FIREBIRD FORECAST
March 9, 2024
Staff Deadlines This Week
Never hesitate to reach out with a call or text (Mike's Cell 847-636-2125)
- Review ISA Info and prepare for schedule adjustments.
Review students for 5 Essential Makeup on Monday
A special thank you to Alison and Michelle for their incredible work during Social Worker Appreciation Week and every day! Your dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts make a world of difference.
Your impact is immeasurable.
Admin Update
A Big Thank You & Reflection on Our Diversity and Inclusion Event
This past Thursday marked a significant moment for our FJHS community as we welcomed Alex Lang, who delivered inspiring presentations on Diversity and Inclusion to our students. His message about empathy, understanding, and the importance of listening to each other’s stories was powerful. It encouraged many students to open up and share their own experiences, highlighting our shared humanity despite our differences.
I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone for their incredible flexibility and support. Being flexible when the assembly ran long, being there for our students, and even giving up your teaching spaces made this event possible. Your willingness to accommodate these changes and ensure everything ran smoothly did not go unnoticed.
The success of this assembly and the enriched discussions that followed in classrooms are a testament to the dedication and commitment of you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the presentation and the overall day. Your feedback is crucial as we aim to continue making FJHS a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Feedback Form5th Grade Visits: A Warm Firebird Welcome!
Our 5th-grade visit day was a resounding success, leaving both students and teachers feeling incredibly welcomed. A special shout-out to our 6th-grade team for their flexibility in adjusting their schedules to greet and present to our visitors. Your efforts made a significant difference.
Thanks to everyone who moved rooms or made accommodations to host the groups, and to those who stood in the halls to welcome the kids with open arms. The excitement was palpable, not just among the 5th graders but also among their teachers, who were thrilled to see many of their former students.
A big round of applause to our student ambassadors, Joshi and Shadel, for their exceptional planning and organization of the event. Your dedication ensured a fantastic first impression of what it means to be a part of the Firebirds.
Thank you, everyone, for making the day so special!
What’s Up this Week
Student of the Month Announcements on FYI
ISA
Content PLC
Tuesday
ISA
Wheatley and Milano at ALT
Team
Wednesday
PLT: Staff
Fine Arts forms are due to Fine Arts Teachers
Thursday
Last Day of ISA
MTSS PLC: Finalize andy Q4 Intervention Changes
Review Classroom Climate and Management Plans as they pertain to grade level behaviors.
Friday
Content PLC
Skyward Fine Arts Classes are Selected
Dance
Professional Learning Communities (PLC's)
Content PLC
MTSS PLC
SEL and Circle Prompts
- Circle Prompts
- Be sure to add the SEL lessons to your MTSS discussions this week to ensure that adequate planning is taken into account.
PLT Reminders and Info
March 13: Staff (MTSS and AVID Meet)
March 20: (Team content planning for IAR)
April 3: Choice Sessions Continuation (Pending)
Informational Updates
IAR/ISA
Illinois Science Assessment(ISA) Testing Information:
Next week we start ISA testing. Mon 3/11, Tue 3/12 and Thur 3/14 are the testing dates for all 8th graders.
Here are a few updates for all the ISA Test Administrators:
On each testing day(Mon 3/11, Tue 3/12 and Thur 3/14) please stop by Sunah’s office in the morning(I’ll be in by 6:45am) to pick up all your test materials. All staff members will sign out their testing materials and then sign back in at the end of the day. CHAIN OF CUSTODY-SIGN IN AND OUT
At the start of the day, JD will prepare all testing sessions and lock all sessions at the end of the day.
If there are any issues throughout your testing please use this chat for support: FJHS ISA Support
Due to testing the LRC will be closed during these times to accommodate any extended time or for students who require additional sessions to complete their assessment.
Please sign up to help: ISA LUNCH COVERAGE CHANGES-LRC students
ISA Makeups will be Fri 3/15 and Mon 3/18. Location: LRC
Find all important ISA information here: FJHS ISA RESOURCES
Reminders:
If you haven’t already, test administrators please print and sign the ISA Security Agreement and return to Sunah.
Please log in to the test administrator site: LINK and make sure you can get into Pearson. To log in: Username: full email; can reset password
IAR Testing Information:
Assessment Schedule:
Thursday, April 4: ELA (English Language Arts) and Math 1
Friday, April 5: ELA and Math 2
Monday, April 8: Eclipse Day (Early Dismissal Schedule)
Tuesday, April 9: Math 3 ONLY
Wednesday, April 10 - Friday, April 12: Makeup sessions for any missed assessments
Sunah sent all our IAR testing sessions and accommodations to the district. For those who have upcoming IEP or 504 meetings before April 4th, please email Sunah any changes to accommodations after your meeting so it can be updated in Pearson. Thank you!
Find all important information here: FJHS IAR RESOURCES
Reminders:
If you haven’t already, test administrators please print and sign the IAR Security Agreement and return to Sunah by Friday March 15th. Thank you!
Please log in to the test administrator site: LINK and make sure you can get into Pearson. To log in: Username: full email; can reset password. If you can’t log in please let Sunah know.
5 Essentials
Thank you for your efforts to administer the 5 Essential Survey.
Please send the following students directly to the LRC on Monday to take the 5 Essentials due to absences.
As parents begin to reach out, please ensure you keep track of which parents have submitted the 5 Essentials survey HERE noted with an “X”. Not only will your class win donuts, but the winning teacher will also receive a day of core academic coverage. Nick, Sunah, and I will each cover one of your blocks, providing you with a full day of planning time. Let's make sure to promote this in your SEL activities and to your parents. If we have a tie, we will either draw names or purchase two Sumo inflatable suits and have you battle it out.
Staff of the Month Nominations: Celebrating Excellence
Join us in recognizing outstanding staff members for February's Staff of the Month! We're looking for those who:
Motivate everyone to do their best, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
Value and celebrate everyone's uniqueness, promoting diversity.
Go beyond the surface to appreciate each student's individual story.
Nominate a deserving colleague or teacher who embodies these qualities by Tuesday, March 12, at 4:00 PM through the provided Google Form.
Don't miss the chance to highlight someone who truly makes a difference in our community!
We want to encourage staff to participate in the voting as well.
COVID-19 Guidelines (Updated)
With CDC and IDPH updates this week, we will use the following COVID-19 parameters starting on Monday, 3.11.24.
Those with COVID-19 can go back to normal activities (work and school) when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
It is encouraged that when returning to normal activities, a mask is worn.
Branching Minds Referrals and Reminders
Reminder to write referrals and also click the contact parent button under additional fields.
Call admin if a student needs to be removed. Removal requires a mandatory parent meeting to be set up to determine next steps and expectations.
Cell Phone Reminders
I want to quickly remind everyone about our new cell phone procedure starting today. Our goal is to minimize distractions in our school environment to keep our focus on learning.
To-Do's and Reminders:
Cell Phone Storage: From 7:45 AM to 2:50 PM, all student cell phones must be kept in lockers.
Focus on Education: Let's concentrate on teaching and learning rather than on spotting cell phones
Addressing Misuse: If a student is seen using a cell phone during prohibited times, please send them to the office. Do so gently, aiming to guide rather than reprimand.
Administration’s Role: Admin will not search students for phones. If a phone is seen, remind the student of our procedure kindly. If not using the phone, students can be told or escorted to place their phone in their lockers. Promoting Awareness: Instead of playing "Spot the Phone," let's focus on gently reminding students of the new rules to maintain awareness.
March Madness iReady
The top performer from each grade level will be awarded a prize, with an even grander prize awaiting the overall winner. We are considering donuts as the prize for grade level winners and possibly a pizza lunch for the overall champion.
Following spring break, we plan to organize a similar competition for math, which will take place after the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) testing.
Student Services Team
Please take time to review accommodations and BIPs for students. Needs may intensify close to spring break and it is important to follow plans closely. If you need a copy of any BIP or accommodations list, please reach out to case managers as listed on the Nest.
iReady Weekly Progress and Updates
Prior Content
Solar Eclipse Viewing on April 8 - Mark Your Calendars!
On April 8, we have a unique opportunity to observe a solar eclipse, the last one in North America until 2044. Here’s what you need to know:
Science Lessons: Coordinated around the eclipse for educational value
Schedule: Early release to allow for grade-level viewing
Safety: Solar viewing glasses provided for all staff and students
More Info Coming: Detailed plans and permission slips to be shared in March
IAR Testing
Thursday, April 4: ELA (English Language Arts) and Math 1
Friday, April 5: ELA and Math 2
Monday, April 8: Eclipse Day (Early Dismissal Schedule)
Tuesday, April 9: Math 3 ONLY
Wednesday, April 10 - Friday, April 12: Makeup sessions for any missed assessments
WIN Proposals for 2024-25
If you have an idea for a WIN, let’s chat. I would love to hear your ideas.
Please use the WIN Proposal Process that includes the WIN Enrichment Proposal Form for adding any new Jr. High WIN Enrichment classes for the 24-25 SY. All proposals for new WIN classes are due by April 30th. All proposals will be reviewed and approved based on need, and summer hours will be allocated.
Shout Outs
Reminder, let your colleagues know that you appreciate them.
- Huge thanks to Cassie Davis and the IEP team; Nina Sawica, Alison Mogge, Jen Wegloski, and Emilee Baldwin for your efforts in a recent re-evaluation. This was a huge undertaking and you guys rocked it!
- Alison Mogge & Michelle Piotrowski HAPPY SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK WEEK! YOU are amazing and your students are so lucky to have you! Thank you for all you do!!!!!!
Important Resources
Friendship Junior High School
Website: https://friendship.ccsd59.org/
Location: 550 Elizabeth Ln, Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA
Phone: (847) 593-4350
Twitter: @D59Friendship