Principal's Newsletter

Hello - this is a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have a student at, or have expressed an interest in, Glenbard West High School. Communication between Glenbard West and our families and community is very important to us. Don't forget to add gw_news@glenbard.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! Please email any questions directly to Glenbard Staff, we are happy to respond.

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Hilltopper Community,

First, I’d like to welcome all new Glenbard West families to our monthly newsletter. While the Class of 2030 won’t officially begin their high school career until August, the enrollment process begins soon, and we want to make sure all of our families—those new and returning—have the information they need to enroll for the 2026-27 school year.

All current West families received an email in late November with students’ course recommendations for the 26-27 school year. Families can enter their course selection preferences in PowerSchool until Monday, January 5th. Starting January 12th, students will meet with their counselor to finalize their courses.

Electronic enrollment packets will be available for the families of incoming freshmen in early January. You can find additional information on enrollment and our upcoming 8th Grade Family Curriculum Night in the sections below. Additionally, our School Counseling Department has collected all of its resources for students and families in one place called the Glenbard West School Counseling Hub. You can find that here.

On Thursday, December 4th, we hosted a Community Construction Forum in the Elliott Library for anyone interested in learning more about our upcoming construction projects. In an effort to get this information out to all of our families, I have created a video summary that you can watch at your convenience. I encourage you to check it out when you are able.

Glenbard West Theatre’s production of Between the Lines has been chosen to perform on the first day of the Illinois High School Theatre Festival at Illinois State University. This is an incredible honor! They will be performing—twice—at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts, a beautiful venue that holds twelve hundred. Congratulations to Mike Fox, Jacob Kelleher, Jon Walsh, Andy Jeffrey, Cathy Hlavacek, Rob Matz, Karen Winter, Bill Schumacher, as well as the cast, crew, and musicians for their hard work and amazing performances. In preparation for their trip downstate, West Theatre will hold a “benefit” performance of Between the Lines at Glenbard West on Tuesday, January 6th at 7:00 PM. You can find the details below.

Now for two calendar updates:

• Just this week we selected our Homecoming date for next school year: Saturday, October 3rd.

• The calendars for the 26-27 and 27-28 school years have been approved by our Board of Education and are available on our district’s website. The start date for the 26-27 school year is August 12th. To allow for a few extra weeks of summer construction, the start of the 27-28 school year will be pushed back to August 25th, which results in 1st semester final exams being moved to January of 2028.

Today marks the last day of final exams and the end of first semester. I’d like to thank our staff for their commitment to our students’ success and congratulate our students on a strong finish. I hope that all of our Hilltopper families have a restful and joyful winter break and holiday season.

As always, thank you for reading. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns.

Go West!

Ben Peterselli

630-942-7473

ben_peterselli@glenbard.org

January 5th

No School - Staff Institute Day

January 6th

School Resumes

January 13th

Orchestra Ensemble Concert

7:30 - 9:00 pm

Choir/Band/Cafe/3rd Floor Bridge

January 14th

8th Grade Family Curriculum Night

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Begins in Auditorium

January 19th

No School - Martin Luther King Day

January 23rd

Pack the Place

3:30 - 10:00 pm

Biester Gym

Girls Varsity Basketball

6:00 pm

Boys Varsity Basketball

7:45 pm

January 28 - 30th

Black Box New Play Performances

7:00 - 8:45 pm

Black Box

Student Services hosted the October Matter of Pride Ceremony on November 21, 2025. For those that are not familiar with our Matter of Pride Award, it was created over 30 years ago at West as a way to recognize students with outstanding character. This is the only award at West that focuses on a student's kindness, willingness to help others, going above and beyond for their school and/or community, and positive attitude. Basically, Matter of Pride recipients are what makes West the Best!

Congratulations to our November Award Recipients:

Diego Blanco Olivero, Charlotte Henderson, Larry Hernandez, Emma Ladgenski,

Liam Mical, Nayeli Santiago, Ben Schoettle & Marcus Walgrin Jr.

(not pictured Maddie Knight & Sherlin Munoz)

Alexa Novak was one of our girls cross country senior leaders both on and off the course. This past fall Alexa was the number one runner on the team, earning recognition and awards in every meet on the schedule, including all-conference, all-regional, all-sectional and, for the second consecutive year, all-state with a 15th place finish at the 3A Championships. Off the course Alexa consistently supported and guided her teammates with encouraging words and advice, which proved invaluable with such a young squad of runners, helping the team to a top ten finish at the state meet.

Tuesday, January 6, at 7:00pm in the auditorium.

No tickets are needed, open seating.

Donations are appreciated, West Theatre BTL Benefit performance donation link.

We are excited to welcome Families of the Class of 2030 to Glenbard West for our 8th Grade Family Curriculum Night on Wednesday, January 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. This evening is an opportunity for us to share information about our academic offerings, summer school enrichment opportunities, and the registration and enrollment process. Additional information on this event will be shared with families via email in the coming weeks.

Please review Volume Two of our AP Guide for Families in English and Spanish. You’ll find all relevant information about exam registration for second semester-only AP courses, exam order changes, and answers to frequently asked questions about exam registration. Please contact the office of the Assistant Principal for Instruction with questions: 630-942-7471. For AP-related updates, please join our Remind by texting @gbwaptest to the number 81010 or clicking here.

This month students are meeting with their counselors to select classes for next school year. The 2026-2027 Glenbard West Academic Program Guidebook can help students and parents better understand the wealth of courses offered at West, as well as which courses fulfill high school graduation requirements. We encourage families to discuss students’ educational interests and post-secondary goals during the registration process. Should you or your student have any questions, please reach out to their school counselor.

As you may know, all juniors will be using an online platform called Progress Learning for ACT preparation this year. This program is completely free to families and is designed to help your student build confidence and improve their ACT scores by focusing on their individual strengths and areas for improvement. A strong ACT score can significantly expand your student's college options and help them qualify for valuable merit-based scholarships.

Last semester, juniors viewed their Diagnostic ACT scores and set goals for how they plan to meet the minimum goal of 8 hours in the Progress Learning platform. On Monday, January 12th all juniors will log into the platform during an Advisory Lesson in Glenbard Hour and review their individual study plans and kick off their “Path to 8”. Note that while the minimum expectation is 8 hours, research has shown that dedicating more time to practice leads to significant score improvements on the ACT. Students have unlimited access to the program and are strongly encouraged to dedicate additional hours to practice if they are able to do so. Student progress will be monitored by our ACT Prep Coordinator, Mary Crowe, who will reach out to students and families to celebrate their successes and encourage them along the way in meeting their goals. Feel free to reach out to her directly at mary_crowe@glenbard.org with any questions you may have about the program.

As we begin year two of working with the ACT testing suite, juniors will continue to take a practice test in late October and the school-day ACT in April, which is a graduation requirement in the state of Illinois. Freshmen and sophomores will take the preACT in the spring. These scores will be used as part of the enrollment process in the subsequent year in conjunction with teacher input. The testing calendar for this year is as follows:

• Wednesday, April 15, 2026: School-day ACT with Writing for Juniors (Illinois graduation requirement). Students will be automatically registered at no additional cost. This is a non-attendance day for all freshmen, sophomores and seniors.

• Thursday, April 16, 2026: preACT testing for freshmen and sophomores. This is a non-attendance day for all juniors and seniors.

Front Row: Lisa Cunningham, Jessica Walters, Pete Baker, Amanda Meyer, Bridget Mazzone

Back Row: Max Hufnagle, Nisa Gabbidon, Jaclyn Reeves, Pam Hagstrom, Deandra Bass

Front Row: Bea Ferreira, Mary Yangas, Rhiannon Sieck, Malaika Khan, Kruti Parikh, Lissete Ochoa
Back Row: Patty Fanella, Mike Neberz, Tad Keely, Jeremiah Wiencek, Tony Bergantino, Natalie Rubino

Attention Seniors: Local Scholarships - Each year, local organizations, school-wide clubs and generous individuals provide financial support through our Local Scholarship Program, awarding more than $140,000 in scholarships to Glenbard West Seniors. All students are encouraged to apply by completing the Local Scholarship Application found in SchooLinks. The deadline for submissions is Friday, January 16, 2026. Seniors can see their school counselors with any questions.

Incoming Class of 2030 - Electronic enrollment packets with detailed information will be going out via email between January 8th-12th. Please be sure to check your emails for an email from “Glenbard West School Counseling” with the subject “Glenbard West 8th Grade Enrollment - Important Information.” If you have any questions, you may contact our school counseling administrative assistants at: gw_reg@glenbard.org.

Glenbard West continued our high attendance rates through November with an Average Daily Attendance of 92.08%. That means on average, we had 92% of our kids here at school and that is almost a quarter of a percent higher than last November. As we always say, this is a team effort and we are grateful for our families who help motivate their kids to show up for school. Thank you!

As the months remain cold and winter drags on, getting up and going in the morning becomes more and more difficult. Keeping regular routines that promote good sleep habits are especially important now as we head into winter.

Help your student wind down for the night by encouraging calming activities such as reading a book or listening to soothing music, about an hour before bed. Consistency is key—make sure they have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends, to regulate their sleep cycle.

Screens—phones, laptops, or tablets—can interfere with sleep, so be sure to turn them off at least an hour before bed. Getting enough restful sleep will not only improve their mood and energy for these next few months, but also enhance focus, memory, and performance in school.

Parking Applications for the 2026-2027 School year will be shared with students on Schoology on March 16th. The application will remain open through Spring Break until April 10th. Please be aware that spaces are extremely limited and many students complete applications each year. Any student not selected is placed on the waitlist in case any spots become available.

All absences must be communicated with our Attendance Office before 10:30 a.m. Call (630) 858-5060 anytime, day or night to speak with one of our Attendance Office Assistants or leave a voicemail.

Sometimes, speaking up is not the easiest thing to do. If you know your student is struggling to confide or communicate with their Dean or another school official regarding something serious, harmful, or dangerous, Glenbard West provides the Hilltopper Help Form.

Go West!

Did you know that students entering 12th grade must show proof of having two doses of the meningococcal vaccine?

Start making your appointments now for this needed vaccine and turn in your vaccine proof to the health office after your appointment! You can receive this vaccine when going to the doctor for your annual checkup or when getting a sports physical.

Questions about if you have already received it? Stop in the health office and we can let you know!

Senior MCV Form

Have you turned in your proof of dental examination?

If not, please turn in the proof of examination form to the health office ASAP. Dental exams performed on/after 11/15/2024 will be accepted for this requirement. Exams can be sent to stephanie_brezwyn@glenbard.org or faxed to (630) 942-7559

Freshman Dental Examination Form

Our district food service provider OrganicLife has a weekly rotation of available halal food items. Please see the flier below for a sample menu.

Our Glenbard students played a crucial role in this process, serving in several focus groups and providing important feedback and ideas. This implementation of halal food options helps promote an inclusive school environment where students can have access to food that meets their dietary needs.

Halal menu options will become available at our other Glenbard high schools starting in mid-January.

Hello Glenbard West Families!

At Glenbard, we’re proud to use the West Way as our foundation for positive behavior. The West Way means being involved, successful, and respectful- qualities we encourage every day in our students, both at school and at home.

What is PBIS?
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It’s a school-wide approach that helps us teach, model, and reward positive behaviors. By focusing on what students can do right, we create a safe, welcoming, and productive environment for learning and growth.

How Does the West Way Work?
Our staff recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate being involved, successful, and respectful. Whether it's by participating in class, helping others, working hard, or showing kindness and courtesy, we encourage the West Way every day. Each week, students who earn a “West Way Scan” will enjoy a special treat delivered to them during school on West Way Wednesdays.

Connecting Home and School:
We encourage families to reinforce these West Way values at home, too! Talk with your child about ways they can be involved in your family and community, strive for success in their pursuits, and show respect to others.

Together, we can help students build habits that serve them well now and in the future! Remember: Together We Are West!

Glenbard West families can see a great season of shows, get priority seating, and save 25% on ticket prices by purchasing a season subscription on Push Coin OR by sending in a check along with the Season Subscription Form. Get a season subscription for each member of your family!

Fall Musical: Between the Lines, November 13-15

Winter Studio Shows: Black Box New Plays, January 28-30

Spring Drama: Radium Girls, April 16-18

Glenbard District 87 is pleased to partner with OrganicLife as our food service provider. Information regarding OrganicLife, menu offerings, and nutrition/allergen information will be available on your high school’s website this summer.

We encourage you to visit www.pushcoin.com to sign up for the prepayment option with their easy-to-use system.

Please note that for the 2025-2026 school year, free meals will be available to those who qualify. Please see the “Residency, Fees, and Financial Assistance Information” page for more information.

You can keep up with Glenbard information throughout the year by signing up for Glenbard News, our district-wide enewsletter, at this link.

Each week, you will receive district-wide news about students’ achievements in school-sponsored activities; upcoming events; fund-raisers; school board information and more.

Glenbard West Boosters is a fundraising organization with more than 350 members. The Boosters plan various events throughout the year including Homecoming activities such as Pancake Breakfast, winter's Pack the Place, and serve as the official supplier of Glenbard West gear. Funds raised enhance academic programs, athletic programs, and extra-curricular activities that enrich the student experience at Glenbard West. Last year, Boosters granted over $140,000 back to the students.

Any West parent, alum, or Glen Ellyn community member can become a Boosters member. By joining Boosters, you help increase the amount of money granted and Booster members have the opportunity to volunteer throughout the school year.

Boosters meets the third Thursday of every month in the Elliott Library (at school) at 7:30pm.

Please visit the Boosters website to learn more and JOIN! See us at Gear sales at every home football game!

West Nation proudly supports Glenbard Parent Series (GPS). Visit www.GlenbardGPS.org for information on the nationally recognized speaker series for parents, students, educators and community members. The series is free and open to the public.

Please visit www.gbwnation.com to purchase a membership, make a donation and to volunteer. We invite all students and parents to be a part of WEST NATION!

Follow us on Twitter/@GWWestNation or Facebook/GlenbardWestNation

This year, GPS Parent Series proudly celebrates 30 years of providing free, expert-led resources to support families both locally and beyond. World-renowned authors and clinicians deliver timely, research-based guidance to promote positive youth development and well-being for all ages.

Our free programs equip parents, caregivers, and educators with practical strategies to build stronger individuals, families, and communities. We will present over 50 events this year in multiple languages. GPS is completely free and open to everyone—no registration, no subscription required! Note: CEUs are available for school staff.

Explore the full lineup of speakers at GPSParentSeries.org and help spread the word by sharing this incredible resource with friends, relatives and coworkers.

Schools across the nation are experiencing more and more students who have latex allergies. Often, students with this allergy can have severe and even life-threatening reactions if exposed to latex resins and powders. For their safety, there are certain latex products we no longer allow on campus. Latex balloons and “Silly String” pose a significant health threat to students with a latex allergy. These products are not allowed on campus at any time, including after school, evening, and weekend events. With this in mind, we request your help: Please talk with your children about this health and safety issue. Some students might not understand the reason for a “balloon ban.” At West, we want all parents to know that their children are safe on campus.

Crisis Text Line - Text REACH to: 741741

This sends information to a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to help individuals return to a healthy/stable level of functioning.

Safe2Help Illinois Call 844-472-3345 or Text 72332(SAFE2)

Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. This program is intended to get students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”

Students who wish to report a potential act of school violence at Glenbard West may also leave an anonymous message with our School Resource Officer at (630) 681-3177 or call the Bullying Hotline Call (630) 942-7406

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call/Text 988

This number has trained staff to answer calls and respond to texts from individuals at risk for suicide as well as those experiencing other mental health and substance use-related emergencies. Specialized services will be available for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other groups.

Email: gw_news@glenbard.org
Website: glenbardwesths.org
Location: 670 Crescent Blvd.
Phone: 630-469-8600
Instagram: @glenbard_west_hilltoppers