Julian Middle School - Community Engagement Event – Wednesday, October 30
What is Restorative Justice? What are Restorative Practices? Join our School Improvement Plan leadership team on October 30 from 7:00-8:30pm as we share information about Restorative Practices and how we are building them into our school community. Currently we are in the process of teaching all of our 6th graders community building circle process. During our info session, we will share about as well as invite our families into the experience of circle process. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly - Thank You Guest Speakers!
Students heard from Representatives Aaron Ortiz (6th grade), Delia Ramirez (8th grade) and National Education Association’s Hispanic Caucus Chair Gladys Marquez (7th grade) about their personal stories as children of immigrant parents and their work advocating for social justice change in our state and country. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions of the representatives. Sixth graders asked about the details of preventing food deserts and how they could help. Our seventh graders wanted to know more about the detention centers Ms. Marquez visited and spoke about. Multiple 8th grade students came up to Rep. Ramirez to thank her for being here and share how good it was to see her example. One student sent me one of her writing samples where she referenced the inspiration of Cesar Chavez and the work of migrant farmers in the labor movement.
Overall the response from students was positive in the post lessons that connected what they saw to our social emotional learning target of fostering a growth mindset. Thank you again to everyone who participated! Our teachers do a great job of incorporating raising cultural awareness throughout the year in their classroom and we look forward to sharing those details with you in the weeks to come.
Cross Country State Finalists
The Julian Cross Country teams had fantastic sectional races last Saturday. Both teams, boys and girls, have advanced to the State Meet!!! We are beyond happy, excited, and proud to have both teams racing one last time this Saturday!
The girls’ team came in 2nd place at Sectionals! Top 10 Sectional finishers from Julian were Lenny Sterritt with a 2nd place finish and Julia Brown, finishing closely behind with a 3rd place finish.
The boys’ team came in 3rd place! Julian had two runners in the top 10; Garrett Lundgren came in 4th place and Diego Zarate came in 8th place.
Congratulations to all of our runners and coaches on an outstanding season! Good luck in the State competition!
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 spent time yesterday organizing work samples that they will share with parents/guardians during the conference. They also reflected 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 had 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.
Julian Book Fair
The book fair is coming! Anderson's Books has brought us a wonderful book fair for the last few years and this year will be great as well! Students can preview books or find the flyer in their LA teacher's classroom.
The book fair will run:
T 10/22 & 10/23 - mini fair in the library during lunches
Th 10/24 9am-7:30 pm - big fair in the Commons
F 10/25 9am-12:30 pm - big fair in the Commons
Thank you to parents who have signed up to volunteer. Help is still needed!
See you at the book fair!
School Picture Retakes - October 30
School picture retakes will be taken on Wednesday, October 30. Students that need or want pictures taken on this day must first sign up with their advisory teacher and turn in the original photo package to the photographer on the retake day. Students should sign up for retake day by Monday, October 28. If you have any questions, please visit the Van Gogh Photographers website at www.ordervgil.com.
Screenagers
There will be viewings of the award-winning documentary Screenagers next week in Oak Park.
The film will be at Lake Theatre, Oak Park, on October 23 & 24th at 7:30 PM on both dates. Price per adult $5; students 18 & under are free!!
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
- "I Am Not a Costume" (information about Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group campaign)
- “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume” (article about Ohio University campaign)
- "Teaching Tolerance" (a lesson for classrooms and can be applied at home)
- "Teaching Tolerance: Teach About Blackface and Other Racist Halloween Choices" (written for educators, but provides useful prompts for discussions at home)
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.
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