Newsletter for the week of October 11

Julian Middle School - Community Engagement Event – Wednesday, October 30

We will be having a community engagement event here at Julian from 7:00pm-8:30pm on the evening of Wednesday, October 30 to provide information to parents/guardians related to our School Improvement Plan. We have a goal related to academics and student achievement as well as a goal focusing on the culture and climate of our building. Members of the SIP team and administrators will be on hand to present. You will have an opportunity to get information and also ask questions about the work we are doing to support our students.

 

Student Led Parent/Teacher Conference – Thursday, October 24

Families should have received information from their student's grade level teachers to sign up for Student Led Parent/Teacher Conferences. You should have gotten an email from SignUp.com that enabled you to schedule a conference with a teacher. If you did not receive this yet, please check your spam. Our students will be spending time next Thursday organizing work samples that they will share with parents/guardians during the conference. They will also be reflecting on International Baccalaureate Approaches to Learning Skills that include: organization, communication, being reflective, and affective skills. Student reflection on these topics will be the focal point for the conference. They will have a pre-meeting with their conferencing teacher in order to ensure that they are prepared and ready to lead this important meeting. Please contact one of your student’s teachers if you have questions.

 

Mindful Middle Schoolers Partnership with DePaul University

DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and District 97, plan to offer a series of community talks with the Brooks/Julian middle school communities during the 2019-2020 school year as part of The Mindful Middle Schoolers Program. All are welcome (parents/guardians, school staff, students and community members).

Click here for a list of upcoming talks. We plan to offer these again in the spring in case you are unable to attend these dates.

 

Attention 8th Grade Families - OPRF Freshman Placement Exam 

Here is some important information regarding the freshman placement exam for OPRF this weekend. 

 

Update-Thursday Morning before School

There were a number of ambulances, police cars, and a fire engines at the corner of Ridgeland Ave. and Washington Ave. on Thursday morning from approximately 8:00-8:30. There were a few people in a vehicle on Washington Ave. that needed medical assistance. I spoke to the Oak Park Police and was assured by them that the incident did not pose a threat to the school. As a pre-caution, we had our 7th grade students, who normally wait on Washington Ave., enter the building. Our 8th grade students were directed to stay near the main entrance of Julian Middle School. I was present and in communication with the Oak Park Police the entire time. All emergency vehicles left the scene by 8:35am.

 

Halloween Costumes

For those of our families who celebrate Halloween, many of you are starting to discuss costume choices with your child. Although students are not required to wear costumes, we recognize that they are a fun and creative part of our schools' Halloween activities. 

Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where all students, staff and families feel a sense of belonging. In that spirit, we ask that you take care to ensure that your child’s costume choice does not portray a stereotypical image of any group of people or culture, or be offensive to any one racial, ethnic or religious group. We appreciate you being proactive with your child in making thoughtful costume choices.

To support you in your conversation with your child and to build your understanding around this topic, we have compiled links to resources that you may find helpful. Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.

Resources

 

Oak Park Jr. Police Explorers                                         

The Oak Park Jr Police Explorers program will begin on Tuesday, October 22. Julian students will have the opportunity to learn about crime scene investigation, will participate in a police physical fitness challenge, view a demonstration with a police K9 dog, and take part in other fun activities. Snacks and juice will be provided each week. Please contact Officer Freelain at 708-524-3040, if you have any questions.

 

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Reminder that all D97 schools are in session on Monday, October 14.

 

Upcoming Events:

Student Led Conferences – Thursday, October 24 from 12:30pm - 8:00pm

12:00pm Dismissal - Thursday, October 24

12:00pm Dismissal - Friday, October 25

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Todd Fitzgerald

Principal, Julian Middle School