April 22, 2019
D97 News and Information
Community Café Series
The next event in Superintendent Kelley's community café series will take place on Thursday, April 25, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Buzz Café (905 S. Lombard). You can access additional information about this series by visiting http://bit.ly/2QtXotc.
Parent Café
On Saturday, April 27, there will be a parent café at the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library that will also serve as the first official meeting of the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee in D97. The event will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and food and childcare will be provided. Learn more about the event >
Students Organize Community Rally for Action Against Climate Change: Climate Comeback
Students in the Eco Eagles ecology club at Brooks Middle School have set a date for a community rally and school walkout, given that a permission slip has been completed, against climate change for April 22, Earth Day, at Scoville Park from 3:10-4:30 pm. They’ve named the rally The Climate Comeback and are encouraging all community members to participate.
The community rally and school walkout are inspired by Greta Thunberg, the 15-year-old activist whose school strikes have been followed by millions of students in Europe. On March 15, over a million students around the world walked out of school to protest their government’s lack of action on climate change.
The students at Brooks are inviting all students in Oak Park and River Forest to join them at Scoville Park. They will be leaving school at 3:10 to march to the park, where there will be student speakers and performers.
The Eco Eagles are also inviting all community members who care about this issue to attend the rally.
We need parent volunteers to assist with the march. Please email lstamp@op97.org if you can join us.
If your student wishes to participate, a permission slip must be completed.
For more information, email lstamp@op97.org and follow eco_eagles on Instagram.
Brooks Yearbook Team Needs Your Help!
With the year coming to a close very soon, Yearbook Team is working hard to design the 2018-2019 Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School Yearbook. We are looking to send out our design for publishing in the next couple weeks.
We have spent time documenting our sports teams, clubs, school events, and the school day this year, however, we could use your help to boost our photo archive. We want your photos!
Use the Yearbook Photo Submission form to easily send us photos. We look forward to seeing them.
P.S.: We specifically need photos for the following:
- Best Buddies
- Chess Club
- 8th Grade yearbook spread (DC trip)
- Springfield Trip
- Girls Basketball
- Track and Field
- Girls on the Rise
- Eco Eagles
- Service Club
- YEMBA
- Beautyshop
- Shopettes
- Boys Volleyball
Thank you!
Yearbook Team
Meaghan Pabellon
Marsha Turner-Reid
Brooks Service Club - Can Do Challenge
The service club is collecting food for the OPRF Food Pantry's Can Do Challenge.
https://www.classy.org/team/224062
We will be collecting donations between April 1st through April 30th.
Service Club is collecting travel size toiletries all year! Donations will be used to make care packages for Housing Forward. Please send any small, unopened toiletries to Ms. Walsh or Ms. Martínez. Thank you for your help!
Angst - The Movie and Panelist Event on May 22nd at Brooks 6:30pm to 9:00pm
6:30pm - 9:00pm
- 6:30pm come visit resource tables hosted by Oak Park Community Mental Health Partners
- 7:00pm to 8:15pm Sow the Movie Angst
- 8:15pm to 9:00pm Panelist Discussion
FLYER and Link to Panelist Bios
Volunteer with the Brooks PTO next year
Yearbook Ordering
https://www.treering.com/validate?PassCode=1014096931934358
If you are asked for a pass code, please use: 1014096931934358
Recognizing Staff who Make a Difference
If you or your student would like to recognize any staff member (a teacher, a teacher assistant, social worker, librarian, front office staff, lunchroom staff, custodial staff or school administrator) please take a moment to complete this form. The staff member will receive a certificate detailing the information shared through this form.
Assessment Re-Do/Re-Take Policy
Please find information regarding the student re-do/re-take policy in our Brooks Website.
Student Announcements
Upcoming event hosted by Oak Park and River Forest High School
This is some information about an upcoming event hosted by Oak Park and River Forest High School’s A Place for All (APA) club. All Middle School students are invited:
- GSA Adventure Night on Friday, May 10th from 7:00-9:30 PM. Try out our rock climbing wall, high ropes course, or just enjoy some low-key board games. Pizza provided, and the event is free! RSVP to gcolamussi@oprfhs.org if your school/group will be joining us.
Angst The Movie
6:30pm - 9:00pm
@ Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School Auditorium
- 6:30pm come visit resource tables hosted by Oak Park Community Mental Health Partners
- 7:00pm to 8:15pm Sow the Movie Angst
- 8:15pm to 9:00pm Panelist Discussion
FLYER and Link to Panelist Bios
OPPL Food Science Night
Oak Park Main Library Children's Department
MONDAYS, 6-7PM
GRADES: 4-12
April22: Find Your Taste Buds
April 29: Can You Taste Without Your Noise?
May 6:Triangle Test with Oreo Cookies
May 13: Off Brand Versus Store Brand Difference Test
May 20: Bubble Gum Lab
Teacher Appreciation Lunch
Teacher Appreciation Lunch Wednesday, May 8
Please help us thank the Brooks teachers & staff for all that they do for our students by signing up to help with the 6th grade sponsored Teacher & Staff Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, May 8th. Please go to the Sign Up Genius link here and feel free to sign up for more than one line item if you'd like. All contributions are greatly appreciated!! If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Thomas at shgt52597@aol.com.
8th Grade Dance - Volunteers Needed
Calling all 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Families - Volunteers are needed to help with this fun event on May 17th 2019.
- 8th Grade parents/guardians needed for setup (starting 1:00pm) & cleanup (9 pm);
- 6th & 7th Grade to chaperone & run the dance (8th grade chaperones also welcome).
Please join in making this a special evening for our graduating class of 2019!
Questions to: Norah Scott(norahfscott@yahoo.com) or Paula O'Connor (paula.livesey@talk21.com).
D97 Summer Math - Register Today!
June 17 - July 3, 2019
Monday through Friday
Julian Middle School
8am-10am OR 10am-12pm
For incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade D97 students
Students will:
o Review course content from the previous school year (incoming 6th, 7th, & 8th graders) OR
o Receive the opportunity to advance to the next level of math instruction (incoming 6th, 7th, & 8th graders) *Students must pass an End-of-Course Exam following these intense, fast-paced courses.
For more information on summer math courses and registration, please visit http://bit.ly/2019D97summermath
Registration deadline - April 30, 2019
Coffee with Capuder
WCWO Garden Kits
WCWO will donate $8 for each kit purchased to YOUR SCHOOL. Plant pick-up is Sat. JUNE 1, 10am-2pm in the Euclid Methodist Church parking lot, 405 S Euclid in Oak Park. More plants and kits will be for sale that day.
Each kit contains 10 plants. The Monarch & More Sun Kit and the Shade kit each cost $38, which is less than plants purchased separately. They provide all that Monarch caterpillars and adults, and bees and others need to grow up happily, plus food for birds. See the website for plant photos and growing tips and to buy other plants too.
WCWO is a local non-profit promoting ecologically friendly landscaping and environmental education. 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 service(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.
HOW does it work? Add a kit to your online cart on the website.
Click on Cart, then put the name of your school in the box at lower left. After June 1, the schools will get $8 per kit. Open to parents, neighbors, or anyone! Contact westcook@outlook.com with questions.
Brooks Garden needs your help!
Have old tools lying around the garage?
Let us take them off your hands! Cash donations will be used to purchase wood & soil for raised beds and plants for our native gardens.
Purchase monarch kits through West Cook Wild Ones for YOUR garden & they'll donate $8 to our PTO or donate the kits to us for OUR garden.
Students are growing basil, heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers cosmos and more which will be available to buy in May!
We need assistance to construct two more raised beds & a Little Free Library!
PURCHASE & VOLUNTEER
EMAIL LSTAMP@OP97.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION
Oak Park and River Forest 8th Grade Girls Golf Club
Join us Thursday nights at the range and Sunday afternoons on the course.
All 8th grade girls from Oak Park and River Forest are invited to join us at Fresh Meadows Golf Range, 2144 S Wolf Rd. No golf experience is necessary. First meet up is Thursday April 25th at 7:00pm. The only cost is to purchase a bucket of range balls ($8).
Questions?
Contact Tom Kennedy
773 865 9563
Make friends, have fun, and learn how to play golf (both kids and adults).
Hidden in Plain Sight
Do you know where to look? Discover how alcohol and other drugs can be easily hidden in a teenager’s bedroom.
Do you know what you are looking for? Become educated on the latest substance abuse trends, signs, and symptoms.
Do you know what to do? Learn about local resources and ways to bring awareness to our community.
Thursday April 25, 2019
6:00pm - Hidden in Plain Sight Mobile Unit opens for parents to tour
Light dinner will be served
7:00pm - Panel begins:
- Lisa Pint and nursing staff - Rush Hospital
- John Roberts - Hidden In Plain Sight
- Matthew Quinn, LCPC, CADC - Rosecrance
This program is designed for adults only. Children under the age of 19 will not be allowed inside the mobile unit. Child care available upon request- email Latonia Jackson at ljackson@oprfhs.org by April 18th
Brooks PTO Community Dine Out at Scratch on Lake
Connect with the Brooks community and enjoy a night off of cooking! Eat at Scratch on Lake on Tuesday, April 30 and 20% of your bill will be donated to Brooks PTO!
BRAVO presents Wicked Jr.
WICKED tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Fun for the WHOLE FAMILY!
Performances: April 26 - May 5
Defying Gravity to Oz and Back!
BRAVO is excited to announce the upcoming all-school spring musical, Wicked, Junior! BRAVO was one of five programs in the world asked to pilot the Junior adaptation of the Broadway blockbuster Wicked, which means that the GMBS community is in for a treat! Wicked is a complicated story about two young girls: Pretty, popular Galinda and awkward, outcast Elphaba, who grow to become Glinda the Good Witch and The Wicked Witch of the West, respectively. Wicked tells of their friendship, their loves, their losses, and of social change. Its themes are relevant to middle school students and all of us as we engage in today’s complicated world. We wanted to share some of the shows themes with the Brooks community as Opening Night nears. We look forward to seeing all of you at a performance of Wicked, JR!
INCLUSION
The story opens with Elphaba, an average young girl who happens to have green skin. Elphaba is mocked, bullied and discriminated against simply because she is different. To make matters worse, the "great and powerful" Wizard of Oz endorses segregation and stereotyping of animals. Yet, it is Elphaba, alone, that stands up for the animals, and points out injustice and intolerance when she sees it.
For our middle school students, Elphaba is a relatable character. Middle schoolers want a sense of belonging, to be accepted for who they are and to feel included. Elphaba seeks a world where she can be seen for who she truly is. What does Elphaba’s courage say about her character? What does it take to be more like Elphaba?
22 BRAVO actors toured our feeder schools this week to offer a preview of Wicked JR. and share in a talk-back of the messages buried in Wicked JR. The discussion included:
- What or who do you think the animals represent in Wicked? "Can you imagine a world where animals cannot speak?"
- Through unconscious bias do we assume Elphaba is a bad witch by her appearance. After the seeing the story unfold, do you think Elphaba is a good witch or bad witch?
- We are human and thus make mistakes. How, when and why did Glinda choose to be more like Elphaba?
Here are some of the messages our young audiences took away from the 30 minute version of Wicked:
Looks can be deceiving... Do not judge a book by it's cover -- Actions have consequences ... -- Rumors and gossip can be toxic and hurtful -- Animal rights are important -- Treat all people equal regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, religion, etc. -- Your appearance does not define what you are capable of and who you are authentically
Clubs and Sports Information
Intramural Ultimate Frisbee
The club will play on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm and end on May 22.
For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org
Boys Volleyball
Game Schedule
Conference week begins!
Games
4/25 - 4pm - 6pm
Home vs. Lincoln
4/29 - 4pm - 6pm
Away vs. Northlake
5/1 - 4pm - 6pm
Away vs. Julian
5/2 - 4pm - 6pm
Home vs. Heritage Summit
5/6 - 4pm - 6pm
Home vs. MacArthur
If you have any questions, please contact Coach Grimaldi at hgrimaldi@op97.org or Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org
Track and Field
Here is the link to our Track & Field website.
Specific events each day are linked on our calendar website.
For more information, please contact Coach Dajani at rdajani@op97.org
OPEF Robotics News and Information
You can learn more about the event on OPEF's website or their Facebook page.
For more information about the robotics program please visit: https://www.opef.org/programs/vex-robotics/. Questions? Please contact Michele McAndrews at mvmcandrews@opef.org or Mr. Shinners at bshinners@op97.org
Clubs
Mondays
- Yearbook Club: Next meetings 4/22 in room B202 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Here is link to the entire year meeting dates schedule. Contact Ms.Turner-Reid or Ms. Pabellon with questions mturnerreid@op97.org or mpabellon@op97.org
- Math Team: in room B204 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Contact Mr. Sam Kahn with questions. skahn@op97.org
- ORFF: Monday mornings 8am to 8:50am in D110 Contact Mr. Carrillo with questions fcarrillo@op97.org
- Spoken Word Club: Mondays in B205 (3:30 - 5:00 pm) with Mr. Lee and resident poet Christian Robinson. Contact Mr. Lee with questions. mlee@op97.org
Tuesdays
- EcoEalges - meets from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in room C202. Contact Ms. Stamp with questions lstamp@op97.org
- Chess Club: meets from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in room B305. Contact Mr. Hausfeld with questions mhausfeld@op97.org
Wednesdays
- Best Buddies: Here is the year long calendar that can be downloaded. Contact Ms. Beauprez with questions lbeeauprez@op97.org .
- Girls on the Rise: Meets week on Wednesdays from 3:45pm to 4:45pm in room C105
- World Language Club: Every other Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30pm in C209. Contact Mr. Lagioia with questions vlagioia@op97.org
- Rainbow Tribe: Contact Ms. Berman with questions aberman@op97.org
- Art Club: Thursdays in room D301 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Contact Ms. Murray with questions. kmurray@op97.org
- Service Club: Friday mornings from 8am to 8:50am in room B209. Contact Ms. Walsh with questions swalsh@op97.org
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