IB Community Project
A central part of being an IB student is learning to look at the world through multiple perspectives and appreciate all human experiences similar and different from your own. This type of learning culminates with the 8th Grade IB Community Project. We will be highlighting eleven student projects that include fundraising as their main goal. These groups will be participating in the IB Community Project Fundraising Event on Thursday, May 16th during our lunch periods.
Information will be shared in advisory on Monday via PSA videos created by our 8th grade students. We encourage all students to participate in a way that not only gives them an opportunity to support their peers but also engages them in learning about these worthy causes.
Students can bring a small amount of money to school on Thursday if they would like to support one of these IB Community Projects. Donations as small as quarters are welcomed!
The organizations students will be fundraising for include the following:
- Alex’s Lemonade Stand
- Appalachian Wildlife Refuge
- Best Friends Animal Society
- Connections for Abused Women and their Children
- Honor Flight Network
- Inspiration Kitchen
- Native American Rights Fund
- Planned Parenthood
- Reef Relief
- Rosecrance
- World Bicycle Relief
Thank you for encouraging your child to support their peers and learn more about the work of these organizations.
Jukebox Choir = Excellence
On Saturday, April 27 our Jukebox Choir participated in the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) State Festival in Plainfield, IL. The singers were awarded a Superior Rating and perfect scores by the judges, which is an extremely rare accomplishment.
Their performance was one of the most thrilling put on by a Julian Choir . . . like ever! The judges were totally blown away by the maturity and musicianship of the group.
Congrats to the following students who performed!
Sopranos: Annika Tenhor, Avery Lucas, Beatrice Spell, Elanor Huber, Lainey Lewis, Leela Chaloemtiarana, Marina Sjoblom, Roya Gharavi, Sarah Ernst
Altos: Ainsley McConnell, Amanda Lane, Anna Miller, Bella Lubelchek, Cameren Truelove, Helen Lallos-Harrell, Jessica Wolthusen, Meredith Moody, Phyllis Kreiter, Sophie King, Taylor Montes-Williams
Tenors: Adam Moncrieff, Anthony Felichio, Chip Papier, Elliot Broughton, Elliott Whitmore, Harry Schaafsma, Lars Rauch, Michael Goto, Mickey Ryan, Owen Miller, Pierce Cleaveland, Ryan Adelstein, William Endres
Basses: Ben Bonick, Hank Babwin, Immanuel Hall, Julian Rutstein, Niko Balafas, Seth Calhoun, Will Van Duinen
Congrats to Mr. Seymour as well! His dedication to our students is second to none!
OPEF Spoken Word Brooks vs. Julian Slam Congratulations
A big congrats to Julian's very own Maya Souden (8th grade) and Lauren Gullo (6th grade) who won 1st and 3rd place respectively at this year's OPEF Respect the Mic Slam at the School of Rock this week. While "the points are not the point; the point is poetry," it is worth noting that Julian has placed 1st in all four of the annual event's competition!
Snaps to all the eleven Julian club members who participated in the slam and "brought that heat."
Lincoln Dean "Grandma's Hands"
Amelia Johnson "Empty"
William Cote "Why I Never Got to Love You"
Lauren Gullo "Bravery"
Anika Gupta "The Crossword Puzzle Clue"
Mahani Badjie "A Test"
Louise Calkins "Whispers of a Woman"
Joseph Cote "Nicknames"
Maya Souden "Cinderella Story"
McKenna Macon "Not Your Typical 'The Talk'"
Franny Byrne "ADHD Sucks"
Great to all of our students. Thanks to our “Spoken Word Club” sponsor Mr. Colucci!
Joey FineRhyme Presentation
Joey Feinstein, an environmental raptivist better known by his stage name "Joey FineRhyme," has been performing assemblies about climate change throughout Oak Park and River Forest. During his tour of the area, Joey will visit a total of 14 public, private and parochial schools, and present his messages about effecting positive environmental change and becoming future sustainability leaders to approximately 7,500 students. You can access information about his recent visit to Julian Middle School by visiting http://bit.ly/2vDOReG.
Tribute to Excellence - Thursday, May 30
We will have our annual "Tribute to Excellence" program on the morning of Thursday, May 30 starting at 9:15. On this day, students are honored for going above and beyond, inside and outside of the classroom. The students being recognized will receive an invitation to attend the program during advisory within the next couple of weeks. An email blast will also be sent to the parents/guardians of these students inviting them to be a part of the program.
Some of the activities students will be recognized for are as follows: Math Club, West 40 Speech and Drama Festival, Choir, Orchestra, Band, Art Contest Winners, Robotics team, Volleyball, Basketball, Spoken Word, Best Buddies, and many more.
The program typically lasts about 75-90 minutes. We hope that many of you will join us here at Julian Middle School on the morning of Thursday, May 30 to recognize our students.
Smart Phones in School
Please remind your student that they should not be using their phone during the school day unless given permission by a teacher. These devices are increasingly turning into a greater and greater distraction to our learning environment here at Julian Middle School. Often times conflict between students occur as a result of the inappropriate use of social media such as Snapchat, Instagram, and others. As a reminder, phones are to be turned off at all times during the school day and stored in a safe place that is out of sight. Staff will request that phones are put away if seen during school time in the building. They may also take phones away from students and return them at the end of the day. Multiple infractions may require the parent to pick up the phone. Finally, please contact the main office at Julian (708) 524-3040 if you need to communicate with your child during the school day. We frequently have students on their phones stating that they are texting or talking to a parent. We appreciate your support related to this matter!
Angst: The Movie and Panelist Event
Wednesday, May 22 at Brooks Middle School 6:30pm - 9:00pm
- 6:30 – Visit resource tables hosted by Oak Park Community Health Partners
- 7:00-8:15 View the movie “Angst”
- 8:15-9:00 Panel Discussion
Oak Park Education Foundation – Feedback Wanted
How can we better serve your children? The Oak Park Education Foundation wants to improve their STEAM-fueled enrichment programs--in-school, after school and during the summer! Your feedback on our 4-minute survey will help us reach more children in equitable ways. Please click here to respond.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 11 – 8th Grade Party at Julian from 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Monday, May 27 - No School / Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28 - Student Chromebook Turn In
Thursday, May 30 - Tribute to Excellence assembly
Saturday, June 1 - 8th Grade Graduation / 2:00pm at OPRFHS
Thursday, June 6 - Last Day of School for 6th and 7th Graders
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Fitzgerald