Marley Dias
On Wednesday, January 31, activist and author Marl
ey Dias visited Julian Middle School to talk to students about her new book "Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!" In the book, Dias, who is 13, explores topics such as activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and using social media for good. She also discusses the importance of literacy and inclusion, and offers students tips for becoming lifelong readers. Check out video footage of Dias' address to the students from Julian
Julian School Improvement Plan
The School Improvement Plan at Julian Middle School is focused on providing equitable learning opportunities that increases student engagement for all students. There are 5 teams of teachers that have done work in the following areas: Powerful Instructional Practices Team, Behavior and Academic Intervention Practices Team, Technology Instructional Practices Team, Social Emotional Learning Team, and the Family Engagement Team.
Part of our School Improvement Plan process is having teachers create and lead professional learning opportunities for their colleagues. At our January staff meeting, Julian teachers attended sessions on the following topics: Engineering Efficiency and Strategic Investment from Procedure to Routine, Simple, Quick, & Painless Ways to Incorporate the Teaching of Writing into any Subject, Find Chromebook Love, Building Character and Trust Using Precise Praise, Positive Framing, and Warm/Strict Techniques, and Cooperative Teaching Strategies that Work. These learning sessions were created and led by Julian teachers. At each meeting from February through April, Julian staff members will be able to choose from a range of professional learning sessions that are tied to the district vision of creating a positive learning environment for all students that is equitable, inclusive, and focused on the whole child. Another benefit of this approach is that we are building collective teacher efficacy throughout our building. Collective teacher efficacy is the shared belief that through our collective action, we can positively influence student outcomes, including those who are disengaged and/or disadvantaged. I will be providing regular updates regarding the progress of School Improvement Plan over the next few months of school.
Middle School Community Conversation
On Thursday, February 22, Brooks and Julian will be co-hosting a community conversation about supporting learning at the middle school level. During this session, which will be held in the Commons at Brooks from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., parents/guardians of middle school students will have the opportunity to talk to school and district representatives, as well as each other, not only about their family's educational experiences in District 97, but also the learning goals they have for their children going forward.
If you have questions or need additional information about this event, please contact April Capuder at Brooks ([email protected]) or Dr. Todd Fitzgerald at Julian ([email protected]). We look forward to seeing you on February 22.
Second Step/ParenTeen Connect
Julian students participate in weekly advisory lessons to build their social and emotional skills using a curriculum called Second Step. ParenTeen Connect is a resource for parents that works alongside the Second Step Program by giving middle schoolers and their parents the opportunity to hear from other teens and parents, get expert advice on tough issues, and access practical tools to help them connect and communicate better at home. Use this great resource to help guide conversations with your middle schooler about important topics like screen time, independence, responsibility and communication skills.
D97 Summer Math Program
Registration for the D97 summer program offerings opened this week. Spend the first few weeks of the summer honing your math skills. Please see this Math flyer for more information.
Upcoming Events:
No School - February 19 / President's Day
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd T. Fitzgerald