Julian Middle Matters Newsletter

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will create a positive learning environment for all students that is equitable, inclusive and focused on the whole child.

Dear Julian Families,

Next week, Julian Middle School will hold its third annual “Respect Week,” an initiative that not only reinforces our schoolwide expectations (“Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Kind”), but also reflects our broader commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all of our students. As we prepare to come together as a school community, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the beliefs and ideals that serve as the foundation of our work.

Here at Julian, we strive to foster a culture of tolerance, mutual respect and belonging for our students, staff and families—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or disability. We view the diversity of our community as one of our greatest strengths, and we believe it is our responsibility to help students understand and embrace each other through kindness and empathy.

This year, we are actively engaged in a number of initiatives and activities designed to build community, strengthen relationships, and promote a positive learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The addition of a full-time Climate and Culture Coach, Gina Harris, who is leading some of our work around restorative practices, community-building and student voice

• Reinforcing our school-wide expectations, behavior matrix and classroom norms

• School-wide Second Step, Advisory (twice per week) and HERO (positive reinforcement tool)

• “Come Together” events to build relationships among families and students

• A new partnership with DePaul University (“Mindful Middle Schoolers”) to provide educational and therapeutic services to students and families

• Teacher-student mentor program

• Climate and Culture Committee and Student Advisory Committee

• “Away for the Day” (cell phone expectations)

We know that climate and culture has been a serious challenge for our school, and in many ways we are still a long way from achieving our goals. However, we have seen progress on many fronts and are committed to engaging in open and honest conversations with our students, staff and families about how we can improve these efforts moving forward. Please reach out to me or Gina Harris (gharris@op97.org), if you are interested in partnering with us.

Below is information regarding our Respect Week activities (March 2-6, 2020), which will start with grade-level assemblies throughout the day on Monday.

Spirit Days Lunchroom Activities

Monday: Wear Neon Day Purchase Kindness Grahams / 50 cents each

Sign our “Respect” Banner

Kindness Bingo

Tuesday: Hat Day Purchase Kindness Grahams / 50 cents each

Disability Awareness Day

Wednesday: Sports Day Purchase Kindness Grahams / 50 cents each

Photo Booth

Thursday: Tye/Dye – Rainbow Day Purchase Kindness Grahams / 50 cents each

Inspirational Jenga

Friday: Pajama Day Turn in Kindness Bingo for Prizes

As is required by law, every student who is eligible to take the IAR assessment will receive a test ticket. A school’s participation rate on state assessments impacts its rate of proficiency and its annual School Report Card designation. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to calculate proficiency by dividing the number of students who met or exceeded standards on the IAR by either the number of students who tested or 95% of the number of students who should have tested, whichever is greater. Schools with less than 95% participation in state assessments are ineligible to receive the Exemplary designation. For more information about how a school's participation rate impacts rate of proficiency on a school's report card, see this from ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education)

We had 85% of our students participate in IAR testing in Spring 2019, which is below the required rate of participation of at least 95%. The average participation rate for the state of Illinois is 98%.

The information provided by the IAR is utilized by our school and district to reflect on the impact of our instructional units, as well as provide us with information about how to enrich learning for students. It's important feedback for us about student learning.

Thank you for partnering with us to encourage your student to put forth their best effort during IAR testing. Once students complete the test, they can read silently. The school library will be closed during the administration of the test, so please remind your student to select their book ahead of time and bring it to class during the IAR testing window to read.

On Feb. 9, District 97 earned first place at the West 40 Speech and Drama Festival for the ninth straight year. The district’s team, which was composed of students and teachers/coaches from Brooks and Julian middle schools, took home one of the two first place trophies that were awarded. Click here to learn more about this accomplishment.

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, March 4 (Brooks): Technology and mental health: strategies to promote mindful digital citizenship - http://bit.ly/2HINzVJ

• Wednesday, March 11 (Julian): Social-emotional needs of today’s Middle-Schoolers - http://bit.ly/2PeaADY

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.

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

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 >

Current eighth-graders/incoming freshmen who plan to participate in academic summer school at Oak Park and River Forest High School are eligible to have their fees waived if their families qualify for free or reduced lunch. Families can do this by contacting Ms. Linda Hayes (lhayes@oprfhs.org or 708-434-3504) or Ms. Marg

District 97 is currently monitoring the news regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). We have been following recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which has been receiving guidance from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Please be assured that we are following all recommended protocols of the IDPH, which includes routine deep cleaning and disinfecting in all of our buildings. We are also asking staff to review hand-washing techniques with students. We will continue to monitor updates about the coronavirus from local, state and federal agencies, and will keep families informed should recommendations change.

The IDPH recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

VEX Robotics "Battle of the Bots" / March 7

IAR Testing March 11 - March 13

Respect Week March 2 - March 6

Spring Break / March 23 - March 29

Sincerely,

Dr. Todd Fitzgerald

Principal, Julian Middle School

Email: tfitzgerald@op97.org
Website: www.op97.org/julian
Phone: 708-524-3040