November 6th
Brooks News to Know
Oak Park Construction - Impacting Walking Routes to Brooks
- the Police Department will be assigning a CSO (Community Service Officer) to the intersection on Madison and Home during arrival/dismissal times at the beginning of the project.
- Signage will also be posted instructing students to use the west side of Home to travel to/from school.
- A Brooks staff member will also be posted at Washington/Home to insure that students cross to the west side of Home at Washington until the normal walking patterns can be changed.
Coffee with Capuder - Friday, November 10th from 8:30am to 9:30am
Here is link to upcoming topics to be discussed at Coffee with Capuder and at the PTO Community Meetings.
GBMS School Improvement Plan
Brooks Diversity and Inclusion Committee
If you missed the first Brooks Diversity and Inclusion Committee conference call but still want to be involved in leading and shaping this new initiative, please reach out to Committee Chair Renee Dixon at sheritaj75@gmail.com. Your voice is important, welcomed, and essential for success. Also, stay tuned for details on our first Engagement Event.
Sex, Drugs & SnapChat Workshop - November 8th at OPRFHS
Impact and OPRFHS Parent Connection join forces to bring you and your student(s) an engaging and interactive workshop to help you learn how to encourage your student to make healthy choices.
Workshop is on Wednesday, November 8th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in OPRFHS 2nd Floor Cafe.
Please RSVP by 11/1 to Latonia Jackson at 708-434-3008 or ljackson@oprfhs.org Childcare and translations are available by request only, 1 week prior to the event.
Here is a flyer with all the information.
NAMI - Family Education and Advocacy Series
Discussion with Professor Amanda Lewis on November 13th
Please join in for an exciting discussion with Amanda, Lewis, Author of Despite the Best Intentions: Why Racial Inequality Persists in Schools.
Discussion Topic: Going beyond good intentions to focusing on impact: How we can all work together to take action and help our schools realize our values of educational excellence with equity for all Oak Park children.
WHEN: Monday, November 13th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
WHERE: Longfellow School: 715 Highland Street, Oak Park, IL 60304
SPACE WILL BE LIMITED. Please register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYCGQTL
Here is flyer for more information.
Sponsored by D97PTO Diversity Council
Updating Family Contact Information
For Current 8th Grade Families - OPRFHS Information
December, 2017
For Students: Mandatory Star Math and Reading Assessments/World Language Placement Test at OPRF ‐ Saturday, December 2 and 9, 8:00 am. (doors open at 7:45 am)
No registration necessary for students who currently reside in Oak Park or River Forest.
A forthcoming letter will detail information regarding your student’s testing‐room assignment.
Here is a website for a parent guide to the STAR Assessments:
https://www.renaissance.com/2016/09/09/parents-guide-star-assessments/
- OPRFHS math test, including supplemental math items from retired PLAN and ACT tests. These items will focus on advanced algebra and geometry concepts that are not included on the Star math test.
Here is a website with sample test items:
http://www.neregionalschool.org/PDFs/ACT%20Plan%20Sample%20Questions.pdf
Makeup Placement test:
Tuesday, December 5, 4:00 – 7:00 pm and Saturday, January 13, 8:00– 11:00 am ‐ Registration required.
January, 2018
For Students: OPRF Student‐Life Presentations to Eighth Graders by OPRF Principal, Counselors, and Activities Staff Presentations take place at the middle schools during the school day. Dates to be determined.
For Parents/Guardians: Mandatory Incoming Freshman Enrollment Information Meetings at OPRFHS
Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 7:00 pm, Auditorium, for last names A – L
Thursday, January 25, 2018, 7:00 pm, Auditorium, for last names M – Z
Families will receive students’ placement test scores and freshman course recommendations, as well as enrollment documents.
February, 2018
For Parents/Guardians: Individual IEP Meetings for Students with Special Needs
Individually scheduled throughout February.
For Parents/Guardians & Students: Class of 2022 Open House & Freshman Course Selection
Tuesday, February 6
- Open House: 6‐8 pm, Field House & Student Center (enter at Main Entrance). Come check out OPRF, meet teachers, and learn about courses, activities, teams, sports and clubs.
- Course Selection: 6 pm, Students (with parents) meet in groups according to counselor assignment.
Further details will be mailed by OPRFHS.
Spring, 2018
Summer School Online & Mail‐in Registration ‐‐ Dates to be determined.
For Current 7th Grade Families: Springfield Trip and Washington D.C Trip Information
THANK YOU to the parents who were able to attend the Springfield and DC Parent Meeting this past week! Detailed information about both trips was emailed Wednesday evening. Early registration ends soon! If you didn't receive the information, check your spam folder and/or email Janorisè Robinson.
Trip information below:
- Springfield - Friday, April 20, 2018
- For those of you who would like to take advantage of the EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT by November 15, you will ONLY pay $49 to register.
- Refer to Brooks Group #149246
- Washington, DC - October 8-10, 2018 (Columbus Day Weekend)
For those of you who would like to take advantage of the EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT by November 17, you will ONLY pay $49 to register ($50 savings).
- Refer to Brooks Group #156121
- Payment arrangements are available.
- If you are in need of financial assistance, you may also reach out to WorldStrides to inquire about their Flag Scholarship.
If you have questions, please email Janorisè Robinson.
Thank you!
Janorisè Robinson
Parent Volunteer & Program Leader
312-241-2639Interested in ordering a Yearbook?
Brooks Facebook Group
Please view posts or request to join so you can create or respond to posts!
Let's Talk - Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
District 97 has invested in a resource called Let’s Talk that students, faculty, staff, parents/guardians and community members can use to communicate with us about our departments and services, and share feedback on important issues and topics that will shape the future of our schools and help the children we serve realize their full potential.
Here is the direct link to Brooks Let's Talk to share your question, comment, question, concern or compliment with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
You can also access additional information about the system by visiting - http://www.op97.org/news/1443643/district-97-launches-let-s-talk-communication-system.
Recognizing Staff who Make a Difference
Thank you to those who have completed this form to recognize a GBMS staff member. All individuals receive a printed certificate highlighting your appreciation for their contributions!
Please be sure your background check has been completed if you'd like to volunteer to chaperone Field Trips
Breakfast and Lunch Menus for November
SPORTING EVENTS
- Thursday, November 9th
- Friday, November 10th
CLUB OPPORTUNITIES (can join anytime)
Each club meets weekly, unless otherwise notated below.
- ORFF Ensemble from 8:00am to 8:50am in D104 (first meeting was on 9/18). Participation is open to all students - no audition required, but enrollment is limited to 40 students. Interested students can sign-up and pick up permission slips outside of the music room (D104). For additional information contact Mr. Carrillo - fcarrillo@op97.org. Still opportunity to join.
- Ultimate Frisbee from 3:30pm to 4:40pm in 3rd floor gym. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Dajani at rdajani@op97.org or Mr. Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org. (Weather Permitting)
- Math Team from 3:30-4:30 in room B204 . The club will meet each week. Students of all interest levels are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kahn at skahn@op97.org.
- Spoken Word from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm in room B205. If you have any questions, please email Mr. Lee at mlee@op97.org
Tuesdays
- EcoEagles from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in room C302. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Stamp at lstamp@op97.org.
- Chess Club from 3:30 to 4:45 in room B305. If you have any questions, please email Mr. Hausfeld at mhausfeld@op97.org.
- Vex Robotics In-House League from 3:30 to 5 pm in room B302, 10/03-12/19 (no meeting 10/31, 11/21); Robot Rumble on 12/12 . You can learn more by viewing flyer or OPEF VexRobotics website. or if you have any questions, please email Ms. Pena at tpena@op97.org
- Rainbow Tribe after school until 4:30 in 2nd floor conference room next to PE classroom. The next meeting is on Tuesday, November 7th. Schedule and permission slip found here. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Olsen at jolsen@op97.org
Wednesdays
- Ultimate Frisbee from 3:30pm to 4:40pm in 3rd floor gym. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Dajani at rdajani@op97.org or Mr. Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org. (Weather Permitting)
Best Buddies General Meeting on Wednesday, November 15th from 3:30pm to 5:00pm in Commons. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Beauprez or Ms. Touchette. Here is calendar of dates for all Best Buddies meetings.
Thursdays
- Art Club meeting from 3:30pm to 4:45pm in room D301. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Murray at kmurray@op97.org.
- Spanish Club from 3:30 to 4:30pm in room B308. Meeting this week is on November 9th. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Lagioia at vlagioia@op97.org or Ms. Villalobos at cvillalobos@op97.org.
- Yearbook Club meeting from 3:30 to 4:30pm in room B202. The club meets 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The next meeting is November 9th. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Marsha Turner-Reid at mturnerreid@op97.org or Ms. Meaghan Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org
Fridays
- Service Club from 8am to 8:45am in room B209. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Walsh at swalsh@op97.org or Ms. Martinez at bmartiez@op97.org .
Student Innovation Team
Service Club - Fall Food Drive & Care Packages for Housing Forward
Coat Drive: Your advisory will be awarded 5 points for each coat, jacket or pair of snow pants your advisory brings in and 1 point for each winter accessory, (hats, gloves, scarves). Collect your coats before it's over on Monday, November 13th!
Service Club is also collecting unused travel-size toiletries all year to make care packages for Housing Forward. Please send any donations to Ms. Walsh or Ms. Martínez.
District 97 Instrumental Music Festival
Wed, Nov. 8th @ OPRFHS Auditorium, 7 p.m.
This event will be the first concert of the year for all of our curricular bands and orchestras. This event also includes our band and orchestra students from Percy Julian Middle School. There will be rehearsals at OPRFHS on Monday, Nov. 6th (7th/8th Graders) and Wednesday, Nov. 8th (6th graders) prior to the evening concert. Both the online permission slip and/or hardcopy will be available soon! Please check concert attire requirements through your music director’s communication!
BRAVO Upcoming Events
Disneys’ The Little Mermaid Performances are November 3 - 11 - Tickets are on Sale Now!
Get connected to PTO
PTO Information
- The link to subscribe for families is http://eepurl.com/cgOObT
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
Email: acapuder@op97.org
Website: op97.org/brooks
Location: 325 S Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park, IL, United States
Phone: (708) 524-3050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/108994473138309/
Twitter: @brooksop97