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Face-to-face with Dr. Finan
Since becoming principal of Glenbrook North on July 1, 2015, Dr. John Finan has explored more deeply the school he called home for seven years. Immersing himself in every aspect of Spartan culture, Dr. Finan has led faculty meetings, spent more time with parents and families, filmed end-of-the-year videos for students and competed in a free-throw contest on behalf of the school.
We caught up with our principal to ask about his first year.
What is your favorite memory from your first year as principal?
I have to say the Glenbrook Symphony Orchestra's Winter Concert rendition of "Christmas in Sarajevo" was pretty powerful. My son, Leo, played electric guitar for the piece - something the orchestra had never done before - and it felt like it completed my family's transition to being a part of Glenbrook North. Another favorite memory was the state playoff football game against Bradley Bourbonnais. Of course, I would have preferred a Spartan victory but I loved watching our kids playing their hearts out.
What Spartan tradition did you embrace most?
I have always enjoyed homecoming festivities, in particular the assembly and parade on Friday. The whole week is dedicated to enjoyment and Green and Gold Friday is the perfect culmination where the majority of the school shows up dressed in spiritwear.
What is your favorite thing you learned?
I learned about the unique talents and styles of our new teachers who have joined a stellar faculty. This year, I observed teachers in all departments, compared to just focusing on World Languages and P.E. Excellent teaching is the most important thing we do for students.
I also learned my legs get tired very quickly when I have to shoot three-pointers for two whole minutes against the Glenbrook South principal at the TLS basketball game.
What is something you hoped our community learned about you this year?
I hope this year affirmed to the community my dedication to GBN and my support for students in pursuing their dreams.
How would you characterize your first year as principal?
I would characterize it as challenging, rewarding and exciting. I expanded my relationships with parents, students and community organizations, learning more about GBN than ever before.
Nine months later: what does it mean to be GBN principal?
It is a tremendous amount of responsibility, but also supported by so many talented and dedicated people who contribute to making GBN a great place. Our students continue to amaze me with their many accomplishments and their commitment to learning.
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Final exam schedule
Second semester final exams will take place from Tuesday, June 7 through Thursday, June 9.
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Senior final exam schedule
Senior final evaluations will be taken during regular class time from Tuesday, May 31 through Thursday, June 2.
VIEW SCHEDULE
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Bus registration for students
Parents may save up to $150 on early-bird bus registration for the 2016-17 school year if forms are completed by Friday, June 3. Register online.
Please note: Only incoming freshmen will receive bus packets by mail. Bus packets for sophomores, juniors and seniors will be available for printing at www.glenbrook225.org or for pick-up in the District Office.
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Summer school begins June 14
First semester Glenbrook High School summer school will begin Tuesday, June 14.
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GBN textbook buyback
· Seniors can sell back their textbooks from May 31 to June 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The bookstore is not open on Saturday.
· All other students may sell their books back on June 6 to 9, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and June 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
· Textbooks must be in good condition with no broken bindings and free of writing. Workbooks and paperback books are not eligible for buyback.
· Parents/guardians must present proper identification to receive cash from the buyback. Otherwise, checks will be issued and mailed within two weeks.
· NOTE: If the books were not purchased from Beck's Bookstore and/or not being used for the following school year, they are not eligible for buyback.
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GBN grad night seeks involvement to keep up tradition
The Glenbrook North Grad Night committee is seeking support from the community to help make the event, held on Sunday, June 5, a success.
Grad Night is a volunteer-run, parent-chaperoned overnight "lock in" celebration that includes food, dancing, games, prizes and more and is free of alcohol and drugs. All seniors are invited to attend free of charge, and every year more than 90 percent of the class participates.
Donations from businesses, individuals, and parents are essential to provide an engaging, memorable experience for the graduating class of 2016 in a safe, supervised environment.
Cash donations are accepted, as well as specific goods for use as prizes, decorations, or refreshments. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. In recognition of their support, donors receive public recognition in a number of forms throughout the year including social media, website and a "thank you" ad in local papers.
"This wonderful community tradition has kept GBN graduation safe and happy since 1990, and the generous support of the whole community is essential to its success," said co-chair Steve Isaacson, a GBN parent.
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Jazz Bands host Spring Concert
Thursday, May 12, 7:30 p.m., CPA
The free GBN Jazz Concert is open to the public. Band directors include Mark Running and Rich Chapman.
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GBN band holds farewell concert for Mark Running
Saturday, May 14th, 3 p.m., CPA
Glenbrook North Bands invite students, parents and community members from past and present to celebrate the retirement of Mark Running. Mr. Running will conduct the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and will be a featured performer. Reception immediately following the concert provided by the GBN Band & Band Parents Organization. For questions, contact GBNBPO@gmail.com.
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Glenbrook North Band and Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 17, 7:30 p.m., CPA
The free concert will feature the Varsity Band, Symphonic Band and Freshman String Ensemble, Symphony Strings, and GBN Symphony Orchestra and is open to the public.
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Spring Showcase Art Exhibit highlights student work
Thursday, May 19, 3-6 p.m., GBN Library
This annual Spring Showcase Art Exhibit, running from May 19 to May 27, will feature a selection of artwork, primarily created by students during second semester. The GBN Art Department will host a special welcoming reception on Thursday, May 19, free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
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Spring Choral Concert salutes Broadway
Thursday, May 19, 7:30 p.m., CPA
This annual spring concert will feature highlights from Broadway's finest opening and closing numbers, everything from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street to Wicked. The public is invited to enjoy Treble Choir, Varsity/Spartan Choir, Cecilian Singers, Chorale, and Men of GBN, during this Broadway spectacular.
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GBN celebrates Springfest 2015
Friday, May 20, 9:20 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Students and staff are invited to enjoy choral, band, orchestra and jazz performances as well as fine and applied art exhibits. Food and beverage service will be hosted by student groups.
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GBN hosts Prom 2016
Saturday, May 21, from 7 p.m.-midnight, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5440 N. River Road in Rosemont
The 2016 Glenbrook North Junior/Senior Prom will include dinner and dancing, with music provided by Bizar Entertainment. The dance is chaperoned by GBN administrators, staff, and a police liaison officer.
· Prom bids are $80 per person/$160 per couple.
· Tickets are available to be purchased in the bookstore from Monday, April 25 through Wednesday, May 4
· Student Identification is necessary for the purchase of a ticket. School IDs must be presented for the student as well as his or her date.
· Permission slips for underclassmen or students attending from another school must be signed and approved by the Dean's Office before purchasing a ticket. Permission slips are available in the Student Activities Office.
· In order to reserve a table, groups must complete a table reservation form and fill all ten spots at the table. One representative may sign up an entire group;however, the representative will need to completely fill out the table reservation sheet.
· Table reservations are due by the end of the school day on Friday, May 6. Completed
forms must be printed and submitted to the box in the Student Activities Office.
· For food allergies or dietary restrictions, please email eshamrock@glenbrook225.org
by May 6.
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Glenbrook musical takes the stage inspired by Broadway performer
"Thank you for doing this show," Broadway star Heather Headley said to the combined cast of the 2016 Glenbrook musical. "It is dear to my heart."
Sixteen years ago, the curtain rose on Broadway, premiering Disney's new musical Aida, written by Elton John and Tim Rice. For more than 800 shows, Headley stepped into the title role, cementing the character and earning a Tony Award for Best Actress for her adaptation.
This spring, the curtain rose on the Glenbrook stage and students from Glenbrook North and South took on the tale of Aida - transporting audiences in the luxurious, lavish and perilous world of ancient Egypt.
In order to tell the mesmerizing story of two star-crossed lovers - an Egyptian prince and a Nubian princess - who must choose between following their hearts and leading their people, the cast spent a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon with Headley.
Performances for the 2016 Glenbrook Musical, Aida, will be held at GBN from April 27 through 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sheely Center for Performing Arts. For tickets, visit ShowTix4u.com.
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Three football players celebrate Letters of Intent
On Friday, April 22, GBN Athletics celebrated as three football players committed to playing football collegiately.
The three football players signed Letters of Intent in the GBN Green and Gold Conference Room, surrounded by dozens of family members, teammates and coaches.
The athletes include:
John Clark - Texas A&M University
Nick Karis - Augustana College
Joe Levy - Carnegie Mellon University
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GBN's Group Interpretation takes third in state
At the IHSA Group Interpretation State event in Springfield, the 12 members of GBN's team used only the sounds of their voices and movements of their bodies to bring to life the setting, plot and characters of "A Monster Calls," a book by Patrick Ness, inspired by Siobhan Dowd.
Their efforts to relay the thrills and emotions of the story about a boy struggling to cope with his mother's terminal illness was effective in earning GBN a victory of third place in state.
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 BridgeBuilder Award recognizes GBN student leader
Senior Lily Ruklick was one of 12 Chicago-area students honored this April as a 2016 Techny BridgeBuilder.
The sixth annual BridgeBuilder Award ceremony highlighted students who lifted up their peers by bringing together diverse groups of people, healing divides and helping to strengthen their community.
Ruklick, Vice President on the Student Activities Board, was honored for demonstrating kindness and empathy to others and for contributing her time and talent to better the community. Ruklick said she tries to model this behavior by connecting with all students, regardless of age, grade or background.
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Business Law mock trials provide an authentic look into the field
The Glenbrook North Court of Law heard its first two cases on Wednesday, April 20 and Friday, April 22. For the first time, GBN Business Law students faced-off against each other in a mock trial, presided over by a real judge.
The project provided students an authentic look into a career in law, said teacher Kimberly Karzan. The students were in charge of all tactics involved in the trial - writing opening and closing statements and examining and cross-examining witnesses - while Honorable Judges Davis and Reynolds oversaw the case, ruled on objections and handed down judgments.
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This month, this section will feature an article from Glenbrook North's student-run newspaper, Torch. A new edition of Torch is distributed approximately every month and can be found on newsstands throughout campus or on its website.
Students work for greener tomorrow
Sophomore Sara Chen walked around Northbrook with her biology class on Earth Day of last year. In the students' hands were petitions against a proposed development of housing in a flooded area, a project that would be harmful to the habitat and the animals in the area.
After all the petitions were signed, Chen said the building company cancelled the project.
"That really made me feel like I could make a difference," Chen said.
Science teacher Bud Mathieu said he believes it is in the hands of our generation to help fix the problems created in the past.
"I always tell the kids, 'We screwed the world up,'" said Mathieu. "'You guys have to fix it.'"
Senior Kiley Sullivan helped in a different way. She waded through a river in Northbrook picking up trash.
"It was crazy all the different things we would find cleaning the river," said Sullivan. "I remember one year we found a chair and a really old dress."
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2016-17 School Calendar - Tentative
Aug 22 First Day of School
Sept 5 No School
Oct 3 No School
Oct 12 No School
Nov 11 No School
Nov 23-25 No School
Dec 23-Jan 7 No School
Jan 9 Classes Resume
Jan 16 No School
Jan 20 Institute Day
Feb 20 Reserved Emergency Day
March 6 Institute Day
March 27-31 No School
April 3 Reserved Emergency Day
April 14 No School
May 29 No School
June 7 Tentative Last Day of School (Unless emergency days are needed)
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2300 Shermer Road
Northbrook, IL - 847.272.6400
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