WJHS Highlights
04/22/2022
A Message from the Administrative Team
Today, on Earth Day, we couldn't be happier to announce that District 39 has received a grant from the Clean Energy Community Foundation's K-12 Solar Schools Program! The grant calls for the installation and monitoring of 3-6 solar panels for our four elementary schools and Wilmette Junior High (Highcrest had previously received this grant).
The expectation is not that the solar panels can provide energy for our school in its entirety (these are small systems for educational purposes). At WJHS:
- Our solar panels will power the electricity needs for a handful of classrooms. These are real solar panels, but the system is not extensive enough to store energy. If it's sunny, it will produce. If cloudy, electricity will come from your normal source.
- The system's purpose is to help teachers instruct students about science, math, technology, and the environment. Students will see how sunlight is converted into electricity.
- The panels will be placed in a high visibility location to inspire students, parents, and community members to research solar energy for their own homes.
- Each system will have an online dashboard that will show real-time electricity generation.
The Solar Schools Program fosters the teaching of science, math, technology, and the environment through the use of solar panels to create energy. We are grateful and look forward to continuing our commitment to renewable energy. We cannot wait to see our new solar panels!
On this note, we hope you enjoy your sunny Saturday and warm weekend!
Sincerely,
Kate, Eric and Jeff
8th Grade Placement Information
We invite you to fill out this optional input form to help the administrative team prepare to place your child for the 2022-23 school year. We value the information that you share with us, and would like to create the best placement possible for your child's academic and social development.
If you have questions about the 8th Grade Placement process, please reach out to Mr. Resis at resise@wilmette39.org
NT 101 Program: Introduction for Incoming Freshman Parents
Who: Intended audience- Parents of current 8th grade students (Parent only event!)
What: Northfield Principal Paul Waechtler and a panel of experienced New Trier parents will share knowledge and tips on a variety of topics (Q & A format!)
When: Tuesday, April 26, 7:00-8:30 PM
Where: Cornog Auditorium, Northfield Campus
8th Grade Graduation
District 39 will be hosting an outdoor graduation ceremony for all 8th grade students. The event will be held at the Northfield campus parking lot of New Trier High School on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Ceremony times will range between 4:00PM-7:00PM, depending on your child’s teacher team. View our save the date flyer HERE. Other end-of-the-year event information for 8th graders is coming soon.
Tech Tidbit
Technology Tidbit for the newsletter 4/22/22
Nobody cares more about your child than you do. Your children need to be guided not just in the real world but also in the always-on virtual one. Teach your kids how to use technology in a healthy way and help them learn the skills and habits that will help them be good digital citizens.
Top 3 Tips to Remember
Be a model
Aim for balance
Make tech a family affair
To read more about these tips, check out the article from the NY Times “How and When to Limit Kids' Tech Use”
PTO Highlights
NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK 5/2–6
To show our appreciation, the PTO is treating the teachers and staff to a Pit & Tap boxed lunch on Tuesday, 5/3 along with other fun surprises throughout the week! Special thanks to the Teacher Appreciation Committee and our PTO members for their support, which makes this possible!
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE PTO EXEC BOARD AND COMMITTEES FOR NEXT YEAR
Would you like to be more involved with the PTO and meet other parents? We have openings on our slate for next year and are seeking rising 7th and 8th grade parents. We have a range of opportunities that fit all talents, interests and time commitments. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please reach out to Peggy Prescott at president-elect@wjhspto.com. There is also the possibility to co-chair a committee with a friend. We’re hoping to fill the slate in the next month or so.
WJHS SPIRITWEAR
📣 It’s never been easier or more fun to show your school spirit! We’ve partnered with humanKIND to provide you with new designs and old favorites, fully customizable with an option to ship OR pick up locally! 📣 Order here!
SPRING AFTER SCHOOL CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Dungeons and Dragons spring session will begin Friday, 4/29. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel Chess-Ed and Broadway Performers this spring, due to lack of enrollment. Click here for club details.
Tickets Going Fast! Live Music, Silent Auction, Great Prizes at D39 Foundation Spring Party on April 29th.
Get your tickets today before this event sells out! Join your friends and neighbors at D39 Educational Foundation’s springtime party, Cheers & Beers, at Double Clutch Brewery on Friday April 29th at 7pm. Enjoy live music from local bands, JuiceBox and Antler Chandelier! Check out the silent auction with fantastic prizes: Disney World passes, Drive a Porsche for the weekend, Ride a Firetruck to school, and many more! Tickets on sale now and all proceeds support Gripp Grants for the development of educational programs for D39 schools. Deadline for ticket purchase is April 27th. Purchase tickets HERE.
Great Graduation Gift!
Class of 2026 – New Trier Hoodies for 8th Graders
The orders are rolling in for the new Class of 2026 Hoodies! Consider gifting one to your 8th grader and get them ready for New Trier! These are great for showing your NT pride along with being ready for the “white out night” sporting events beginning this Fall! www.humankind.shop/collections/spiritwear-new-trier
District Update
Read for Refugees in Support of Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid
Thank you to everyone for their teaching and support of our Read for Refugees initiative this week. The event was a success, with over $5,185 raised from our community in support of Ukraine humanitarian relief. We should all be proud to be a part of such a generous and conscientious community! Donations are still being accepted should you wish to still contribute. You can do so by visiting our fundraising page.
Board Meeting
On Monday evening, the Board of Education will host its regular monthly meeting. In addition to liaison reports and administrative updates, the Board will review a bid for flooring work at Highcrest Middle School and review student transportation fees as well as recommendations for updated Board Policies. The Board will also adopt the Fiscal Year 2022 Amended Budget. Click here for access to the complete meeting agenda and materials.
Off-Ramp Steps
As we continue to closely monitor both local and community metrics, the safety of our learning community remains our top priority. As a result of an increase in local and regional COVID-19 cases, the District will pause on taking the next step in the off-ramp of our reduced mitigation plan. We will continue to closely monitor over the next two weeks and assess the situation to evaluate our mitigation measures in ongoing ways. In accordance with our reduced mitigation plan, layered mitigation strategies may be utilized in targeted ways at a classroom, grade, school, or district level based on a review of localized metrics and cases reported within these groups. Additional information regarding metrics review and targeted adjustments is available here.
SHIELD Testing Schedule
As you are aware from our Wednesday communication, we will be modifying our SHIELD testing schedule, beginning next week. District 39 will continue to provide free COVID-19 testing through SHIELD Illinois on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at WJHS. However, due to low participation numbers and inconsistencies with SHIELD staffing, Saturday testing will be discontinued following this Saturday’s testing session on April 23. As we continue to see an uptick in cases both locally and in our community, District 39 reminds that testing is required for anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. Testing is also recommended for anyone who has been exposed to a positive case. (PCR and rapid testing results are acceptable for return to school/work.) As always, the safety of our learning community is our number one priority.
Village of Wilmette Celebrations
Throughout the month of April, each school in District 39 is hosting a history walk with fun facts, pictures, and information about how that school helped form the 150-year history of Wilmette. As a part of the walk, you and your family are also invited to participate in two accompanying activities: a scavenger hunt, and the design of a Wilmette village seal. Those who complete the scavenger hunt and submit their results to communications@wilmette39.org will receive a piece of District 39 “swag” to use in the years to come. Click here for more information about the location of each school’s walk, as well as links and QR codes for the activities. If you aren't able to visit for the walk, but would like to learn about all of the schools, here is a link with the information displayed at all six Wilmette schools! You can complete the scavenger hunt with this link as well!
Community News
LINK: http://www.wilmette39.org/news/community_events
The Wilmette Support Staff Union (SSU) is hosting a Blood Drive TODAY at WJHS in the large gym from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Sign up for an appointment to donate. (Park behind the school.)
The Wilmette Historical Museum and the Wilmette Police Departments host Joint Open Houses on Sunday, May 1st from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
New Trier Dance Division hosts Summer Dance Camps for children age 4 through the 9th grade June 20-24.
Buddy Baseball Registration is open to special needs children 7 - 22 years old throughout New Trier Township at no cost. Buddy Players are paired with Buddy Volunteers and games last approximately 75 minutes. Register at www.wilmettebaseball.org
The Village of Wilmette’s Sesquicentennial Celebration includes many fun activities and projects. Donations of $25 and up will receive recognition in the Commemorative 150th Edition of the Wilmette Communicator. See flyer for details or go to http://www.wilmette150.org
The Village of Wilmette & 'Ready Set Wilmette' Comprehensive Planning Team want to hear from Wilmette residents. ReadySetWilmette.com Help ensure Wilmette is welcoming, thriving and vibrant for years to come. A series of polls focused on plan themes, an online comment map, and ideas wall. Provide input at your leisure and as ideas come up: feedback shared to date is highlighted in this recent online post.Check out the Facebook Page
The Volunteer Center is offering many volunteer service opportunities.
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) is hosting Campyardigan Summer Camp options for students ages 5-13 with disabilities. The Spring Guide lists summer recreation programs.
The Trevian Girls Softball Association is adding 8-10 year olds to their spring and summer teams. Contact Kelsey Farmer for more information.
Wilmette Food Pantry is open every Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
"Best Step Tutoring” offers free online tutoring for PreK-12 grades.
Loyola Academy offers Junior High Enrichment Summer Programs. For more information contact summerschool@loy.org or www.goramblers.org/summerschool
BSA Troops 5G (girls) & 5B (boys) are looking for interested kids in grades 5-12 to join. Contact Laura.Myerholtz@gmail.com for more information.
Wilmette Junior High School
Email: office-wjhs@wilmette39.org
Website: http://wjhs.wilmette39.org/
Location: 620 Locust Rd, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-512-6600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Highcrest-MSWilmette-JH-516430278443448
Twitter: @hawkwolf39
Principal at Wilmette Junior High School; love being an educator and working with young people; value spending time with friends and family