February 18, 2020
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Testing starts March 11th
As is required by law, every student who is eligible to take the IAR assessment will receive a test ticket. A school’s participation rate on state assessments impacts its rate of proficiency and its annual School Report Card designation. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to calculate proficiency by dividing the number of students who met or exceeded standards on the IAR by either the number of students who tested or 95% of the number of students who should have tested, whichever is greater. Schools with less than 95% participation in state assessments are ineligible to receive the Exemplary designation. For more information about how a school's participation rate impacts rate of proficiency on a school's report card, see this from ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education)
Brooks currently has an underperforming designation on our School Report Card, which in part is impacted by our participation rate. We had 85% of our students participate in IAR testing in Spring 2019, which is below the required rate of participation of at least 95%. The average participation rate for the state of Illinois is 98%.
The information provided by the IAR is utilized by our school and district to reflect on the impact of our instructional units, as well as provide us with information about how to enrich learning for students. It's important feedback for us about student learning.
Thank you for partnering with us to encourage your student to put forth their best effort during IAR testing. Once students complete the test, they can read silently. The school library will be closed during the administration of the test, so please remind your student to select their book ahead of time and bring it to class during the IAR testing window to read.
Please reach out to Angelica Kamysz (akamysz@op97.org), Antione Bland (abland@op97.org) or April Capuder (acapuder@op97.org), if you have any questions.
Hut
For the 10th consecutive year, District 97 earned first place at the West 40 Speech and
Drama Festival, which was held at Elmwood Park High School on Saturday, February 15th .
We tied with another district at the competition, and we are very proud of our amazing
performers!
This talented team was made up of the following students and coaches from Brooks and
Julian Middle Schools:
Brooks:
Simone Arvetis
Noah Campbell
Alex Harks
Audrey Molitar
Alana Slade
Understudies:
Frank DeLano
Adam Dominowski
Caroline McGinnis
Nandan Nadkarni
Alara Randle
Tessa Troyer
Brooks Coaches: Pam Gaffney, Carin McKinney, and Sarah Perros
Julian:
Mary Andolina
Leila Ashrafi
Tressa Barrigar
Ella Biag
Kate Boveri
Rafael Butt
William Cote
Lincoln Dean
Elisabeth Drobot
Anika Gupta
Zachary Polan
Deshon Press
Carolyn Rainey
Sasha Sieck
Izel Smyth
Liam Schweitzer
Julian Assistant (Student) Coach: Lauren Rainey
Julian Coaches: John Beck, John Colucci, Katherine Lofton , and Bessie Santos
Join us for the return of the Mindful Middle-Schoolers talks
Join us for any of the free Mindful Middle-School talks outlined below held either at Julian or Brooks Middle School. DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, plan to offer a series of community talks to the Brooks/Julian middle school communities during the 2019-2020 school year as part of The Mindful Middle Schoolers Program. All are welcome (parents, school staff, students, community members).
Mindful Middle-Schoolers - Community Talks 2020
D97 Mid-year Progress Update - Board Meeting 2/18
During the District 97 board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, Dr. Kelley will provide the board of education and the community with a mid-year progress update on our FY20 Collective Action Plan. This will include a written report, as well as a showcase of four key initiatives tied to our goals for the 2019-20 school year. Presentations will be given on:
- Inclusive Practices: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)/Co-Teaching
- Positive Learning Environment: Tier 1/Community-Building
- Equity: National Board Certified Teachers (Strengthening Teaching Practices)
- Focus on Whole Child: IB Program (Strengthening Middle School Instruction
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building, 260 Madison St. We hope you will attend to hear about the progress we have made toward our goals, and learn about some of the initiatives that are supporting our work.
Parent Information Session - Single Subject/Whole Grade Acceleration
Information about the District 97 Accelerated Placement Program, including definitions and timelines, can be found at http://www.op97.org/acceleration.
Parent Workshop: "Developing Your Child's IEP"
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Parent Resource Site
8th Grade Cap & Gown Information, Graduation photo Retake Day
- Orders for Caps & Gowns can be placed online via RevTrak. Students may also submit cash payments as well as checks payable to GBMS to the main office.
- Printable Cap & Gown order form
- REVTRAK Online Payment
Graduation Photos Retake Day
- Graduation photo retake day will be Thursday, February 27.
- If you have not yet taken your graduation photos there is no charge for retakes.
- If you have already taken graduation photos and would like them re-done, there is a $10.00 retake fee.
SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE TEAM UPDATE
Kids can continue to earn Brooks Bucks for following the posted Brooks Student Expectations. These bucks can be redeemed at the School Store along with HERO points.
Message from the Main Office
FAQ'S
- Attendance Line : 708-665-3074 or send an email
- Please note from 8:45am to 9:15am the Brooks answering service will be activated as our office staff is attending to in-house student and parent needs.
- REVTRAK Link - Payment system for Field trips, School Fees, Replacement Fees, Gym Uniforms, etc. The link can also be found on the Brooks Website under Payments in the blue menu bar.
- Bell Schedule - For those asking what time the periods take place.
IT'S SUNDAY! WHO INSPIRES YOU? Recognizing Staff who Make a Difference
In an effort to celebrate our community, we would like to invite parents and students to give a shout out to member(s) of the Brooks Community who have inspired them. We also want to hear from parents and students who would like recognize a Brooks teacher that has made an impact around diversity and inclusion. Every Sunday, selected comments will be featured in Middle Matters and the staff member will receive a certificate detailing how they have made a difference to you. You can also tag your comments under #BeBrooks97 on Twitter. Please join us in celebrating the Brooks Community by completing this form.
Gwendolyn Brooks Class of 2020 Graduation
Please be sure to mark your calendars. We will have more information regarding graduation activities in February.
Purchase your Yearbook Today!
If you do not already have an account from a previous years purchase, you will be asked to set up an account in order to make a purchase.
Brooks Purchase Code: 1014096931934358
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- February 28 - Trimester 2 ends
- March 11- 13 & 18 - 20 - IAR Testing
- March 23 - 27 - Spring Break
Chromebook Repairs / Chargers
Repairs - If your student issued Chromebook is experiencing issues, please have your teacher write your student a pass to the Media Center to see the School Technician. The Technician will check in the Chromebook for repair. A repair can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on the issue. But our goal is to return the Chromebooks as soon as possible. Students can request printed copies of any assignments from their teachers during this time. When the students Chromebook is ready, the office receives it from the School Technician and the information will be listed on the daily Chromebook Spreadsheet for teachers to check. Students can ask their teachers to look at the Chromebook spreadsheet to see if their Chromebook is listed or they can stop by the main office at the start/end of day, on their way to/from PE or Lunch.
Chargers - If your student has lost their school issued charger, your may purchase a new charger online via Revtrak or by cash or check in the main office.
Replacing Chromebook - If your student is unable to locate their chromebook after retracing their steps, informing their teacher or front office staff to connect with the technology department to see if it can be located remotely in the building, please print and complete this form. If filing a claim for vandalism, fire or theft, please contact our Student Resource Officer Locke, elocke@op97.org. He will be able to help you with this. Once the form has been completed, please submit it and any required payment to the front office.
GBMS Library/Media Center
Library is also open during each lunch period starting the week of September 9th. Students need to request a pass from a teacher BEFORE their lunch period and can go to the library during the social time of their lunch period.
Breakfast, Special Hot Lunch Opportunities and Menus
Ordering Special Hot Lunch offerings for your Student
Please visit our website to learn how to participate in
- PTO Starship Lunches on Tuesdays starts 9/17.
- BRAVO PRE-ORDERED Pizza lunches starts THIS Friday, 9/13.
PTO NEWS
Want to Donate to the PTO?
You can donate $10 or more to help pay for things like teacher grants, need-based scholarships and other enrichment activities. Please consider a matching gift donation from your employer.
Email the PTO BoardEmail gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions!
Does your 8th grader want to have an 8th grade dance? We need you!
The 8th grade dance is a great way to celebrate finishing middle school. However, it can’t happen without support from the Brooks community! The PTO is currently looking for one more 8th Grade VP. This role helps plan 8th grade dance and a winter staff appreciation dinner. There are two 8th grade VP’s, so you are working with a partner!
Brooks Spirit Wear
Brooks spirit wear can be ordered at any time by visiting this website.
Orders will be shipped to your home!
How to Take Long Showers and Still Save the World From Drought
from Adam Rose, The Huffington Post
Some teens seem to take FOREVER in the shower, and while this isn't exactly eco-friendly, in fact, there are other ways you can have a huge impact on water use without limiting that shower time. Cut back on some burgers (eat six fewer small burgers a year) and you’ll save as much water as if you stopped showering for the entire year. Shower heads only run at a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute. Cows, on the other hand, are thirsty. It can take over 1,200 gallons to produce a single 8-oz steak, the same amount of water as a 10-hour shower. So yes — go ahead and turn off the tap while you're brushing. Maybe don’t sing through the entirely of High School Musical while you’re showering. But a few smarter choices can make you a water conservationist even if you shower an hour each day. (But don’t shower an hour each day ... that’d just be weird.) First and foremost? You guessed it — eat less meat. I’m not saying you need to give it up — just cut back once in awhile. “Estimates range from 1,800 to 8,400 gallons of water needed to produce a single pound of beef. The cows aren’t just drinking it, they eat a lot of feed — which takes yet more water to grow. It’s the thirstiest menu choice you can make, using over 10 times the amount of water as an equivalent amount of chicken. If you switch to a turkey burger, that’s reducing at least 75% of the water used for an equivalent amount of beef. Pork products use up to 50% more water than poultry, but again nowhere near as much as beef. If you haven’t tried veggie burgers, some are actually pretty good (especially when they’re not trying to be the real thing) and all use a tiny fraction of the water that meat does. Participate in Meatless Monday and suddenly you’re a water-saving rockstar” (Adam Rose). Mr. Rose has several more suggestions, including using less paper, ("A typical sheet of paper takes 2.6 gallons of water to produce,”) and fixing your leaks (The EPA estimates that “the average household can lose 10,000 gallons a year on leaks. Your shower lasts just minutes, but your broken fixture never stops”). Check out his article (linked at the top here) for more ideas and additional resources.
Coffee with Capuder
Clubs and Sports Information
Mondays
- Math Team 3:30pm - 4:30pm in room B409. For more information contact Esther Smith at esmith3@op97.org . Open to 6 - 8 grade students.
- Orff Ensemble (Xylophone and Drumming Music Group) Monday's, 8:00-8:50 am, Rm D104. Open to all students grades 6-8. For more information contact Mr. Carrillo (fcarrillo@op97.org)
- Rainbow Tribe 3:30pm - 4:30pm in the Library! Come join students who want to be a part of creating a safe and inclusive space for our Brooks LGBTQ community. All students (those who identify and allies) are invited to join! Reach out to Ms. Berman (aberman@op97.org) or Mrs. Olsen (jolsen@op97.org) with any questions!
- Spoken Word Club: Mondays in B205 (3:30 - 5:00 pm) with Mr. Lee and resident poet Christian Robinson. Contact Mr. Lee with questions. mlee@op97.org
- Ultimate Frisbee: Currently on Winter hiatus. This recreational Frisbee Club will meet again in the Spring on Mondays and Wednesdays to play from 3:30p to 4:30p. For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org or Coach Guerino at tguerino@op97.org - Please note practices are dependent on weather.
Tuesdays
- Yearbook Club meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month. Room B202 Beginning in October and ends in April. Everyone is welcome to join GBMS Yearbook Club. We are looking for students to assist us in recording the student activities & events of the 2019-2020 school year!For more information please contact Meaghan Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org or Marsha Turner Reid at mturnerreid@op97.org
- EcoEalges - meets weekly on TUESDAYS at 3:30 in Room C202
Students who are passionate about helping the environment, gardening, saving endangered species or who just want to do interesting things outdoors should check out the ECO EAGLES, the Brooks ecology club. We have made award-winning films, gone on cool field trips, implemented fun fundraisers and raised awareness about many different issues. We are open to whatever you are interested in, so join us! For more information contact lstamp@op97.org
- Chess Club meets in room C108 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. For more information contact Coach Hausfeld at mhausfeld@op97.org
Wednesdays
- Best Buddies: Calendar of meeting for 19-20 school year. Contact Ms. Beauprez with questions lbeeauprez@op97.org .
- Ultimate Frisbee: Currently on Winter hiatus. This recreational Frisbee Club will meet again in the Spring on Mondays and Wednesdays to play from 3:30p to 4:30p. For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org or Coach Guerino at tguerino@op97.org - Please note practices are dependent on weather.
Art Club from 3:30-4:30 October- March in D301. Free and open to all students.
Mrs. Murray (kmurray@op97.org) will offer a variety of materials and techniques. Come when you can and be ready to explore your own ideas, work at your own pace, and make new friends in a creative environment just for artists! Art club is FREE!
- Service Club meets at 8am in room B209. We organize & promote the school's service projects such as food drives, coat drives, the holiday food and gift basket program, and more! If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Susan Walsh (swalsh@op97.org) or Ms. Blanca Martinez (bmartinez@op97.org).
Boys Basketball
Additional Open Gym Dates
2-12, 2-18, 2-20, 2-21, 2-24, 2-26.
For more information contact: Coach Darren Haus at dhaus@op97.org
Girls Volleyball Upcoming Important Dates
Practice Schedule
See Mr. Grimaldi for Practice Schedule
Game Schedule
Tue 2/18 Away vs. Northlake 4pm - 6pm
Thu 2/20 Away vs. Irving 4pm - 6pm
For questions contact Coach Grimaldi at hgrimaldi@op97.org
OPEF VEX Robotics
This year we are offering two cool programs for D97 middle school kids to enjoy. We look forward to another exciting VEX Robotics season at both Julian and Brooks.
- The In-House Club is designed for students with little or no experience with robotics and for students who cannot commit to the long season of our Competitive League.
- The Robotics Competitive League is an intensive program for the dedicated technology student, especially those who want to take their experience with VEX Robotics and programming to the next level.
To sign up or learn more information about our programs, visit our OPEF VEX Robotics page at https://www.opef.org/programs/vex-robotics/
Brooks in-house contact - Brian Shinners, bshinners@op97.org
Girls on the RISE -
The 8th Grade Girls group will begin meeting on January 15th, 2020.
For more information contact Dominique Hickman at dhickman@oakparktownship.org
YEMBA
Wednesdays - 3:30pm 6:30pm
Includes: Homework help, mentoring, recreation workshops, snacks, guest speakers and much more...
For more information contact:
YMBA, INC.
(773) 842-5022
email: www.yemba@yemba-inc.org
Website: www.yemba-inc.org
BRAVO Dance Studio
We are now offering 3 Sessions of Dance Studio!
Dates and Times are subject to change
2nd Session: December 2 – February 19
3rd Session: February 24 – April 15
Dance Studio Contract & Permission to Participate Form
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
BRAVO Guitar Club
Mondays 3:30pm-5pm
Learn basic guitar chords or work on advancing your guitar skills. Beginners and Advanced guitar players welcome!
3rd Session: February 24 – April 13
Contract and Permission to Participate Form
Forms must be turned in to the BRAVO Office (D103)
Information located outside the BRAVO! Office
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
BRAVO NEW THIS YEAR: IMPROV Club & Film Club
IMPROV CLUB
Tuesdays from 3:30pm-4:45pm
Improv (Improvisation) is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment. Improv is spontaneous, entertaining, and fun!
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
FILM CLUB
Thursdays – 3:30pm-4:45pm
Learn how to write a story board, take video and edit material into a short film.
**This club is free and open to ALL Brooks Students!
Community Programs
Distribution of information by a community group in accordance with District 97 policy does not imply, directly or indirectly, that the group's program(s), event(s) and/or services(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.
8th Grade Families - Scholarship Opportunity
The Evans Scholars program is seeking students who may be a good fit for their incredible program. The Evans Scholars programs is seek students from families where the family income is under $100,000 and who have a good work ethic, strong grades (3.0+) and good recommendations. Those students who go through the program successfully can apply as HS seniors to be Evans Scholars. Because of the commitment students who plan to play a fall sport or activity that starts in August are not good fits for the program.
Applications are accepted beginning March 1. They are looking for 8th graders (boys or girls) who are looking to caddy during the summer at either Riverside Golf Course or Oak Park Country Club. The commitment is from Memorial Day thru Labor Day and there is no set schedule, students show up to caddie as needed and as students progress through the years of the caddy program they gain more status and income.
The Evans Scholars program recipients (1 in 4 are awarded the scholarship) are awarded full tuition and room and board (they live together in the Evans Scholar house) for 4 years of college and other scholarship opportunities are available so it is a great program for the right students who start with the program now and stay engaged through High School. It is a very robust program; University of Illinois Champaign Urbana currently has 130 Evans Scholars, Marquette University has 70, and Northwestern University has 50. Fenwick graduated a handful of Evans Scholars last spring and we want to make sure we keep OPRFHS students engaged in the program as well.
If you are interested in being connected with an Evans Scholar Board member in order to learn more about the program and the application process please email Antoine Bland (abland@op97.org) by February 28, 2020.
Strengthening Families Program
Oak Park Code Fest
The D97 Librarians are partnering with the Oak Park Public Library and Oak Park Education Foundation to bring you Code Fest 2020.
This hands-on night will show families what types of coding and programming activities are available.
It will be a fun night of coding stations where families and students can drop in and try these fun activities.
- FLYER
Parent Leadership Training Hosted by the Collaboration for Early Childhood
Attendance of Children at OPRF Sporting Events
Oak Park and River Forest High School recently implemented a new rule when attending athletic events. Effective immediately, children ages 11 and younger will not be allowed to attend athletic events at OPRF unless they are accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. Please click here for the full message from the high school.
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