The WJHS Panther Pride Newsletter
January 23, 2026
Principal's Newsletter
Today marked our first—and hopefully last—e-Learning Day due to frigid weather conditions. Thank you, Panther families, for your flexibility and support. We hope everyone stayed safe, warm, and cozy at home.
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences
Mark Your Calendars!
Spring conferences will take place on Thursday, February 26th.
The time slots are as followings:
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - VIRTUAL conferences
3:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - IN-PERSON conferences
Stay tuned for more details on scheduling and sign-ups in the coming weeks.
WJHS Engineers the Future
Congratulations to the WJHS Future City team! This past Saturday, they proudly represented our school at the regional competition in Chicago. The team did an outstanding job and earned the Sustainable City Design Award. Well done—we’re so proud of you!
O.E. Deadline Extended to Monday!
Outdoor Education registration will CLOSE after Monday!
Due to the E-Learning Day scheduled for Friday, Jan. 23, we have EXTENDED the deadline to sign up for O.E. to Monday, Jan.26.
We want all students who are interested in joining us to do so! Please take a look at the information, decide if the trip is right for your student, and complete the paperwork and submit a deposit. (Paperwork, link to online payment linked on first slide.) Please reach out with questions or concerns. We can’t wait for our newest Panthers to learn what our favorite WJHS tradition is all about! (Contact: Jen Burisek, 630.468.8222, jburisek@cusd201.org
100th Day of School – Monday, Feb. 2
We’re celebrating the 100th Day of School—just like the good old elementary days! Students are encouraged to dress like they’re 100 years old and join in the fun. Think gray hair, canes, suspenders, pearls, and lots of laughs. Let’s celebrate 100 days of learning together!
Attention 8th Graders
Incoming 9th Grade Night at Westmont High School
Westmont High School will host Incoming 9th Grade Night on Thursday, February 19, from 6:30–8:30 PM. This evening is designed to help students and families learn more about the high school experience, graduation requirements, and course offerings. We strongly encourage all 8th-grade families to attend, as important information about course selection will be shared.
9th Grade Course Selection Meetings
All 8th-grade students will meet with a Westmont High School counselor to plan their courses for next school year. These meetings will take place at the Junior High on February 24 and 25 during the school day.
Families will need to schedule an appointment for their student.
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Sign-ups open: Thursday, February 5 at 9:00 AM
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Sign-ups close: Monday, February 16 at 9:00 AM
Parents or guardians are welcome to attend the meeting with their student.
More details about the course selection process will also be shared during Incoming 9th Grade Night.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Below you will find step by step instructions on how to sign up for 9th grade course selections with a WHS counselor.
Spring Sports are Starting...Did You Get Your Physical?
Spring sports will be starting up soon! If your student is interested in participating in soccer, track, or boys volleyball, please be sure their sports physical is completed and on file before the season begins.
If you have any questions about physical requirements, please contact Nurse Knight cknight@cusd201.org
STEM Club this Thursday
Valentine’s Dance – Parent Volunteers Needed 💖
We’re getting ready for our Valentine’s Dance on Friday, February 13, from 6:00–7:30 PM, and we’d love your help! We’re looking for parent volunteers to assist with serving pizza and drinks and helping supervise students.
If you’re available, please sign up using the link below. Thank you for helping make this a fun and safe night for our students—we appreciate you!
It's Time for....PIZZA WARS!
WJHS Student Council is thrilled to announce Pizza Wars 2026!
Join us on Wednesday, February 25th, from 5:30–7:30 PM for an epic night of pizza and fun.
Taste slices of delicious pizza from EIGHT local pizzerias and vote for your favorite!
Our event wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers! We’re seeking adult helpers to supervise stations and manage the credit card system. If you’re available, please sign up using the link below. Thank you—we’re grateful for your support! Sign Up Here
SSLC Hours Available
Hey Panthers!
Are you in need of SSLC hours?
Miss Kosin has an opportunity for you to make Valentine's Day cards for senior citizens in Westmont. There will be 3 dates during the week of January 20th for you to sign up. Only 25 students can sign up each day. Don't miss your chance!
Use this sign up link to sign up.
The week of February 2 - 6, we will have the SOUPER Bowl Drive for soup!
Remember, 1 item is .5 SSLC hour and 8 or more items earns you a maximum of 2 service hours. You will turn the items in to Early Act members at lunch for your proof of service sheet.
One last thing! We hear a lot "I have a bunch of hours and haven't logged them yet." Please take the time each week to log all your hours! Your panther family teacher does check!
Washington, D.C. Trip
Trip Registration Reminder – Deadline February 13
Our Washington, D.C. trip is quickly approaching! This is a reminder that the registration deadline is February 13.
Registrations submitted after this date cannot be guaranteed and may be subject to late fees. If you have already registered, please feel free to disregard this message.
How to Register
You may register using one of the following options:
Visit: www.worldstrides.com/register
Enter Trip ID: 222746
OR
Call WorldStrides at 800-468-5899
Trip Details
Dates: Wednesday, April 29 – Friday, May 1, 2026
This trip provides an excellent opportunity for our 8th-grade students to explore our nation’s capital and experience firsthand the history and government they have been studying in class.
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to help.
Al Casiello
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
acasiello@cusd201.org
630-468-8215
8th Grade Graduation – Action Required
Attention 8th Grade Families:
Graduation gown orders will be placed on Monday, February 2.
If you have not submitted the Graduation Information Form, your student’s legal name as listed on their birth certificate in Skyward will be used for graduation materials.
Graduation gowns are required to participate in the ceremony. If you have not paid for your student’s gown, payment must be submitted immediately. Students without a gown will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Please take action as soon as possible to avoid any issues.
Time to Order 8th Grade Pictures
Photo orders can conveniently be ordered online at https://hrimaging.com/#shop. Don’t miss the chance to preserve these memorable moments!
Retakes are scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026.
Miller School Incoming Kindergarten Information Night
Calling All Incoming Kindergarteners!
Mark your calendar for Tuesday March 24th.
The Google link is available by scanning the QR code. For your convenience you can find the link HERE as well.
We welcome the Class of 2039!!
Downers Grove Cheer and Football
IOM Travel Basketball
Interested in Travel Basketball? Check out the flyer below for more information and sign up using the following LINK.
Be Sure to Stay Connected!
Stay connected with all the great things happening at WJHS! Follow our Facebook page for updates and highlights, check the WJHS Calendar for the latest information on clubs, events, and athletics, and tune into our Daily Announcements to stay informed.
Looking for even more to do? Be sure to check out events and programs offered by the Westmont
Park District, and don’t forget to explore the many opportunities available at the Westmont Public Library—there truly is something for everyone!
With appreciation,
Amy Quattrone
WJHS Principal