Newsletter for the Week of November 24
Dear Julian Families,
The 1st trimester is in the books. It is hard to believe we are into the holiday season and that winter break is right around the corner. Now is an opportune time to think about setting new goals and getting the 2nd trimester off on a positive note. Whether your child has gotten off to a fast or slow start to the school year, please continue to work with him/her and provide the support necessary to have a successful experience at Julian Middle School. Do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teachers, grade level assistant principal, or me if you have questions or need assistance.
"On Time and Ready"
To kick off the 2nd trimester, our staff will be working with our students to revisit what it means to be "On Time and Ready" at Julian Middle School. Behavior data tells us that this is an area that needs attention in our building. We will be sharing information with our students on December 3 as it relates to general building expectations around this topic. Advisory time will be spent talking about this and teachers will follow up with students during classes on that day to share the importance of being on time and ready to learn. Our definitions of "On Time" and "Ready" are as follows:
"On Time" - students are in their seats when class begins.
"Ready" - students have the necessary supplies, work required, and their charged iPad.
Our approach will be very positive in nature and will focus on developing IB attributes like being principled, balanced, and reflective. Being on time and ready is a life skill that will serve our students well at Julian and in the future. Be on the look out for announcements or words of wisdom about being on time and ready from "On Time and Ready Freddy" our school mascot for this endeavor.
Get Your Julian Spirit Wear
Spirit Wear sales are back! From now until November 30th, you can purchase Jayhawk Spirit Wear items online (link provided below). We have added winter hats and long sleeve tech shirts, and you can still buy hoodies, short sleeve t-shirts and flannel pajama bottoms (which sold out during conferences!). Order now for guaranteed delivery before the holidays!
https://d97pto.wufoo.com/forms/julian-spirit-wear-sale-winter-2015/
EXPLORE Test for 8th Graders-December 5
On Saturday, December 5, Oak Park and River Forest High School will administer the EXPLORE test to 8th grade students, which consists of English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning sections.
Julian Middle School "Pays It Forward"
What is “Pay It Forward?”- Over 1,900 individuals throughout the Oak Park River Forest Community complete the request to have a little holiday cheer spread to them. This event is coordinated through the Oak Park River Forest Community of Congregations and is also known as the Holiday Food and Gift Basket Program.
- Julian has once again agreed to sponsor over 50 families!
- Each advisory picks one or two families to sponsor. This means that the advisory buys and wraps all the gifts for everyone in the family.
- The goal is to have 100% building participation so this means we have kids bring in gifts, tape, wrapping paper, wrap gifts, etc...so everyone feels a part of it.
- All the gifts have to be new and we encourage teachers/students to get gift receipts with their purchases.
- The work that goes into coordinating this project occurs during advisory classes through December 10.
"Pay It Forward" is closely linked to the following IB Learner Profile attributes that we strive to help our students develop during their time at Julian Middle School-Caring, Principled, Open-Minded, Balanced, and Reflective.
If you are interested in "Paying It Forward" to a family in the area, please contact Patty with the Oak Park Community of Congregations at [email protected].
No School November 25-27
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Todd Fitzgerald
Principal
Percy Julian Middle School
Email questions to Principal Fitzgerald.