September 10th
Brooks News to Know
Brooks Facebook Group
Please view posts or request to join so you can create or respond to posts!
Bus Riders
ALL buses riders are required to show their ID to ride the bus. The bus company has been directed by the district office to not let anyone ride the bus after school without an ID.
We issued temporary passes outside by the buses this past week, but starting Monday 9/11, your student must go to the main office to acquire a daily temporary bus pass to ride the bus home.
If your student needs to replace their lost ID, the cost is $5 and they may get a replacement printed in the main office. Please note that if your student requests a reprinting of an ID at the end of the day, it will not be available for pick-up until the following school day.
Crossing Washington Street at dismissal
Bike Safety
Before School Help
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Everyday a Third Cold Lunch option, in additional to Salad or Sandwich ---- Pizza Kits ----- will be available.
Ordering Special Hot Lunch offerings for your Student
Please visit our website to learn how to participate in PTO Starship Lunches on Tuesdays and/or BRAVO Pizza lunches on Fridays.
GBMS Library News
Library is also open during each lunch period. Students need to request a pass from a teacher BEFORE their lunch period. This is a quiet time for reading and studying.
This year students need their Oak Park Public library card number and PIN in order to access the Oak Park Public Library Databases at school. We are recommending that they memorize it, write it down, bring it, or take a picture of it somewhere secure.
Author Visit
On September 20th author of Saving Marty, Paul Griffin, will be visiting Brooks thanks to Magic Tree Bookstore. Attached is a flyer and order form if you’d like to order a book at a discounted price.
GBMS Curriculum Night
Thursday, Sep 14, 2017, 07:00 PM
325 S Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park, IL, United States
Recognizing Staff who Make a Difference
Those Who Excel Award
Lindsey Kiska, one of our special education teaching assistant at Brooks Middle School earned - Award of Special Recognition.
Here is quote about her that was provided by the individual(s) who nominated her. “She is extremely dedicated to the students. She also extends her passion for individuals with disabilities to the community, which includes working for WSSRA and coaching a Special Olympics basketball team. She works her hardest each day to see students succeed.”
Please Reinforce at Home
BOOK BAGS and/or BACKPACKS
Book bags/Backpacks are useful for carrying materials/books to and from school. Book bags or backpacks are allowed in classrooms at the teacher’s discretion. If a Book Bag needs to be carried by the student throughout the building, a cinch sack or another smaller type bag is preferred, as the smaller the size the less congested and safer the hallways are. Book Bags/Backpacks should be stored in lockers when not in use. Lockers measure 11 by 11 inches. When purchasing book bags, particularly the ones with wheels, please keep in mind the size limitations of the locker.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (including Cell Phones)
Personal Electronic devices are not allowed out in common spaces. Teacher discretion will be used in the classrooms. Personal devices should be left on silent while in the building.
Staff will take personal electronic devices if they are seen being used in common spaces during school time in the building. Multiple infractions will require the parent to pick up the personal electronic device. As with other personal items, the school will not be responsible if the personal electronic device is stolen, lost or damaged. We strongly discourage students from bringing valuable items to school.
Strengthening Families - 11 week program
Here is Flyer.
You will Learn…- Effective Parenting Skills
- Healthy Communication
- How to Resolve Conflicts
- Stress Management Skills
- How to Set Limits
Open to families with children ages 7-17 years of age
A complete meal is provided.
Childcare and transportation is available if needed.
At no cost to families that reside in Oak Park or River Forest, proof of residency is needed.
BRAVO - Guitar Club and Dance Studio
Start on Monday, September 11
- registration forms are due to the BRAVO Office (D103) (can turn in on Monday 9/11)
- Open to ALL Brooks Students and is FREE to join!
- For more info visit: bravoperformingarts.org
ORFF Ensemble
Brooks OPEF In-House VexRobotics League Pilot
The Brooks In-House League is designed for the student new to VEX Robotics with little or
no experience with ROBOTC programming or for the student who cannot commit to the long season of our Competitive Club. Students will be taught the basics of robot design and
programming. They will then work in teams to design, build and program a VEX robot to
play in our In-House League competition, Robot Rumble.
Students will meet one day a week from 3:30–5 pm and have 2 sessions to choose from:
- Fall In-House League: Tuesdays 3:30-5 pm, 10/03-12/19 (no meeting 10/31, 11/21); Robot Rumble: 12/12
- Winter In-House League: Tuesdays 3:30-5 pm, 1/09-3/13; Robot Rumble: 3/10
There is no tryout required to join the In-House League. Students interested in knowing
more about this program are invited to attend a Student Interest Meeting after school on
September 20 in room B302. You can learn more by viewing flyer or OPEF VexRobotics website.
Student Innovation Team
Ultimate Frisbee
If you are looking to raise your competition level, the Julian club welcomes Brooks players to their meetings on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please email Mr. Seymour at aseymour@op97.org
Chess Club
EcoEagles - Meets on Tuesdays each week
Best Buddies
Next General Meeting on October 4th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in Commons
Here is calendar of dates for all Best Buddies meetings.
Service Club
Volunteers Needed
Zero Waste - Lunchroom
Zero Waste PARENT Volunteers
If you are interested and available to help guide students in placing waste in appropriate bins to jump-start our new way of sorting our waste and to help our school reduce and recycle waste that ends up in landfills, please sign up here. We are looking for 1 volunteer for 4th period to help guide our Zero Waste Student Ambassadors who just went through training on Thursday last week. However we are in need of at least 2 parent volunteers for 5th and 6th periods this upcoming week because we are still trying to recruit Zero Waste Student Ambassadors.
Zero Waste Student Ambassadors
On Wednesday, 8/23 we had Seven Generation Ahead present our new recycling system to students. At that time some students signed up to be Ambassadors. We need YOU to help GBMS minimize waste that ends up in landfills! Please complete this form if you are interested in making a difference!
Get connected to PTO
PTO Information
- The link to subscribe for families is http://eepurl.com/cgOObT
The 8th grade Washington DC trip meeting for Brooks and Julian families was moved to Tuesday, September 12 from 6pm - 7pm and will be help in the Brooks Commons/Cafeteria. The following will be discussed:
- Itinerary
- Flight and Travel arrangements
- Medication
- Luggage
- Roommates
- Packing List
- Snacks and so much more...
This is a MANDATORY meeting, so please plan to attend with your student.
**If you are not available for this meeting, please make sure you have another adult (18 or older) come to receive the information.**
If you have questions, please email Janorisè Robinson - dctripbrooksjulian@gmail.com
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