September 23, 2019
October 14th (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day) - School is in Session
Internet for All Program
Thank You to our Eco Eagles
Bike Safety Reminders from SRO Locke
Always Wear a Helmet When Riding Your bike
Do Not Text and Ride
Always Follow Proper Rules of the Road
Do Not Use Headphones While Riding Your bike
Register Your Bike with SRO Locke in the Main Office or at the Oak Park Police Station.
Secure Your Bike with a Preferred U-Lock When Parking it on Campus.
Do Not Lock Your Bike to Sign Posts or Trees; Locks Damage Them and Block Sidewalk.
Always Lock Your Bike to the Racks on the School Grounds. We have Cameras to Keep a Close Eye on Them.
Please Do Not Leave Your Bike Overnight or Over the Weekend at The School.
Author Ashley Elston is Coming to Brooks on October 4th!
Thanks to our PTO Bookfair partnership with Anderson's Bookshop, throughout the year authors will be coming to visit and present at Brooks. On Friday, October 4th, Ashley Elston will be speaking to ALL 7th grade students during 9th period. We will offer more opportunities throughout the year for our 6th and 8th grade students!
Autographed copies of Ms. Elston's new novel, 10 Blind Dates, will be available for purchase by any and all students, staff, and parents. HERE is an electronic order form. Students will also have paper copies of the form available to them soon.
Click HERE to learn more about Ms. Elston and her books
Cleveland Music Trip Meeting
The meeting for the Cleveland Music trip will take place on Monday 9/23 at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium for 7/8 Grade Band, Chorus, and Orchestra families.
Purchase your Yearbook Today!
Fall 2019 Promotional Discounts For Yearbooks
The Fall is a great time for you and your school community to order yearbooks! You will receive these discounts when ordering early in the school year:
August 1st - September 30th = 15%
October 1st - October 31st = 10%
November 1st - November 30th = 5%
During the months of August, September, October, and November when placing online orders the price of the book will reflect these discounts. The discount is calculated on the cost of the yearbook and does not apply to hardcover upgrades or extra custom pages.
Parents/Guardians Interested in Chaperoning or Volunteering
Parents/Guardians seeking background checks to ensure they can volunteer to chaperone groups of students at various events or field trips.
Please schedule an appointment to complete a background check through our district office.
Parents/Guardians can sign up via the district website: https://www.op97.org/parents/background-checks
Powerschool and Canvas - Observer account set up guides
If you would like to set up an observer account on Powerschool or Canvas, please refer to the help guide links below.
Powerschool
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQJcSrYMGBUJ9fn5agfAaOQOkJm2Lotg/view?usp=sharing
New 6th Grade families should have received via email the needed Access ID and Access Password to be able to link your 6th grade student to the Parent/Guardian account that you create for yourself.
- If you have PowerSchool questions or need assistance, please contact Ms. Vashti Carter at vcarter@op97.org or by calling the main office at (708) 524-3050.
Canvas
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5kXBeF0QX-xNWs5bjJVZzJRWXJVRWRJZ1NOcnI3Tmt2ZUhF/view?usp=sharing
- If you have Canvas questions or need assistance, please contact Ms. Minerva Colbert at mcolbert@op97.org or by calling the main office at (708) 524-3050.
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.
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.
Student IDs - Visible at all times while in the building
Our expectation is that students have their ID's visible at all times when in the building. We have 900+ student and not every staff member know each and every student. For safety, our expectation is that a student ID is visible at all times. Should a student forget their ID at home, their first period teacher will issue a temporary ID sticker that can be worn throughout the day.
Physical Education Uniforms
To order a Gym uniform you may do so online using Revtrak
or in person in the main office using cash or check.
Contact Ms. Colbert the main office at (708) 524-3050 or at mcolbert@op97.org for further information
Retakes will be on October 10th.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
- Student-Led Conferences: Thursday, October 24th from 12:45pm to 8pm
- End of Trimester 1: Friday, November 15th
- Trimester 1 Report Card: Friday, December 6th
PTO NEWS
PTO Business meeting
Join us on Monday, November 11 at 6:00 pm in the Brook’s library for our PTO business meeting.
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.
Last month, the PTO funded a Teacher Grant to Ms. Maggio to add flexible seating to her classroom.
Brooks Spirit Wear
Brooks spirit wear can be ordered at any time by visiting this website.
Orders will be shipped to your home!
Effortless Sustainability… sometimes big beats little.
There are a million ways to ‘go green’ and be mindful of your impact on the world around you... here's an easy one. If the option is available, buy big. Other factors being the same, larger quantities will always have less overall packaging — and the price will also work in your favor. Imagine paying five dollars for 12 oz. of a certain snack food. If you bought twelve adorable little one-ounce bags of that same snack food at $1 apiece, you’d be paying twelve dollars for that same amount… and mostly because you just paid for a whole pile of single-use packaging! Put that new snack bag to use and pour out a smaller amount from a big bag -- your wallet and your Mama Earth will thank you.
Volunteer with the Brook’s PTO
The PTO is committed to enriching the experience of students at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School through supporting a positive school environment, facilitating the development of positive relationships within the community, advancing school equity initiatives, and creating an environment where all students have access to school resources and opportunities.
We have an opening for an 8th Grade VP. This role helps plan 8th grade dance and a winter staff appreciation dinner.
Email the PTO BoardEmail gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions!
8th Grade Washington DC Trip Information Meetings
Trip Dates: Washington, DC - Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16, 2020 (Presidents' Day Weekend)
If you have questions, please email Janorisè Robinson at dctripbrooksjulian@gmail.com.
Clubs and Sports Information
Service Club
First meeting is Friday, September 27th at 8am in room B209. Service club meets every Friday morning.
Orff Ensemble
It’s time to sign up for OPEF VEX Robotics!
Middle school superstars, it’s time to sign up for 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/
Boys Basketball Open Gym
Tue 9/24
Wed 9/25
Mon 9/30
Tue 10/1
Thu 10/3
For more information contact dhaus@op97.org
Ultimate Frisbee
This recreational Frisbee Club meets 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
Eco EAGLES
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
Spoken Word Club
For more information contact mlee@op97.org
Rainbow Tribe
Girls on the RISE - 6th Grade Girls & 7th Grade Girls
The 6th Grade Girls group's 6th Grade Girls meets on Tuesdays, from 3:30pm to 5:00 pm in room C105.
The 7th Grade Girls group's meets on Wednesdays from 3:30pm to 5:00 pm in room C105.
The 8th Grade Girls group will begin meeting on January 15th, 2020.
For more information contact Dominique Hickman at dhickman@oakparktownship.org
Chess Club
Play chess games against other club members..checkmate!
Singing Groups Offered at Brooks (extra-curricular and co-curricular)
The Women's Ensemble (name TBD)
This group will be made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students whose voices present as female. Individuals are admitted to the highly popular co-curricular groups through an audition process in September. *Students do NOT have to be enrolled in Band, Chorus or Orchestra curricular classes to audition for these groups*. The repertoire for this group will include vocal jazz, showtunes, pop, and classic choral literature.
This group will rehearse Tuesdays from 8-8:50 am.
The Men's Ensemble (name TBD)
This group will be made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students whose voices present as male. Individuals are admitted to the highly popular co-curricular groups through an audition process in September. *Students do NOT have to be enrolled in Band, Chorus or Orchestra curricular classes to audition for these groups*. The repertoire for this group will include vocal jazz, showtunes, pop, and classic choral literature.
- This group will rehearse Wednesdays from 8-8:50 am.
The Select Mixed Ensemble (name TBD)
This is an extra-curricular choir made up of 7th, and 8th grade students that focuses on vocal jazz, showtunes, pop, and classic choral literature. Individuals are admitted to the highly popular co-curricular groups through an audition process in September (and possibly a re-audition in December). Students involved in this top group must be enrolled in Band, Chorus or Orchestra during the day, and will be asked to sing with one of the other extra-curricular choirs.
- This group will rehearse Thursdays from 8-8:50 am.
For more information contact Mr. Blackman at fblackman@op97.org
Girls Basketball
Practice Schedule
Tue. 9/26 3:40p - 5p
Game Schedule
Mon. 9/23
Home vs. Unity 4pm - 6pm
Wed. 9/24
Away vs. Northlake 4p.-6p
Thu. 9/25
Away vs. Heritage (Berwyn) 4p - 6p
For more information contact Coach Brown at kbrown@op97.org
Bravo
Rehearsal
Mon - Fri - 3:30pm - 6:00pm
wk of 9/23 through 9/27
Stage Crew
Thu 9/26 - Orientation
Best Buddies - Wednesday, 9/25
Best Buddies - Wednesday, 9/25. All students interested in learning more about Best Buddies, meet in the commons after-school from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.
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
1st Session Dance Studio Contract & Permission to Participate Form
Registration is DUE no later than SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
**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!
1st Session – September 16 – November 18
2nd Session: December 2 – February 17
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
September 17 - December 17
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
October 3 - December 19
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.
Free Water Skills/Safety Course through YMCA
Fall II Session: 10/28/19 through 12/22/19
Monday: 6:35 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday: 6:20 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 5:50 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 6:20 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 4:30 p.m. to 5:10 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:40 a.m.
Sunday: 10:35 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
By combining science and art, the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest can be a wonderful part of your curriculum or an extra credit project this school year. Clubs or individuals are also welcome to enter the contest on their own. An added bonus is the positive attention brought to your school via contest winners.
We ask kids in grades 3 up through college age to create a 3 to 8 minute film about one of 6 sustainability topics: energy, food, transportation, waste, water, or open space/ecosystems. If the film is animated, it can be a minimum of 45 seconds long. They should present a problem with their topic and a solution.
Winners in grades 3 to 5 earn $100, winners in grades 6 to 8 earn $200, and winners in grades 9 to 11 earn $350. The prizes go up from there.
Each winner also gets a matching gift to donate to an organization that supports the theme of their film, and winning films premiere at the One Earth Film Festival at the Gene Siskel Center on March 7, 2020.
In recent years, we've had winners from these local schools:
Beaubien Elementary School in Chicago
Burbank Elementary in Burbank
Clissold Elementary School in Chicago
Lincoln Elementary School in River Forest
Longfellow Elementary in Oak Park
Mann Elementary School in Oak Park
Metropolitan Schoolhouse in Chicago
Suder Montessori Elementary School in Chicago
Sutherland Elementary School in Chicago
Willard Elementary School in River Forest
Brooks Middle School in Oak Park
Grace Lutheran School in River Forest
Julian Middle School in Oak Park
Heritage Middle School in Berwyn
Keystone Montessori School in River Forest
L.J. Hauser Junior High in Riverside
Most Holy Redeemer School in Evergreen Park
Roosevelt Middle School in River Forest
Sandburg Middle School in Elmhurst
Hinsdale High School in Hinsdale
Lincoln Park High School in Chicago
Maine West High School in DesPlaines
Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park
Trinity High School in River Forest
York High School in Elmhurst
We would love to see Brooks listed as one of our winners again!
For more information, contest details are at this link: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details
Previous winners are at this link: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/winners
All media to post and share are at this link and also attached: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-media-kit
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