UPCOMING EVENTS
Week of August 23-27

August 23 - ODD Period Day

August 24 - EVEN Period Day

August 25 - ODD Period Day with Advisory

August 26 - EVEN Period Day

August 27 - ODD Period Day

Week of August 30 - September 3

August 30 - September 2 - Grades 9, 10, 11 Yearbook Pictures
(see information below)

August 30 - EVEN Period Day

August 31 - ODD Period Day

September 1 - EVEN Period Day with Advisory

September 2 - ODD Period Day *Half Day/12:30 Dismissal

September 2 - Meet the Teacher Night - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
(more information to follow)

September 3 - EVEN Period Day *Half Day/12:30 Dismissal

September 6 - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL

September 22-30 - Senior Yearbook Pictures
(see information below)

Dear Maine East Families,
First and foremost, I want to tell you on behalf of our entire staff how wonderful it has been to see our students back here in the building over the past week! As educators, we chose this profession because we like students and we like working with them. Being able to welcome them back to a beautifully redesigned building has simply added to the "good vibes" experienced over the past few days - we're looking forward to a great year ahead!

We send the "East Side News" approximately once a week to share information about upcoming events, important dates, and information related to classes and activities at Maine East (you can find the link to past editions on our school website). In this edition, we are happy to introduce members of the administrative team who are joining us this year in addition to some now-familiar faces who came to East last year.

We look forward to seeing many of you here at events throughout the school year. On behalf of the entire staff at Maine East, we appreciate having the opportunity to work with your students and we appreciate your continued support of our school. As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you or your students, please do not hesitate to contact me.

-Dr. Mike Pressler, Principal
Dr. Mike Pressler
Principal
Ms. Allison Gest
Associate Principal
Teaching & Learning
Dr. Michael Wartick
Associate Principal
Student & Family Services
Ms. Rebecca Stewart
Associate Principal Human Resources and Instructional Operations
One year ago, I became the Associate Principal for Human Resources and Instructional Operations at Maine East. When I interviewed for the position it was pre-pandemic and the construction process was still on paper. This past year I’ve had the opportunity to oversee the school's physical change. We’ve remodeled over 80% of the building, welcoming students this past week into a brand new cafeteria, library, student services area, renovated classrooms and a fitness center. Seeing the way students are using these spaces to connect with each other and their teachers has been rewarding. As part of my job, I also work with staff and students to ensure we stay healthy and safe. I appreciate the flexibility, patience and understanding that the Maine East community has had as we navigate an in person school year. I couldn’t be more excited to be a Blue Demon! 
Mr. Romelle L. Taylor Sr.
Associate Principal for Student Experiences
I am elated to be the newest member of the Maine East community. I begin this year filled with hope, enthusiasm and excitement in regards to what we can accomplish together as a community. As our students return to school, school belonging will be a major area of focus for our staff this year. It is important that our students feel welcomed, safe, and affirmed each day as students at Maine East High School. We will use our new Advisory classes to support this initiative, as well as many others. I believe in servant leadership and plan to use my time as APSE to serve ALL who enter our building each day. I am looking forward to an amazing year!!! GO BLUE DEMONS!!!!!!!
Assistant Principals for Student Supports
Ms. Alana Laury joined Maine East as the new Assistant Principal for Student Supports (APSS) in the 2020-2021 school year, and has been a marvelous addition to the dynamic team of Mr. Bender and Ms. Diaz.

“I am very excited to have students back in the building this year. Last year we weren’t able to experience a fully thriving ME community so I am hopeful that we will have a safe and successful school year.”
Mr. Michael Bender
Ms. Nelly Diaz
Ms. Alana Laury
News and Updates from the APSS Office
Student ID Cards and Yearbook Pictures - LifeTouch Photography will be here August 30 - September 2 to take yearbook photos and print new ID cards for every student. Students will take their photos during their PE class. Any student that does not have PE class can get their photo taken during their lunch or study options in the Auditorium Lobby.



Parking Passes - Parking Passes - This school year there is no fee to obtain a parking pass. Parking pass (sticker) distribution will occur in a couple of weeks stay tuned for announcements. The stickers must be displayed in the car window at all times. 

Attendance Office - A parent/guardian is responsible for informing the school of their student’s absence within 24 hours. Voicemail/recording is available 24 hours per day at 847-692-8321.

Locker Distribution - Students will be allowed to select their locker location beginning 8/23/21. Look for more information in the daily announcements. 
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
Ms. Sarah Djordjevic
Department Chair
I am so excited to serve as the new Fine Arts Department Chair at Maine East. I love working with such amazing and creative arts students and teachers! The Fine Arts Department is off to a great start for the 2021-2022 school year! Students are enjoying our new Fine Arts classrooms and the Blue Regiment Marching Band is preparing for a great season of performances. We are excited to announce our Fall Play “Puffs” and Spring Musical “Mamma Mia!” Our visual artists have been working this summer to create Leaning Towers for the Village of Niles. You will see their work on display in the community soon. Please join us for our fall events!
Fall Fine Arts Events

Fall Play Auditions “Puffs”
August 23, 2021
3:30 pm Actor’s Studio
All students are welcome!

Blue Regiment Half-Time Performances
All Home Football Games

Fall Play - “Puffs”
October 1 & 2, 2021  
7:30 pm Auditorium  
Admission: $7.00

Sounds of the Stadium- Blue Regiment in Concert 
October 27, 2021 7:00 pm
Field House 
Admission Free

The Fine Arts Department is honored to have three students selected for the All-State Musical! Joseph Boyd, Daniel Cho and Natalie Dababneh will be performing in the All-State production of Cabaret in January on the campus of Illinois State University. 
Joseph Boyd
Daniel Cho
Natalie Dababneh
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Ms. Sabrina Benjamin
Department Chair
Career and Technical Education courses provide students with an opportunity to explore content and develop skills within career areas they’re interested in pursuing. Industries all around the globe are looking for candidates for their high-demand and highly-skilled positions in business, technology, engineering, manufacturing, education, culinary, fashion, and healthcare. Many courses within CTE offer accelerated and dual-credit offerings for students. Students get the opportunity to work side by side with industry professionals and collaborate on projects with experts in the field. The goal of CTE is to expose students to multiple pathways, guide students toward their passions and get students prepared for careers!!


Want to learn more?
Check out this video about CTE
Check out CTE course Pathways
ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
Mr. Kendall Griffin
Athletic Director
Welcome back Maine East teachers, students and staff! The ME athletic department is so excited to see you all back and we want to invite you all to come out and support your Blue Demons this year. Our fall sports season has begun and our athletes and coaches are working very hard to prepare for a great season. The following sports are still currently open for registration and we invite all students to register and give one of these fall sports a try: Football, Boys Tennis, Boys & Girls Cross-Country, Sideline Cheer, Dance, Girls Swimming, & Boys & Girls Golf
HERE is the ME Athletic brochure which provides you with important information about how to register for a sport, what sports we offer and when and the contact information to each of our head coaches.

Here are a few important dates to remember:
  • Fall sports registration will end on Friday, August 27th
  • First home football game will be Friday, August 27th vs. Niles West
  • Homecoming Football Game: Friday, October 22md vs. Vernon Hills 
  • GoFan Online Ticketing: ME will use GoFan online ticketing for home football games. More information is coming...  

Check the Maine East Athletics and 8to18 website throughout the year for additional information regarding all sporting events.

WELCOME BACK MAINE EAST!

#StrongerTogether
Basic Details about the REVISED BELL SCHEDULE for the 21-22 School Year:
District 207 has adopted an Odd/Even alternating block schedule beginning in the 2021 - 2022 school year. The Alternating block schedule is a two-week rotating schedule in which students have 4 class periods a day. In week one, odd periods meet 3 times a week and even periods meet 2 times a week and in week two, even periods meet 3 times a week and odd periods meet 2 times a week.


“Office Hours” 3:05 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Tuesday-Friday) teachers will be available to meet with students for extra assistance - Information about where teachers will be and how to request time to meet will be included in each teacher’s course syllabus.
Food Service Plans for 2021-22 School Year

Quest Food Management Services is excited to announce that the cafeteria will be re-opening this fall and offering all your favorite meal items! We will be opening all the food station lines including the offering both breakfast and lunch. The Quest Team is back and busy preparing menus that support our fresh, made from scratch, high quality dining program.

Be assured the staff will be following all the CDC guidelines required by the state of Illinois as we fully reopen. At the time of this letter the Illinois State Board of Education has not issued any guidelines related to foodservice this fall. Continued communication will be forthcoming as it relates to any changes. READ MORE...
YEARBOOK PICTURES FOR FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, & JUNIORS

August 30 - September 2 in the Auditorium
SENIOR PORTRAITS

 If you did not have your senior pictures taken over the summer, Lifetouch will be back at Maine East September 22nd through the 30th. Photo sessions take place between 3:00 and 9:00 pm. Please look for a mailing from Lifetouch at the end of August. This will include your scheduled appointment time. Please take note of this, and don't forget!! We want ALL Maine East seniors to be represented!!  

Also, please know that there is a FREE option for photos. You are not obligated to purchase photos from Lifetouch.  For more information, please see this flyer from Lifetouch. Additional question? Reach out to your yearbook sponsors.
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