Come Together Event - Recap
Thanks to our PTO, the parents/guardians, students, and staff members that joined us last night for our "Come Together Event" here at Julian Middle School. We had close to 30 people attend. Our goal is to connect school families, strengthen relationships between families, teachers, and staff, and make the school a place where every student gets what they need to succeed. Mark your calendar, our next "Come Together Event" will occur on April 20. We hope to see many of you there.
Culture and Climate – Black History Month
We are very excited that our Student Voice Committee leaders will be interviewing Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins during our Black History Month Assembly next week! Students are crafting the questions and are learning about his leadership as well as other notable African American people who have helped shape various industries. Our daily announcements have included such notables as John Langston, first African American Lawyer, Dr. Daniel Hale, first person to successfully perform open heart surgery and Dr. Patricia Bath, first African American ophthalmologist to receive a medical patent for her invention of a probe that improved cataract surgery.
The Julian Social Justice Club will spend time in our Media Center next week in roundtable discussions with their peers about the importance of doing social justice work and the work of our club. Just recently the students agreed to support the creation of a culture based event in partnership with the Service Learning Club. Stay tuned as they are in the development phase now!
Black History Month Celebration
February is Black History Month. During this month we honor and remember African Americans in history. Have you heard about Harambee? Our Spoken Word Club and students of Julian are performing in it at Longfellow. Harambee is a lively performance that celebrates African dance, drumming, and spoken word. Kuumba Kids have been hard at work for months to put on a great performance. And the costumes are stunning! Come out Friday, February 28th at 6pm to Longfellow School, 715 S Highland. Bring money, there will be an African Market with food for purchase. Click here to watch a short video.
Math Summer Enrichment
Students can now register for the Middle School Summer Math Enrichment program. There are a variety of classes being offered. Click here for more information.
Mindful Middle Schoolers Program
The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and DePaul University’s Community Counseling Center have partnered to deliver a vast array of educational and therapeutic services to staff, families, and youth. The “Mindful Middle-Schoolers Program” will offer staff training, parent workshops, groups and counseling for middle school students in Oak Park during the 2019-20 school year. To learn more about the program and upcoming talks for parents, please visit https://www.op97.org/news/1673321/mindful-middle-schoolers-community-talks-2020.
Below is a list of upcoming community talks for parents, students and staff.
Wednesday, Feb 26 (@ Brooks Middle School): Strategies to support executive functioning and self-regulation development based upon brain science http://bit.ly/37DtBqF
Thursday, Feb 27 (@ Brooks Middle School): Understanding depression in youth and strategies for treatment and support http://bit.ly/2S6Q5cT
CAST Update
CAST is pleased to present “State Fair”, February 21, 22 and 23 at Julian Middle School. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s only musical written directly for the movie screen in 1946, the stage adaptation of State Fair had to wait until 1996 to make it to Broadway where it was nominated for two Tony Awards. The story follows the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of the farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. The magical effect of the fair on the Frake family is captured by a young newspaper reporter named Pat. His stories turn him from jaded to convinced and along the way win him a full-time job at the Chicago Tribune as well as the heart of Margy Frake.
Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. Tickets are available here or at the door. If you have any questions please contact Kathy Simon at 708-524-7848.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Parent Resource Site
The District 97 MTSS Team has created a D97 Parent Resource Site to further support instruction happening in the classroom. The site has been created to provide an overview of MTSS and support all students in the areas of reading, math and writing. Our team has selected resources that offer a free version to our families. If you have additional free websites or resources you would like to share, please reach out to Faith Cole, the MTSS Director, at [email protected]. Thank you for your partnership!
Single Subject Acceleration Parent Session
Parent Information Session - Single Subject/Whole Grade Acceleration. For families who are seeking single subject or whole grade acceleration for the 2020-21 school year, the district will be hosting a Parent Information Session on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School, 1111 S. Grove St. The session will include a presentation that outlines the process and requirements. Click here to view the event flyer Information about the District 97 Accelerated Placement Program, including definitions and timelines, can be found at http://www.op97.org/acceleration
Support4U
Districts 97, 90 and 200 have partnered together to launch a mental health-related prevention and support resource for middle and high school students called Support4U. Students can use this text-based resource 24 hours a day to connect with licensed mental health clinicians who can provide them with assistance or guidance on a variety of issues that include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, substance use, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, bullying and abuse. Text 844-670-5838 for Support
Parent Workshop: "Developing Your Child's IEP"
The District 97 Student Services Department will host a parent workshop, "Developing Your Child's IEP," on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Holmes School, 508 N. Kenilworth Ave. Staff will provide a step-by-step guide to understanding the IEP process. Childcare will be available. Event flyer >
Upcoming Events:
Illinois Assessment of Readiness Testing / March 11-13
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Fitzgerald
Principal, Julian Middle School