ISBE Designation – Julian Middle School
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) School Report Cards and Designations have been released. Many of you know that we received a designation of "Underperforming" last year at this time. I am happy to say that the efforts we have put forth over the last year has resulted in Julian receiving a “Commendable” designation.
The efforts that we have collectively put in place for our students is paying off. Some of these include the implementation of our School Improvement Plan, the teacher/student mentoring program, advisory Olympics, strengthening relationships with our students, team building activities, sound pedagogy by our teachers, holding students accountable to do their best work, small group instruction and student choice, differentiating to meet a wide range of learner needs, WIN and Academic Support classes, the 6th Grade IB Approaches to Learning class, Title I tutoring, and many others. Thanks to the Julian staff for the hard work they put into supporting our students.
Please click here to read more information from our district about the ISBE designations.
8th Grade Graduation Date
Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Oak Park and River Forest High School
Graduation rehearsal - Friday, June 5 from 12:15 pm - 2:00 pm
The last day of school for 8th grade students is Friday, June 5
8th Grade IB Community Projects
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. Next week, we will be highlighting 3 student projects that include fundraising as their main goal. This event will take place on Thursday, November 7 during all lunch periods.
Information about the event and the individual projects 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!
Organizations students will be fundraising for include:
- The Amazon Conservation Team
- Defenders of Wildlife
- National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI)
Thank you for encouraging your child to support their peers and learn more about the work of these important organizations.
Attendance Matters
Please reference this document as a guide to help determine whether or not your student is healthy enough to come school. Our goal is for all students to be in attendance for 95% or more of our school days during the year.
CAST is pleased to present our Festival of Theatre!!!!
Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 Not Fit to Print is the story of an idealistic, all American journalism student named Ida Perry. She has been offered a prestigious internship at her school, but also has to pay her own way through college. The only part time job she can find is working for the cheesy/sleazy Metro Inquirer, probably the most scandalous newspaper in history. But, never underestimate the power of a bright girl caught between a rock and a hard place!
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 Soup du Jour focuses on a mystery at Bailey's restaurant, one of New York City's top dining establishments. It's 1939 and ace reporter, Katharine Hawks is sent undercover to work as a waitress in order to solve the mystery. Lightning fast dialogue in the Tracy-Hepburn tradition and a great plot are the delicious ingredients of this delightful tribute to 1930s screwball comedies.
Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 Haymarket Eight is set in the 1880s and showcases the unfair and dangerous work conditions that sparked labor struggles and intense riots in Chicago. The Haymarket Riot and subsequent trial was the focus on the nation. The infamous bombing at a labor rally forces a reporter to investigate the wrongfully convicted bombers. The lives of eight men hang in the balance and this reporter puts his life on the line to try and clear their names.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased online. Purchase tickets here!
Illinois 5Essentials Survey
We are administering the Illinois 5Essentials Survey again this year to certified staff and parents/guardians from all 10 of our schools, as well as students in grades four through eight. The parent/guardian survey is available now, and the staff and student surveys will open on Dec. 10. Please click here to learn how parents/guardians can participate in this important endeavor and click here to access the parent/guardian version of the survey. Please note that school-level reports will only be generated if at least 20 percent of our parents/guardians complete the survey, which can be accessed until Feb. 14, 2020.
FLU SEASON IS HERE!!!
Flu is a serious illness. The BEST way to prevent flu for you and your child is to do the following:
- Encourage hand washing
- Keeping your child home if they have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Get a flu shot
For more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/flu-guide-for-parents-2018.pdf
Feel free to contact your School Nurse if you have additional 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.
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