WJHS Highlights
05/20/2022
A Message from the Administrative Team
Hi WJHS Families,
How to be a good digital citizen is an important conversation that goes on across the 5-8 campus every year. Students learn from teachers, administrators, representatives from the Wilmette Police Department as they discuss how to remain safe with technology, and how to make sure they are using their devices in a responsible way.
While we have seen the majority of our students keep their school devices strictly for school, we have unfortunately seen a rise in misuse of personal technological devices by our students. This misuse has included using derogatory and harmful language toward others, sharing of personal information, and posting inappropriate pictures. Many of the apps students are using to post such items include Discord, TikTok, and SnapChat. Group texts are also frequently used with this type of behavior.
At school we are unable to monitor personal device use, so we highly recommend parents have conversations with their child about their social media use, discuss ways to support your child with making positive choices when using social media, and review their child’s social media accounts regularly. It is important to research which apps your child is using for social media to ensure you can put the appropriate safeguards in place for your child.
DISTRICT PRESENTATIONS FOR PARENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA/TECH USE:
Dear Parents, This is What You Should Know About Social Media
App Tasting: Quick Demonstrations of Apps Kids are Using
RESOURCES TO HELP:
Worried about your Teen on Social Media? Here’s How to Help
How Parents and Educators Can Support Healthy Teen Use of Social Media
Parenting Teens in the Age of Social Media
Sincerely,
Kate, Jeff and Eric
Track 2022!
Congratulations to Kayla Ritchie who won the girls 1,600 Meter and 800 Meter at Sectionals on Saturday. Kayla will be competing at State this Friday and Saturday. Also Tim Vaughn and Dylan Hepner both took 7th & 8th Place respectively in the 1600 Meter. Daniel Poylin took 7th place in Shot Put, Olivia Musick took 6th in 400 Meter and 3rd in hurdles, Sawyer Vyas 5th in the 400 Meter, and Lily Rickard-Bugel 9th in 1600 Meter.
News From Your D39 Library - Summer 2022
This edition features:
- Sora and Capstone eBooks for summer reading
- Summer Recommended Reading Lists
- @Wilmette and Glenview Public Libraries: Story Walks, Summer Reading Clubs, and Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Tech Tidbit
Please mark your calendars. iPad Collection Day is coming up.
Friday, June 3rd for all 8th-graders (during Homeroom)
Wednesday, June 8th for all 7th-graders (during Homeroom)
7th-graders will be turning in their iPad with the case only. They should come to school ready to return their device during homeroom on June 8th.
8th-graders will return their iPad w/case, charging adapter, and cable. Students should come prepared to return their devices and accessories on June 3rd. Click here for information on how to prepare the device for return.
If you have any questions, email Support@wilmette39.org
Updated 8th Grade Graduation Information
For the latest 8th Grade Graduation and end-of-the-year information, including updated graduation FAQs, click HERE.
PTO Highlights
GRADUATION YARD SIGNS STILL AVAILABLE
Complimentary graduation yard signs courtesy of the WJHS PTO are still available. Email giaschu@gmail.com if you haven’t received one yet.
IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR NEXT YEAR!
Online ordering is now available and will end on Friday, June 3rd. Don't miss out! All D39 schools (K-8) use EduKits for school supply kits. Order your 2022/2023 school supplies now by clicking HERE. All D39 school kits can be purchased in a single transaction by searching your other D39 school before checking out! Also, please note school supply kits are separate from the instructional materials fee paid during registration. Questions? Contact schoolsupplies@wjhspto.com.
8th GRADE GRADUATION PARTY!
Our PTO Graduation Committee volunteers are busy planning a wonderful afternoon to celebrate our 2022 Graduates.
SEEKING PARENTS FOR CRUCIAL PTO POSITIONS
Thank you to all who have committed to serve on next year’s PTO. We still have 2 crucial positions in need of parent rock stars (moms, dads, guardians—all are welcome). Our exec board needs a President-Elect to work with Peggy Prescott—next year’s President. The President-Elect is a 2-year commitment. This person shadows the President, in preparation to take the President role the following year. Our PTO board and committees are well-oiled machines, so it’s really not a lot of work. The position involves a 1-hour monthly status Zoom call, as well as various small tasks throughout the year. We also need an After School Clubs chair. This person will lead the ASC committee to organize a fall, winter and spring session of after school clubs. We have this committee broken into bite-sized pieces, so that it’s not too much work for any one person. The chair will use our existing schedule and club offerings, and guide the committee to set up club registration, submit announcements and teacher stipends in August, November and February. Without a volunteer, we are not able to offer After School Clubs next year. Please contact President-Elect@WJHSPTO.com if you are able to help out. The PTO is a great group of involved parents, come join us!
SPREADING THE WORD FOR OUR HMS PTO FRIENDS:
HMS PTO
Have an incoming 5th or 6th grader next year? We need you! Get involved at the school through the Highcrest PTO! Whether you are looking for a small, flexible role or a larger commitment, we have many different options available to fit your schedule and interests! VP Communications, Book Fair, Environmental Awareness, School Store, The Parent Party Planning, Enrichment Planning, Teacher Appreciation, Yearbook, After School Clubs, Civics & Safety & more ways to get involved. Please reach out to Megan Gemp at president@highcrestpto.org to talk about possibilities. We look forward to working with you!
HMS SPIRIT WEAR
Do you have an incoming 5th or 6th grader at Highcrest next year? Stock up on your school spirit and gear NOW! All purchases are on-line and super simple. Visit us at https://highcrestpto.org/spirit-wear-3/ to stock up. Spiritwear can make great 4th grade graduation presents!
District Update
District 39 Message Regarding Recent Hate Crimes
Like all of us, District 39 was saddened and disheartened by the terrible hate crimes that occurred last week in Buffalo, N.Y. and Orange County, Calif. Our D39 inclusion statement reads, in part:
“District 39 believes inclusion plays a vital role in student growth. We are committed to providing a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect, and belonging for all District 39 students and staff. By respecting each person’s unique identity, perspective, and learning style, we create a stronger community. We honor differences including races and cultures, genders and sexualities, abilities and aspirations, identities and affiliations, socioeconomics and worldviews. Embracing diversity prepares our students to thrive in an increasingly complex global community.”
Below is a list of resources that you might find helpful as we all grapple with the effects of gun violence and hate in our society. D39 remains committed to fostering an inclusive learning community that respects and celebrates the differences between all of our members – students and staff alike.
https://www.adl.org/education/resources/tools-and-strategies/table-talk/gun-violence-mass-shootings
https://www.adl.org/blog/the-horrific-mass-shooting-in-buffalo-how-to-talk-with-young-people
https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-gun-violence/
COVID-19 Metrics Review
During this week’s review of our COVID metrics, it was decided that District 39 will maintain its current COVID mitigations through the end of this school year. Based on CDC metrics, the Cook County COVID community level is currently at “medium” and we are continuing to see cases reported across our schools. Based on this review, it is prudent to maintain our current D39 Off Ramp mitigation measures in place for the final three weeks of the year.
Parent Education
District 39 hosted its final Parent Education event of the year earlier this week, “Coping with Stress, Anxiety, and Uncertainty.” A recording of the presentation can be found here. We ask that those who watched this presentation, either live or recorded, please fill out a very quick two-question survey. Additionally, the Family Service Center, one of our partners for parent education events, has asked for feedback. Click the link for their survey.
Board of Education Meeting
On Monday evening, the Board of Education will be hosting its regular monthly meeting. In addition to liaison reports and administrative updates, the Board will hear a presentation of key performance indicators used to chart our progress towards implementation of our strategic plan as well as review the Community Review Committee Report: Building Responsive Social-Emotional Learning through Strengthening Parent-Teacher Communication and Increasing Parent Understanding of and Engagement in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Instruction. Additionally, the Board will hear presentations on the District 39 Fiscal Year 2023 Draft Budget and lunch fees for the 2022-23 school year. Click here for access to the complete meeting agenda and materials.
Community News
LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
Wilmette Theatre welcomes WJHS students for a community building event. Flashback Fridays presents GOONIES on May 13 & 27 at 5:00 pm. Tickets & Information at https://www.wilmettetheatre.com.
New Trier Township offers a Food Pantry 10am - 4pm weekdays for families that live/work in the township. NT Township also offers Emergency Financial Assistance, Legal Aid Clinic, property tax assistance, social service referrals and other available resources. Go to www.newtriertownship.com for more information. The Township is also sponsoring a paper shredding event tomorrow, May 7th 8:30-11:30 am at Regina Dominican High School.
The 2022 Summer Debate Institute at Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus will be held August 1-5 for all rising 6th-9th grade students. Enroll prior to June 8 using this form. Additional information on the website or contact Camp Director Camila Vincens.
New Trier Dance Division hosts Summer Dance Camps for children age 4 through the 9th grade June 20-24.
Buddy Baseball Registration is open to special needs children 7 - 22 years old throughout New Trier Township at no cost. Buddy Players are paired with Buddy Volunteers and games last approximately 75 minutes. Register at www.wilmettebaseball.org
The Village of Wilmette’s Sesquicentennial Celebration includes many fun activities and projects. Donations of $25 and up will receive recognition in the Commemorative 150th Edition of the Wilmette Communicator. See flyer for details or go to http://www.wilmette150.org
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) is hosting Campyardigan Summer Camp options for students ages 5-13 with disabilities. The Spring Guide lists summer recreation programs.
The Trevian Girls Softball Association is adding 8-10 year olds to their spring and summer teams. Contact Kelsey Farmer for more information.
Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
"Best Step Tutoring” offers free online tutoring for PreK-12 grades.
Loyola Academy offers Junior High Enrichment Summer Programs. For more information contact summerschool@loy.org or www.goramblers.org/summerschool
McKenzie Pack One is hosting an Information Night this Sunday, May 15 at 4:00 pm at St. Joseph School, 1740 Lake Ave. Come and build rockets!
All McKenzie students are welcome. Email wilmettepackone@gmail.com for more information.
Cub Scout Pack 8 is welcoming Harper and Highcrest students (K-5 graders) to join the pack. Contact cubmaster@packeight.com for more information.
BSA Troops 5G (girls) & 5B (boys) are looking for interested kids in grades 5-12 to join. Contact Laura.Myerholtz@gmail.com for more information.
Wilmette Junior High School
Email: office-wjhs@wilmette39.org
Website: http://wjhs.wilmette39.org/
Location: 620 Locust Rd, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-512-6600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Highcrest-MSWilmette-JH-516430278443448
Twitter: @hawkwolf39
Principal at Wilmette Junior High School; love being an educator and working with young people; value spending time with friends and family