Newsletter for the week of October 25

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

We will host 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. Our Culture and Climate Coordinator will be sharing information with everyone about the work we are doing related to 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 our efforts and invite our families into the experience of circle process.  Looking forward to seeing you there!  

 

Cross Country - State Competition

The State meet was a lot of fun! The camaraderie our team has had since the sectional race and again at State was just the best thing to witness and be a part of - it was contagious!  By far one of the best experiences I've had at this meet and this includes when I ran there as a middle schooler.   

The competition was fierce and each race was crowded which certainly gave spectators a great show to watch. Despite all the pushing, trips, and two lost shoes (during both races) we had a blast and will be ready next year with our lessons learned. Although we didn't have any top 25 finishers this year almost all of our runners ran their fastest times this year or ever.  Runners didn't just beat their best 2-mile time by a couple of seconds either. We had many runners beat their personal best times by 15-20 seconds! 

This was the third and sadly last State Cross Country meet for 8th graders Garret Lundgren and Lenny Sterritt. Garrett came in 26th place missing his 3rd All-State by three-tenths of a second. Lenny Sterritt raced very well to conquer 42nd place, about 20 spots better than last year.

Thanks for a great season!

Kate Tysse and John Turek (Cross Country Coaches)

 

Halloween - Service Learning Club / Canned Food Drive

As part of celebrating Halloween, we are allowing students to wear costumes to school on Thursday, October 31.  Our Service Learning Club is also encouraging students to bring canned goods, non-perishable items, and toiletries to their advisory class on this day. These goods will be donated to the needy. Please keep the following in mind as your child is selecting a costume for that day:

 

  • Students may dress as historical figures, but racial/ethnic costumes are not appropriate nor are traditional outfits from different cultures. 
  • Costumes may include light make-up (students must be recognizable to teachers and staff), hats, and appropriate fun-related clothing and props. 
  • Costumes cannot include such things as gangster attire, masks, and items such as…toy weapons, profanity, gory depictions, fake blood, baby bottles, demonic depictions, or candy pacifiers. 

 

We know that this list is not all-inclusive. We ask families to assist in guiding their child’s choices.

In addition, our expectations state that any teacher may request that a student change or alter his/her costume if it is deemed to be inappropriate. If you have any questions about your costume, please ask a teacher or your grade level assistant principal.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Upcoming Events:

Teacher Institute Day - Friday, November 1 - No School for Students

Thanksgiving Break - November 27-29 / No School for Students

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Todd Fitzgerald

Principal, Julian Middle School