Leyden Pride
September 7, 2026
Welome to this week's Leyden Pride
September is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting month at Leyden! From student activities and theatre to community celebrations and some exciting recognition for our Eagles, there is plenty happening across both campuses. Check out this week's LeydenPride for important information, upcoming events and ways to stay connected with our school community.
This Week at Leyden
Find Your Place at Leyden: Student Activities Fair
Students looking for a way to get involved? The Student Activities Fair will take place during Eagle Time on Thursday, September 10, and Friday, September 11. This is a great opportunity to explore the many clubs, organizations and activities available at Leyden. Whether students are interested in leadership, service, the arts, athletics or simply trying something new, there's a place for everyone!
East Parents Club Meeting
East Leyden parents are invited to join the East Parents Club on Thursday, September 10, at East Leyden in the Little Theatre starting at 5:30 p.m. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend, connect with other families and learn more about opportunities to support students and the East Leyden community.
District News
Pre-ACT Testing
Pre-ACT testing will take place Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23. On Tuesday, September 22, 9th-grade students will begin the day with the Pre-ACT 9 before attending their regularly scheduled classes. On Wednesday, September 23, 10th- and 11th-grade students will take the Pre-ACT. Grab-and-go lunch will be available, and buses will run after the testing period. 9th- and 12th-grade students, LIFE High School and Transition Programs students will have no school on Wednesday, September 23. Students should be sure to get a good night’s sleep and arrive ready for testing.
School Physical and Immunizations Reminder
State school code requires all ninth-grade and new students to provide proof of a physical examination and mandatory immunizations prior to October 15. Seniors are required to have their second meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) immunization after the age of 16. Students who do not meet these requirements before October 15 will be subject to exclusion from school.
We ask families to help ensure these requirements are addressed as soon as possible. The Ronald McDonald Caremobile is also available as a resource for families who need help completing physical exams, sports physicals or required immunizations. The Caremobile will be at West Leyden on Wednesday, September 16, and East Leyden on Thursday, September 17. For more information or to complete the required consent forms, please contact your student's nurse.
If you have questions about health requirements, contact the East Leyden Nurse’s Office at mcuevas@leyden212.org or the West Leyden Nurse’s Office at rkazmierczak@leyden212.org
Eagle Spotlight
West Leyden Operation Snowball Named Illinois Action Team of the Year
We are proud to announce that West Leyden Operation Snowball has been named the "Cebrin Goodman Teen Institute (CGTI) Action Team of the Year " for Illinois by Snowball, Inc. and the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health. West Leyden was selected from Operation Snowball action teams across the state in recognition of the group's dedication, leadership, teamwork and positive impact on students and the community.
This recognition reflects the commitment of student leaders Julian Cisneros, Juan Carrillo, Ray DeLaRosa, Hiba Abu Jarour, Mia Quintana, Gianna Lacap, Amaya Maynard and Aaron Maynard, along with adult leader and social worker Michele Ratini. Through their work, the team continues to build connections, encourage healthy choices and create a positive impact throughout Leyden. Congratulations, Eagles!
Leyden Theatre Presents “Worlds Turned Upside Down”
Get ready for an evening of laughter, mystery and adventure as Leyden Theatre presents Worlds Turned Upside Down: A Collection of One Acts. Featuring three unique shows in one night, audiences will journey from a mysterious small-town museum to an unusual Advanced Placement class and even a reunion after the end of the world.
Performances will take place September 17, 18 and 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the West Leyden Auditorium.
Come enjoy an entertaining evening while supporting the incredible talents of our Leyden student performers!
Leyden Selected for ABC 7 Chicago’s Friday Flyover
Hey Eagles: You voted. We won! Leyden was selected to be featured in ABC Chicago’s morning news broadcast live on Friday, September 18! Leyden received the top number of votes of any suburban schools - so we need to get ready to show all of Chicagoland our Leyden Pride!
All students are encouraged to be a part of this special moment by arriving at the field at East Leyden no later than 6:30 a.m. (Come early and enjoy free Dunkin Donuts.) We will be making a live formation of a Leyden “L” on the field that morning, so please be prompt to ensure you are in the feature.
Participating students will receive Dunkin Donuts breakfast and coffee, a one-of-a-kind event tee shirt and a special lunch that day on their campus.
Transportation: We will provide two full bus runs for all students that morning, all stops/routes, at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. (10 minutes earlier for Rosemont). We will also run a shuttle bus from West to East at 5:10 and 6:10 for our walkers (Entrance 1). After the event, there will be a return bus to West at 7:20 for those students who need to get back (Entrance 18).
So get your friends and let’s make some memories!
Family Resources
Free Health Exams, Physicals & Immunizations for Students
Leyden is partnering with Advocate Children’s Hospital to bring the Ronald McDonald Caremobile to our campuses this September. The Caremobile team will provide free health exams, sports physicals and immunizations for students who have Medicaid or are uninsured.
The Caremobile will visit:
West Leyden: Wednesday, September 16
East Leyden: Thursday, September 17
Students will be seen during the school day, and a parent or guardian does not need to be present. However, consent forms must be completed in advance. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Information packets will be mailed to students and are also available in the school health offices.
Questions can be directed to:
West Leyden: Rhonda Kazmierczak, BSN, RN 847-451-3130
East Leyden: Marlene Cuevas, BSN, RN 847-451-3084
This partnership is made possible through Advocate Children’s Hospital and the Leyden Health Offices.
Help Your Student Succeed
At Leyden, we know that families play an important role in helping students succeed in high school - and the start of the school is so important!
As part of Leyden’s strategic plan, we’ve created a video with information and ideas to help families support their students on their high school journey. We’re proud to partner with you every step of the way!
Virtual Parent Series
Leyden Student Services is pleased to continue its partnership with the GPS Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families. These free, public presentations feature award-winning authors and experts who share practical guidance on topics that matter to families, including motivation, resilience, relationships, college planning and career readiness.
Saturday Success Academy
Need a little extra help getting caught up or staying on track? Leyden’s Saturday Success Academy (LSSA) is open to all students on select Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the Library at East and the Eagle's Wing at West.
Students can get help completing missing work, studying for a test, preparing for a retake or simply finding a quiet place to work.
Bring your Chromebook, charger, class materials and questions — and stay for as much or as little of the session as you need.
Next session: Saturday, September 12
Celebrate Our Cultures with BPAC
Leyden's Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) invites multilingual learner families to join us for an evening celebrating the cultures and traditions that make our Leyden community so special. The BPAC Meeting & Celebration of Cultures will take place Wednesday, September 16, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at East Leyden High School.
Families can enjoy cultural performances, music, food and family engagement activities while connecting with other Leyden families and members of our school community. We hope to see you there!
Community Connections
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Join Speaker of the House Emanuel C. Welch (IL-7) and State Representative Norma Hernandez (IL-77) for a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, September 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bulger Park Veterans Park District in Melrose Park.
The celebration will honor the rich cultures and traditions of the Hispanic community and will feature dance lessons, food, lotería and prizes. Community members are invited to attend and celebrate together!
Coming Up
Mark Your Calendar
Sep 7 - Labor Day, No School
Sept 10 - East Parents Club Meeting
Sept 16 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) - East Campus
Sept 16 - Ronald McDonald Caremobile - West Leyden
Sept 17 - Ronald McDonald Caremobile - East Leyden
Sep 18 - ABC 7 Friday Flyover
Sept 22/23 - PreACT Testing
Sept 28 - Homecoming Week
Oct 15 - School Physical/Immunization Deadline
In the News
Ex-Marine Perez Among Veteran Artists in Upcoming Exhibition
Read the Article
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.