Leyden Pride
August 17, 2026
Welcome Back Eagles!
The halls are buzzing, students are settling into their schedules, and a new school year is officially underway! We’re excited for all that’s ahead and look forward to partnering with our families throughout the year.
From Open House and family events to athletics, activities and opportunities to get involved, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the Leyden community. Here’s what’s happening this week at Leyden!
This Week at Leyden
Meet the Teachers at Open House
Families are invited to join us for Open House on Tuesday, August 18, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, learn more about their classes and experience their school schedule firsthand. We hope to see our Eagle families throughout the evening!
Stay Connected with Leyden’s Calendar
The school year is just getting started, and there’s already plenty happening across our campuses. Be sure to keep an eye on the Leyden calendar for upcoming events, activities, meetings and important dates throughout the year.
District News
Connect, Celebrate and Get Involved with BPAC
Leyden’s Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) invites families of multilingual learners to be part of a year filled with opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate our diverse community. The 2026–2027 schedule includes family engagement events, cultural celebrations, workshops and opportunities to connect with other Leyden families.
Schedule for the Year:
September 16 — BPAC Meeting & Hispanic Heritage Celebration Festival
October 22 - Day of the Dead & Halloween Family Celebration
November 7 — Leyden Parent University
December 9 — BPAC Meeting & Special Presentation
February 24 — BPAC Meeting & Wellness Workshop
April 14 — BPAC Family Day Celebration
All events are designed to help families connect with school resources, share ideas, celebrate our cultures and support student success.
District Budget Now Available
The 2026–2027 district budget is now available for families and community members to review.
Eagle Spotlight
Little Eagles Invited to Cheer Clinic
Calling all future Eagles! Children in grades K–8 are invited to join Leyden’s annual Eagles Cheer Clinic on Friday, September 4, at 4:00 p.m.
Participants will learn fundamental cheerleading skills, chants and routines from Leyden’s talented cheerleaders and coaches. And the fun doesn’t stop at the clinic! Participants will have the opportunity to perform at the West Leyden football game that evening. Children in grades K–3 will perform during JV halftime, with the game beginning at 5:00 p.m. Children in grades 4–8 will perform before the varsity game at 7:00 p.m.
The cost is $45 per participant. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Register by August 27 to guarantee your child’s spot and T-shirt size.
Family Resources
Freshman Families: Welcome to Leyden!
Beginning high school is an exciting milestone for students and families. At Leyden, we know that families play an important role in helping students make a successful transition to high school.
As part of Leyden’s strategic plan, we’ve created a video with information and ideas to help families support their students as they begin their high school journey.
We’re proud to partner with you every step of the way!
Free Meals Continue
All students will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every school day through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional à la carte items may be purchased through MySchoolBucks.
Stay Connected with Leyden
Throughout the year, families can stay informed through text messages (TalkingPoints), the weekly Leyden Pride newsletter (this!), our website, and social media. Translation resources are available to help every family receive information in their preferred language.
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.
Looking Ahead: Leyden Parent University
Save the date for Leyden Parent University on Saturday, November 7!
Parent University brings families together for workshops, resources and information designed to help parents and guardians support their students throughout high school and prepare them for life after graduation. More information and registration details will be shared as the event approaches.
Community Connections
Continuing Education Opportunities
Triton College will again offer continuing education classes and free English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at East Leyden this fall. Families interested in lifelong learning are encouraged to explore these opportunities.
Coming Up
Aug 18 - Open House - East/West Campuses | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Sep 4 - Eagles Cheer Clinic - East/West Campuses | 6:00–8:00 p.m
Sep 7 - Labor Day, No School
Sept 16 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) - East Campus | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Sept 28 - Homecoming Week
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.