Middle Matters
Week of November 8, 2021
In This Issue
Highlights from this week's Middle Matters:
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Vaccination Clinics--11 Year olds
- Spirit Day Wednesday, November 10th
- GBMS Student Spectator Opportunities
- Music Performances- Mark Your Calendars!
- OPEF Poetry Slam
- Please Complete 1-Minute Survey for D97 Grant Opportunity
- PTO Sponsored Anderson’s Bookshop Virtual Book Fair (Repeat)
- Middle-schoolers ‘lead with love’ in John Lewis series - OPPL Tuesday, November 16 (Repeat)
- DePaul Mental Health Fall Talks (Repeat)
- GBMS Yearbook Information (Repeat)
- CANVAS & POWERSCHOOL QUICK REFERENCE RESOURCES (Repeat)
- Submitting your Student's COVID-19 Vaccination Card (Repeat)
- Illinois SHIELD Testing (Repeat)
- Middle School Clubs Meeting Days and Times (Updated weekly)
- Student Announcements (Updated weekly)
- From the Library (Updated weekly)
Highlights from GBMS PTO and District
- PTO News
- District News
- Partnership with D97 and DePaul University - Care Coordinator
- 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
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, Nov 8 - A Day; Tuesday, Nov 9 - B Day; Wednesday, Nov 10 - A Day, Thursday, Nov 11 - B Day, Friday, Nov 12 - C Day
School Spirit Day: Wednesday, November 10
End of Trimester 1: Friday, November 19th
Winter Music Performances: Choir-December 7th, Orchestra-14th, Band 16th
Trimester 1 Report Card Emailed Home: Friday, December 10th
Vaccination Clinics--11 Year olds
he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently approved the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. District 97 is proud to partner with the Oak Park Department of Public Health to host eight COVID-19 vaccine clinics—one at each of our elementary schools—starting Tuesday, Nov. 9, and continuing through Friday, Nov. 12.
Vaccinations are by appointment only on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are only available for District 97 students ages 5 to 11. We ask that families only register if they plan to attend the clinics.
Middle school students who are 11 years old should register at their home elementary school. The health department will work to link families with multiple students so their appointments are close together. Parents of children who may require special accommodations should contact their school nurse or principal for further assistance.
BROOKS FEEDER CLINIC DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS
All clinics will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the last appointment at 8:45 p.m. The second dose appointment will be automatically scheduled for the same time and location on the second dose date. You will receive email confirmation for your second dose upon checking in for your first appointment.
Hatch Elementary School, 1000 N. Ridgeland Ave.
Date: Thursday, November 11 (second dose on Thursday, December 2)
Registration Link: https://pod.oak-park.us/61a
Holmes Elementary School, 508 N. Kenilworth Ave.
Date: Friday, November 12 (second dose on Friday, December 3)
Registration Link: https://pod.oak-park.us/63a
Lincoln Elementary School, 1111 S. Grove Ave.
Date: Tuesday, November 9 (second dose on Tuesday, November 30)
Registration Link: https://pod.oak-park.us/56a
Whittier Elementary School, 715 N. Harvey Ave.
Date: Friday, November 12 (second dose on Friday, December 3)
Registration Link: https://pod.oak-park.us/62a
*In order to keep appointments reserved for District 97 students, we ask that families refrain from forwarding the links or posting them to social media. Thank you!
Here’s what you need to know for the day of the clinic:
A parent or guardian must be present for a student to receive the vaccine.
Once you register, you should receive an email and/or text confirmation from the health department regarding your vaccine appointment. The message will include a QR Code as well as the exact time of your appointment. You must have the QR code available when you enter the clinic, either printed or on your phone.
Students will be required to sit in a designated waiting area for 15 minutes following their vaccination.
Photos will not be permitted in the building. In addition to privacy concerns, taking photos may slow down the vaccination process and make it more difficult to adhere to social distancing.
Parking is extremely limited around the schools, so families are encouraged to walk, if possible.
Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s authorization for the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children age 5 to 11 marks an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19 as it allows a vulnerable population to gain the protection provided by the highly-effective vaccines that until now had only been available to individuals age 12 and older.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine visit www.vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233. For more information about COVID-19 vaccination opportunities in Oak Park, visit www.oak-park.us/vaccine.
Oak Park residents who need assistance getting a vaccine can email the Health Department at covid19vaccine@oak-park.us or call 708-358-5499.
Tips to manage fear of needles: https://www.ahchealthenews.com/2021/11/05/5-tips-to-manage-a-fear-of-needles/
Spirit Day Wednesday, November 10th
Let's celebrate the success of the girls basketball team and cheer on the boys basketball team in their first game of the year as they play our cross town rival Julian on Wednesday! Wear your Brooks wear gear or blue/white to school to show your support!
GBMS Student Spectator Opportunities
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
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/CAST performances
Band, orchestra and choir performances (coming in December)
All of these events will follow strict safety guidelines, including:
Limited capacity in order to maximize social distancing. In most cases, student families will only be allowed two tickets each.
All family spectators must be vaccinated.
Face masks will be required at all times.
Physical distance will be maximized, to the extent possible (at least 3 feet between households).
Utilizing multiple entrances/exits so that people are not crowded getting into or out of the auditorium/gymnasium.
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.
Music Performances- Mark Your Calendars!
We are excited to announce the Brooks Choir, Band and Orchestra Programs will be holding live concerts with an audience in attendance!
The students have been working hard since the beginning of the year preparing for "a concert" without knowing what that would look like. It is refreshing to officially set our sights on executing a fantastic live performance.
- Choir: Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 at 7pm
- Orchestra: Thursday, December 14th, 2021 at 7pm
- Band: Tuesday, December 16th, 2021 at 6:30pm
In order to attend, one must be
A. A parent/guardian of a music student (2 attendees per student) and
B. Vaccinated and able to show proof of vaccination
We will share more info as soon as we know how we will be distributing tickets to performers' families and collecting attendee vaccination verification.
Our music department is excited to share what our students have been working on this school year!
Let's Hear It For OPEF Poetry Slam!
On Friday, Oct. 29 these young students spread their wings, got brave and opened a dialog with their peers through the lines of their spoken word poems in a poetry slam at Brooks. Their fearless leader, the one and only Miss Mo, a teaching artist for OPEF, works with each grade to help students find their inner voice and light. Bravo to the students and Miss Mo for an unforgettable slam!
Please Complete 1-Minute Survey for D97 Grant Opportunity
Please complete a brief, one-minute survey that will allow us to take advantage of a federal grant to support student technology needs.
On June 15, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program to provide up to $7.17 billion in support to schools and libraries for the purchase of laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots for use by students, school staff, and library patrons who would otherwise lack connected devices and/or broadband connections sufficient to fully engage in learning outside the school day.
In order to take advantage of this grant opportunity, District 97 is required to administer a brief survey to all second- through eighth-grade students/families and instructional staff (teachers, coaches, and teacher assistants). Upon the completion of the survey, the district will be eligible to finalize the filing for the grant award, which would provide up to approximately $1.4 million dollars to cover the cost of devices to support students and staff during remote learning situations.
Families should complete one survey for each student who is enrolled in Grades 2 through 8 for the 2021-22 school year. The deadline is Wednesday, November 24.
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 2: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7-8:30 p.m.
Book 3: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
Find all details and register at oppl.org/march.
DePaul Mental Health Fall Talks (Repeat)
Free Mental Health Fall Talks focused on a variety of mental health topics.
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!
CANVAS & POWERSCHOOL QUICK REFERENCE RESOURCES (Repeat)
CANVAS
Canvas is our Learning Management System that all teachers will be using to post the learning resources for their students. The student’s Canvas username and password to login to Canvas is the same as last year if your student is a 7th or 8th grader or if your student is a 6th grader, it was provided to you when you picked up your student’s Chromebook . If your student doesn’t know their username or password, please contact Minerva Colbert (mcolbert@op97.org). To login to CANVAS go to op97.instructure.com
CANVAS OBSERVER ACCOUNT
To be able to view your student’s Dashboard List View that outlines all the assignments that will be worked on in each of their courses, as well as to see what has been turned in, you will need to create an observer account. Here are the directions to do this. Here is a slide deck that includes an overview video that may be helpful. Additionally, Here is the Canvas Parent/Guardian (Observer) Guide. Here is a quick overview outlining key features of Canvas that will help families and students access the learning materials as well as see what has been submitted. To login to CANVAS go to op97.instructure.com
POWERSCHOOL
Here is a slide deck that compares Canvas and PowerSchool and provides tips for parents/guardians to support your student. Canvas is our Learning Management system where all lesson materials are posted and assignments are submitted. PowerSchool is where grades are posted for those assignments submitted to canvas that teachers decide will be used as evidence of learning. During the first week of school, parents/guardians will receive your student's access ID and password, which will enable you to create a parent/guardian account. Here is a slide deck and PowerSchool overview video that my be helpful.
QUICK REFERENCE RESOURCES
Canvas (Learning management system for Grades 6-8) Overview Video Slides
PowerSchool Quick Reference Overview Video Slides
Google Tools (Operating Drive, Documents and sharing) Video Slides
Securly (Student safety and device management tool) Video Slides
This information is also posted at the bottom of our GBMS Learning SY21-22 Information page for future reference.
Submitting Your Student's COVID-19 Vaccination Card (Repeat)
If for any reason your student is less than 3 feet when masked or less than 6 feet when unmasked from a positive case inside the school, your student would be considered a close contact and required to quarantine and not attend school, unless your student has been fully vaccinated and is asymptomatic.
Illinois SHIELD Testing (Repeat)
Brooks Middle School will begin their weekly SHIELD testing on Wednesday, September 8th. Students will be tested each Wednesday. Students will be tested during their elective class period each week (PE/Health, Art, Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and SDD) as outlined below:
- 6th Grade - between 9:50am and 10:15am
- 7th Grade - between 3:00pm and 3:30pm
- 8th Grade - between 11:04am and 11:34am
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.
Middle School Clubs Starting and Meeting Days/Times
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. We will have games next week Monday November 15th at 3:30-4:30 and Thursday November 18th 7:30am-8:30am Schedule Link
- Best Buddies: We had fun this week making cards for Thanksgiving and playing some games. Join us next Wednesday 11/17 at 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): Our next Rainbow Tribe meeting will be on Monday November 8th! We will be signing people up for a book club (voluntary) with the Oak Park Public Library, hearing about the lunch and learn, and more! 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! Our first competition at Fenwick will be on 11/15. Email Ms. Smith with any questions at esmith3@op97.org
- BEAT: Meeting on TUESDAY! We’ll be going outside to finish up garden maintenance and also talk about projects going forward. We’ll also get an update on the climate change conference going on in Scotland now.
- 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. Next meeting is **Thursday, November 18th** at 3:30-4:30 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: 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 welcome too! Meet Wednesday’s 3:30 -4:45 B202 Mrs. Rodriguez trodriguez@op97.org
- Art Club: This week, “Warhol will meet on Thursday at 3:30-4:30. Students in Art club should all have a Canvas Art Club course. Contact Mrs. Murray with any questions in D301 or kmurray@op97.org
- Service Club: We meet every Friday at 8:00am in room B208. Everyone is welcome! Contact Ms. Martinez at bmartinez@op97.org, or Ms. Walsh at swalsh@op97.org, if you have questions.
- Extra-Curricular Choirs
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
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
***Still Accepting New Members, if you want to audition find Mr. Blackman in D105 or email him at fblackman@op97.org ****
For more information regarding the:
Thank You! from B.E.A.T.
Student Announcements (Repeat)
From the Library:
Weekly Featured Novel (NEW)
Elatsoe by Ravina Cai
Click HERE to learn about the book and listen to chapter 1!
Check your gmail to see IF you have any overdue books. If you DO NOT have a notice in GMAIL, you have NO overdue books. Canvas messages were sent only to remind you to check your gmail. (NEW)
How to place a hold on a library book
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”
Oak Park Public Library Opportunities:
PTO Weekly Communication
Brooks PTO Business Meeting
Join us virtually on Monday, November 8th at 6pm for the next Brooks PTO Business Meeting. We will be discussing our budget and fundraising opportunities. Zoom info:
https://mcmastercarr.zoom.us/j/98202294987
Meeting ID: 982 0229 4987
The PTO can't exist without YOU!
Do you want to have the inside scoop on what is going on at Brooks and D97? Do you want to make our school better than it ever as we transition back to a more ‘normal’ school day? NOW is the time to get involved!! We are looking to fill positions for the 2021-2022 school year and have some critical roles open! Sign up here and email gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com with any questions! We look forward to hearing from 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
Partnership with D97 and DePaul University - Care Coordinator
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)
COVID-19 Symptom Checklist and Instructions for Symptomatic Students (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
Youth Mentoring Programs
- MEP meetings will be held on Wednesdays, from 3:30-6:30p, starting on November 15th
- STARS programming will be held on Thursdays, from 3:30-5:30p.
Friday Night Place at Julian Middle School
OPEF - Looking for Student Artists
Let the creative ideas flow! OPEF is looking for D97 Middle School student designers to take a crack at designing a new, fresh design for the front of our iconic BASE Camp t-shirts for summer BASE Camp 2022! The shirts can be spotted all over town on happy kids, proud to wear their camp shirts! Visit OPEF.org for rules and details.
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.