February 3, 2020
Thank you!
Thank you again for ALL you do for us, we appreciate you.
7th Grade Springfield Trip Meeting
7:00pm - Brooks Commons
For questions or more information, please contact: Janorise Robinson
Join us for the return of the Mindful Middle-Schoolers talks
DePaul Family and Community Services will be repeating the Mindful Middle-Schoolers talks this winter so you can attend the talks that you missed the first time! Don’t miss out on this valuable information to help you navigate these tricky adolescent years!
Join us on Wednesday, February 5 from 6:30 - 8:00 at Julian Middle School for a discussion on Mindfulness-based strategies and their applications in academic environments. What is mindfulness? How can mindfulness practices be helpful in supporting youths' academic and emotional functioning at school and at home? Join us for this free talk. DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, plan to offer a series of community talks to the Brooks/Julian middle school communities during the 2019-2020 school year as part of The Mindful Middle Schoolers Program. All are welcome (parents, school staff, students, community members). Join us on Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 - 8:00 at Julian Middle School for a discussion on Understanding Anxiety in Youth and Strategies for Treatment and Support. What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety in youth? What strategies and treatments are available to support youth who are struggling with anxiety? Join us for this free talk. DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, plan to offer a series of community talks to the Brooks/Julian middle school communities during the 2019-2020 school year as part of The Mindful Middle Schoolers Program. All are welcome (parents, school staff, students, community members). Sign up for the talks here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/depaul-family-and-community-services-20250158751
Student Participation - Illinois 5Essentials Survey
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We are writing to inform you about a student survey that will be administered at your child’s school called the Illinois 5Essentials Survey during the first week in February. This is the eighth year the Illinois State Board of Education will implement this survey across the state. This survey is based on 20 years of research at the University of Chicago. It asks students about their experiences in school, giving school leaders critical student input to help develop school improvement plans. Student completion of the survey is also one of the 8 areas considered in determining a school's summative designation that is shared by the State's on the School's Report Card.
Student participants will be required to log-in using their state student ID and birth date in order to complete the survey. Students’ identities will be completely confidential. Teachers or administrators will never see individual responses to survey questions and will only receive aggregated information, such as the total percentage of students who agree homework assignments help them learn the course material.
Please be aware that under the Protection of Pupil Rights Act. 20 U.S.C. Section 1232(c) (1) (A), you have the right to review a copy of the questions asked of your student(s). Survey questions can be found on the Illinois 5Essentials website (https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois).
If you do not want your child to participate, please print and fill out THIS FORM and ask your child to return to their Individuals and Societies teacher.
Parent/Guardians participation in Illinois 5Essentials Survey
The parent/guardian survey is available now. Please click here to learn how parents/guardians can participate in this important endeavor and click here to access the parent/guardian version of the survey.
Please note that school-level reports will only be generated if at least 20 percent of our parents/guardians complete the survey, which can be accessed until Feb. 14, 2020. Our current response rate for parents/guardians is at 10%.
8th Grade Cap & Gown Information, Graduation photo Retake Day
- Orders for Caps & Gowns can be placed online via RevTrak. Students may also submit cash payments as well as checks payable to GBMS to the main office.
- Printable Cap & Gown order form
- REVTRAK Online Payment
Graduation Photos Retake Day
- Graduation photo retake day will be Thursday, February 27.
- If you have not yet taken your graduation photos there is no charge for retakes.
- If you have already taken graduation photos and would like them re-done, there is a $10.00 retake fee.
District 97 Community Members Invited to Learn about Summer Improvement Projects
District 97 families, staff and community members are invited to attend a facilities advisory committee/special board meeting, where we will provide an overview of the capital improvement projects that will be completed during Summer 2020 at Brooks, Hatch, Irving, Mann and Julian. The meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. at the District 97 Administration Building, 260 Madison St.
The work currently scheduled for Brooks includes:
Life Safety improvements
Repair temperature control system
Replace intercom/PA system to improve building safety
This work is part of the facilities referendum passed by Oak Park voters in 2017, which has enabled the district to:
Perform maintenance and repairs that support the safety, functionality and sustainability of our buildings;
Improve building accessibility;
Invest in the modernization of classrooms.
During the meeting, the administration will share an overview of the summer projects, and the community will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
Save the Date: District 97 Summer Launch 2020
District 97 is excited to announce the dates for the upcoming 2020 Summer Launch Program. Summer Launch will be held June 15 through July 10, 2020 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon). The program for Grades K-4 will be held at Holmes Elementary School, and Grades 5-7 will be held at Brooks Middle School.
Summer Launch is a summer program designed for students in kindergarten to seventh grade who are identified as needing intervention support in reading and/or mathematics during the school year and fall below the 11th percentile in reading and/or math.
Our Summer Launch Program will include Reading/Writing Workshop and Math support, in which students will be able to build upon the reading and writing strategies they have learned during the regular school year, as well as participate in math activities.
The Summer Launch program is designed to support students:
- In continuing to build their skills towards becoming strong, confident readers and writers.
- By allowing them personalized instruction in reading, writing and math.
- By supporting them in sharing their voices and helping to feel valued.
- By supporting them in building meaningful connections with their teacher and peers.
SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE TEAM UPDATE
Kids can continue to earn Brooks Bucks for following the posted Brooks Student Expectations. These bucks can be redeemed at the School Store along with HERO points.
Message from the Main Office
FAQ'S
- Attendance Line : 708-665-3074 or send an email
- Please note from 8:45am to 9:15am the Brooks answering service will be activated as our office staff is attending to in-house student and parent needs.
- REVTRAK Link - Payment system for Field trips, School Fees, Replacement Fees, Gym Uniforms, etc. The link can also be found on the Brooks Website under Payments in the blue menu bar.
- Bell Schedule - For those asking what time the periods take place.
Around the District with Dr. Kelley
IT'S SUNDAY! WHO INSPIRES YOU? Recognizing Staff who Make a Difference
In an effort to celebrate our community, we would like to invite parents and students to give a shout out to member(s) of the Brooks Community who have inspired them. We also want to hear from parents and students who would like recognize a Brooks teacher that has made an impact around diversity and inclusion. Every Sunday, selected comments will be featured in Middle Matters and the staff member will receive a certificate detailing how they have made a difference to you. You can also tag your comments under #BeBrooks97 on Twitter. Please join us in celebrating the Brooks Community by completing this form.
Gwendolyn Brooks Class of 2020 Graduation
Please be sure to mark your calendars. We will have more information regarding graduation activities in February.
Using the Canvas Calendar as an Observer
If you are looking for one place to see when your student has assignments due, check out the Canvas Calendar. The assignments will be linked on the Canvas Calendar on the day they are due.
Click the link below for detailed directions on how to use the Canvas calendar.
Purchase your Yearbook Today!
If you do not already have an account from a previous years purchase, you will be asked to set up an account in order to make a purchase.
Brooks Purchase Code: 1014096931934358
Chromebook Repairs / Chargers
Repairs - If your student issued Chromebook is experiencing issues, please have your teacher write your student a pass to the Media Center to see the School Technician. The Technician will check in the Chromebook for repair. A repair can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on the issue. But our goal is to return the Chromebooks as soon as possible. Students can request printed copies of any assignments from their teachers during this time. When the students Chromebook is ready, the office receives it from the School Technician and the information will be listed on the daily Chromebook Spreadsheet for teachers to check. Students can ask their teachers to look at the Chromebook spreadsheet to see if their Chromebook is listed or they can stop by the main office at the start/end of day, on their way to/from PE or Lunch.
Chargers - If your student has lost their school issued charger, your may purchase a new charger online via Revtrak or by cash or check in the main office.
Replacing Chromebook - If your student is unable to locate their chromebook after retracing their steps, informing their teacher or front office staff to connect with the technology department to see if it can be located remotely in the building, please print and complete this form. If filing a claim for vandalism, fire or theft, please contact our Student Resource Officer Locke, elocke@op97.org. He will be able to help you with this. Once the form has been completed, please submit it and any required payment to the front office.
GBMS Library/Media Center
Library is also open during each lunch period starting the week of September 9th. Students need to request a pass from a teacher BEFORE their lunch period and can go to the library during the social time of their lunch period.
Breakfast, Special Hot Lunch Opportunities and Menus
Ordering Special Hot Lunch offerings for your Student
Please visit our website to learn how to participate in
- PTO Starship Lunches on Tuesdays starts 9/17.
- BRAVO PRE-ORDERED Pizza lunches starts THIS Friday, 9/13.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- February 14 - 8th Grade Washington DC trip
- February 17 - No student Attendance - President's Day
- February 28 - Trimester 2 ends
PTO NEWS
Want to Donate to the PTO?
You can donate $10 or more to help pay for things like teacher grants, need-based scholarships and other enrichment activities. Please consider a matching gift donation from your employer.
Email the PTO BoardEmail gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions!
Does your 8th grader want to have an 8th grade dance? We need you!
The 8th grade dance is a great way to celebrate finishing middle school. However, it can’t happen without support from the Brooks community! The PTO is currently looking for one more 8th Grade VP. This role helps plan 8th grade dance and a winter staff appreciation dinner. There are two 8th grade VP’s, so you are working with a partner!
Coffee with Capuder
We will meet in the Peace Room.
Washington D. C. Trip
Trip Dates: Washington, DC - Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16, 2020 (Presidents' Day Weekend)
If you have questions, please email Janorisè Robinson at dctripbrooksjulian@gmail.com.
Brooks Spirit Wear
Brooks spirit wear can be ordered at any time by visiting this website.
Orders will be shipped to your home!
Your Village of Oak Park makes it easy to do right! Introducing “At Your Door".
If the new year meant cleaning out your closet, basement, garage, or just that weird drawer in the kitchen where you toss all everything you don't know what to do with, you may have found yourself with some electronics to get rid of. Wondering how to responsibly and easily part with such items? At Your Door to the rescue. This is Oak Park's convenient service for safely disposing of electronics and common hazardous household waste. Residents can schedule at-home collections of materials such as garden chemicals, automotive fluids, paint, and cleaners as well as electronic items like TVs, computers, printers, and cell phones.
Why does it matter? According to Alex Fitzpatrick of TIME magazine, "your old electronics are chock full of toxic stuff that should never make it to a landfill, like arsenic, lead, and cadmium. If those materials make it into landfills, they can potentially leak into our ecosystem, damaging plant and animal life and potentially impacting our food supply.” So go ahead — click on over to At Your Door for responsible ditching.
And making it easy to do right by your planet, if it’s just single-use batteries you need to get rid of, both Walgreen’s and CVS will take care of them for you.
Here are just some of the topics you can learn more about on the Village website, in addition to the At Your Door service: alley clean-up program, composting, green block parties, and water conservation tips. For all this and more, head here. “Change is possible; it starts with us.”
Clubs and Sports Information
Mondays
- Math Team 3:30pm - 4:30pm in room B409. For more information contact Esther Smith at esmith3@op97.org . Open to 6 - 8 grade students.
- Orff Ensemble (Xylophone and Drumming Music Group) Monday's, 8:00-8:50 am, Rm D104. Open to all students grades 6-8. For more information contact Mr. Carrillo (fcarrillo@op97.org)
- Rainbow Tribe 3:30pm - 4:30pm in the Library! Come join students who want to be a part of creating a safe and inclusive space for our Brooks LGBTQ community. All students (those who identify and allies) are invited to join! Reach out to Ms. Berman (aberman@op97.org) or Mrs. Olsen (jolsen@op97.org) with any questions!
- 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
- Ultimate Frisbee: Currently on Winter hiatus. This recreational Frisbee Club will meet again in the Spring on Mondays and Wednesdays to play from 3:30p to 4:30p. For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org or Coach Guerino at tguerino@op97.org - Please note practices are dependent on weather.
Tuesdays
- Yearbook Club meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month. Room B202 Beginning in October and ends in April. Everyone is welcome to join GBMS Yearbook Club. We are looking for students to assist us in recording the student activities & events of the 2019-2020 school year!For more information please contact Meaghan Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org or Marsha Turner Reid at mturnerreid@op97.org
- EcoEalges - meets weekly on TUESDAYS at 3:30 in Room C202
Students who are passionate about helping the environment, gardening, saving endangered species or who just want to do interesting things outdoors should check out the ECO EAGLES, the Brooks ecology club. We have made award-winning films, gone on cool field trips, implemented fun fundraisers and raised awareness about many different issues. We are open to whatever you are interested in, so join us! For more information contact lstamp@op97.org
- Chess Club meets in room C108 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. For more information contact Coach Hausfeld at mhausfeld@op97.org
Wednesdays
- Best Buddies: Calendar of meeting for 19-20 school year. Contact Ms. Beauprez with questions lbeeauprez@op97.org .
- Ultimate Frisbee: Currently on Winter hiatus. This recreational Frisbee Club will meet again in the Spring on Mondays and Wednesdays to play from 3:30p to 4:30p. For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org or Coach Guerino at tguerino@op97.org - Please note practices are dependent on weather.
Art Club from 3:30-4:30 October- March in D301. Free and open to all students.
Mrs. Murray (kmurray@op97.org) will offer a variety of materials and techniques. Come when you can and be ready to explore your own ideas, work at your own pace, and make new friends in a creative environment just for artists! Art club is FREE!
- Service Club meets at 8am in room B209. We organize & promote the school's service projects such as food drives, coat drives, the holiday food and gift basket program, and more! If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Susan Walsh (swalsh@op97.org) or Ms. Blanca Martinez (bmartinez@op97.org).
Boys Basketball
Additional Open Gym Dates
2-3, 2-4, 2-12, 2-18, 2-20, 2-21, 2-24, 2-26.
For more information contact: Coach Darren Haus at dhaus@op97.org
Girls Volleyball Upcoming Important Dates
Practice Schedule
See Mr. Grimaldi for Practice Schedule
Game Schedule
Mon 2/3 Away vs. Stevenson 4pm - 6pm
Tue 2/4 Away vs. Heritage (Summit) 4pm - 6pm
For questions contact Coach Grimaldi at hgrimaldi@op97.org
OPEF VEX Robotics
This year we are offering two cool programs for D97 middle school kids to enjoy. We look forward to another exciting VEX Robotics season at both Julian and Brooks.
- The In-House Club is designed for students with little or no experience with robotics and for students who cannot commit to the long season of our Competitive League.
- The Robotics Competitive League is an intensive program for the dedicated technology student, especially those who want to take their experience with VEX Robotics and programming to the next level.
To sign up or learn more information about our programs, visit our OPEF VEX Robotics page at https://www.opef.org/programs/vex-robotics/
Brooks in-house contact - Brian Shinners, bshinners@op97.org
Girls on the RISE -
The 8th Grade Girls group will begin meeting on January 15th, 2020.
For more information contact Dominique Hickman at dhickman@oakparktownship.org
YEMBA
Wednesdays - 3:30pm 6:30pm
Includes: Homework help, mentoring, recreation workshops, snacks, guest speakers and much more...
For more information contact:
YMBA, INC.
(773) 842-5022
email: www.yemba@yemba-inc.org
Website: www.yemba-inc.org
Auditions for Disney’s Moana, JR
Auditions for Disney’s Moana, JR are open to all GBMS students and will be held Mon Feb 3 and Tues
Feb 4 with callbacks on Weds Feb 5. Wondering how to prepare? Take these steps:
Fill out REQUIRED CONFLICT FORM by February 3
Prepare 32 bars from a contemporary musical theater song
Monologue – you will be given a short excerpt from the show at the audition. Please be
familiar with the characters.
Dress comfortably to dance
Performances will be held April 24 th , 25 th , and 26 th , and May 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd .
BRAVO Dance Studio
We are now offering 3 Sessions of Dance Studio!
Dates and Times are subject to change
2nd Session: December 2 – February 19
3rd Session: February 24 – April 15
Dance Studio Contract & Permission to Participate Form
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
BRAVO Guitar Club
Mondays 3:30pm-5pm
Learn basic guitar chords or work on advancing your guitar skills. Beginners and Advanced guitar players welcome!
2nd Session: December 2 – February 17
3rd Session: February 24 – April 13
Contract and Permission to Participate Form
Forms must be turned in to the BRAVO Office (D103)
Information located outside the BRAVO! Office
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
BRAVO NEW THIS YEAR: IMPROV Club & Film Club
IMPROV CLUB
Tuesdays from 3:30pm-4:45pm
September 17 - December 17
Improv (Improvisation) is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment. Improv is spontaneous, entertaining, and fun!
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
FILM CLUB
Thursdays – 3:30pm-4:45pm
October 3 - December 19
Learn how to write a story board, take video and edit material into a short film.
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
Community Programs
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 services(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.
Oak Park Code Fest
The D97 Librarians are partnering with the Oak Park Public Library and Oak Park Education Foundation to bring you Code Fest 2020.
This hands-on night will show families what types of coding and programming activities are available.
It will be a fun night of coding stations where families and students can drop in and try these fun activities.
- FLYER
Parent Leadership Training Hosted by the Collaboration for Early Childhood
Attendance of Children at OPRF Sporting Events
Oak Park and River Forest High School recently implemented a new rule when attending athletic events. Effective immediately, children ages 11 and younger will not be allowed to attend athletic events at OPRF unless they are accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. Please click here for the full message from the high school.
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