Pirate's Cove
News for the week of 1/6 - 1/17
Principal's Message
Pirate parents!
We have started our second semester of school. I want to share with all families that when we have the start of a new semester, we often will have schedule changes for students. These changes are because of the semester change to new classes like our electives, or are a result of our MTSS process. Sometimes schedules are adjusted to accommodate needs within our master schedule. We try to keep student schedules consistent as much as we can when there is a schedule adjustment, since students and teachers have developed relationships with each other. If your child's schedule adjusts at the semester, that is normal. If you have questions regarding schedules at the semester change, please reach out to the Plank Main Office.
We are beginning to plan our end of the year events for students, such as 8th Grade Recognition Night and Pirate Palooza. The official dates of these events are tentatively scheduled, and are subject to change based on Severe Weather days. There will be more information to come as it pertains to these events in the coming months. I you have questions, please reach out to the Plank Main Office to get them answered.
January and February is when we see the most extreme temperature changes. Now that the weather is cold, please make sure that your child is prepared for the weather. This also includes wearing warm clothes during the school day. In addition, with the cold weather comes increased chance for illness. Though we encourage regular student attendance, children who are running a fever or experiencing vomiting will be sent home. Our illness guidelines are found in our student handbook, as well as online on the district website.
The staff at Plank Junior High is committed to serving the students and parents of the surrounding community. We want to provide multiple opportunities for students to showcase their talents, and grow as young adults through academics and social emotional learning. Our focus is to prepare our students to be ready for college and future careers. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can work together to find solutions. I can be reached at 630-551-9400 and thaymond@sd308.org. We look forward to collaborating with you and your student throughout the year.
Always in partnership,
Tyler Haymond
Principal
Plank Junior High School
Top Pirates - December
Milanni Glover - 7th grade (not pictured)
Skye Kirkwood - 8th grade
Alexa Tepoxtecatl - 6th grade
Lexy Sanchez - 7th grade
Nathan Cristanujaya - 6th grade
Jonathan Bustos - 6th grade
ACCESS Testing Starts Monday
Next week, a number of our students will begin taking the WIDA ACCESS test, which is an English language proficiency assessment administered every year to help school districts monitor the English language development of students identified as English language learners. Students who will be testing were given information regarding the test and their testing schedule today to bring home and share with their families. A copy of the letter that was sent home can also be found here.
Early Release - January 17th
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday January 20th
8th Grade AVID Selection Starts Soon
The selection process for the 8th grade AVID elective class is starting!
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a schoolwide college readiness system of support with a structured approach to a rigorous curriculum that will help develop students’ writing, content knowledge, and academic skills. Students enrolled in the AVID elective are hardworking, determined to do their best in school and reach their goals, and like to work collaboratively with their peers. The AVID elective targets those students who are academically in the middle (earning B's and C's), have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard, have good attendance and little to no discipline problems, and may be the first in their family to attend higher education. Additional information can be found at http://www.avid.org/what-is-avid-secondary.ashx. Students enrolled in the AVID elective course will: be enrolled in at least one honors class participate in weekly tutorials learn academic and social skills not targeted in other academic classes attend presentations from college and career related speakers attend field trips to local colleges participate in a positive peer group Below is the AVID elective application. There is a selection process to be accepted into the AVID program that involves completing the application and participating in a student interview . Enrollment is limited. We would like to invite you to the Plank AVID Parent Information Night on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 6 pm in the Plank cafeteria. The meeting will provide detailed information on the AVID elective class offered to only 8th grade students next year. We encourage anyone who believes the AVID Program may be a good fit to complete the application. Applications are due to Mrs. Gannon by Wednesday, February 19, 2020, after which we will then begin the student selection process for the 2020-2021 school year. Please contact Caitlin Gannon, AVID Coordinator at (630) 551-9414 or cgannon@sd308.org, for more information regarding the AVID elective class at Plank. We hope to see you at the AVID Parent Information Night!
Illinois 5 Essentials Survey
One Book, One School
Annie Junior at Plank
Plank Jr. High School is proud to announce their Spring Musical: Annie Jr! All important audition information is located on Google Classroom. Sign up for the class using the code: k584tp
All students can play a role! Auditions are just to see where you fit best. Info about tech/crew will come later. Thanks!
Washington DC Trip for 8th grade
Hey 8th Graders!!
It's not too late to sign up for the Washington DC Trip over this school year's Spring Break, March 22-24, 2020!
Email Mr. Linden (mlinden@sd308.org), Mrs. Carino (mcarino@sd308.org), or Mrs. Beane (jbeane@sd308.org) for registration information.
Plank Home and School Messages
HSA News
Plank Skate Night - Jan 12
The next Plank Skate Night is Sunday, January 12th.
This event is for Plank students only, held at Aurora Skate Center from 5 to 7pm.
Please be sure to pick up students promptly at 7pm.
$6 admission, $4 skate rental
Plank Staff Appreciation Lunch - Jan 14
Let's start the new year by showing our teachers & staff how much we appreciate them!
Sign up to help out or donate for our staff appreciation soup & salad bar, Tuesday, January 14th. signup.com/go/nYBxupf
We truly appreciate parent support in all of these events and activities!
Do you have the new box top app? The next generation of box tops is here. We still collect clipped box tops but this new app is so easy to use. Scan your receipt within 14 days and if any applicable products are bought, instant rewards.
Plank student headed to First Lego League State Competition
Homework Hotspot
Parent Portal in Tyler SIS
Our new student information system is Tyler SIS. This is taking the place of eSchool. Log into the link below if you are looking for updated grades, information, attendance, and the features of the former e School Home Access. Watch for updates on how parents can use the Portal on our website and in upcoming newsletters.
Substitute Teachers Needed at Plank!
Parent Toolkit
Parent Teen Connect
CHECK OUT PARENTEENCONNECT.ORG
ParenTeenConnect.org, a free website for parents and their teens created by the makers of the Second Step Program, is a great resource for middle school families. It provides expert advice and practical tools for dealing with real parent-teen issues.
GET TALKING WITH PARENTEEN CONNECT
At ParenTeenConnect.org, you can hear from real parents and teens about the issues that cause conflict in their lives—including screen time, independence, responsibility, and communication—and get expert advice. Visit ParenTeenConnect.org at home with your child, select a topic together, and get talking!
2019-2020 Plank Yearbook Sales are Online!
Have you placed your order for the 2019-2020 yearbook? All yearbook orders are now placed online. The deadline for reduced cost of $25 ends in December. All orders are placed online through the link located below and on the Plank Homepage. We are getting close...whomever orders the 200th yearbook will get a FULL REFUND, as a thank you. Plank Yearbook Orders 2019-2020
Miles of Smiles
Plank Junior High School
Email: thaymond@sd308.org
Website: https://www.sd308.org/plank
Location: Plank Jr. High, Secretariat Lane, Oswego, IL, USA
Phone: 6305519400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plank308/?scrlybrkr=2abf877d
Twitter: @Plank308