Christian's Weekly Communication
December 21st
Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,
Jayhawks,
I want to take a minute to wish you and your families a very happy and restful holiday. I am fortunate to collaborate with a great group of parents, students, teachers, staff members, and community members that thrives upon ensuring student success. Please take time this break to recharge while celebrating with family and friends.
To our students- we desperately miss your presence. As your principal, I hope and wish you have a happy and safe holiday.
I will be consistently checking my emails throughout the winter break if any help or assistance is needed. Enjoy your break, everyone.
Principal Christian
Our Administrative Team and Staff would like to congratulate the following teachers on achieving one of the highest accomplishments in education, becoming a Nationally Board-Certified teacher! This is a major accomplishment within the realm of Education as Nationally Board-Certified teachers are recognized as the “gold standard in teacher certification.” These teachers are eligible to teach in most states (without taking additional certification exams), obtain a high level of national respect and prestige, are considered and acknowledged as top teachers in the United States of America, and are recognized at the national level, etc. The process of becoming National Board Certified is rigorous taking up to 3 years, but teachers who receive the certification are perceived as the best educators in the nation.
As Principal of Percy Julian Middle School, I am overjoyed, ecstatic, proud, and delighted to congratulate the following teachers upon achieving this high certification. Please help me celebrate the following teachers: Mrs. Adrienne Court, Mrs. Nancy Guarino, Mr. Patrick Mucha, Mr. Steve Olson, Mr. Andrew Seymour, Mr. Tim Walsh, and Mrs. Felicia Garcia! Please feel free to send them an email of celebration as your time permits. We are fortunate to have these teachers on our team!
Mrs. Felicia Garcia
- LBS (Learning Behavior Specialist)
- 7th Grade Team Leader
Mr. Steve Olson
- Design Teacher
Mrs. Adrienne Court
- Design Teacher
- Electives Team Leader
- OPTA Building Representative
While both the Julian library and Oak Park Public library are closed, readers have to be creative to get their hands on books. With an OPPL card and PIN, students can use Hoopla or Overdrive on their Chromebooks. I recommend checking out the Little Free Libraries around town. There is a local Facebook group called {Re}Book Oak Park, where you can post queries for borrowing particular books. And for purchasing, our loyal and fiercely independent book store The Book Table is a great option.
Here are some ideas for winter reading:
Please send book recommendation questions or any other queries to Ms. Winchell at jwinchell@op97.org.
Mental Health Wellness Appointments for Students
To sign up or learn more about these services, please visit https://bit.ly/3m3Xece.
If your child is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please do not use this service and instead call the Thrive 24-Hour 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.
Parent Information Session for Single Subject/Whole Grade Acceleration
For families who are seeking single subject or whole grade acceleration for the 2021-22 school year, the district will be hosting a Virtual Parent Information Session on Wednesday, January 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The session will include a presentation that outlines the process and requirements. Click here for the family letter about acceleration opportunities for the 2021-22 school year. >
Click here to view the event flyer.
Information about the District 97 Accelerated Placement Program, including definitions and timelines, can be found at http://www.op97.org/acceleration.