WJHS Highlights
12/09/2022
A Message from the Administrative Team
Dear WJHS families,
As we shared earlier this week, on December 12th or December 13th, in accordance with the Wilmette Police Department, Wilmette Junior High School will be conducting lockdown exercises with students and staff. The exact time of the drill will be unannounced, yet we are letting staff, students and families know of the two-day time window for this drill. The lockdown drill will occur during a passing period, which provides the opportunity for our students and staff to practice the process of moving from an unstructured location (i.e. hallway) to a classroom/office space.
The Wilmette Police Department will be present to observe and evaluate the effectiveness of our procedures. Below are a couple of notes about our lockdown activities:
- We will communicate with our students in an age-appropriate manner on what to do in the event of a lockdown situation.
- All building occupants participate in these activities – students, staff, and any visitors who may be in the building at that time.
- School administrators and school personnel may, at their discretion, exempt a student(s) from participating in a lockdown activities.
- There WILL NOT be any simulations, gunfire or otherwise, in these exercises.
To request that your child be exempted from our lockdown drill, please fill out this form by Friday December 9th.
As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority and clear communication with our families is paramount. Wilmette Public Schools District 39 continues to have a strong working relationship with both the Wilmette Police Department and Wilmette Fire Department. We are thankful for our WPD, WFD, and family partnerships that keep our school community safe.
We hope that you all stay warm this weekend.
Take care,
Kate, Jeff and Eric
Congratulations to our November Leaders of the Pack!
Winter Chorus Concert: a short clip of "This is Me!" from "The Greatest Showman"
8th Grade Graduation Information
- 8th Grade Graduation is Thursday, June 8. We will hold two ceremonies inside the New Trier East Campus auditorium starting at 4:30PM. Save the date!
- Please complete the 8th grade graduation diploma information form HERE.
New Trier Incoming Freshman Page
The New Trier incoming/new student web page is something to bookmark! Important information is now posted regarding registration and upcoming events after winter break. Click HERE to access.
8th Grade League of Women Voters Student Government Program Information
Our 8th Grade Student Government program is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Wilmette and the goal is to promote leadership opportunities for Wilmette youth. Each group of students studies an issue that the board is working on using the actual documents and information their mentors use. In previous years, St. Joseph's students have analyzed the Gillson Park Lakefront Plan, Wilmette Junior High students have prioritized capital budget items for the Village of Wilmette, and Marie Murphy students have grappled with issues arising from their district's unique structure straddling several communities. This program is open to all 8th grade students. Click HERE to register.
Replacement Locks
If your child requests a replacement lock and it is not at the fault of the manufacturer, your child will be charged $10 for a new lock. An example of this would be when a student does not lock their belongings and while in class, their lock is taken. This charge will be assessed to their school fees. All students must have their items locked inside a locker and students may not bring their own locks to school for safety reasons. Thank you.
Tech Tidbit
Along with the D39 Handbook, we have a Mobile Learning Program Handbook to help ensure that the devices are used safely, responsibly and respectfully. It offers some helpful hints and advice for use and care of the devices. The handbook introduces the device, directions for care are given and some frequently asked questions are answered. The Digital Citizenship video is an overview of the Mobile Learning Program that is shown and reviewed with students at HMS and WJHS. You can find all of the handbooks here.
PTO Highlights
APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Looking for a holiday gift to say thank you to a special teacher, staff or administrator?
For your $39 donation, the staff member(s) of your choice will be honored with a personalized certificate sent via email and their name posted on our website's virtual Wall of Honor. All donations will benefit our schools by funding the Foundation's Gripp Grant program and, if needed, assisting our school community more immediately through special gifts.
Purchase your Appreciation Certificate here.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE TO iGNITE!
IGNITE!! It's not too late to donate to Ignite! This is a great way to give back to your child and the students of WJHS!! This year we are excited to host field trips and in-person speakers! We are well underway! Please donate now to Ignite if you haven't already! Magnets will be distributed at the end of the month, only to those who donate! Let's make this a great year!!
ATTN: 7TH GRADE PARENTS THE 2023 8TH GRADE DC TRIP: Registration is now Waitlist only
This is an opportunity for students to explore some of our nation's most important historical sites while experiencing incomparable learning moments. This trip is limited in space and after the initial seats are filled, students will be added to a waitlist for the trip. Please note that waitlisted students could still make the trip if additional seats come open. Click here to learn more and/or to be added to the waitlist. This trip is not run by the school or the PTO and is teacher run as an elective opportunity. Please contact Paul Harper at paul.w.harper@gmail.com if you have questions!
PTO/iGNITE! IS THRILLED TO SUPPORT BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
Battle of the Books is a reading enrichment opportunity (funded with your iGNITE! donations) available to all WJHS students. As part of a team, students read books from a list of award-winning and highly recommended titles. The program culminates in a Kahoot "Battle" to determine which team knows the books best. Students are encouraged to form teams of 4–6 students in either grade or they can register individually and teachers will help form teams.
CAFETERIA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT LUNCH
The cafeteria needs parent volunteers! Spend 90 minutes of your day helping the school, while viewing your child from a distance (we promise they won't even know you're there!). Come at the scheduled time, check in with the cafeteria staff, and they will let you know where they need the help. You will not need to cook, simply give food to the kids. You are done once 6th period lunch is finished. Please tie your hair back or pop on a cap, otherwise the hairnet may be your only option... You've been warned! :)
District Update
Parent Education Event
Make plans now to join us for our next Parent Education event, which will be part one of a three part series centered around supporting inclusivity and approaching difficult conversations at home. The topic for part one is “Talking with Your Teen About LGBTQ+ Identities.” This event will be held next Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 11 am. Parents can participate virtually via Zoom or watch the recording afterward. APlease click here to register for this event and click here for the full schedule of the 2022-23 parent education events.
Additionally, we invite our families to check out the additional Parent Education events presented by the Family Action Network (FAN). Please click here for more information on FAN and click here for upcoming FAN events.
Board of Education Meeting – Monday, Dec. 12
The Board of Education will hold its regular monthly business meeting on Monday, Dec. 12 at 7 pm at the Mikaelian Education Center. The meeting will begin with a public hearing on the 2022 Tax Levy. The Board will then hear committee reports, consider summer construction and air conditioning renovation bids, as well as hear a presentation on five-year financial projections during the regular business portion of the meeting. Click here for access to the complete meeting agenda and materials.
Shine on 39
This edition of “Shine on 39” showcases our outstanding music educators. Music is an important component in the complete and holistic education that we provide in District 39 and we are excited to highlight the important work that is being done in our music rooms!
Community News
LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
New Trier is offering Beyond Diversity for Community Members. The sessions will be on December 9 and 10 at New Trier Northfield Campus from 8:30-3:30. Participants must attend both days. These sessions are specifically designed for community members.
Christmas Brasstacular: Festive music performed by the Lakeshore Brass Ensemble will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on December 18th at 3:00 pm. The concert is free. Register for tickets here.
Loyola Youth Lacrosse Program is taking registrations for students in Kdg-8th grades. Contqact Greg Sprenzel for more information.
New Trier Township offers a Food Pantry 10am - 4pm weekdays for families that live/work in the township. NT Township also offers Emergency Financial Assistance, Legal Aid Clinic, property tax assistance, social service referrals and other available resources. Go to www.newtriertownship.com for more information.
Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
"Best Step Tutoring” offers free online tutoring for PreK-12 grades.
Cub Scout Pack 10: Dens 3 (Lions) & 4 (Tigers) is West Wilmette's local troop for Kdg - 1st graders. Email: thirdson88@yahoo.com for more information
HMS/WJHS: For 6th - 8th grade girls
SKATE FOR GIRLS aims to decrease the gender gap in STEM by teaching math through figure skating. Girls can skate weekly for FREE at Centennial Ice Rink on Sundays, January 15-Feburary 19, 1:00 - 3:30 pm. Register at www.skateforgirls.org
Wilmette Junior High School
Email: office-wjhs@wilmette39.org
Website: http://wjhs.wilmette39.org/
Location: 620 Locust Rd, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-512-6600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Highcrest-MSWilmette-JH-516430278443448
Twitter: @hawkwolf39
Principal at Wilmette Junior High School; love being an educator and working with young people; value spending time with friends and family