Take Flight 🦅

On April 5th, 16 Leyden students competed at the IHSA Journalism sectionals. Congrats to the following students who placed in their events. A special congrats to Karolina Chowaniec, who placed 1st in Editorial Writing. Karolina will represent Leyden at the State Competition! To see a full list of results, click here.

• Karolina Chowaniec: 1st place in Editorial Writing
• Nevena Doncheva: 5th Place in Review Writing
• Alison Dimaranan: 6th Place in News Writing
• Darla Giannoulis and Madeline Medrano: 6th Place in TV News

On Thursday, April 10th, 17 members of West Leyden’s FCCLA chapter traveled to Springfield, Illinois, to compete in a variety of events at the state level. Out of the 17 participants, nine students earned top 10 recognition in their respective events! Congratulations to George Padilla, who placed 6th in Charcuterie Level 2; Jose Diaz (2nd), Monica Hernandez-Wolas (3rd), and Stephanie Oliva (8th) in Charcuterie Level 3; Sofia Diaz (2nd), Lily Hernandez-Wolas (4th), and Valeria Rodriguez (7th) in Cookie Decorating Level 2; and Allisson Huitron (2nd) and Lujan Regalado (7th) in Frosted Cakes Level 3. We are so proud of all our FCCLA members for their hard work and creativity!

On Saturday, April 19th, 20+ members of Spanish Club went to Soldier Field to see the Chicago Fire - FC Cincinnati soccer game. Although the Fire came up short in the match, a good time was had by all. If you're interested in joining Spanish Club, contact Mr. Drobny (rdrobny@leyden212.org).

On Tuesday, April 22nd, Student Council will be hosting their spring blood drive in the Eagle's Wing. The health benefits and community needs make this a great service project. Students can register using the QR code above. Upperclassmen should consider donating. Students must be 16 or older and weigh at least 110 lbs. Anyone 18 or older may donate as a "walk-in". Staff members do NOT need an appointment and will be moved immediately to the front of the line. Thank you in advance for your donation - it may just save a life!

Orchesis is hosting a tasty fundraiser, and you’re invited to join the fun!

• FUNDRAISER – Eat Portillo’s, Give Back, Feel Awesome!
• Portillo’s @ 170 West North Avenue
• April 23rd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Support Leyden's Orchesis Dance Troupe!

Whether you’re craving a juicy Italian beef sandwich, a cheesy hot dog, or those irresistible fries, every bite helps us out. Here’s how you can dig in:

1. Order Online or In-App: Use the code PORTILLOS6 at checkout in the “Coupon Code” field.
2. In Person: Flash this flyer (digital or printed) to the cashier when you order.
3. How: Drive-thru, pickup, kiosk, or dine-in – it all counts!

On Friday, April 25th, Kona Ice will be available for purchase during the lunch periods. Access to the Kona Ice truck will be from the back of the student cafeteria. Each Kona Ice will cost $5, and there will be a variety of flavors to choose from. 20% of all sales will be donated to West Leyden's Best Buddies Club. Enjoy a refreshing snack while supporting a worthy cause!

Monday, April 28th, is National Superhero Day. Why not stop by the Student Activities Office during the lunch periods by sending a card and candy to anyone at West Leyden to show them that they're a HERO! While there, take a selfie with friends at the superhero backdrop. If you also make a donation (any amount!) to Lurie Children's Hospital, you'll be upgraded to SUPERHERO status and receive a treat!

Attention all rising seniors! Considering or planning on 4-year college/university after high school? If so, College Bootcamp in June is a MUST!

Week 1 = Workshops

June 3, 4, 5 (Tuesday - Thursday)

East Leyden, 9:00 - 2:00

Week 2 = Campus Tours

June 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 (Monday - Friday)

East Leyden, times vary based on destinations

Registration opens Monday, April 28th until Friday, May 16th. Scan the QR code to register. Don’t miss this invaluable (but free) opportunity! Questions? See your counselor!

Hey, seniors! You've entered the final stretch of your high school experience! Make the most of it by visiting the Leyden webpage dedicated to all senior events to stay on top of all of your class happenings over the next few weeks. Also, this graduation bulletin specifies everything you need to know for you and and your family to have the best graduation celebration!

NOTE: Students who ordered a cap and gown but have not picked it up can do so in the Main Office. If you did not order a cap and gown yet, you should visit Jostens ASAP.

• May 15 - Last School Day for Seniors with Senior Checkout beginning at 10:00 am
• May 16 - Prom - Empress Banquets in Addison - 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
• May 19 - Senior Send Off - Dave & Busters in Rosemont - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

While spreading positivity, Snowball is also tackling the issue of vaping on campus to help reopen our bathrooms! Sick of long walks just to find a bathroom? Hate the crowded restrooms? You’re not alone! Many West Leyden students are feeling the impact of bathroom closures due to vaping. But there’s good news—we can change this!

West Leyden Snowball has partnered with the deans to launch the West Leyden Anonymous Vape Reporting Form—as a way to make our school a healthier place and help reopen our bathrooms. Have you seen vaping in the bathrooms? Use THIS LINK to anonymously report it—no risk to you! Want to quit? Get confidential help without getting in trouble. Text “ditchvape” to 88709 for FREE support anytime.

Scan the QR code posted in bathrooms or check your Minga ID to access the form (instructions are below). Let’s take back our bathrooms and make West Leyden a vape-free zone!

Leyden's "Strive for 95" campaign offers a lot of cool prizes for students who strive to maintain 90% or higher attendance:

• Monthly raffles to win Leyden clothing, free Prom tickets, Stanley drinking cups, Javaccino dollars, pizza parties for you & your friends, and much more.

For those soaring eagles who maintain 95% or higher attendance:

• $20 off Prom tickets (juniors & seniors only)

Click on the image above 👆 for more information!

We Are... Awards nominees can qualify to receive Javaccino (students) / Gold and Bold Café (staff members) gift cards. In addition, students may be recognized at Student of the Month breakfasts and staff members may be recognized at staff meetings.

To nominate a student or staff member, you need to fill out this We Are... Awards Google Form.