October 14, 2019
October 14th (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day) - School is in Session
Parent/Guardian Contact Information
In our efforts to keep our student and family contact information current, we are asking that our Brooks families please fill out the ink below.
Some of you have expressed concern about not receiving information, so we want to be sure we are able to reach you!
We appreciate your help in keeping your mailing, telephone and email contact information valid and up to date.
District 97 Emergency Data Form
Thank you for completing this form as soon as possible.
Important Health Office Reminder
If you will not have your examination form in by this deadline you must contact Nurse Nancy Radogno as soon as possible in order for your student to be exempt from school exclusion. For questions or concerns, please contact Nurse Nancy at nradogno@op97.org.
The required information as follows:
Physical examinations are required of all students entering 6th grade and must be recorded on the State of Illinois Certificate of Child Health Examination form (School Physical Form).
Parents must complete the health history section at the top of page two and sign it.
Required immunizations for 6th grade:
Tdap: One dose of Tdap for all students entering 6th grade
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine: One dose received on or after the 11th birthday for all students entering 6th grade
Varicella: Two doses of varicella
Hepatitis B: Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
Families who are requesting a religious exemption to immunizations or examinations but have the Certificate of Religious Exemption to Required Immunizations and/or Examination Form completed by the parent/legal guardian AND the child’s health care provider.
Completed Certificate of Child Health Examinations could be faxed, emailed or brought to the office before the end of the school day on October 15, 2019.
Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences
Teacher teams will begin to contact parent/guardians via email on Monday, October 14th to select an appointment time for Thursday 10/24/19 between 12:40pm and 8pm.
Thursday, Oct 24, 2019, 12:30 PM
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, South Kenilworth Avenue, Oak Park, IL, USA
Oct. 15 Board Meeting - GTD Update
Families are invited to hear an update on recent changes to the district's GTD (Gifted, Talented and Differentiation) services to increase access to math enrichment for all students. The administration will also update the board on the implementation of the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act.
SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE TEAM UPDATE
Last week all of our teams revealed their Team Identities, Flags, and Chants. All of the team flags have been printed onto removable stickers for student Chromebooks. These will be distributed in advisory on Monday. Check out your child’s Team Flag and Identity!
We are now in the middle of our first all-school HERO goal. If a student decides to carry a bag during the school day, they will carry the appropriately sized bag during the school day. Given that student's textbooks are all accessible through their Chromebooks, there are limited items that students need to carry with them during the school day. Many students will gather their Chromebook and folders needed for their morning classes, stop at their lockers before and after lunch and then gather their folders for their afternoon classes. Typically students will visit their lockers at the start of the day, before and after lunch and then again at the end of the day.
The WHY behind the expectation, which links to our student expectations of BE SAFE:
Large backpacks in the stairwell bump into others potentially causing students to be pushed off balance and getting hurt in the stairwells (which has been the experience in previous years)
Large backpacks take up too much room in the classrooms because they do not easily fit hanging on a chair or under the desk, which leaves them on the floor making walking through the classroom spaces difficult and creates tripping hazards.
They promote disorganization, instead of promoting the development of planning ahead skills.
The appropriate size bag is either a cinch sack or small backpack (no larger than 18" high x 14" wide x 6" deep). If we meet our goal of 99% of student carrying the appropriate sized bag ,we will celebrate during school on November 8th. The celebration will also coincide with this year’s first opening of the School Store on November 7th.
This week we are also instituting Brooks Bucks that kids can earn for following the posted Brooks Student Expectations. These bucks can be redeemed at the School Store along with HERO points.
Home Avenue bridge scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Author Visits Brooks School
Author, Kekla Magoon, will visit Brooks students on October 23rd. She will speak to all of our 8th grade students, but all students will have the opportunity to purchase an autographed copy of her new book, Light It Up, which comes out on October 22nd.
Order forms will be available at school, but HERE is an order form if you’d like to check it out.
The PTO Book Fair through Anderson’s Bookshop is coming up the week of conferences, October 21-25. Students will visit one day during that week through classes. The fair will also be open the night of evening conferences.
The Mindful Middle Schoolers Program - October 17th at Brooks Middle School
Join us October 17 for The Mindful Middle-Schoolers talk in partnership with DePaul Family and Community Services.
In partnership with DePaul Family and Community Services, join us on Thursday, October 17 from 6:30 - 8:00 at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School for a discussion on Understanding depression in youth and strategies for treatment and support. How do we recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in youth? What strategies and treatments are available to support youth who are struggling with depression?
DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, plan to offer a series of community talks to the Brooks/Julian middle school communities during the 2019-2020 school year as part of The Mindful Middle Schoolers Program. All are welcome (parents, school staff, students, community members).
Attached is a flyer that outlines additional future Mindful Middle Schooler Programming. Below is an image of the flyer.
Monster Mash Bash - All School Halloween Dance
Monster Mash Bash - All School Halloween Dance
October 18 - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Open to ALL Brooks 6th-8th Graders
Tickets on sale starting October 1!
Brooks Service Club October Food Drive
Halloween Costume Expectations
As part of our Service Club Food Drive, our Brooks students may dress up for Halloween by donating a $1 or a non-perishable food item to their advisory teacher now through October 31st.
Our goal is to create a positive learning environment where all students, staff and families feel a sense of belonging. In that spirit, we ask that you take care to ensure that your child’s costume choice does not portray a stereotypical image of any group of people or culture, or be offensive to any one racial, ethnic or religious group. We appreciate you being proactive with your child in making thoughtful costume choices. In addition, we ask that students do not wear masks or costumes that cover their face. Students may not bring weapons, use blood or gore, baby bottles or pacifiers and must comply with the district dress code.
To support you in your conversation with your child and to build your understanding around this topic, we have compiled links to resources below that you may find helpful. Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.
https://www.op97.org/communications/news/1667045/letter-to-d97-families-regarding-halloween-costumes
Using the Canvas Calendar as an Observer
If you are looking for one place to see when your student has assignments due, check out the Canvas Calendar. The assignments will be linked on the Canvas Calendar on the day they are due.
Click the link below for detailed directions on how to use the Canvas calendar.
Internet for All Program
Purchase your Yearbook Today!
Fall 2019 Promotional Discounts For Yearbooks
The Fall is a great time for you and your school community to order yearbooks! You will receive these discounts when ordering early in the school year:
October 1st - October 31st = 10% use code: 1014096931934358
November 1st - November 30th = 5%
During the months of August, September, October, and November when placing online orders the price of the book will reflect these discounts. The discount is calculated on the cost of the yearbook and does not apply to hardcover upgrades or extra custom pages.
Chromebook Repairs / Chargers
Repairs - If your student issued Chromebook is experiencing issues, please have your teacher write your student a pass to the Media Center to see the School Technician. The Technician will check in the Chromebook for repair. A repair can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on the issue. But our goal is to return the Chromebooks as soon as possible. Students can request printed copies of any assignments from their teachers during this time. When the students Chromebook is ready, the office receives it from the School Technician and the information will be listed on the daily Chromebook Spreadsheet for teachers to check. Students can ask their teachers to look at the Chromebook spreadsheet to see if their Chromebook is listed or they can stop by the main office at the start/end of day, on their way to/from PE or Lunch.
Chargers - If your student has lost their school issued charger, your may purchase a new charger online via Revtrak or by cash or check in the main office.
GBMS Library/Media Center
Library is also open during each lunch period starting the week of September 9th. Students need to request a pass from a teacher BEFORE their lunch period and can go to the library during the social time of their lunch period.
Breakfast, Special Hot Lunch Opportunities and Menus
Ordering Special Hot Lunch offerings for your Student
Please visit our website to learn how to participate in
- PTO Starship Lunches on Tuesdays starts 9/17.
- BRAVO PRE-ORDERED Pizza lunches starts THIS Friday, 9/13.
Student IDs - Visible at all times while in the building
Our expectation is that students have their ID's visible at all times when in the building. We have 900+ student and not every staff member know each and every student. For safety, our expectation is that a student ID is visible at all times. Should a student forget their ID at home, their first period teacher will issue a temporary ID sticker that can be worn throughout the day.
Physical Education Uniforms
To order a Gym uniform you may do so online using Revtrak
or in person in the main office using cash or check.
Contact Ms. Colbert the main office at (708) 524-3050 or at mcolbert@op97.org for further information
School Picture Information
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- Student-Led Conferences: Thursday, October 24th from 12:45pm to 8pm
- End of Trimester 1: Friday, November 15th
- Trimester 1 Report Card: Friday, December 6th
PTO NEWS
PTO Business meeting
Join us on Monday, November 11 at 6:00 pm in the Brook’s library for our PTO business meeting.
Want to Donate to the PTO?
You can donate $10 or more to help pay for things like teacher grants, need-based scholarships and other enrichment activities. Please consider a matching gift donation from your employer.
Last month, the PTO funded a Teacher Grant to Ms. Maggio to add flexible seating to her classroom.
Staff Appreciation Dinner October 24
Let the Brook’s staff know how much we appreciate them teaching and mentoring our not-always-so-easy middle schoolers by providing dinner for them during conferences! You can sign up to drop off beverages, dessert, etc, or to help serve the meal! All help is appreciated! See the sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849aeac2daa8-brooks5
GBMS BOOK FAIR
What’s for Dinner?
The PTO has the answer for Tuesday, October 15. Buona Beef (both the Oak Park and Berwyn locations) will be donating 20% of all orders from 10:30am to 10:00pm to the Brooks PTO. Just show the flier for your location (on your phone is fine). Delivery orders not included.
7025 W North Ave, Oak Park location
Coffee with Capuder
Washington D. C. Trip
Trip Dates: Washington, DC - Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16, 2020 (Presidents' Day Weekend)
If you have questions, please email Janorisè Robinson at dctripbrooksjulian@gmail.com.
Brooks Spirit Wear
Brooks spirit wear can be ordered at any time by visiting this website.
Orders will be shipped to your home!
Snack time -- again??
Looking for something to help your kids chill out when they get home? We've got you covered. This month's snack suggestion is... frozen fruit!
fresh vs. frozen,
a quick comparison prep nutrients texture fresh
requires washing & cutting packed with good stuff varies
frozen (mostly) ready-to-eat just as packed can get mushy if frozen and then thawed; best to eat frozen Go for some…
- grapes (go for the green! The skin on red grapes gets kinda bitter.) Grapes transform into little sweet orbs when they're frozen!
- blueberries — nutritional powerhouse! Sweet and delicious! And when they're frozen, they're not mushy…
- mango — frozen mango is somehow rich and almost creamy…. leave it out to thaw for a few minutes before eating. (You can buy frozen prepped mango at the grocery store.)
- clementines -- easiest to peel first and then freeze. Oh boy -- Dreamsicle, anyone? All the taste and none of the added sugar or artificial junk. Mmmm…
- raspberries -- these little frozen sweeties just melt in your mouth.
Thanks for spoonuniversity.com for info and ideas!
Volunteer with the Brook’s PTO
The PTO is committed to enriching the experience of students at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School through supporting a positive school environment, facilitating the development of positive relationships within the community, advancing school equity initiatives, and creating an environment where all students have access to school resources and opportunities.
We have an opening for an 8th Grade VP. This role helps plan 8th grade dance and a winter staff appreciation dinner.
Email the PTO BoardEmail gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions!
Clubs and Sports Information
Math Team
Open to 6 - 8 grade students.
Art Club
Meets Thursday’s from 3:30-4:30 October- March in D301. Free and open to all students.
Mrs. Murray will offer a variety of materials and techniques. Come when you can and be ready to explore your own ideas, work at your own pace, and make new friends in a creative environment just for artists! Art club is FREE!
Yearbook Club
Meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month. Room B202 Beginning in October and ends in April.
Everyone is welcome to join GBMS Yearbook Club. We are looking for students to assist us in recording the student activities & events of the 2019-2020 school year!
For more information please contact Meaghan Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org or Marsha Turner Reid at mturnerreid@op97.org
Service Club
First meeting is Friday's, 8am in room B209. Service club meets every Friday morning.
Orff Ensemble
OPEF VEX Robotics
This year we are offering two cool programs for D97 middle school kids to enjoy. We look forward to another exciting VEX Robotics season at both Julian and Brooks.
- The In-House Club is designed for students with little or no experience with robotics and for students who cannot commit to the long season of our Competitive League.
- The Robotics Competitive League is an intensive program for the dedicated technology student, especially those who want to take their experience with VEX Robotics and programming to the next level.
To sign up or learn more information about our programs, visit our OPEF VEX Robotics page at https://www.opef.org/programs/vex-robotics/
Brooks in-house contact - Brian Shinners, bshinners@op97.org
Ultimate Frisbee
This recreational Frisbee Club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays to play from 3:30p to 4:30p. For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org or Coach Guerino at tguerino@op97.org - Please note practices may be cancelled due to weather.
Eco EAGLES
Students who are passionate about helping the environment, gardening, saving endangered species or who just want to do interesting things outdoors should check out the ECO EAGLES, the Brooks ecology club. We have made award-winning films, gone on cool field trips, implemented fun fundraisers and raised awareness about many different issues. We are open to whatever you are interested in, so join us! For more information contact lstamp@op97.org
Spoken Word Club
For more information contact mlee@op97.org
Rainbow Tribe
Girls on the RISE - 6th Grade Girls & 7th Grade Girls
The 6th Grade Girls group's 6th Grade Girls meets on Tuesdays, from 3:30pm to 5:00 pm in room C105.
The 7th Grade Girls group's meets on Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 5:00 pm in room C105.
The 8th Grade Girls group will begin meeting on January 15th, 2020.
For more information contact Dominique Hickman at dhickman@oakparktownship.org
Chess Club
Play chess games against other club members..checkmate!
Singing Groups Offered at Brooks (extra-curricular and co-curricular)
The Women's Ensemble (name TBD)
This group will be made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students whose voices present as female. Individuals are admitted to the highly popular co-curricular groups through an audition process in September. *Students do NOT have to be enrolled in Band, Chorus or Orchestra curricular classes to audition for these groups*. The repertoire for this group will include vocal jazz, showtunes, pop, and classic choral literature.
This group will rehearse Tuesdays from 8-8:50 am.
The Men's Ensemble (name TBD)
This group will be made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students whose voices present as male. Individuals are admitted to the highly popular co-curricular groups through an audition process in September. *Students do NOT have to be enrolled in Band, Chorus or Orchestra curricular classes to audition for these groups*. The repertoire for this group will include vocal jazz, showtunes, pop, and classic choral literature.
- This group will rehearse Wednesdays from 8-8:50 am.
The Select Mixed Ensemble (name TBD)
This is an extra-curricular choir made up of 7th, and 8th grade students that focuses on vocal jazz, showtunes, pop, and classic choral literature. Individuals are admitted to the highly popular co-curricular groups through an audition process in September (and possibly a re-audition in December). Students involved in this top group must be enrolled in Band, Chorus or Orchestra during the day, and will be asked to sing with one of the other extra-curricular choirs.
- This group will rehearse Thursdays from 8-8:50 am.
For more information contact Mr. Blackman at fblackman@op97.org
Girls Basketball
Practice Schedule
Mon 10/14 3:40 - 5
Wed 10/16 3:40 - 5
Mon 10/21 3:40 - 5
Tues 10/22 3:40 - 5
(Varsity practice)
Wed 10/23 3:40 - 5
(JV practice)
Thurs 10/24 3:40 - 5
(If necessary, if either team win)
Game Schedule
Mon. 10/15
Home vs. Northlake 4pm - 6pm
Tue. 10/17
Away vs. Heritage 4p.-6p
For more information contact Coach Brown at kbrown@op97.org
Boys Basketball
Thur 10/17 & 18
3:40pm - 5:30pm
For more information contact: Coach Darren Haus at dhaus@op97.org
BRAVO
Rehearsal
10/14- 10/17
Mon - Fri - 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Best Buddies - Wednesday, 10/23
Best Buddies - Wednesday, 10/23 All students interested in learning more about Best Buddies, meet in the commons after-school from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.
Music Department Fundraiser
In order to help our students fund their Cleveland Music Trip this year, our students are participating in fundraising efforts. You can place orders directly with the student by check or cash or we accept online orders as well.
When ordering online go to:
and enter the code 46101, Brooks will pop up. If you click Brooks, it will ask you the name and grade of the student you are purchasing from. After that, it takes you to the site and you can choose from the abundant riches of chocolate and cookie dough.
If you have any questions, please contact any of our Music Directors.
Andrew Davis - Band Director adavis@op97.org
Frank Blackman - Choral Director fblackman@op97.org
Fernando Carrillo - Orchestra Director fcarrillo@op97.org
BRAVO Presents ... SPELLING BEE
Don’t miss this hilarious and heart-warming musical!
BRAVO Dance Studio
We are now offering 3 Sessions of Dance Studio!
Dates and Times are subject to change
2nd Session: December 2 – February 19
3rd Session: February 24 – April 15
1st Session Dance Studio Contract & Permission to Participate Form
Registration is DUE no later than SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
BRAVO Guitar Club
Mondays 3:30pm-5pm
Learn basic guitar chords or work on advancing your guitar skills. Beginners and Advanced guitar players welcome!
1st Session – September 16 – November 18
2nd Session: December 2 – February 17
3rd Session: February 24 – April 13
Contract and Permission to Participate Form
Forms must be turned in to the BRAVO Office (D103)
Information located outside the BRAVO! Office
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
BRAVO NEW THIS YEAR: IMPROV Club & Film Club
IMPROV CLUB
Tuesdays from 3:30pm-4:45pm
September 17 - December 17
Improv (Improvisation) is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment. Improv is spontaneous, entertaining, and fun!
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
FILM CLUB
Thursdays – 3:30pm-4:45pm
October 3 - December 19
Learn how to write a story board, take video and edit material into a short film.
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
Community Programs
Distribution of information by a community group in accordance with District 97 policy does not imply, directly or indirectly, that the group's program(s), event(s) and/or services(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.
Attendance of Children at OPRF Sporting Events
Oak Park and River Forest High School recently implemented a new rule when attending athletic events. Effective immediately, children ages 11 and younger will not be allowed to attend athletic events at OPRF unless they are accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. Please click here for the full message from the high school.
Free Water Skills/Safety Course through YMCA
Fall II Session: 10/28/19 through 12/22/19
Monday: 6:35 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday: 6:20 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 5:50 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 6:20 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:10 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.
Sunday: 10:35 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
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