Middle Matters
Week of February 21, 2023
In This Issue
Highlights from this week's Middle Matters:
- Important Upcoming Dates
- SY22-23 School Calendar
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Black History Month - Health & Wellness Event 2/28
- 5-Essentials Survey
- Post Family-Teacher Conference Survey for Families
- Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR) Information
- Congratulations Taryn Draine!
- Middle School Math Enrichment Program (Registration closed 2/15 at 11:59pm)
- Single Subject and Whole Grade Acceleration Information
- 8th Grade Graduation Pictures - March 1st
- PTO Assist with Lunch Recycling & Composting
- PTO Donuts for D.C.
- Volunteers needed for Selling Donuts for D.C.
- PTO Sneaker Old Sneaker Fundraiser
- Preparing for Winter in D97
- 8th Grade Graduation Date - June 8th
- GBMS Yearbook Purchasing Details
- Library in the mornings (Repeat)
- Clubs and Sports Information (updated weekly)
- Boxing & Self Defense Class - 3/16/23
- BRAVO Information (updated weekly)
- Student Announcements (updated weekly)
Highlights from GBMS PTO and District
- PTO Standing Communications: PTO Angel Funds, PTO Gift Card Fundraiser, PTO Partners with Amazon
- District News
- GBMS Athletics
- Allergy Safe School Information - No Nuts (Repeat)
- Stay Home When Sick (Repeat)
- Process for Reporting Positive COVID-19 Cases to D97 Schools (Repeat)
- How to Report Student Absences (Repeat)
- Office Phones and Dropping off Items at Brooks (Repeat)
- School Day (Bell Schedule and A/B/C rotation) (Repeat)
- Cell Phone/Mobile Devices Away for the Day (Repeat)
- Tardies to Class (Repeat)
- Water Bottle Reminders (Repeat)
- School Physical and Immunization Information (Repeat)
- Tech Support
Community Partner News
- Your Passion 1st @OPPL - Wednesdays 4 to 5:30pm
- OPRF Girls Basketball Sports Clinic
- Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families
- Friday Night Place
- NAMI - SUPPORT4U
- Leyden Family Services
- THRIVE
If you have questions about the upcoming school year, please don’t hesitate to contact me at acapuder@op97.org. You can also contact my Executive Coordinator, Ms. Angel Banks, at abanks1@op97.org or (708) 524-7636.
Our administrative team is also available to help answer your questions.
Angelica Love Curriculum & Instruction AP (6th grade, 7th grade) alove@op97.org
Denise Fernandez Curriculum & Instruction AP (8th grade, multineeds) dfernandez@op97.org
Stacie Klein Culture & Climate AP sklein@op97.org
IMPORTANT DATES
2/20: No School
3/1: 8th Graduation Pictures
End of Trimester 2: March 8th
Trimester 2 Report Card Emailed Home: March 24th
3/27 through 3/31: No School (Spring Break)
4/4: No School
4/7: No School
5/29: No School
6/8: 8th Grade Graduation 6:30pm at Oak Park River Forest High School Auditorium (last day of 8th Grade Student Attendance)
6/9: Last Day of School
Celebrating Black History Month
This month, District 97 schools will be celebrating the remarkable lives, histories and contributions of the Black community. From assemblies and performances, to read-ins, class projects and school-wide celebrations, District 97 students will have opportunities to honor Black lives and experiences.
At Brooks, last week we collectively worked on BHM Fiber Arts Sculpture that will be presented on February 24th during the assembly.
This week and next week at Brooks:
- BHM 2023 - People You Should Know Contest (any day through Feb 28.) Students Complete this Google Form to test their knowledge of some important and influential people of the Black community (there are SO many more). They can use the descriptions and images to research people they don't know right away - and can work collaboratively - but submit their own form. There are a total of 20 questions, spelling does not count, as long as it is identifiable. By submitting the form they are automatically entered into a contest to win a small prize! Answers will be listed in the Student Announcements on March 1st.
- On Thursday, Bernard Lilly who is a singer/songwriter/teacher and mentor of College Mentoring Experience (CME) will speak and do a small performance for the 8th graders during SOAR.
- On Friday during all grade level SOARs will be our Student Led Black History Month Assembly.
- Tuesday, 2/28: BLACK HISTORY MONTH - HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENT. Below is more information. Please sign up to attend here.
We'd love to hear how you and your family are celebrating Black History Month, too! You can share your stories, photos and videos by tweeting us (@OakPark97, using the hashtags #MyD97 and #OakPark97) or emailing us at d97feedback@op97.org.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH - HEALTH & WELLNESS EVENT
SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084ea4a62ba3fe3-black1#/
At Brooks Middle School from 5pm to 8pm. See below for more information.
Illinois 5Essentials Survey - Please complete Survey for Brooks!
In Case You Missed It...
Illinois 5Essentials Survey is Open!
Parents/guardians all 10 of our schools are encouraged to take the Illinois 5Essentials Survey between January 24 through March 31, 2023: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/.
The parent survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You may skip questions you do not wish to answer, but the survey must be completed in one sitting and cannot be retrieved once it is submitted.
GBMS current percent of parent/guardian completion as of 2/12 is: 9%.
School-level reports will only be generated if at least 20 percent of our parents/guardians complete the survey.
Thank you for participating in this important endeavor and for your continued support of our schools and the children we serve.
Post Family-Teacher Conference Survey for Families
Thank you for coming together this week at Family-Teacher Conferences to support our students! District 97's Be a Learning Designer Team is continuing to collect family-teacher conference data to better understand the family and student experience.
Family and teacher feedback from the fall survey informed changes that called for virtual access to conferences, access to assessment data prior to conferences, and information on academic standards, which was included in our new online resource: Getting Ready for Family-Teacher Conferences.
Please share your feedback with us via this survey https://forms.gle/NVcyyLn9tJoTZc186. We look forward to hearing from you, and thank you again taking the time to support this critical partnership!
Illinois Assessment for Readiness Information
Each Spring, all District 97 students in Grades 3 to 8 take federally-required assessments to help us understand how they are growing academically. Since 2019, the state has utilized the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) to assess students’ knowledge and skills in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, as well as their progress toward the long-term goal of college and career readiness. Students in grades 5 to 8 will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) as well.
This year, the IAR will be administered to District 97 students March 9-23, prior to spring break. Your individual teachers and principals will share specific testing dates with you in the coming weeks so that you are aware of the days your student(s) will be testing.
Check out “5 Things to Know About IAR” to learn more about this year’s assessment!
Thank you for partnering with us to encourage your student(s) to put forth their best effort every day. If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.
Congratulations to Taryn Draine
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH ENRICHMENT PROGRAM 2023!!
Our district’s vision is to create a positive learning environment for all District 97 students that is equitable, inclusive, and focused on the whole child. One of our goals is for every student to have access and the opportunity to learn at high levels, with learning outcomes not dependent upon race, gender or socioeconomic status. As District 97 continues our commitment to equity, the Middle School Math Enrichment program will be offered to all students in grades 5-7 to ensure a pathway to Algebra I/Integrated Math I by 8th grade.
CLICK HERE to view the 2023 5th-7th Grade Middle School Math Enrichment Family Letter, which details important information about the 2023 Middle School Math Enrichment program, including how to register your student. To go directly to the registration links for the available programs go here: https://www.op97.org/teach-learn/middle-school-math-enrichment-program
Registration is CLOSED and payment WAS due on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 by 11:59p.m
Thank you in advance for your continued partnership and cooperation. Please contact me at tlawrence@op97.org if you have questions regarding the Middle School Math Enrichment Program.
Single Subject and Whole Grade Acceleration
Families of children who are seeking single subject or whole grade acceleration to an advanced grade, you may find more information about the process acceleration by visiting: https://www.op97.org/teach-learn/acceleration.
GRADUATION PICTURES - MARCH 1, 2023
Volunteers Needed: YOU CAN HELP THE EARTH!!
PTO DONUTS 4 D.C.
Doughnuts for a Cause!! Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School PTO is giving you the best reason to indulge in a dozen (or two) Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Until February 20, 2023, 50% of your order will be donated back to Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School PTO when you purchase via our fundraising sales page! Simply buy online, visit your local store & redeem using your code. Treat yourself or even gift them to friends and family here: grouprai.se/krispykreme6124sa #krispykreme #doughnuts #groupraise #digitaldozen #gwendolynbrooksmiddleschoolpto #donuts #fundraiser
LUNCH DONUTS 4SALE
We will be selling Kristy Kreme donuts this Wednesday 1/11 during lunch time for $2 per donut. All proceeds help send our 8th graders to DC! We will also be selling on Wednesdays 2/8, 2/22.
Volunteers Needed to Help Selling Donuts 4 D.C. @Brooks during lunch
SAVE YOUR SNEAKERS
Our sneaker drive is extended until the end of February! Bring in your used gym shoes and drop them in the front office! Thanks!
Be Safe and Healthy: Preparing for Winter in District 97
As we head into the winter months, it’s important that we all continue to work together to keep our schools safe and healthy for learning. Please take a moment to review the district’s Winter Preparedness 2022-23 deck, or watch the presentation from the Nov. 15 board of education meeting.
Winter Illnesses and Everyday Preventative Strategies
This year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), has noted an increase in individuals getting sick from respiratory viruses, including the flu, RSV and COVID-19. Health officials are urging individuals and families to take basic precautions to protect themselves this winter—stay home when you are sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and stay up to date on your vaccines. CLICK HERE to watch a brief video of everyday strategies to keep our schools healthy this winter >>
Emergency Closings and E-Learning Days
District 97 always strives to have schools open. However, if heavy snow or extreme cold make it dangerous to travel, we may need to close schools. The district’s emergency closing procedures are outlined at https://www.op97.org/communications/emergency-closings.
In July 2021, the District 97 Board of Education approved an E-Learning Plan for students to receive instruction electronically in lieu of traditional emergency days (or inclement weather days). This means that instead of canceling school, the superintendent now has the option of calling an “E-Learning Day” where students and staff learn and work virtually at home. This provides a continuation of learning and prevents the loss of critical instructional days, particularly in our first and second trimesters.
If the superintendent decides to close buildings and hold an E-Learning Day, the information is shared through multiple channels, including email, the district website, our Facebook and Twitter social media pages, and the Emergency Closings website. Staff and families are also encouraged to OPT IN to text messages from the district by texting YES to 87569.
Graduation Date - June 8, 2023
Graduation will be held at Oak Park River Forest High School on Thursday, June 8th from 6:30p.m.-8p.m.
GBMS 22-23 Yearbook purchasing details
It's time to purchase your GBMS 2022-2023 Yearbook! The cost is $26.02. Use the purchase link below to get started. You can also use your TreeRing account to share photos with our Yearbook Team throughout the year as well as design your very own custom pages (first two pages are free). If you have any questions regarding the yearbook, please contact Meaghan Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org.
Purchase Link: https://tr5.treering.com/validate
GBMS Passcode: 1014096931934358
Deadline to purchase a yearbook is April 5th, 2023.
Library Opening in the Mornings (Repeat)
- Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- No pass needed
- To enter, students wait in-between the Kenilworth doors (by the main office)
- An adult will escort groups to the library at 8:00, 8:15, and 8:30. For example, if you arrive at 8:10 you will have to wait until the 8:15 group heads up. If you arrive after the 8:30 group has been escorted, you may not enter the library that day
- You will sign-in and stay in the library until the 8:50 bell
- These times are for students to quietly read, do homework, or meet as a group to study or work on a project.
CLUBS & SPORTS INFORMATION
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Any student interested in playing Boys Volleyball will need an updated sports physical. All 6th grade students please check with the nurse to see if your school physical has the box checked. All 7th and 8th grade students will need an updated physical on file.
Boy’s Volleyball Schedule
JV Tryouts Main Gym - Sports physicals will be needed.
Tuesday Feb 21 at 7:30
Thursday Feb 23 at 7:30
Varsity Tryouts Main Gym - Sports physicals will be needed.
Tuesday Feb 21 at 7:30
Wednesday Feb 22nd at 7:30
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Please email Mr. Lary Grimaldi (lgrimaldi@op97.org) for practice schedule. See the Brooks Calendar for game schedule.
HOME GAMES FOR THE YEAR - February 21
WRESTLING
The district has approved our wrestling program for all students in middle school! Email Mr. Colucci about your interest, questions or concerns at mcolucci@op97.org. Find out more here at https://www.littlehuskieswrestling.org/ or speak to Mr. Colucci and Dr. Holmes. Wrestling is a technical sport and requires people to use their mind to overcome physical challenges and win. If that sounds like something you would like to embrace, come join the team!
Please reach out to Coach Michael Colucci at Brooks for more information at mcolucci@op97.org. To see the schedule of meets, please see Brooks Calendar.
ROBOTICS CLUB
The Brooks Robotics Club & OPEF are happy to announce that we’ve added a Spring In-House Robotics session!! The session will start on Monday, March 13, 2023. In-house robotics is the less competitive robotics option at Brooks; it is geared toward students who are interested in exploring robotics without the pressure of the competitive robotics team. Students who may have not had any previous experience with building robots and coding will learn the basics of a chassis, VEX building techniques and introductory block coding. The students will work in teams to design, build and code a robot to navigate a maze autonomously and perform in a fun remote control competition; previous examples of which were robot soccer, road racing and fun obstacle courses.
If you’re interested, please fill out the Spring In-House Robotics Application by Thursday, March 9, 2023. We’ll begin on Monday, March 13, after-school in D202 and will meet on Mondays and Thursdays weekly for 12 sessions from 3:30 - 5:00. There will be a participation fee of $50 to cover the cost of consumable supplies and materials. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Shinners at bshinners@op97.org.
Upcoming Robotics Club Events!
Battle of the Bots
Saturday, 2/25/2022, All Teams Compete
Brooks Middle School
325 S. Kenilworth
Oak Park, IL 60302
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Asian-American Culture Club
Are you interested in learning about Asian American culture? If so, please attend our next meeting! Our club’s goals are to learn about Asian American culture through art, languages, music, food, traditions, religions, dance, clothing, etc. We will feature several guest speakers. Our next meeting will be in room C407 on Tuesday, February 21st from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Meetings will be every other Tuesday. Please email or see Ms. Borah (cborah@op97.org /room C407) or Mr. Alejos (dalejos2@op97.org/ Media Center) for more information.
Speech Club
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Perros (sperros@op97.org) or Mrs. Gaffney (pgaffney@op97.org )
Social Justice/Rubik's Cube Club
Next meetings are every Wednesday in room C405. Our beliefs that students play a valuable role in shaping the climate and culture of their schools. With the community's support, we have expanded opportunities for students' voices to create a more positive and welcoming learning environment for all. Celebrating our 4th year, we are excited to hit the ground running, building an inclusive community and curating our Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. The club's goals are to continue improving school culture and promote and develop leadership skills in our students.
The Brooks Annual Black History Month Celebration - we are beginning to plan; please join us!
Partnering with Rainbow Revolution Club
Establishing the foundation of the club (developing roles and expectations, establishing a sense of community)
Analyzing the school community (assets and challenges)
Conducting research and developing ideas for solutions
Implementing solutions and reflecting.
Math Team
We meet on Mondays in B409 from 3:30 to 4:30pm. Calling all mathletes! Math Team provides students with the opportunity to participate in various mathematics competitions. In the past, Brooks has sent teams to the following events: Fenwick Junior High School Math Competition, The Latin School of Chicago Mathematics Contest, MathCounts, and Math Olympiad. The primary emphasis of the math team is team work and problem solving. Students of all abilities are welcome. Our next competition is at Latin School, on Saturday, January 28th.
Best Buddies Club
Next meeting to be announced. Bring a friend and get ready to make a friend. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Malina (vmalina@op97.org), Ms. Sefcik (bsefcik@op97.org) or Ms. Gaffney (pgaffney@op97.org)! Best Buddies is the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here at Best Buddies we will strive to create a sense of belonging here at Brooks through inclusive activities and social outings! Students will have the opportunity to build one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering social interactions while improving the quality of life and the level of inclusion. People with IDD form meaningful connections with peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, share interests, experiences and activities that other students may also enjoy!
Yearbook
Our next meeting is 2/8 in D304. Need a permission slip? Stop by the 3rd Floor C wing. You can pick up a permission slip from the Art Department Bulletin Board in the hallway. Come with a charged Chromebook so you can begin designing our yearbook. Remember, no permission slips means you can’t use the design website, so don’t forget!
Intramurals
Intramurals will be every Monday and Thursday after school 3:30-4:30pm and meets in the third floor gym. Depending on gym space the activities we will start the year off with will be basketball, football, frisbee and badminton. Please pick up permission slips from Mr. Gillespie (mgillespie@op97.org).
Rainbow Revolution
Brook’s very own group that welcomes students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies—ALL are welcome here! We meet on Mondays at 3:35pm in the Brooks Media Center. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Berman (aberman@op97.org).
BEAT (Brooks Earth Action Team)
We meet on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 in Room C202. Next meeting is November 29th, bring a mug. Everyone is welcome! We have so many cool projects going: designing an outdoor classroom, saving the Rusty Patched Bumblebee (an endangered species!), designing a bird sanctuary, growing food and more!
Chess Club / Game Club
We meet in room C108 from 3:30-5:00 p.m on the following dates:
March Dates to come!
Coordinator: Mark Hausfeld mhausfeld@op97.org
The goal of Chess / Game Club is to provide enrichment, teach, sharpen and reinforce game skills while learning to appreciate not only the games themselves but good sportsmanship as well. I hope to help all players, regardless of skill level, improve their “gaming” skills.
**All permission slips can be emailed, dropped in the main office, or brought on the first day our
Art Club
Meetings every Thursday from 3:30-4:30. Open to all students. Drop in when you can. Make art! Make friends! Email Mrs. Murray to be added to the Canvas course at kmurray@op97.org
Service Club
Service club meets Friday mornings from 8:00am to 8:50am in B209.
Please join us to find out about the service projects we’ll be organizing this year. You are welcome to share your own ideas about how we can help our community too. See or email Ms. Walsh (B209, swalsh@op97.org) or Ms. Martínez (B208, bmartinez@op97.org) with questions.
Morning Choirs (click here for more info) -
If students are still interested in joining, talk to Mr. Blackman in D105
- Fledgelings (all 6th grade and 7/8th not in a music class) meets Thursdays at 8am
- Downbeat (7/8th in Band, Choir, or Orchestra) meets Tuesdays and Fridays at 8am
For more information regarding the clubs (see 2nd tab on spreadsheet):
Brooks 2022 - 2023 Extra-Curricular Activities, which is being updated weekly.
BOXING & SELF DEFENSE
Boxing and Self Defense: All students are welcome to join Mr. Charles and Mr. Gillespie on Thursday, March 16th for a self-defense/boxing workshop after school 3:30-4:30. We will meet in the fitness room to learn different boxing and self defense skills that will give you helpful tools and techniques to keep yourself safe.
THE ROBOTICS SPRING HOUSE LEAGUE
Robotics Spring House League Starting!
The House League is the less competitive robotics option at Brooks. House league is geared towards students who have an interest in learning more about the designing, building and coding of robots, without the pressures of the competition team. The house league is geared towards students who are interested in exploring robotics without the pressure of competitions and/or who may not have had any previous experience with robots and coding. The students will work in teams to design, build and code a robot to play a game.
Spring Session is starting in March. We’ll meet on Mondays and Thursdays after school in D202. 1st meeting is Mar 13, 2023. Attendance is mandatory for all 12 sessions.Sign up here: Brooks Robotics In-House Registration (Spring)
There will be a nominal participation fee to cover the cost of consumable supplies, materials, etc.
BRAVO Friday Pizza Lunch
Student Announcements
PTO Standing Communications
BROOKS PTO - ANGEL FUNDS
SUPPORT PTO ALL YEAR LONG!!
Starting with your holiday shopping - by using RiaseRight gift cards for all your everyday purchases! We are currently raising money to help provide scholarships for the 8th grade Washington DC trip and to fund monthly cultural celebrations and other initiatives for the school community for the rest of the year.
The RightRaise gift card fundraiser is super easy...simply go to https://www.raiseright.com/ and create an account or download the app. Use our enrollment code 71Z7LFLAMVH7 and purchase gift cards to give as gifts or to use for your everyday shopping. You can also share the link and enrollment code with your friends or family who want to support Brooks.
There are hundreds of stores to choose from - places like Target, Whole Foods, Ulta, Bath & Body Works, LL Bean, Old Navy, Crate & Barrel, Starbucks, Amazon, BP, Chipotle, etc. Even Airbnb and several airlines!
Electronic gift cards are recommended b/c you can pay for them online and receive them within seconds. They arrive so quickly that you can purchase them while you are in line at the grocery store and use them to check out. You can even purchase reloadable gift cards for the gift that keeps giving all year long...think gas, coffee, clothes, pizza... the possibilities are (almost) endless!
When ordering gift cards please pay for them online or through the app and DO NOT select the option to pay the coordinator. Please note that while it is too late to receive physical gift cards before winter break, e-gift cards are received immediately and there is an option for physical gift cards to be shipped directly to your home for future gift giving. Physical gift cards delivered to Brooks will be distributed and available for pick up once or twice monthly.
Fund the Brooks PTO by shopping on Amazon
Begin your shopping through the Amazon Smile link here and our PTO will earn 0.5% of your total sale, at no expense to you. First time Amazon Smile shoppers will find our organization by typing Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization. Go to Your Account › Change Your Charity › Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization
Thank you for your continued support.
The PTO can't exist without YOU!
Do you want to have the inside scoop on what is going on at Brooks and D97? Do you want to make our school better than it ever as we transition back to a more ‘normal’ school day? NOW is the time to get involved!! We are looking to fill positions for the 2021-2022 school year and have some critical roles open! Sign up here and email gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com with any questions! We look forward to hearing from you!
Connect with the Brook’s PTO
Please ensure you are a part of the Facebook gbms PTO group. Email gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com with any questions.
2022 - 2023 District News and Information
Be Safe and Healthy: Preparing for Winter in District 97
As we head into the winter months, it’s important that we all continue to work together to keep our schools safe and healthy for learning. Please take a moment to review the district’s Winter Preparedness 2022-23 deck, or watch the presentation from the Nov. 15 board of education meeting.
Winter Illnesses and Everyday Preventative Strategies
This year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), has noted an increase in individuals getting sick from respiratory viruses, including the flu, RSV and COVID-19. Health officials are urging individuals and families to take basic precautions to protect themselves this winter—stay home when you are sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and stay up to date on your vaccines. CLICK HERE to watch a brief video of everyday strategies to keep our schools healthy this winter >>
Emergency Closings and E-Learning Days
District 97 always strives to have schools open. However, if heavy snow or extreme cold make it dangerous to travel, we may need to close schools. The district’s emergency closing procedures are outlined at https://www.op97.org/communications/emergency-closings.
In July 2021, the District 97 Board of Education approved an E-Learning Plan for students to receive instruction electronically in lieu of traditional emergency days (or inclement weather days). This means that instead of canceling school, the superintendent now has the option of calling an “E-Learning Day” where students and staff learn and work virtually at home. This provides a continuation of learning and prevents the loss of critical instructional days, particularly in our first and second trimesters.
If the superintendent decides to close buildings and hold an E-Learning Day, the information is shared through multiple channels, including email, the district website, our Facebook and Twitter social media pages, and the Emergency Closings website. Staff and families are also encouraged to OPT IN to text messages from the district by texting YES to 87569.
D97 Back-to-School Information
As a reminder, we have created a central location for important back-to-school updates and documents: https://www.op97.org/back-to-school.
The district’s COVID-19 Health Safety Plan is linked below and can also be found, along with other COVID-19 resources and information, by going to https://www.op97.org/updatecenter.
Mitigation Change: Effective Sept. 30, District 97 will no longer require masks for indoor events or field trips. Masks will continue to be required in the school nurses' offices. Please visit the district website for complete details about our current health and safety protocols.
Combined Student and Family Handbook for 2022-23
This year, the district worked to merge the Effective Student Behavior Handbook and Family Handbook into one comprehensive resource, the Student and Family Handbook, in order to streamline information for families and staff. The new handbook contains important information regarding school policies, procedures, student rights and responsibilities, and important notifications required by state and federal law.
The purpose of this handbook is to outline the expectations for building an educational community where everyone feels safe, included and able to learn. Having shared expectations, procedures and policies helps us respect all members of the school community in which we learn and work every day. Please take the time to read through the handbook and review it with your child.
Meal Information for the 2022-23 School Year
The breakfast and lunch menus for our elementary and middle schools are available at http://www.op97.org/business-office/food-service. During the 2022-23 school year, students may:
Bring a nut-free lunch from home.
Order school lunch.
PLEASE NOTE: During the 2022-23 school year, all students will be required to pay for their breakfast and lunch meals unless they are directly approved by the State of Illinois or approved after completing the 2022-23 Free and Reduced Meal Application.
Food Allergies/Nut-Safe Schools
Nuts and nut products are not allowed in any District 97 schools during the 2022-23 school year. This includes products that are labeled “processed in a facility that shares equipment with nut products.” Our schools have been nut-safe for the past two years—helping to create safer, more inclusive environments for all of our students.
Please visit https://bit.ly/3AyGPpI to access information about the district’s food allergy management program, as well as tips and options for identifying food that is safe for snacks and field trips. We appreciate your support of this important initiative!
School Fees
The district is currently accepting fee payments for the 2022-23 school year. Full payment is due by September 30, 2022. You can access the fee information by visiting https://www.op97.org/business-office/fees.
Text Messages from District 97
District 97 uses the notification system BrightArrow to communicate with families via email and phone calls. We have started using periodic text messages to send reminders directly to parents' cell phones. In order to receive text messages, parents must opt in by texting YES to 87569. Once you have subscribed, you will receive a text confirmation.
Texts may appear from District 97 from 87569 or a phone number with a 424 area code (you may wish to save them to your contacts).
Wellness Check-in Program
Please reach out to your school's school psychologist or social worker if you have social-emotional concerns about your child. If your child is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please call the Thrive 24hr 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.
Repeated Topics For Reference
GBMS Athletics Update
Keep D97 Schools Allergy Safe - No Nuts Allowed
Please visit https://bit.ly/3j0KGTB to access information about the district’s food allergy management program, as well as tips and options for identifying food that is safe for snacks and field trips.
Nuts and nut products are not allowed in any District 97 schools during the 2022-23 school year. This includes products that are labeled “processed in a facility that shares equipment with nut products.”
We appreciate your help in adhering to this preventative measure.
(708) 524- 3058 or tbiggerstaff@op97.org
Process for Reporting Positive COVID-19 Cases to D97 Schools
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they must complete the following steps:
1) In order to notify the school nurse and receive a return-to-school date, families/staff must complete the confidential COVID-19 Positive Case Notification Form as soon as possible following the positive test. Information provided will also be shared with the Oak Park Department of Public Health.2) Families must continue to report student absences via the school attendance line, and staff must enter their absences in Frontline.
To see the rules for isolation and quarantine, click here. Additional resources are linked below.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE - How to Report Student Absences
Office Phones and Dropping off Items at Brooks
Please note that our office staff sets the phone to go to voicemail from 8:30am to 9:15am daily. Please leave a message of your student's absence or you can email brooksattendance@op97.org. Our office staff will listen to voicemails to call back or direct calls as needed after 9:15am daily. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Dropping off Items at Brooks for your Student
You may drop off forgotten items for your student in the main office. Please note that we will not call into your student's classroom, as it is a disruption to the learning for other students and the teacher in the classroom. Your student should plan to stop by the main office on their way to lunch or between passing periods, if they think you may have dropped off the forgotten item for them to retrieve. We appreciate your understanding.
SCHOOL DAY
We will be following a block schedule again this school year. Students will attend 4 of their 8 classes Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday following an A/B Schedule and on Wednesdays following C Schedule where students will attend all of their classes. On the weeks where there is a day with no school, students classes will be A and B days only. Here is the A/B/C schedule rotation for this school year. Here is the BELL schedule for each grade level on A/B and C days.
Cell Phone/Mobile Devices Away for the Day
Cell phones/Mobile Devices are not to be used during school hours. This includes calling parents/guardians due to illness, requesting items to be dropped off, etc.
Students can ask a teacher to use the classroom phone or the phone in the main office, if needed.
Cell phones are to be turned off/on silent upon entering the school building, stored in the student’s locker, and not used until the dismissal bell rings.
More Information can be found here. This will also be shared with students during the first week of school.
Tardies to Class
Being on time to class is essential for optimal learning for all students. This school year when a student reaches 15 tardies within a trimester, they will meet with their SOAR teacher to develop a strategy to ensure the student will get to all their classes on time. At 25 tardies within a trimester, the student will be assigned a time during their social time to meet with an administrator to reflect on root causes of tardies and develop a plan, additionally, parents/guardians will be contacted. At 35 tardies within the trimester, parents/guardians will be contacted to meet with their student and an administrator to develop a tardy contract.
Water Bottle Reminder
We ask that if possible to please send your student to school with a filled water bottle. There are no drinking fountains open, but we have water bottle filling stations in the school for our students to refill their water bottles when needed.
School Physicals and Immunizations
Incoming 6th-grade students and/or any new students who have transferred into District 97, MUST have a wellness physical and dental exam dated no less than one year prior to August 25th, 2022. Your child's physical must have been performed after August 25th, 2021 . Your child may not be admitted to school without these documents as of Monday, October 17th, 2022. Please submit the documents by mail or in person no later than August 25, 2022 to the following:
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
Attn: Health Office, Nurse Tracy Biggerstaff
325 S. Kenilworth Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302
SPORTS PHYSICALS – The State of Illinois Office of Education requires that any student who wishes to participate in interscholastic sports MUST have an Athletic Physical Examination, dated no less than one year prior to the first day of the current school year, anytime after August 25, 2021. It is MANDATORY that your child have this physical before they will be eligible to try out or participate in any interscholastic activity.
To access student health forms please visit http://www.op97.org/hr/health-requirements
**For any family having difficulty securing an appointment to get the physical completed, please email our School Nurse, Tracy Biggerstaff, tbiggerstaff@op97.org.
Technology Support
Technical support will be available from school and district technology staff by accessing the Help Desk through email, helpdesk@op97.org. When an email is submitted, a Help Desk ticket is created and assigned to technology staff, who will be working throughout the day to address technology concerns. Our technology team can support District 97 devices and student online programs.
The Help Corner will features a frequently-asked question related to services and opportunities available for District 97 students and families. We will keep a complete list of these FAQs on our district website.
District 97 has created Community Resources Page. We also encourage families to stay connected through Facebook and Twitter. Additional updates can be found at:
Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200
District 97 also has a broad network of partner organizations that provide an array of supports and services for Oak Park residents. The Community Mental Health Board and Oak Park and River Forest Townships have also put together a COVID-19 Social Services Resource Guide, which is available at https://tinyurl.com/oprfguide.
Community Resources
Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families
The Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families is a distinguished speaker series dedicated to presenting relevant, high-profile authors, educators and clinicians. These high-caliber presenters offer practical research-based knowledge, strategies, and personal experience to support students’ engaged learning, and well-being.
Founded in 1995, GPS is a weekly resource for parents/caregivers/guardians (for children of all ages) as well as students, school staff, professionals and community members. GPS is here to inform, connect, and inspire. All programs are free and open to the public. Many events are presented at both noon and 7pm, and offered in multiple languages.
GPS is a resource for parents, educators, students, and community members to foster self-empowered children who collaborate, communicate, embrace diversity, create and think critically.
For the safety and convenience of our participants the majority of this year’s Glenbard Parent Series events will be presented virtually on zoom. No registration is required and all are welcome to attend.
Programs are offered free of charge, no registration is required, and the public is welcome to attend.
Details, event updates, and Zoom links can be found here: www.GlenbardGPS.org
Friday Night Place
PLEASE COME PREPARED WITH SHORTS, SWEAT PANTS, T-SHIRT & GYM SHOES
GREETINGS TO ALL STUDENTS, PARENTS/FAMILIES, FACULTY, STAFF, AND ADMINISTRATORS FRIDAY NIGHT PLACE IS KICKING OFF FOR THE 28TH YEAR! FOR NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS REGISTRATION AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE FRIDAY NIGHT PLACE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM OFFICIALLY BEGINS THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH, 3:30PM TO 5:30PM. THE LOCATION REMAINS THE SAME, PERCY JULIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL. STUDENTS WHO ARE ATTENDING, PLEASE COME PREPARED WITH YOUR GYM SHORTS AND OR JOGGING PANTS, T-SHIRT, AND GYM SHOES. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT COACH JEROME AT (773)-793-0867. ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND FOR ALL NEW COMERS, WELCOME! GET READY, GET READY, GET READY!
WHO: 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Graders
WHERE: Oak Park, Percy Julian Middle School
WHEN: Beginning Friday, September 16th, 2022
TIME: 3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
SUPPORT4U
SUPPORT4U is a mental health resource for our students to anonymously text licensed mental health clinicians any time of the day for assistance or guidance. Students can text for any issue; typical reasons might include social issues, anxiety, depression, substance use, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, bullying, abuse, or any other mental health-related topic. The clinician’s goal is to steer the student to available resources in the school and community. To use, students just need to go to Support4U.live on their phone, click on the Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School logo and hit send. Help is just a text away.
Thrive Services and Programs
PHONE-BASED COUNSELING
Thrive is offering phone-based counseling, 24/7 crisis intervention services, medication management and, a free Thrive Check-In phone support line (Ext. 8) to address our community’s needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Call us at (708)383-7500. Our Front Desk team is also ready to assist you Monday-Friday, 9am to 2pm, with requests for referrals or new services and to reschedule or cancel an appointment.
Mental Health Resource, "Call4Calm"
Thrive is also a proud partner of the Illinois Call4Calm Text Line Service. Text “TALK” TO 552020 (or “HABLAR) for Spanish. The Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support for anyone experiencing stress and in need of a listening ear.
And we know the COVID-19 pandemic can wear on every resource—from food and shelter to our emotional bandwidth and mental health. Fortunately, the Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a support line called Call4Calm that is reachable via text. Individuals who want to speak with a mental health professional can text the word “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish speakers) to 552-020. Within 24 hours, that individual will receive a call from a mental health professional employed by a local community health center.
People can also text other terms, like “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to the same number to receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services. Call4Calm is free, and individuals who use it can remain anonymous. We encourage you to share this resource with your students, families, and staff.