5th Grade Transition Bulletin 2020
Bulletin #2
Dear 5th Grade Families,
This weekly transition bulletin includes information the following topics:
Extracurricular Activities
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd T. Fitzgerald
Principal, Julian Middle School
[email protected]
District 97 Vision
Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will create a positive learning environment for all students that is equitable, inclusive and focused on the whole child.
Extracurricular Activities
What after school activities are available at Julian?
There are many extra-curricular opportunities offered at Julian Middle School for our students. These include the following:
Arts Clubs: Art Club/Open Studio, Band, CAST, and Choir
Athletics: Cross Country, Basketball, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, and Track
Academic Clubs: Chess Club, Math Club, VEX Robotics, French Club, Spanish Club, Makerspace
Additional Programs: Best Buddies, FLOW, Rainbow Tribe, Service Learning, Spoken Word, Student Council, Yearbook, Social Justice Club
To get more information about these activities, please click here and select “Programs.”
How are families and students notified about when and how to join extra-curricular activities?
There are multiple ways that coaches and other sponsors get the word out about how and when to join their activity. Daily announcements are made and signs are posted around the building that inform students about these activities. Information is posted on the Julian website and also communicated in the PTO weekly email updates.
What is the process for enrolling in extra-curricular activities?
All students participating in an extra-curricular sport must have a current physical on file that is not older than 1 year. The process for enrolling varies by activity. On the website, click “Programs” and you’ll see the seasons for each activity. We communicate information about enrollment, application or tryouts for activities at least two weeks prior to the start date.
How many extra-curricular activities are too much? What is right for my student?
There is no one answer that works for every student because each activity requires a different time commitment. First, you should consider your student. Does your student love to be busy, or do they need their down time? Does your student have a hard time transitioning to new environments? The answers to these questions will help you make decisions related to extracurricular activities. The second consideration is the time required for the activity of interest. For example, if your student is in an activity that requires daily rehearsals/practices it may be difficult for them to manage their schoolwork and other commitments. On the other hand, there are extracurricular activities that only meet once or twice per week. You will have to work with your student to determine the right amount of activities to join. We strongly encourage that all students pursue at least one extracurricular activity during 6th grade. Getting involved is a great way to meet new classmates, teachers, and become a part of the Julian community.
Are the extra-curricular practices/sessions held before or after school? What are the times?
Each activity leader or coach sets his or her schedule. For example, CAST theater activities are after-school, boys basketball has a mix of before and after school practices, and many choir groups and bands meet in the morning.
Can a student be in a 6th Grade Jazz band without having a band as an elective?
Students need to be in the full year music elective (band, chorus, or orchestra) in order to participate in 6th Grade Jazz band.
If my student isn't in chorus, band or orchestra, can he/she still participate in the morning choirs: Jukebox, Do Re Mi's, and Men's Ensemble?
You MAY join Do Re Mi’s or Men’s Ensemble for ONE YEAR without enrolling in a daytime band, choir, or orchestra. After ONE YEAR, you must join a daytime group. Please check out Mr. Seymour’s website for additional information about choir. www.op97.org/aseymour
Middle Matters Newsletter
In case you missed it in a previous transition bulletin, I am including the link to the Julian Middle Matters Newsletter that is shared with our middle school families regularly. This is a great source of information to see what is going on here at Julian. Please save the date of Thursday, April 23 from 6:00-8:00 for our incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation.