Christian's Weekly Communication
MLK Day, January 18, 2021
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Dear Julian families,
Our school will be closed in observation of Martin Luther King’s Birthday. We celebrate the life, legacy, and major accomplishments of this great leader.
Not only did Martin Luther King, Jr. have a dream, throughout his life he served others with his words and through his actions. Dr. King embodied the concept of social responsibility, which acknowledges “accountability for the impact of one’s choices on the larger world,” right now and in the future. Please check out this great video from the kid president.
**For those interested I wanted to share some programs happening, virtually, at the Oak Park Public library this month for middle grade students:
Saturday (1/16) TechGirlz: Build Your Own Voice App (girls, grades 5-8)
A message from Principal Christian
Greetings Jayhawks! We are roughly 17 days into 2021 and I know it might not seem like much has changed. With the horrific attacks in the Capitol Building, Covid-19 still very present, social unrest, and our current political state it seems as though our kids can’t catch a break. I’m ever the more resolved to ensure that our Julian Jayhawk students understand their importance in our world and how they will influence their culture, their world, and their future.
As a reminder we have support staff, social workers and DePaul on hand for any students that are having trouble with the current events of our world. If you feel your child needs support in any way, please contact our main office, Assistant Principal’s, or I. We will ensure that we steer you in the right direction.
Hybrid Learning Model
We are currently in the process of planning for our elaborate hybrid learning model. I am meeting with our safety teams, teachers, office staff, and Administrative team to ensure a safe and smooth transition throughout this process. I know there are many questions about what this might look like for our students. I vow to put the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of our planning processes.
Parents that signed-up for the hybrid learning model will receive an email and phone call this week informing them of pertinent details and information. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any request for the hybrid learning experience beyond the January 6th closing date. Currently, with our school being the largest in the district, we’ve had over 500 family’s request this experience. In order to properly plan, execute, and keep everyone safe we cannot make any additions to our current hybrid student population. An additional selection form for Trimester 3 is forthcoming. Stay tuned!
A Virtual Field Trip Your Child doesn't want to miss!
Sign-up Information
Parents, please complete the following field trip permission slip form if you are interested in your child attending this wonderful experience!
YEMBA
A/B Day Correction
A/B Day Correction:
I humbly apologize for the error, however Monday, January 11th will be an A day for students. Students PowerSchool portal might indicate that 1/11 is a B day, however this is an error that is in process of being corrected. I take full accountability for the error. The new A/B calendar has been posted to our website. It also can be viewed by clicking here. Principal Jeremy E. Christian
January 2021 Menus and Meal Distributions
January 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.
Mental Health Wellness Appointments for Students
District 97 school psychologists and nurses have collaborated to offer access to virtual mental health wellness checks at each school this fall. 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.
To sign up or learn more about these services, please visit https://bit.ly/3m3Xece.
If your child is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please do not use this service and instead call the Thrive 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 708-383-7500. You may also refer to this local resource guide created by the Community Mental Health Board of the Oak Park Township.
Parent Information Session for Single Subject/Whole Grade Acceleration
For families who are seeking single subject or whole grade acceleration for the 2021-22 school year, the district will be hosting a Virtual Parent Information Session on Wednesday, January 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The session will include a presentation that outlines the process and requirements. Click here for the family letter about acceleration opportunities for the 2021-22 school year. >
Click here to view the event flyer.
Information about the District 97 Accelerated Placement Program, including definitions and timelines, can be found at http://www.op97.org/acceleration.