Community eNewsletter
Volume 9, Issue 34. . . . . . April 22, 2022
Girls Softball Game April 16, 2022
Upcoming Calendar - See all events at www.d94.org/calendar
  • April 26 - Testing Make-up Day: PSAT 9, PSAT 10, SAT
  • April 27 - Special Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., LRC
  • April 28 & 29 - Senior Cap & Gown & Graduation Ticket Pickup
  • During all lunches
  • April 28, 29 & 30 - "Little Shop of Horrors" Spring Musical, 7 p.m.
  • Tickets at www.d94.org/littleshop $8 adults, $5 students
  • April 29 - Student Art and Photography Show final day, 2 - 6 p.m.
  • Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St., West Chicago
  • May 3 - Board of Ed. Committee of the Whole Meeting, 7 p.m.
  • May 3 - Wildcat Booster Club Meeting, Student Activity Center, 7 p.m.
  • May 6 - Latin Fever Dance, 6:30 p.m., tickets sold in advance only
  • May 6 & 7 - Dance Production Showcase, 7 p.m., Auditorium, $5 per person
  • May 10 - Spring Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m.
  • May 11 - Seniors Last Attendance Day
  • May 12 - Dance Team Tryout Clinic, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Dance Studio
  • May 13 - Dance Team Auditions, 3:30 p.m., Dance Studio
  • May 12 - Spring Band Concert, 7 p.m.
  • May 14 - Spring Fling Jazz Concert, 8 p.m.
  • May 17 - Spring Choral Concert, 7 p.m.
  • May 18 - Graduation at NIU Convocation Center, 7 p.m., ticket holders only
  • May 23 - Final Exams Periods 0,1,2,3, 12:45 p.m. dismissal time
  • May 24 - Final Exams Periods 4/5/6, 6/7/8, 9, 12:45 p.m. dismissal time
  • May 25 - Final Exams Period 10, 9:25 a.m. dismissal time
  • Last day of school for 2021-22 school year
Principal Dwyer 4/21/2022:
Safety Update

Late this morning a member of the WeGo administrative team was notified that a student might be in possession of a handgun on campus.
  
The West Chicago Police Department Resource Officer immediately met with the student and a firearm was recovered.
  
The West Chicago Community High School administration and members of the West Chicago Police Department continue to investigate this matter. There is no indication at this time that this situation poses an active threat to the school or community.
Principal Dwyer 4/21/2022:
Follow-up to Safety Update

As a follow up to the message you received earlier today I want to assure families of the swift and concerted efforts that took place to address the unfortunate incident that occurred today. Student safety is, and will always be, important to us. I want to commend and thank the staff who took quick and decisive action that led to a fast resolution.

I also want to emphasize for all families that if any members of our learning community ever have information about a potentially dangerous situation, telling a trusted adult is always the best course of action. In addition to telling a trusted adult we also have our ongoing partnership with Safe2HelpIL. This is a program used to confidentially report any safety issues. You may remember receiving communication about this from the district last week. Please remind your children about this tool they can use to promote safety for all.
Principal Dwyer 4/22/2022:
Additional Information

Additional information from yesterday’s event.

As you are aware, on April 21, 2022, building administrators received a report that a student had brought a handgun to West Chicago Community High School. The student was quickly located, the weapon was recovered, and the student was immediately taken into custody by local law enforcement. Information provided indicated that at no time did the student possessing the weapon approach or threaten any student, staff member, or visitor in the school, and local law enforcement determined that there was no active threat to the school or the community. 

The student’s conduct was a violation of law, and we are confident that local law enforcement will handle any criminal charges that are brought in an appropriate manner. The incident was also a clear violation of district policy, which provides that possession of a weapon on school property will result in immediate out-of-school suspension and a recommendation for expulsion for at least one year.

The district does not tolerate weapons, or the threat of weapons, in our school. The district is committed to the safety of its students and staff, and supporting the safety, success and emotional well-being of our students remains the district's top priority. Recently, students and parents were given information on the Illinois' Safe2HelpIL tip line that can be used to confidentially report any safety issues. On-going support will also be available through the school’s Counseling Department for students in need.

Incidents such as this one can be alarming. However, they are also an opportunity to remind parents, students, and staff of the importance of maintaining a welcoming and secure learning environment, and the value of meaningful relationships in the school. This incident also emphasizes the importance of telling a staff member immediately if there is a weapon in school. We appreciate the invaluable partnership with our families, community, and the West Chicago Police Department and will continue to work to keep our students safe and our school weapon-free
Sincerely,
Will Dwyer, Principal
Additionally, I know this unfortunate event may cause strong feelings for students. If your child is experiencing any distress from today's event please know that our student services department will be available and ready to support them as they process this news.

Finally, I want to thank the entire Wildcat community and staff for the ongoing support and steadfastness that have been displayed today.
Safe2HelpIL Comes to WeG0

Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program where students can use a free app, text/phone, website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) and other social media platforms to report school safety issues in a confidential environment. Once vetted, the tips will immediately be shared with local school officials, mental health professionals and/or local law enforcement, depending on the nature of the tip. This program is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish students. Rather,
Notice of Special Education Public Meeting May 19

LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING On May 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., conducted by Community High School District 94, will take place via phone or video conference. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district's plans for providing special education services to students with
disabilities who attend private schools and home schools within the district for the 2022-2023 school year. If you are a parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and
Musical "Little Shop of Horrors" April 28, 29 & 30

Wego Drama at West Chicago Community High School continues their 2021-2022 season with the return of live musicals. “Little Shop of Horrors” will be presented April 28, 29, and 30, 2022 at 7 p.m. in Weyrauch Auditorium at the school, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago. Reserved seat tickets are $8 for adults and $5 students available at www.d94.org/littleshop or at the door.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a hysterical comedy. It tells the tale of the people working at Mushnick’s Skid Row Flower
Reserved seat tickets available in advance at www.d94.org/littleshop
or at the door.
Dance Production Showcase May 6 & 7, 7:00 PM

Dance Production is a semester-long physical education class, where students work everyday on choreographing, teaching, and performing routines. They will perform jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and musical theater pieces. All dances are student choreographed, showcasing the work and talent of the students. They have been working so hard all semester to put on a great show and would really appreciate your support!

The Showcase will be held in Weyrauch Auditorium (Entrance F). Admission is $5.00 and tickets will be sold at the door.
Incoming Freshmen Activity & Athletic Interest Survey

These surveys are for students entering West Chicago Community High School next year as freshmen - the Class of 2026!

We offer something for EVERYONE! We offer more than 40 activities and clubs, and 11 sports for boys and 10 sports for girls, and 2 coed sports!

Complete these surveys by May 20 so you won't miss out on how to join, camps, open gyms, and tryouts!

Find your passion at WeGo!
From the Nurse's Office
4/22/2022

Dear Wildcat Parents/Guardians:

Since 4/17/2022 D94 has had 4 positive cases this week. If you have any questions, please contact the Health Office.

Please remember not to send your student to school if they are sick.
To All Incoming Seniors 2022/2023

You will need a second MENINGITIS (Meningococcal) vaccine prior to the first day of school 2022-2023. This injection must be given after the age of 16 years old.

Many students have already had this second injection. Please contact your doctor and if they have already met this requirement.

If yes, please have them fax or email this information to the Health Office 

If not, please schedule an appointment and have your student provide proof of this before the first day of school 2022-2023. Your student will not be allowed to attend the first day of school without proof of receiving this immunization.  

*Not accepting Meningitis B YOUR STUDENT WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL/SPORT IF NO MENINGITIS VACCINE PROOF IS TURNED IN TO THE HEALTH OFFICE.
 
If you have any questions, please call the Health Office 630 876-6245 

Thank you,
Health Office 
_________________________________________________________________________
Para todos los que ingresan al Grado 12 2022-2023

Necesitará una segunda vacuna de MENINGITIS (Meningococo) antes del primer día de escuela 2022-2023. Esta vacuna debe administrarse después de los 16 años de edad.

Muchos estudiantes ya han recibido esta segunda inyección. Póngase en contacto con su médico, para ver si ya han cumplido con este requisito.

En caso afirmativo, pídales que envíe por fax o correo electrónico esta información a la Oficina de Salud.

Si no es así, programe una cita y pida a su estudiante que proporcione una prueba de ello antes del primer día de escuela. Para el año escolar 2022-2023, su estudiante no podrá asistir al primer día de escuela sin prueba de recibir esta vacuna.

*NO se acepta MENINGITIS B- SU ESTUDIANTE SERÁ EXCLUIDO DE LA ESCUELA / DEPORTE SI NO SE ENTREGA NINGUN COMPROVANTE DE VACUNA CONTRA LA MENINGITIS A LA OFICINA DE SALUD.

Gracias,
Oficina de Salud
Didn't Order a 2021-2022 Yearbook? Do It Now!

If you haven't purchased your copy of the 2021-22 yearbook yet, it's not too late!

Cost is $55. Order your copy today at https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/product/yearbooks before it's too late!
Class of 2022 Graduation Information

For those who are unable to attend, graduation will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/I4Dwiocu7Os
 
May 18 (Wednesday) GRADUATION @ Northern Illinois University - Convocation Center

5:00 pm Graduates are to enter through door #2 and #4 as shown on attached map
     
7:00 pm – Commencement
Senior Parents: Understanding "Tech grad CB purchase $10" Charge

District 94 offers your senior student the option of keeping their Chromebook when they leave WCCHS. The cost to keep the Chromebook is $10 and has been charged to your account in PowerSchool as "Tech grad CB purchase $10".

If your senior student does NOT want to keep the Chromebook, the Tech Department will be near Entrance B the last two days of senior attendance (May 10 & 11) to accept Chromebook returns. The $10 will be credited to your account once the Chromebook has been returned.
More information and registration materials can be found at www.d94.org/summerschool22
Summer School Registration Now Open

Summer School registration is now open and will continue through May 27, 2022.

Courses may be in-person or independent study depending on enrollment. In-person classes will take place Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. June 1 - June 17 or June 22 - July 11; STAR independent study classes will have a materials pickup on May 31 or June 1 between 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.. All classes are subject to cancellation or a change in type based on enrollment.

Cost is $50 per semester credit for in-district students.
Barrett Serrato, Class of 2008, WeGo Places Podcast

Another great WeGo Places alumni podcast for your listening pleasure! Join WCCHS teacher Brian Turnbaugh as he interviews Barrett Serrato, Class of 2008, Recruiting Coordinator at Kent State University.


Who might you know that we interviewed? Check out lots of wonderful interviews with former WeGo Wildcats with amazing careers at www.d94.org/wegoplaces.

Have a suggestion for a future interview? Contact teacher Brian Turnbaugh at bturnbaugh@d94.org.
Artwork by student AnnaBelle Beaird.
WCCHS Art Show During April at Gallery 200: Just One Week Left!

West Chicago Community High School students will be displaying their exceptional artwork at Gallery 200 during the month of April.

Throughout the school year, students have grown in their mastery of materials, tools, techniques, and concepts. The student’s artwork is not only a demonstration of their
technical skills but also an expression of their creativity and imagination. We will be displaying outstanding artwork in the
ESL Students' Photography Featured at Gallery 200 through April 30

West Chicago Community High School ESL students will be displaying their expressive photography at Gallery 200 during the month of April. The exhibit is called “The Journey Home”.

The Journey Home project is explained as follows: The word “home” means so many things to us. Home is the country in which
Photograph by student Diego Valdez.
Nominations Open for Distinguished Alumni Award

This award is given with great care to those West Chicago Community High School graduates who have made exceptional contribution in their field of endeavor and their service to humanity, contributions that exceed the boundaries of career and inspire others to dream and achieve.

Know a graduate of WCCHS who could be considered for this award? Nominate them today at www.d94.org/distinguishedalumni.
WCCHS Social Emotional Support Web Page

The members of the Student Services Department recognize how difficult this time has been on our students, families, and members of our feeder communities.
With that in mind, we would like to share our social emotional support page which has a myriad of mental health resources for students, parents, and teachers.
From Our Community Partners
Young Adult programs from the West Chicago Public Library District
Adult programs in Spanish from the West Chicago Public Library District
FREE programs for WCCHS parents from the
Glenbard Parent Series:
Grown and Flown:
How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family and Raise Independent Adults
Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington

From the founders of the #1 site for parents of teens and young adults comes an essential guide for building strong relationships with teens (15-25) and preparing them to successfully launch into adulthood. Kids are constantly changing and how we parent them must change, too. But how do we stay close as a family as our lives move apart. Join us as they discuss anxiety, mental health, and college life. Learn how to raise an adult with whom you have an enduring, profound connection.
Have a question? Want to suggest an eNewsletter topic?
Contact Communications Coordinator
Becky Koltz | 630-876-6215 | bkoltz@d94.org
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Community High School District 94 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.