Middle Matters
Week of December 6, 2021
In This Issue
Highlights from this week's Middle Matters:
- Important Upcoming Dates
- From the Wednesday Journal: "Middle Schoolers Community Service Projects Become Passion Projects"
- COVID-19 Symptom Checklist and Instructions for Symptomatic Students (Updated)
- Submit Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination After Second Dose (New Info)
- ILLINOIS SHIELD TESTING UPDATED
- District 97 Weather Guidelines and E-Learning Plan for 2021-22
- Live Streaming of GBMS Athletic and Music Events (Repeat)
- PTO Sponsored Anderson’s Bookshop Virtual Book Fair (Repeat)
- Middle-schoolers ‘lead with love’ in John Lewis series - OPPL Tuesday, December 7th (Repeat)
- GBMS Yearbook Information (Repeat)
- Middle School Clubs Meeting Days and Times (Updated weekly)
- OPEF Vex Robotics In-House League Information (Repeat)
- YEMBA Inc. news (Repeat)
- Student Announcements (Updated weekly)
- From the Library (Updated weekly)
Highlights from GBMS PTO and District
- PTO News
- District News
- GBMS Student Spectator Opportunities (Repeat)
- Partnership with D97 and DePaul University - Care Coordinator (Repeat)
- School Supply Reminders (Repeat)
- Water Bottle Reminder (Repeat)
- Face Mask Reminder (Repeat)
- Back to School Information and COVID-19 Safety Mitigations (Repeat)
- COVID-19 Symptom Checklist and Instructions for Symptomatic Students (Repeat)
- Responding to Positive COVID-19 Case (Repeat)
- Qualifying for Remote Learning (Repeat)
- Rules for Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards (Repeat)
- Social Work Team (Repeat)
- Travel Advisory Recommendations (Repeat)
- Office Phones and Dropping off Items at Brooks (Repeat)
- Stay Home When Sick (Repeat)
- Allergy Safe Information (Repeat)
- SY21-22 School Calendar (Repeat)
- School Physical and Immunization Information (Repeat)
- How to Report Student Absence (Repeat)
- Tech Support (Repeat)
Community Partner News
- Kids Kloset at First United Church
- Friday Night Place
- Little Huskies Wrestling
- Strengthening Families Program
- SMART LOVE FAMILY SERVICES
- NAMI
- Leyden Family Service
- THRIVE
If you have questions about the upcoming school year, please don’t hesitate to contact me at acapuder@op97.org. You can also contact my Executive Coordinator, Ms. Latrina Hurst, at lhurst@op97.org or (708) 524-7636.
Our administrative team is also available to help answer your questions.
Angelica Love Curriculum & Instruction AP (6th grade, Teams 7.1 & 7.2) will be gone on maternity leave until January 4, 2022. Denise Fernandez will be supporting our 6th grade and Team 7.1 & 7.2 during Angelica's absence. dfernandez@op97.org
Antoine Bland Curriculum & Instruction AP (8th grade, Teams 7.3) abland@op97.org
Stacie Klein Culture & Climate AP sklein@op97.org
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, Dec 6 - A Day; Tuesday, Dec 7- B Day; Wednesday, Dec 8- A Day; Thursday, Dec 9- B Day; Friday, Dec 10 - C Day
Winter Music Performances: Chorus concert - Tues, Dec 7th at 7p; Orchestra concert - Tues, Dec 14th; Band concert - Thurs, Dec. 16th
Friday, December 10th: Trimester 1 Report Card Emailed Home
Saturday, Dec 11th: Brooks Middle School Competitive Robotics Competition
Dec. 20 - Jan. 3: No School (Winter Break)
From the Wednesday Journal: "Middle Schoolers Community Service Projects Become Passion Projects"
"The service projects create pockets of opportunities for students to explore their passions, said Veena Rajashekar, an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and special area coordinator at Oak Park Elementary School District 97. Rajashekar said District 97 offers Brooks and Percy Julian middle schoolers an IB program called Middle Years, which focuses on student development and engagement." Click here to read more >>>
Illinois SHIELD Testing (UPDATED)
Brooks Middle School weekly SHIELD testing dates will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students will be tested on either Wednesday or Thursday depending on the day they have their Advisory/Design class.
- 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 Students will test on Thursdays
- 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 Students will test on Wednesdays
- 8.1, 8.2 Students will test on Wednesdays and 8.3 Students will test on Thursdays
Students should not eat at least 60 minutes prior to providing their saliva sample. Please keep in mind these times may be adjusted if needed.
Only Families who student tested positive for COVID-19 will receive an email notification within 24 to 48 hours of the testing day.
Additional information about SHIELD testing is included below.
District 97 Weather Guidelines and E-Learning Plan for 2021-22
As we head into the winter months, we want to remind everyone of our school closing guidelines, along with our new E-Learning Plan for the 2021-22 school year. These are the guidelines we would follow if we had to close school due to inclement weather or other emergencies. CLICK HERE for details >
Live Streaming of GBMS Athletic and Music Events (Repeat)
For more information regarding live streaming, please click here.
Virtual Book Fair Order! (Repeat)
Middle-Schoolers 'Lead With Love' in John Lewis Series (Repeat)
Our Language & Literature Department in the NEWS.
Please join us for this three-part series, a collaboration among Oak Park Elementary School District 97; Oak Park and River Forest High School; the E-Team of Oak Park; Dominican University’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation group; Oak Park Township; and the Oak Park Public Library.
We’ll use a circle format to discuss the work of the late civil rights icon and U.S. Congressman (D-Ga.) John Lewis, and reflect together on the impact of civil rights movements today.
This honest, anti-racist discussion is recommended for ages 11 and up.
Book 3: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
Find all details and register at oppl.org/march.
GBMS YEARBOOK (repeat)
21/22 GBMS Yearbook will be developed by our Yearbook Club and printed using TreeRing.com. Interested in buying a yearbook? Use this link to get started (if needed passcode: 1014096931934358). Some other things that are great about TreeRing is that you can do the following:
- upload and share photos with the Yearbook Club Editors and the school community
- design custom pages for your own yearbook
- send and request digital signatures
- add memories to your custom pages
Questions about the yearbook? Contact Mrs. Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org or TreeRing directly at (877) 755-TREE. Here's to another great year!
Middle School Clubs Starting and Meeting Days/Times
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL INFORMATION: VARSITY (8th graders)
- TRYOUTS
- December 7th at 3:30pm
- December 9th at 7:15am
- Please see Mr. Grimaldi in room B402 or email at, hgrimaldi@op97.org
- Social Justice Club/Rubix Cube Club: We meet on Friday, December 10th from 3:30-4:30p. For more information please see Mrs. Stigger in room C405, or email nstigger@op97.org
The VEX Competitive teams: Mr. Shinners and Mrs. Rodriguez are excited to have 6 teams competing in VEX. Teams, remember to look at Canvas Calendar on meeting days. We normally meet every Tuesday, Thursday- 3:30-5.
- Boys Basketball: For more information, please contact coach Haus at dhaus@op97.org. The those who recently made the team please refer to the following information. Brooks Boys Basketball Eagles 2021 and Boys Basketball Policy & Schedule
- Intramural's: We are making the switch to BASKETBALL for our intramural activity. We will be improving skills in fun game play activities with our fellow students each day. This is open to anyone who is not on the Brook’s basketball team. Schedule Link
- Best Buddies: 3:40 in Room B105. This time we’re heading to the 3rd floor gym games and some other fun! Come by if you want to make a friend or be one!
- Rainbow Revolution (FORMERLY Rainbow Tribe): Rainbow Revolution brings together Brooks students who are members of the LGBTQ+ community AND their Allies!! EVERYONE is welcome! Contact Ms. Berman (aberman@op97.org) if you have any questions!
- SPOKEN WORD CLUB Wants YOU!
- Math Team: We meet every Monday from 3:30-4:40 in room B409. All mathletes welcome! Email Ms. Smith with any questions at esmith3@op97.org
- BEAT: in C202 from 3:30pm to 4;30pm. Please email Ms. Stamp (lstamp@op97.org) with any questions
- CHESS CLUB / Game Club: - WE meet on Tuesdays. Events Planned, Chess Tournament, Rubrics Cube Tournament, Baseball Board Game, Video Game Team Tourney. Chess club / Game Club is open to all levels of experience, from first-time players to competitive players. Attendance each week is highly recommended but not required. There are no tryouts! Chess/Game Club has expanded to allow students to share and build 3D board games, play video games, play tradition board games, and of course, play Chess. I am open to video game tourneys as well as the "old fashion" Chess tourney. Checkmate!! I am looking forward to seeing you at "The Club" C-108 Be well! See Mr. Hausfeld, or email mhausfeld@op97.org with questions.
- Yearbook: All are welcome! If you love photography, graphic design, books, writing, or attending special events then the yearbook is for you! How do you sign up? Just come to one of our meetings. Members, please remember to bring any permission slips and a charged chromebook. Join us this in room D304. See you there. Direct questions to Mrs. Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org or Ms. Suerth at ssuerth@op97.org. Yearbook club meeting calendar.
- Crochet Club: No Meeting week of Thanksgiving Break! Have a great break! We are back for more crochet time. Bring your current project or I have ideas for new projects. Newbies are welcome (I have supplies to share or bring your own)! We are all here to help each other out on projects! Knitters are welcome too! Meet Wednesday’s 3:30 -4:45 B202 Mrs. Rodriguez trodriguez@op97.org
We create
We share
We perform
Please complete the linked form to register for the Oak Park Education Foundation's Spoken Word Club, hosted at the Oak Park Art League located at 720 Chicago Ave)! Club will meet there in person every Tuesday, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm and will be led by our poet-artist Mo Santiago and at least one other OPEF staff member or D97 teacher/Spoken Word Coach (Miles Lee / John Colucci). Please fill out this registration or scan the Spoken Word Club QR Code in your Language & Literature classroom
- Service Club: Service Club meets every Friday at 8:00am in room B208. Everyone is welcome! See Ms. Martinez or Ms. Walsh if you have questions.
Extra-Curricular Choirs: ***Still Accepting New Members, if you want to audition find Mr. Blackman in D105 or email him at fblackman@op97.org ****
The Advanced Group (7th and 8th graders) meets Tuesdays and Fridays at 8am
The Intermediate Group (all grades) meets Thursdays at 8am.
To learn more, check out this Morning Choir Info Deck or contact Mr. Blackman at fblackman@op97.org
Speech Team: Ms. McKinney, Ms. Gaffney, and Ms. Perros will hold an informational meeting about speech team auditions, rehearsal schedule, and any other questions/concerns about participating in the Brooks Speech Team for the 2022 season. Meeting will be held on Monday, 11/29/21, at 3:30PM in Mrs. Perros’ classroom (C109)!!! ALL are welcome to come to the meeting. We are looking for incredible students who are ready to collaborate and to create!!! Any questions? Please email Ms. Perros at sperros@op97.org!!!
- Art Club: Mrs. Murray sent out info about next trimester, so watch your Canvas Inbox for an announcement. “Warhol” will meet on Thursday 12/2 at 3:30-4:30. Students in club should all have a Canvas Art Club course. Contact Mrs. Murray with any questions in D301 or kmurray@op97.org
For more information regarding the:
The Brooks In-House VEX Robotics League is fast approaching! Scan the QR code to apply!
Where: Brooks Middle School Room D201/202
When Mondays from 1/15/2021 - 2/28/2022 from 3:30-5:00p
Coaches: Paula Spring (on sabbatical D97 elementary teacher), Latonia Baker
What: The In-House VEX League is a partnership with OPEF with D97 Middle Schools as an intramural club that provides a safe space for less experienced students to learn more about designing and coding robots, before diving into the more time-consuming school competitive league.
Youth Mentoring Programs
- YEMBA Mentoring Empowerment Program meetings will begin on Wednesday, November 17th after school in the 3rd floor B-wing.
You can attend the meeting and then take home any permission slips to be signed.
- YEMBA S.T.A.R.S. Program will begin on Thursday, November 18th after school in the 3rd floor B-wing.
Please click below to view the YEMBA Parent google presentation
Student Announcements
From the Library:
- https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250766571/firekeepersdaughter to learn about the book and read an excerpt!
The Brave by James Bird
- https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250247759 to learn about the book and read an excerpt!
Through Anderson's Bookshop
HERE is a slides presentation with the authors who are visiting some classrooms in the next few weeks. The presentation includes links on how to purchase autographed copies of their new books if you’re interested even if they are not visiting your classroom.
- Log in to your Destiny catalog account
- Use your district username & password WITHOUT the @stu.op97.org
- Find the book you want, click on the title, and click on “HOLD”
- VIDEO: HOW DO I PLACE A LIBRARY HOLD?
PTO Weekly Communication
Please Consider a Donation to the PTO
As the calendar year draws to a close, please consider making a donation to the Brooks PTO. Since March 2020, we have been unable to raise money to support our mission through our primary fundraiser, the weekly Starship Restaurant lunch program, because of D97 Covid-related protocols. As a result, we have had to either scale back or eliminate funding of need-based scholarships, teacher grants, and other enrichment activities.
While we continue to look for other ways to raise much-needed funds until we are able to resume the Starship lunch program, we would be appreciative of any donations in the meantime. Donations may be made on our website. Please note that the Brooks PTO is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and a donation receipt for tax or matching purposes will be provided. Thank you!
Connect with the Brook’s PTO
Connect with PTO
Follow us on FaceBook at @gwendolynbrookspto, or email us at gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com.
Order your Brooks Spirit Wear
Support the PTO, a local black-owned business, and get awesome Brooks Spirit wear all at the same time! Brooks Spirit wear can be ordered at any time visiting the Brooks section of the Shabby Fly website. Order will be shipped to your home!
2020 - 2021 District News and Information
2021-22 District 97 Family Handbook (Repeat)
Click here for the updated 2021-22 District 97 Family Handbook, which contains general information about the district and its procedures. Please note that some of this information may be subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please email d97feedback@op97.org if you have any questions.
Additionally, if you would like to request a hard copy of the handbook, please contact the school office.
School Year 21-22 Meal Information (Repeat)
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved key waivers that allow school districts to continue serving free meals to all children. This means that all District 97 students are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch free of charge for the entire 2021-22 school year!
NOTE: Families DO NOT need to complete the Free/Reduced Meal Application in order for their students to receive free meals. However, families seeking to qualify for school fee waivers or other state programs MUST complete the application. We encourage all families who currently qualify to take a few minutes to complete the application as soon as possible.
More information on the D97 food service program, including breakfast and lunch menus for our elementary and middle schools, is available here.
Please note that Breakfast will not be served before school. However, if a student arrives to school without breakfast, they can let their 1st period teacher know. The teacher will contact our school nurse and she will arrange for them to come to the commons to get something to eat. Students will miss some class time.
2021-22 Frequently Asked Questions for Back to School Plan (Repeat)
District 97 has created a 2021-22 FAQ page based on the top questions we have received over the past few weeks. Topics include ventilation, remote learning, vaccination and travel.
Our back-to-school plan is linked below and can also be found, along with other COVID-19 resources and information, by going to https://www.op97.org/back-to-school.
District 97 has developed a comprehensive back-to-school plan to keep our students and staff healthy and safe while they learn in person five days a week. Our approach implements data-informed response measures that are aligned with the most up-to-date scientific research and best practices for K-12 schools. The plan also reflects rising concerns about the transmissibility of the Delta variant, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, and the fact that the majority of our students (Pre-K through sixth grade) are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Below is a brief overview of some, not all, of the safety mitigations that will be in place for the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. New procedures are starred (*).
- Full-Day, In-Person Instruction for All Students: Per state guidance, remote learning will only be provided only if a student is placed in quarantine by the health department or if students qualify as medically fragile.
- Universal Masking: Masks will be required for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. Distanced mask breaks will be provided.
- Weekly Screening Testing: District 97 will partner with SHIELD Illinois to provide weekly testing to all students in Pre-K through eighth grade. This is a non-invasive saliva test that will be conducted on site during the school day. Testing is optional but strongly recommended. No action is necessary to participate. CLICK HERE to learn more about SHIELD testing. CLICK HERE for FAQ related to SHIELD Illinois.
- Updated Quarantine and Contact Tracing Procedures: At the direction of the Oak Park Department of Public Health, unvaccinated individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or who test positive for COVID-19, must quarantine/isolate from school for a period of 10-14 school days. Students and staff may return after following the protocols outlined in our plan. As of today, quarantining is no longer required for vaccinated individuals unless they are symptomatic. The CDC and IDPH have also updated their close contact definition for classroom students, which we hope will minimize disruptions to in-person learning this year.
- Physical Distancing: We will make every effort to maintain as much distance as possible between students—at least 3 feet—in classrooms and during lunch.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting: Staff will perform regular school cleaning and disinfect all high-touch surfaces daily. The full classroom disinfection process will occur weekly.
Wanting to confirm information you've heard regarding our schools? (Repeat)
Oak Park District 97 is committed to providing accurate and timely information. Our new Fact Checker will be updated consistently based upon common questions and concerns to ensure you have access to the key facts that interest you most.
Text Messages from District 97 (Repeat)
District 97 uses the notification system BrightArrow to communicate with families via email and phone calls. This year, we have started using periodic text messages to send reminders directly to parents' cell phones. In order to receive text messages, parents must opt in by texting YES to 87569. Once you have subscribed, you will receive a text confirmation.
Texts may appear from District 97 from 87569 or a phone number with a 424 area code (you may wish to save them to your contacts).
Wellness Check-in Program (Repeat)
The district-wide wellness check-in program, which was an initial crisis response to the pandemic, will not continue in its current format during the new Hybrid schedule. Please reach out to your school's school psychologist or social worker if you have social-emotional concerns about your child. If your child is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please call the Thrive 24hr Crisis Hotline at 708-383-7500. You may also refer to this local resource guide created by the Community Mental Health Board of the Oak Park Township.
Repeated Topics from Past Week's Middle Matters
GBMS Student Spectator Opportunities (Repeat)
In order for a GBMS student to attend a game, one of the APs will be in the ticket booth stationed outside the lunch room.
- Students must pick up a ticket on the day of the game during lunch
- We will take down the student's name and give you a ticket to present for admission to the game.
- Student seats are marked with a blue dot on the bleachers closets to the entrance in the gym.
Middle School Spectator Opportunities (Repeat)
After reviewing best practices, discussing our safety plans with our local health department and considering student needs, we have decided to allow spectators at the following:
Athletic games (e.g., basketball)
BRAVO performances
Band, orchestra and choir performances (coming in December)
All of these events will follow strict safety guidelines, including:
Athletic Events
- Student spectators (6, 7 & 8th graders) may attend indoor athletic events at Brooks, vaccinated or not, if social distancing can be maintained
- If social distancing cannot be maintained, student spectators will be required to show either proof of full vaccination or a time-stamped negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test within 48 hours of the scheduled school event.
- Masks must be worn at all times for any and all indoor activities
Performing Arts Events (BRAVO, Choral and Instrumental Concerts)
- Student and adult spectators will need to show either proof of full vaccination or a time-stamped negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test within 48 hours of the scheduled school event.
- Regardless of the event, masks must be worn at all times for any and all indoor activities.
Additionally, several extracurricular activities have been given clearance to operate onsite, including YEMBA, Vex Robotics (including mentors from OPRF) and PING (including mentors from OPRF).
We are grateful for the cooperation of our students and families, who have been doing a great job with all of our safety protocols this year. We hope to continue revisiting our mitigations as conditions improve and more of our community becomes eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We will keep you updated on those discussions moving forward.
Partnership with D97 and DePaul University - Care Coordinator (Repeat)
Water Bottle Reminder (Repeat)
We ask that if possible to please send your student to school with a filled water bottle. There are no drinking fountains open, but we have water bottle filling stations in the school for our students to refill their water bottles when needed.
Face Mask Reminders (Repeat)
Wearing face masks consistently and correctly is a key strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Below are a few important reminders for students, staff and families:
- The face covering should cover the mouth and nose at all times, including while riding a school bus. The CDC Use of Face Coverings provides helpful explanations about the use and care of face coverings.
- Bandanas, masks with valves and gaiters are not allowed in District 97 schools, as they allow for leakage of aerosolized droplets.
- District 97 expects all students and staff to bring and wear their own cloth or disposable masks whenever possible and appropriate. Anyone who forgets their reusable mask will be provided a disposable mask. If possible, students should
keep a second cloth mask with their belongings.
Back to School Information and COVID-19 Safety Mitigations (Repeat)
Qualifying for Remote Learning (Repeat)
GBMS REMOTE LEARNING FOR QUARANTINED STUDENTS ONLY
If your student is instructed to quarantine, as determined by the Oak Park Health Department, due to being positive for COVID-19 or considered a close contact, your student will have a “window into the classroom,” or passive learning for the remote learning structure. District 97 will utilize the following procedures for students participating in remote learning beginning Sept. 13:
- Your student will follow their typical class schedule each day. An email outlining where to locate the zoom link for each of their classes will be shared with the student and family.
- Teachers will be responsible for turning on only the audio during the Zoom session. If a teacher is using the whiteboard or presenting, the camera will be turned on only for that portion of the lesson.
- Students who join the class remotely will not be able to raise their hand, participate in any class discussion, or use the chat feature.
- If there are physical materials that need to be picked up, you will be notified by email that your student has materials available in the main office.
- Teachers may choose to be available to quarantined students during their personal planning period or after school and be paid at the contracted hourly rate of $35 per hour for that time. Teachers will submit a timesheet to their building principals after the quarantine period is over. Since your student has numerous teachers, teachers are letting me know if they are available to provide support either after-school or during their plan time (which if it is a core teacher would coincide with your student's elective class or if they are an elective teacher would coincide with a time your student is in a core class). Once I know if there is a teacher available, an email will be shared with you so additional support can be coordinated.
**Please note Remote Learning is only available to students who have been quarantined. Students who are sick or absent for reasons unrelated to confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases, as determined by the local health department, will not be permitted to participate in remote learning. Please see our Back-to-School Plan for further details.
Rules for Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards (Repeat)
Parents / Guardians, we need your help in reminding your students that when they arrive at the school grounds using bicycles, scooters or skateboards they must be walked from the sidewalks onto the school grounds.
- NO bikes, scooters, skateboards, or other wheels may be ridden on campus grounds.
- Bicycles must be parked in the bicycle racks located in front of either the Kenilworth entrance or the Clinton Entrance and MUST be locked.
- Once students arrive at school, scooters and skateboards should be carried while you are walking too and from the entrance to the school.
- Scooters and Skateboards should be stored in the boy's lockers room. The entrance to the locker room is located in the main hallway. There will be a sign on the door notating where to enter.
District 97 is not responsible and assumes no liability for theft, damage, or loss of use to any bicycle, scooter or skateboards. All such risks are assumed by the student and family.
Social Work Team (Repeat)
- Abby Berman supports our 6th graders (aberman@op97.org)
- Hannah Boudreau supports our 7th graders (hboudreau@op97.org)
- Jen Olsen supports our 8th graders (jolsen@op97.org)
Travel Advisory Recommendations (Repeat)
That said, we ask for your renewed commitment to practicing all of the recommended mitigation protocols this weekend. The most effective way to minimize the risk of transmission is to avoid high-risk behaviors, including travel. Vaccinated or unvaccinated, we all have a responsibility to follow safety guidelines in order to reduce further spread of the virus. We are thankful for your continued commitment to keeping our schools and students safe over the holiday weekend and throughout the school year.
Office Phones and Dropping off Items at Brooks (Repeat)
Please note that our office staff sets the phone to go to voicemail from 8:30am to 9:15am daily. Please leave a message of your student's absence or you can email brooksattendance@op97.org. Our office staff will listen to voicemails to call back or direct calls as needed after 9:15am daily. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please check out our GBMS Learning SY21-22 Information page, as your question is likely answered there.
Dropping off Items at Brooks for your Student
You may drop off forgotten items for your student in the main office. Please note that we will not call into your student's classroom, as it is a disruption to the learning for other students and the teacher in the classroom. Your student should plan to stop by the main office on their way to lunch or between passing periods, if they think you may have dropped off the forgotten item for them to retrieve. We appreciate your understanding.
(708) 524- 3058 or nradogno@op97.org
Keep D97 Schools Allergy Safe - No Nuts Allowed (Repeat)
Please visit https://bit.ly/3j0KGTB to access information about the district’s food allergy management program, as well as tips and options for identifying food that is safe for snacks and field trips.
Nuts and nut products are not allowed in any District 97 schools during the 2021-22 school year. This includes products that are labeled “processed in a facility that shares equipment with nut products.” The shift to include lunch was necessary as many students may be eating their lunch in spaces other than the lunchroom due to COVID-19 protocols.
We appreciate your help in adhering to this preventative measure.
School Physicals and Immunizations (Repeat)
Incoming 6th-grade students and/or any new students who have transferred into District 97, MUST have a wellness physical and dental exam dated no less than one year prior to August 25th, 2021. Your child's physical must have been performed after August 25th, 2020 . Your child may not be admitted to school without these documents. Please submit the documents by mail or in person no later than August 25, 2021 to the following:
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
Attn: Health Office, Nurse Nancy Radogno
325 S. Kenilworth Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302
SPORTS PHYSICALS – The State of Illinois Office of Education requires that any student who wishes to participate in interscholastic sports MUST have an Athletic Physical Examination, dated no less than one year prior to the first day of the current school year, anytime after August 25, 2020. It is MANDATORY that your child have this physical before they will be eligible to try out or participate in any interscholastic activity.
To access student health forms please visit http://www.op97.org/hr/health-requirements
**For any family having difficulty securing an appointment to get the physical completed, please email our School Nurse, Nancy Radogno, nradogno@op97.org.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE - How to Report Student Absences (Repeat)
Technology Support (Repeat)
Technical support will be available from school and district technology staff by accessing the Help Desk through email, helpdesk@op97.org. When an email is submitted, a Help Desk ticket is created and assigned to technology staff, who will be working throughout the day to address technology concerns. Our technology team can support District 97 devices and student online programs.
The Help Corner will features a frequently-asked question related to services and opportunities available for District 97 students and families. We will keep a complete list of these FAQs on our district website.
District 97 has created Community Resources Page. We also encourage families to stay connected through Facebook and Twitter. Additional updates can be found at:
Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200
District 97 also has a broad network of partner organizations that provide an array of supports and services for Oak Park residents. The Community Mental Health Board and Oak Park and River Forest Townships have also put together a COVID-19 Social Services Resource Guide, which is available at https://tinyurl.com/oprfguide.
Community Resources
Kids Kloset at First United Church
(First United Church – 848 Lake Street, Oak Park)
Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:00am
Enter through the west narthex door.
Come to the Kids’ Kloset to get great
cold-weather clothing
at the lowest prices possible!
Loads of winter coats!
Contact “susanzaruba@gmail.com”
If you need an alternative appointment.
Friday Night Place at Julian Middle School
Little Huskies Wrestling
SUPPORT4U
SUPPORT4U is a mental health resource for our students to anonymously text licensed mental health clinicians any time of the day for assistance or guidance. Students can text for any issue; typical reasons might include social issues, anxiety, depression, substance use, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, bullying, abuse, or any other mental health-related topic. The clinician’s goal is to steer the student to available resources in the school and community. To use, students just need to go to Support4U.live on their phone, click on the Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School logo and hit send. Help is just a text away.
Thrive Services and Programs
PHONE-BASED COUNSELING
Thrive is offering phone-based counseling, 24/7 crisis intervention services, medication management and, a free Thrive Check-In phone support line (Ext. 8) to address our community’s needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Call us at (708)383-7500. Our Front Desk team is also ready to assist you Monday-Friday, 9am to 2pm, with requests for referrals or new services and to reschedule or cancel an appointment.
Mental Health Resource, "Call4Calm"
Thrive is also a proud partner of the Illinois Call4Calm Text Line Service. Text “TALK” TO 552020 (or “HABLAR) for Spanish. The Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support for anyone experiencing stress and in need of a listening ear.
And we know the COVID-19 pandemic can wear on every resource—from food and shelter to our emotional bandwidth and mental health. Fortunately, the Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a support line called Call4Calm that is reachable via text. Individuals who want to speak with a mental health professional can text the word “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish speakers) to 552-020. Within 24 hours, that individual will receive a call from a mental health professional employed by a local community health center.
People can also text other terms, like “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to the same number to receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services. Call4Calm is free, and individuals who use it can remain anonymous. We encourage you to share this resource with your students, families, and staff.
COVID-19 Symptom Checklist and Instructions for Symptomatic Students (Updated)
Submit Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination After Second Dose (New Info)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and state/local health officials, fully vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine due to potential COVID-19 exposure as long as they are asymptomatic. Additionally, achieving a high rate of vaccination will strengthen our overall safety plan and will put the district in the best possible position to reconsider other mitigations as conditions improve in our community.
To help us reduce any unnecessary quarantines and accurately track our student vaccination rate, District 97 requests that families submit proof of vaccination for their students as soon as they have received their second dose. There are two options:
IF YOU HAVE A GOOGLE ACCOUNT: Fill out a brief Google Form and upload a copy of the student’s vaccination card. CLICK HERE to access the Brooks vaccine form.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A GOOGLE ACCOUNT: Email a copy of your student’s vaccination card to Nurse Nancy Radogno (brooksnurse@op97.org). Please include the child’s full name and grade.
Students Who Participated in Clinics at District 97 Schools
If your student completed their vaccine series at one of the school-based clinics, a staff member should have taken a photo of their vaccination card following the second dose.
If your child's card was documented, no further action is needed.
If your child's card was not scanned or photographed, or if your child did not receive their second dose at a school clinic, please email a copy of the card to your school nurse.
If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Radogno. Thank you for your support and partnership in keeping our schools safe!