Longfellow Log
Week Ending 11/6
Important Dates/Reminders and Notes
- Tuesday, November 24th - Trimester 1 ends
- Wednesday, November 25th - Friday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Break
- Friday, December 11th - Report Card Distribution Day
- Wednesday, December 23rd - 1/2 Day
- December 24th - January 8th - Winter Break
Important about Attendance Procedures
Internet Filtering & Device Management Outside of District
Securly
With the addition of Securly, students will now need their Google username and password to access the Internet or any Internet-based app when using their district device on a non-district network. For example, if students need to work in Google docs via a wifi connection while outside the district, they will need to go to Safari first. From there, they will be prompted to login to Securly with their Google username and password. They will need to type in their entire email address, including the @students.op97.org. Once they do this, they will be able to use Safari or any Internet-based apps on that network on a daily basis. Each day, they will need to login again through Safari to regain access to the network. They will also need to complete the login process if they switch at any point to another non-district network. Please email technology@op97.org if you have any questions.
This year will be the fourth year we have offered the Securly Parent Portal to families. We have piloted with a handful of families over the last two years and received positive feedback. Here is a link to more information about the Parent Portal. If you are interested in using the Securly Parent Portal please complete this form. More information to come to staff and families in the coming weeks.
Apple - Screentime Filtering and Device Management
In addition to Securly management on all student devices onsite and offsite, on iPads families can manage the student devices K-5. Apple has created a tool called Screentime that is local to the student devices and can also be managed by families. Here is a tutorial video that reviews the different settings and features available and how to manage the settings. This is also a tool that can be used for personal Apple devices that families may have at home.
Social-Emotional Wellness Check-Ins for Students
We are continuing to provide social-emotional wellness check-ins this fall. The District 97 school psychologists and school nurses collaborated to offer access to virtual mental health wellness checks at each school. Parents may sign up children for 25-minute Telehealth sessions where they can access an open ear for their sources of stress and learn self-care and coping strategies. Students may attend up to three sessions per trimester and may then be referred for other school-based supports if needed. If your child is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please do not use this service and instead call the Thrive 24hr Crisis Hotline at 708-383-7500. You may also refer to this local resource guide provided by the Community Mental Health Board of the Oak Park Township. How can my child access this service? The virtual sessions will occur during school hours. Use this Longfellow Wellness Sign-Up Link to book open slots. The appointment page will open within your own calendar. (If you do not have a Gmail account, you may contact aguerrier@op97.org & rneubert@op97.org). Prior to the appointment, you will receive a link for the video call or other access information. During these unusual times, we need to partner with you to ensure your child arrives at the correct video link during their scheduled time and returns to their classroom Zoom after the appointment. Please remember to coordinate with your daycare providers if applicable. We will inform your child’s teacher, so your child will be excused from class. Please book appointments by the night before the appointment (at the latest) and not on the day of the appointment.
District News Below
Erin's Law Information Session for Families
"Mindful Middle-Schoolers" Program (especially for families with students in 5th - 8th grades)
The Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and DePaul University’s Community Counseling Center have partnered to deliver a vast array of educational and therapeutic services to staff, families, and youth through the “Mindful Middle-Schoolers Program.” Below is a list of upcoming VIRTUAL talks, which will be held via Zoom. Registration via the Eventbrite links below is requested. Once you register, a link will be emailed to you four hours prior to the start of each event.
"Mindful Middle-Schoolers" Community Talk Flyer
- Thursday, November 12: Technology and Mental Health: Strategies to Promote Mindful Digital Citizenship https://www.eventbrite.com/e/technology-and-mental-health-strategies-to-promote-mindful-tech-use-tickets-124165523423
- Wednesday, November 18: Understanding Depression in Youth and Strategies for Treatment and Support https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-depression-in-youth-and-strategies-for-treatment-and-support-tickets-124167264631
- Tuesday, December 1: LGBTQ Youth: Understanding and Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-youth-understanding-and-supporting-mental-health-and-well-being-tickets-124167752089
- Wednesday, December 9: Understanding Anxiety in Youth and Strategies for Treatment and Support https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-anxiety-in-youth-and-strategies-for-treatment-and-support-tickets-124168632723
'Stamped' Family and Community Discussions
In conjunction with Brooks and Julian middle schools' fall curriculum read, the sessions will follow along with the chapters being read by students and staff. Breakout sessions will be led by students from Dominican University, who will follow a peace circle format and draw on the Stamped Educator's Guide.
Events will be held:
- Tuesday, Nov. 17 - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (click here to register)
- Tuesday, Dec. 1 - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (click here to register)
These sessions are made possible with the support of: District 97 staff; Oak Park and River Forest School District 200; the Oak Park Public Library; the E-Team of Oak Park; and Dominican University’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) group.
District 97 to Continue Providing Free Meals to All Students
November Breakfast/Lunch Menus
Meals will be provided free of cost this fall to any District 97 student in need. Each bag of food will contain five breakfasts and five lunches.
Meal distributions will be held every Tuesday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Longfellow Elementary School (for Julian and feeder schools), 715 S. Highland Ave., and Brooks Middle School (for Brooks and feeder schools), 325 S. Kenilworth Ave.
Ms. Jefferson & Mrs. Sullivan
708-524-3060
@AmyJefferson97
708-524-7825
@MrsSullivand97
Website: www.op97.org
Location: 715 S Highland Oak Park, Il 60304
Phone: 708-524-3060