Leyden Pride
October 19, 2026
Welome to this week's Leyden Pride
It’s another busy week at Leyden! This week, we’re celebrating the entrepreneurial success of recent graduates Olivia Raczkowska and Jillian Hedke, whose company, GlamGo, earned first place in the Illinois Retail Merchants Association scholarship competition after winning Leyden’s district-wide pitch competition. It's also Family Conferences week, time to vote for Leyden in the Friday Flyover challenge, and check out upcoming music performances and community events. There are plenty of reasons to be proud of our Eagles!
This Week at Leyden
Family Conferences: Tomorrow
Family Conferences take place tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20. Virtual conferences run from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., followed by in-person conferences from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Translators are available upon request.
Registration closes tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. For questions, contact West Leyden at 847-451-3122 or East Leyden at 847-451-3000.
PTC Instructions for Parents – English
PTC Instructions for Parents – Translations
Time to Vote for Leyden and show all of Chicago our pride!
More than 600 students and staff gathered on the field at East Leyden on Sept 18, to welcome ABC New Chicago for their Friday Flyover. We got to show off all of the great things at Leyden and now it’s time to vote and make sure the Eagles bring home the trophy!
Voting opened this morning and goes through Thursday, October 22, at 7 a.m. The winner will be crowned live on the morning news on Friday, October 23, at 6:45 a.m.
Vote Now → Select Leyden
https://www.tiktok.com/@abc7chicago?lang=en
Whether you’re a student, staff member, current family, proud alum, longtime community supporter or simply someone who loves Leyden, this is your moment to celebrate with us!
District News
Leyden Music Department Fall Concert
Enjoy an evening of music at Leyden’s Fall Instrumental and Choir Concert this Thursday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the East Leyden Auditorium. The concert will feature performances by Leyden’s bands, choirs and orchestra. Admission is free!
Winter Sports Registration Opens
Registration is now open for winter sports. Students interested in participating in a winter sport must register online and have a current physical on file before they can attend practice.
Eagle Spotlight
One Amazing Story: GlamGo’s Winning Pitch
This month’s One Amazing Story features lifelong friends and recent graduates Olivia Raczkowska and Jillian Hedke, who discovered their interest in business through Leyden’s Incubator program. Together, they formed GlamGo, won the district-wide pitch competition and went on to earn first place in the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) scholarship competition.
Their success highlights the power of teamwork, taking chances and pursuing entrepreneurial ideas. Congratulations to Olivia and Jillian, and thank you to Incubator teacher Mr. Russotto and the Leyden Business Department for supporting their journey!
Marching Band Welcomes Partner Schools for Band Night
The Leyden Marching Band welcomed musicians from our partner schools for School Band Night on Friday, October 9. Students from Hester Jr. High, Lincoln Middle School, Mannheim Middle School, Rhodes School, River Grove School and Rosemont School joined Leyden under the Friday night lights, with all participating school bands performing during halftime at the football game.
Thank you to our partner school students and directors for being part of this special tradition and helping build connections across our school community!
East Leyden Class of 2027 Senior Sunrise
The East Leyden Class of 2027 celebrated Senior Sunrise with two student-organized gatherings this year to accommodate scheduling conflicts. One group met at Montrose Harbor in Chicago, while another enjoyed a more intimate gathering at North Park. Both events gave seniors a chance to come together and celebrate the start of their final year as Eagles.
Small Gathering, Big Memories
North Park
Chasing Sunrises, Making Memories
Montrose Harbor
The Boys of Senior Sunrise
Montrose Harbor
Family Resources
Leyden Parent University
Mark your calendars for one of Leyden's most popular events!
Leyden Parent University returns for its eighth year on Saturday, November 7, from 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at East Leyden. This premier event is designed to empower and inform parents and guardians as they support their students throughout high school and beyond. Parents and guardians of students in grades 8 - 12 are encouraged to attend each year.
Attendees will choose three sessions, enjoy lunch and have the opportunity to win scholarships for their students. The event is free and is for parents and guardians only; students will not attend. All sessions are offered in English and Spanish. Register by Friday, October 23, for an additional chance to win a scholarship.
Leyden Saturday Success Academy
Leyden Saturday Success Academy (LSSA) is open to all students on select Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the Library. Students can use the time to get help with missing work, study for a test, complete a retake, or simply have a quiet place to get work done.
Students should bring their Chromebook, charger, class materials and any questions they may have. Students can stay for as much or as little of the session as they need.
The next session is Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
BPAC Day of the Dead Celebration Canceled
The Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC) Day of the Dead Celebration, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, has been canceled.
Community Connections
River Grove Lions Club Hosts Leyden Scholarship Fundraiser
The River Grove Lions Club is hosting a Bingo Night fundraiser to support scholarships for East Leyden High School seniors. Join the community on Friday, October 23, at the River Grove American Legion Hall, 8664 Grand Ave., River Grove. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and games begin at 6:45 p.m. Enjoy bingo, cash prizes and side games while supporting local students.
Coming Up
Mark Your Calendar
Oct 20 - Family Conferences
Oct 22 - Leyden Music Department Fall Concert
Oct 24 - Make a Difference Day
Nov 3 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day
Nov 7 - Leyden Parent University
Nov 25 - 27 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Holiday
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.