Museum - especially when that project is called “Algae Boogers.” Milena Mitka, a West Leyden junior and her teammates turned an idea that could have been a total disaster into the top project at the International Global Summit, proving that sometimes the most unexpected ideas can make the biggest impact. Watch Milena’s One Amazing Story to find out how a little algae, a lot of creativity and a willingness to think differently led this Eagle all the way to an international honor.
Get ready, Eagles! Homecoming Week is coming up, with themed dress-up days, school spirit and opportunities to celebrate being part of the Leyden community.
The 2026 Homecoming theme is “Enchanted Forest.” Students are invited to participate in the following spirit days:
Monday, September 28: Camo & Florals: Blend in with the forest
Tuesday, September 29: Timber Tuesday: Wear plaid, flannels, gingham and more
Wednesday, September 30: Frogs and Fairies: Wear pink and green
Thursday, October 1: Once Upon a Dream: Pajama Day
Friday, October 2: Leyden Pride: Wear Leyden gear or blue and gold
Football Game
Get ready to show your Leyden Pride at the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, October 2, at West Leyden. The Sophomore game kicks off at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Varsity game at 7:30 p.m. During varsity halftime, we’ll crown our Homecoming Royal Eagles! Grab your friends, wear your blue and gold, and bring your biggest Eagle spirit as we cheer on our team and celebrate Homecoming together!
Dance: Step Into the Magic
Step into the magic of the enchanted forest at the Leyden Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 3. The dance will be held at the West Leyden High School Fieldhouse from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $24 and will be available for purchase during lunch periods in the Student Activities Office at West from September 28 through October 2 and at East from September 28 through October 1. Cash, check and credit card are accepted. A student ID is required to purchase tickets, and students must show their ID at the door. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Guest forms are available in the Dean’s Office and must be returned by Wednesday, September 30, at 3:00 p.m. Doors to the dance close at 8:30 p.m. and there will be no re-entry. Formal dress is encouraged.
Leyden Financial Aid Application Workshops
Planning for college? Leyden will host Financial Aid Application Workshops to help students and families navigate the FAFSA process and prepare for the next steps in funding their education. Workshops will be held on Tuesday, October 6, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the East Leyden Mezzanine, Thursday, October 8, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the West Leyden Student Commons Area, and Saturday, November 14, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the East Leyden Mezzanine.
Before attending, students and one parent must each create an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov – Create an FSA ID and bring their login information to the workshop. Families should also bring the following documents, as applicable: Social Security card (if completing the FAFSA), driver’s license/state ID/passport, child support paid or received records, 2025 federal income tax return, W-2s, Form 1040, 2025 banking statements and investment records, list of schools the student plans to attend, Permanent Resident Card/Resident Alien Card, a charged Chromebook, and FSA ID login information.
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.
Biondo Fall Fest Parade
Gather your friends, family and neighbors for the Biondo Fall Fest Parade on Sunday, October 4. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, local schools and more as the community comes together to celebrate the heart of Franklin Park.
The parade will travel from the intersection of Grand Avenue and Scott Street, head east on Grand Avenue, then north on 25th Avenue (Rose Street) and finish at Addison and Scott Street (North Park).
The fun doesn’t stop when the parade ends - Be sure to stick around for the annual Pumpkin Fest at North Park.
Mark Your Calendar
Sept 21 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) - East
Sept 22/23 - PreACT Testing
Sept 28 - Homecoming Spirit Week
Oct 2 - Homecoming Football Game
Oct 3 - Homecoming Dance - West Leyden Field House
Oct 6 - Financial Aid Workshop - East Leyden
Oct 8 - Financial Aid Workshop - West Leyden
Oct 15 - School Physical/Immunization Deadline
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