Middlematters
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.
Student-Led Conferences - January 30
We are looking forward to seeing you at our Student Led winter conferences on Thursday, January 30. By now, you should have received an email from your child’s teachers about scheduling a conference or an invitation to meet during the office hours for the team. When you receive your child’s specific conference time, please note that we ask you to arrive 15 minutes early. The 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time will give you an opportunity to have a conversation with your child about their performance based on two pieces of evidence. The first piece of evidence is a digital portfolio your child has curated using Google Sites, which includes work from every class. The second piece of evidence is a report broken down into grade categories. We encourage you to watch this video to learn more about this new report.
“Come Together” Event Recap
"Community is the answer." Julian Middle School hosted the first COME TOGETHER community engagement that is part of a series of events in partnership with our PTO and the Equity Team. Roughly 50 people enjoyed dinner together, mindfulness practices and participated in community building circles. Having students, families and staff gather to get to know each other and discuss ways for building community in our school, the event created a space where all were seen, heard and had their input valued. Childcare was provided where smaller siblings did activities such as making music and sharing in structured games. Overall the event was a great success thanks to the partnership efforts of our PTO leadership, Julian Staff and Community members. Our future COME TOGETHER event dates are February 20, April 20 and May 27 from 6:00-8:00pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
No Name Calling Week
Julian is recognizing No Name Calling Week through learning experiences in the library. No Name Calling Week seeks to end LGBTQ+ bullying and name calling. Students will participate in a conversation with Rainbow Tribe members, have a conversation about perceptions of safe/unsafe spaces at Julian, read books, contribute to a "true self" bulletin board, and undertake activities like a rainbow flag sort and making No Name Calling posters for Julian. Kudos to the 21 students from Rainbow Tribe who volunteered to make this week a success. Families can learn more about the week as well as read a guide about how to be an ally, not a bystander by visiting bit.ly/noname_julian. Held on January 21, 22, and 24.
Presentation on the Dangers of Vaping
American Heart Association (AHA) representative Alex Plotz will be giving a presentation to all 8th graders on Tuesday, Jan 21st during their PE period about the dangers of vaping. This presentation will be recorded and shared with 6th and 7th grade students during their PE classes at a later date. Here is a link to the AHA's website on the dangers of vaping, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/the-ugly-truth-about-vaping.
CAST Winter Auditions have been moved to Tuesday, January 28 at 3:30pm.
We will be presenting 3 more amazing plays plus a magical musical cabaret. Everyone is welcome to audition, even if you are currently cast in the musical, State Fair. Start thinking about your monologue, remember that it should be one minute long and memorized.
Please register to audition here.
Changes to Visitor Management Procedures at Julian
Continued safety inside our school buildings is one of the highest priorities for District 97 schools. We are committed to identifying and investing in new resources to further protect our students and staff. With your help, we are set to launch a new feature to better screen visitors who come into our buildings. Click this link to learn more.
Julian Media Center Hours
Before school: M, T, Th, F (except W) 8:00-8:50 am (arrive before 8:30)
After school: M-Th (except F) 3:30-4:30pm
Lunch: with a pass if the library is open (teachers have the schedule and it is posted on the library doors)
Parent Information Session - Early Admission to Kindergarten/First Grade
For families who are seeking early admission to kindergarten or first grade, the district will be hosting a Parent Information Session on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the District 97 Administration Building. The session will include a presentation that outlines the process and requirements, as on-site support for parents. Click here to view the event flyer >
District 97 Community Members Invited to Learn about Summer Improvement Projects
District 97 families, staff and community members are invited to attend a facilities advisory committee/special board meeting, where we will provide an overview of the capital improvement projects that will be completed during Summer 2020 at Brooks, Hatch, Irving, Mann and Julian. The meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. at the District 97 Administration Building, 260 Madison St.
The work currently scheduled for Julian includes:
Life Safety Improvements
- Replace asphalt parking lot
- Replace roofing over cafeteria, stage, auditorium and gymnasium
- Repair temperature control system
- Replace intercom/PA system to improve building safety
This work is part of the facilities referendum passed by Oak Park voters in 2017, which has enabled the district to:
- Perform maintenance and repairs that support the safety, functionality and sustainability of our buildings;
- Improve building accessibility;
- Invest in the modernization of classrooms.
During the meeting, the administration will share an overview of the summer projects, and the community will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
Illinois 5Essentials Survey
We are administering the Illinois 5Essentials Survey again this year to certified staff and parents/guardians from all 10 of our schools, as well as students in grades four through eight. The parent/guardian survey is available now, and the staff and student surveys opened on Dec. 10. Please click here to learn how parents/guardians can participate in this important endeavor and click here to access the parent/guardian version of the survey. Please note that school-level reports will only be generated if at least 20 percent of our parents/guardians complete the survey, which can be accessed until Feb. 14, 2020.
Upcoming Events:
MLK Day / No School for Students - Monday, January 20
Student Led Conferences - Thursday, January 30
12:00pm Dismissal for Students - Thursday, January 30
12:00pm Dismissal for Students - Friday, January 31
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Fitzgerald
Principal, Julian Middle School
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