Tiger Times
Friday, November 6, 2026
We are EPHS #Raisethebar!
Happy Friday, EPHS students and families -
We are so excited to be able to be able to continue to celebrate the great work that has been happening at EPHS and also start getting to work on doing whatever it takes to get us to that next level. We are so proud of our rating:
Elmwood Park High School — Approaching Exemplary
This is a product of the hard work and dedication of this entire team (students, staff, parents/guardians, coaches and administrators). It is because of our continued commitment to our students' success that we are able to accomplish this and I know there is so much more to come. Thank you for prioritizing the home-to-school connection and being our partners in this very important work. Our students are more successful when they have this entire team behind them. Thank you to all stakeholders that have worked so hard to make EPHS, and continue to make EPHS, a great place to learn and grow.
We are very excited to continue to share all the great things happening here; EPHS is truly #Raisingthebar!
One of the areas that the School Report Card showed us that we can continue to improve is daily attendance. And what I can say so far is that we are already outperforming ourselves from last year! The consistent attendance continues to make me proud. Let's continue that commitment in the weeks to come. Remember, one of the best ways to show pride in your school and in yourself is to start by just showing up - each and every day.
Regular daily attendance is key to our students' success. Remember:
School starts each day at 7:40 am. Students are let into the building to access lockers and materials at 7:30 am. At 7:30 am, students should enter through 19 and Door 1. Prior to 7:30 am, students can enter through Door 3 (by the admin building) and have breakfast in the cafeteria.
Door 3 is open from 7:00 am - 7:30 am
Door 19 is open from 7:30 am - 7:40 am
Door 1 is open starting at 7:30 am and then is open all day via buzzing in
Late passes begin at 7:40 am.
As a reminder, students who arrive after 7:40 am will need to report to the Student Support Table to check in and contact a parent/guardian regarding the tardy. Student Support Table will be facilitated during the week from 7:40 am - 8:25 am. Please help your students be to school on time.
Once students are here, we also want them to be IN class. We want to ensure all students are on time to school but also to each and every class so that they are maximizing learning. Students have 5 minutes between class periods to get where they need to go. Please talk with your students about the importance of being on time.
Thank you again. Have a great weekend.
We are EPHS! #Raisethebar
Connections Between Home and School
ParentSquare
ParentSquare is our main communication tool. It is replacing Remind. Ensure you have a parent account set up to stay connected when it becomes available.
Safety and Security
EPHS Events
Picture Day(s) + Retake Day
Picture Day(s) were finally here!
Senior Pictures were scheduled for Tuesday, October 13th and Underclassman Pictures (9-11) are scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th.
Retake Pictures for all students are scheduled for Friday, November 20th.
Please note: ALL retakes will take place during student lunch periods.
Spike for a Cause
EPHS DECA presents... Spike for a Cause!
This year, Elmwood Park High School DECA is proud to host our 14th annual charity event: Spike for a Cause! This spirited volleyball tournament will feature a friendly rivalry between staff members from across District 401, including Elmwood Park High School, Elm Middle School, Elmwood Elementary, and John Mills Elementary—as they compete for school pride and a meaningful cause.
The event’s primary goal is to support the Alzheimer’s Awareness Association in its mission to end Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Funds raised will help accelerate global research, promote early detection and risk reduction, and improve quality care and support for those affected.
Our goal this year is to raise at least $15,000. The event will take place in the Elmwood Park High Admission is a $5 donation to the Alzheimer’s Awareness Association. Additional funds will be raised through raffles, sponsorships, and generous donations.
Come see our Elmwood Park Community Unit 401 Schools battle it out for a good cause on Friday, November 6th starting at 5:30 pm. The event takes place in the EPHS main gym.
Help our DECA students raise money to help in the fight against Alzheimer's!
November 11, Veterans' Day - NO SCHOOL
This is just a reminder that November 11th, there is no school in observance of Veterans' Day. It is a student and staff non-attendance day; there is NO SCHOOL.
College and Career Corner
College Representative Visits
Throughout the fall, reps from different colleges and universities will visit the school to connect with students. They will provide information on admission requirements, majors and programs of study, campus life, and more. Students will use their SchooLinks account to register for visits by navigating to the "Events" tab. All visits will take place during Tiger Time in the Science Amphitheater on the first floor. Visits are open to all grade levels.
Upcoming Visits:
University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) - 11/12
Illinois Wesleyan University- 11/19
Upcoming Financial Aid Workshop
We will be hosting our final FAFSA Workshop on November 18, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Please note that this is a drop-in workshop, not a formal presentation. Attendees do not need to arrive right at 6:00 PM and may leave once finished. On average, completing the FAFSA takes about 30 minutes. Please bring a laptop (loaners available).
Important Notes:
Tax Documents: Many parent contributors can now pull their tax information directly from the IRS, eliminating the need to manually enter data from 2025 tax forms.
Already Filed? If your family has already successfully submitted the FAFSA, there is no need to attend this event.
Half-Day Career Academy Enrollment
Rising juniors and seniors can earn college credits, gain hands-on training, and work toward industry certifications through half-day programs at Triton College and the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD).
Programs cover a wide range of fields, including Healthcare (CNA, EMT, Medical Terminology), Skilled Trades (Welding, HVAC, Automotive), Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Robotics, Game Design, and TV Production.
How to Sign Up: Interested students should tell their school counselor during their upcoming course selection meeting. Counselors will help review options, check eligibility, and assist with registration.
Jostens
Below are links for our Senior and Sophomore families to give more information about ordering Cap & Gowns and Class rings from Jostens.
SENIORS:
https://jostens.co/EPgradhowto
SOPHOMORES:
Seal of Biliteracy
Elmwood Park Community Unit District 401 is excited to offer students the opportunity to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy and the Commendation Towards Biliteracy this 2026–2027 school year!
What Are These Awards?
These state awards recognize graduating high school students who demonstrate proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other world language.
State Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate high proficiency in both languages.
Commendation Towards Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate intermediate proficiency in both languages.
Either distinction earned will be officially designated on your child's high school diploma and transcript.
To learn more, please read/review the Seal of Biliteracy Parent Letter here.
Tiger Times - Senior Edition: Class of 2027
Senior students and families, check out our new "Senior Edition" of our Tiger Times crafted especially for the Class of 2027. This new "Senior" page will include information about important upcoming senior-specific dates/times, special events, communication, key information and more. Check out our first edition!
Tiger Times - Senior Edition
Activities and Athletics Corner
Winter Sports and Activities
Get involved with EPHS sports and Activities!
Winter athletic programs and activities are getting underway. Keep looking out for opportunities to get involved. Check out upcoming announcements for our club and activity offerings. Winter is a great time to get out there and get involved!
Winter Options
All Winter Sports are OPEN!
Tiger Gear
Order your EPHS Tiger Gear today!
Message from IHSA
IHSA Member School Coaches & Administrators,
Take the survey via this link:
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey!
Craig Anderson
Executive Director
Illinois High School Association
canderson@ihsa.org
Student Celebrations
ILMEA District 1 Honor Festival
We're thrilled to announce that the following students successfully auditioned and were assigned a spot in the indicated ILMEA District 1 Honor Festival ensembles:
- Mary Schram (Band - Clarinet)
- Amanda Camacho (Chorus - Soprano II and Vocal Jazz II - Soprano)
- Nevaeh Fernandez (Chorus - Soprano II)
- Terea Hargrove (Chorus - Alto II)
Getting Involved
Volunteering in District 401
Volunteer for the 2026-2027 School Year
We appreciate your partnership and time supporting our District 401 Schools. If you would like to be a volunteer this school year please take a moment to complete our volunteer application using Raptor Volunteer Safe platform.
Parent Advisory Committee Opportunity
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Kristy Mikol, Director of Student Services, and Kimberly Davis, Assistant Director for Student Services, are planning regular special education parent meetings.
We would like to design these meetings based on your needs and preferences. Your feedback will help us create meetings that are supportive, helpful, and welcoming for all families.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about how you would like to participate in our monthly special education parent meetings.
Your input is very important to us. Thank you for taking the time to share your idea
- Friday, November 6: Spike for a Cause at 5:30 pm
- Monday, November 9: Athletic Booster Meeting at 7:30 pm
- Wednesday, November 11: Veterans' Day; NO SCHOOL
- Wednesday, November 18 School Board Meeting
- Thursday, November 19: Incoming 9th Grade Night (Curriculum Night) at 6 pm
- Friday, November 20: Picture Retake Day and Black & Gold Night for Winter Athletics
- Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27: Fall Break/Thanksgiving; NO SCHOOL
EPHS Information
Megan VerVynck
Principal
John Pomagier
Assistant Principal
Tom Lentine
Assistant Principal of
Athletics & Activities
Manny Zervos
Dean of Students
Michaela Vasey
Dean of Students
Dr. Leah Gauthier
Superintendent of Schools
Safe2Help
Report Bullying
Need to report an incident?
Use our Anonymous Form.
EPCUSD 401 School Board Members
Mr. Peter A. Volpe, Vice President
Ms. Jennifer P. Ranallo, Secretary
Ms. Monica F. Doyle
Mr. Timothy P. Loughnane
Mr. Jason Shipinski
Ms. Michelle J. Silver