October 30th
Brooks News to Know
Halloween, Tuesday October 31st
Please be mindful that we strongly discourage the wearing of costumes for Halloween that stereotype, demean or make fun of other people - especially of other cultures. Please talk with your students about the importance of respecting others. Students cannot wear anything that covers their face nor can they have "props" that look like a weapon.
8th Grade Transition Tour at Oak Park River Forest High School. 8th Graders will be touring the high school on Tuesday, 10/31 in the morning. Due to the visit to the high school, we recommend that 8th graders not dress up for Halloween.
Coffee with Capuder - Friday, November 10th from 8:30am to 9:30am
Here is link to upcoming topics to be discussed at Coffee with Capuder and at the PTO Community Meetings.
**The Coffee with Capuder date was changed from 11/3 to 11/10.
Media Center - Overdue Book Notices
GBMS School Improvement Plan
October is Anti-Bullying/Upstander Month
Kindness in Chalk Day
Kindness in Chalk Day
Kindness in Chalk Day
Peace and Love Spirit Day!
Peace and Love Spirit Day!
Peace and Love Spirit Day!
Super Hero Spirit Day!
Super Hero Spirit Day!
Super Hero Spirit Day!
Ode to Bullies (Poetry Slam)
Author: Ahbri
Upstander: Speak Up and Stand Up against Bullying
Bullying Resources
According to StopBullying.gov, "Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems."
A few videos to view with your student:
Second Step: Bullying in NOT a Noun Video
What One Person Can Do to Help.
See what conversation sparks after watching the videos together with your student.
Share this resource with your student: What Teens Can Do About Bullying, an article from StopBullying.gov.
Cyberbullying:
The New York Times recently published this piece on many apps gaining traction with kids before adults are even aware of them that enable students to anonymously post comments about others: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/style/teen-apps-bullying.html
Link to article about sexting from Common Sense Media that also contains a Sexting Handbook.
Please let your student know that if they are being bullied or witnessing bullying behavior, to please speak up. Talk to a parent, grand parent, guardian, teacher, social worker, schoool resource officer, administrator, lunchroom staff or whoever is a trusted adult in their life, so we can work together to stop bullying behavior and provide the support needed to those who are being bullied and to those who are engaging in bullying behavior.
Brooks First Diversity Committee Meeting Call-In: Nov 2nd
Who: All Brooks Parents and Caregivers Interested in Diversity and Inclusion at Brooks
What: A First Call to Brainstorm Who We Want to Be
When: Thursday, November 2, 2017, 7:00-7:45pm
Where: Dial-In: 515-604-9863, Access Code: 269642
Here is agenda for the meeting. If you have any questions, please email Renee Dixon at sheritaj75@gmail.com.
Sex, Drugs & SnapChat Workshop - November 8th at OPRFHS
Impact and OPRFHS Parent Connection join forces to bring you and your student(s) an engaging and interactive workshop to help you learn how to encourage your student to make healthy choices.
Workshop is on Wednesday, November 8th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in OPRFHS 2nd Floor Cafe.
Please RSVP by 11/1 to Latonia Jackson at 708-434-3008 or ljackson@oprfhs.org Childcare and translations are available by request only, 1 week prior to the event.
Here is a flyer with all the information.
NAMI - Family Education and Advocacy Series
Discussion with Professor Amanda Lewis on November 13th
Please join in for an exciting discussion with Amanda, Lewis, Author of Despite the Best Intentions: Why Racial Inequality Persists in Schools.
Discussion Topic: Going beyond good intentions to focusing on impact: How we can all work together to take action and help our schools realize our values of educational excellence with equity for all Oak Park children.
WHEN: Monday, November 13th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
WHERE: Longfellow School: 715 Highland Street, Oak Park, IL 60304
SPACE WILL BE LIMITED. Please register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYCGQTL
Here is flyer for more information.
Sponsored by D97PTO Diversity Council
Updating Family Contact Information
For Current 8th Grade Families - OPRFHS Testing Information
The OPRF placement test will be offered on Saturday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 9th. The high school will notify families in November about their assigned testing date and time. Please be on the look out for this communication from OPRF.
Below is information about the testing process and what tests will be administered:
STAR Math and Reading Screeners. 34-item online assessments that replaces the EXPLORE test used in prior years. Star assessments adapt as students respond to questions. A correct answer to question 1, for example, will lead to a slightly more challenging item for question 2. An incorrect answer to question 2 would lead to a slightly easier problem for #3. We believe these assessments have advantages over the older, non-adaptive EXPLORE tests in providing information about your child's strengths and needs. They will also take approximately half the time to administer compared to EXPLORE.
Here is a website for a parent guide to the STAR Assessments:
https://www.renaissance.com/2016/09/09/parents-guide-star-assessments/
- OPRFHS math test, including supplemental math items from retired PLAN and ACT tests. These items will focus on advanced algebra and geometry concepts that are not included on the Star math test.
Here is a website with sample test items:
http://www.neregionalschool.org/PDFs/ACT%20Plan%20Sample%20Questions.pdf
- Spanish, French, and Italian language tests. Students currently enrolled in Spanish, French, or Italian who intend to continue in the same language in high school will also take a world language placement test for that language. No language test is required for students currently enrolled in German language classes, students not currently enrolled in a language class, and students who intend to switch to a new language in high school.
Please let Ms. Klein know if you have any questions or visit the OPRF website at:
For Current 7th Grade Families: Springfield Trip and Washington D.C Trip Information
I am excited to announce that I am the Program Leader for the 2018 Springfield and Washington, DC trips.
- Springfield - Friday, April 20, 2018
- For those of you who would like to take advantage of the EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT by November 15, you will ONLY pay $49 to register.
- Refer to Brooks Group #149246
- Washington, DC - October 8-10, 2018 (Columbus Day Weekend)
For those of you who would like to take advantage of the EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT by November 17, you will ONLY pay $49 to register ($50 savings).
- Refer to Brooks Group #156121
I would like to share details about both trips and answer any questions that you may have. Please join me for a parent meeting on:
- Wednesday, November 1 at 6:30pm in the Brooks Commons (attached Springfield and DC invites)
- You will also receive information packets in the mail for both trips from WorldStrides. Please DO NOT discard the envelopes.
- Payment arrangements are available.
- If you are in need of financial assistance, you may also reach out to WorldStrides to inquire about their Flag Scholarship.
If you have questions, please email Janorisè Robinson.
Thank you!
Janorisè Robinson
Parent Volunteer & Program Leader
312-241-2639Important Information from Middle School Librarians
Here is a letter with more specific information provided by our middle school Librarians.
You can access additional information about Gale’s In Context Suite by visiting http://www.gale.com/databases/in-context. If you have comments, questions or concerns about these resources, please contact your child’s teacher librarian.
Interested in ordering a Yearbook?
Brooks Facebook Group
Please view posts or request to join so you can create or respond to posts!
Let's Talk - Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
District 97 has invested in a resource called Let’s Talk that students, faculty, staff, parents/guardians and community members can use to communicate with us about our departments and services, and share feedback on important issues and topics that will shape the future of our schools and help the children we serve realize their full potential.
Here is the direct link to Brooks Let's Talk to share your question, comment, question, concern or compliment with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
You can also access additional information about the system by visiting - http://www.op97.org/news/1443643/district-97-launches-let-s-talk-communication-system.
Recognizing Staff who Make a Difference
Thank you to those who have completed this form to recognize a GBMS staff member. All individuals receive a printed certificate highlighting your appreciation for their contributions!
Please be sure your background check has been completed if you'd like to volunteer to chaperone Field Trips
Breakfast and Lunch Menus for November
SPORTING EVENTS
CLUB OPPORTUNITIES (can join anytime)
Each club meets weekly, unless otherwise notated below.
- ORFF Ensemble from 8:00am to 8:50am in D104 (first meeting was on 9/18). Participation is open to all students - no audition required, but enrollment is limited to 40 students. Interested students can sign-up and pick up permission slips outside of the music room (D104). For additional information contact Mr. Carrillo - fcarrillo@op97.org. Still opportunity to join.
- Ultimate Frisbee from 3:30pm to 4:40pm in 3rd floor gym. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Dajani at rdajani@op97.org or Mr. Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org. (Weather Permitting)
- Math Team from 3:30-4:30 in room B204 . The club will meet each week. Students of all interest levels are welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Kahn at skahn@op97.org.
- Spoken Word from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm in room B205. If you have any questions, please email Mr. Lee at mlee@op97.org
Tuesdays
- EcoEagles from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in room C302. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Stamp at lstamp@op97.org.
- Chess Club from 3:30 to 4:45 in room B305. If you have any questions, please email Mr. Hausfeld at mhausfeld@op97.org.
- Vex Robotics In-House League from 3:30 to 5 pm in room B302, 10/03-12/19 (no meeting 10/31, 11/21); Robot Rumble on 12/12 . You can learn more by viewing flyer or OPEF VexRobotics website. or if you have any questions, please email Ms. Pena at tpena@op97.org
- Rainbow Tribe after school until 4:30 in 2nd floor conference room next to PE classroom. The next meeting is on Tuesday, November 7th. Schedule and permission slip found here. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Olsen at jolsen@op97.org
Wednesdays
- Ultimate Frisbee from 3:30pm to 4:40pm in 3rd floor gym. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Dajani at rdajani@op97.org or Mr. Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org. (Weather Permitting)
Best Buddies General Meeting on Wednesday, November 1st from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in Commons. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Beauprez or Ms. Touchette. Here is calendar of dates for all Best Buddies meetings.
Thursdays
- Art Club meeting from 3:30pm to 4:45pm in room D301. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Murray at kmurray@op97.org.
- Spanish Club from 3:30 to 4:30pm in room B308. Meeting this week is on November 2nd. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Lagioia at vlagioia@op97.org or Ms. Villalobos at cvillalobos@op97.org.
- Yearbook Club meeting from 3:30 to 4:30pm in room B202. The club meets 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The next meeting is November 9th. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Marsha Turner-Reid at mturnerreid@op97.org or Ms. Meaghan Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org
Fridays
- Service Club from 8am to 8:45am in room B209. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Walsh at swalsh@op97.org or Ms. Martinez at bmartiez@op97.org . We are collecting food for the Fall Food Drive. The food drive will run from October 2nd to October 30th. Please turn in food to your advisory teacher. Prize will be given to advisory with most food items collected!
Student Innovation Team
Service Club - Fall Food Drive & Care Packages for Housing Forward
Service Club is also collecting unused travel-size toiletries all year to make care packages for Housing Forward. Please send any donations to Ms. Walsh or Ms. Martínez.
District 97 Instrumental Music Festival
Wed, Nov. 8th @ OPRFHS Auditorium, 7 p.m.
This event will be the first concert of the year for all of our curricular bands and orchestras. This event also includes our band and orchestra students from Percy Julian Middle School. There will be rehearsals at OPRFHS on Monday, Nov. 6th (7th/8th Graders) and Wednesday, Nov. 8th (6th graders) prior to the evening concert. Both the online permission slip and/or hardcopy will be available soon! Please check concert attire requirements through your music director’s communication!
BRAVO Upcoming Events
Disneys’ The Little Mermaid Performances are November 3 - 11 - Tickets are on Sale Now!
Get connected to PTO
PTO Information
- The link to subscribe for families is http://eepurl.com/cgOObT
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