Julian Middle Matters Newsletter
A weekly communication from Dr. Fitzgerald
March 6, 2020
District 97 Vision
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Testing starts March 11
As is required by law, every student who is eligible to take the IAR assessment will receive a test ticket. A school’s participation rate on state assessments impacts its rate of proficiency and its annual School Report Card designation. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to calculate proficiency by dividing the number of students who met or exceeded standards on the IAR by either the number of students who tested or 95% of the number of students who should have tested, whichever is greater. Schools with less than 95% participation in state assessments are ineligible to receive the Exemplary designation. For more information about how a school's participation rate impacts rate of proficiency on a school's report card, see this from ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education)
- We had 85% of our students participate in IAR testing in Spring 2019, which is below the required rate of participation of at least 95%. The average participation rate for the state of Illinois is 98%.
The information provided by the IAR is utilized by our school and district to reflect on the impact of our instructional units, as well as provide us with information about how to enrich learning for students. It's important feedback for us about student learning.
Thank you for partnering with us to encourage your student to put forth their best effort during IAR testing. Once students complete the test, they can read silently. The school library will be closed during the administration of the test, so please remind your student to select their book ahead of time and bring it to class during the IAR testing window to read.
If your student refuses to take the assessment, we will notify you. Your student will be permitted to read a book after the teacher has read the directions to the class and students have begun the testing process.
IB Statements of Inquiry - Trimester 3
The IB MYP emphasizes the power of “the big picture.” This means that teachers work to collaboratively develop a single, central statement for each unit that captures and reflects what’s so important about what students are learning – this is called the statement of inquiry. This statement represents the greater learning our students achieve through our content, leaving a permanent mark of greater knowing and understanding that will continue to develop throughout their lives.
6th Grade Statements of Inquiry – Trimester 3
7th Grade Statements of Inquiry – Trimester 3
8th Grade Statements of Inquiry – Trimester 3
Update on Coronavirus
District 97 is continuing to monitor the news regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). We have been following recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which has been receiving guidance from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Please be assured that we are following all recommended protocols of the IDPH, which includes routine deep cleaning and disinfecting in all of our buildings. Our nurses are also reviewing hand-washing best practices with all of our students. We will continue to monitor updates about the coronavirus from local, state and federal agencies, and will keep families informed should recommendations change.
The IDPH recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, including:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
We are also recommending a comic developed by NPR and experts to help kids understand coronavirus: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
"Mindful Middle-Schoolers" Program
The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and DePaul University’s Community Counseling Center have partnered to deliver a vast array of educational and therapeutic services to staff, families, and youth. The “Mindful Middle-Schoolers Program” will offer staff training, parent workshops, groups and counseling for middle school students in Oak Park during the 2019-20 school year. To learn more about the program and upcoming talks for parents, please visit https://www.op97.org/news/1673321/mindful-middle-schoolers-community-talks-2020.
Below is a list of upcoming community talks for parents, students and staff.
Wednesday, March 4 (Brooks): Technology and mental health: strategies to promote mindful digital citizenship - http://bit.ly/2HINzVJ
Wednesday, March 11 (Julian): Social-emotional needs of today’s Middle-Schoolers - http://bit.ly/2PeaADY
Math Summer Enrichment
Students can now register for the Middle School Summer Math Enrichment program. There are a variety of classes being offered. Click here for more information.
District 97 Educator Career Fair
District 97 will host an Educator Career Fair on Friday, April 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the administration
building, 260 Madison St. Candidates will have the opportunity to speak with school principals, share their resumes and complete an online application. Event flyer >Support4U
Upcoming Events
IAR Testing - March 11-13
No School / Teacher Institute Day - Tuesday, March 17
No School / Spring Break - March 23-27
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Fitzgerald
Principal, Julian Middle School
Email: tfitzgerald@op97.org
Website: op97.org/julian
Phone: 708-524-3040