The Jayhawk Weekly

Dear Julian Parents and Guardians,

We hope you have had a restful and fun Halloween Weekend! A quick reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, November 3rd, due to Election Day. Please remember to plan accordingly, as all of District 97 will be closed. Students have been engaging in our mock election to share their voice and practice this important part of being an engaged citizen.

Picture Retake Day is in December. Information about ordering and payments is below. Also, 8th grade families, there is updated info to check out from OPRF High School for incoming 2027 students. Please review the 8th Grade News for details.

If you have questions about the school year, please don’t hesitate to contact our Admin team at:

nfilipowski@op97.org, acourt@op97.org, dfountain@op97.org

Jayhawks together,

Nick Filipowski, Principal

Adrienne Court, Associate Principal

DaWanda Fountain-Dotson, Associate Principal

Here is a link to some of our photo highlights from this year! With over 110 runners, this was one of our biggest seasons yet! Cross country is a unique sport. Who willingly chooses to go for a long run? Even so, our goal is always to build confidence and help students discover the true joy of running. Whether running was their main focus, cross-training, or just time with friends, we loved seeing everyone give it their all!

Our season ended at the sectional race, and while we were hoping the boys team would make it back to State, the competition was fierce and the 1:00 p.m. start time was tough. The boys gave it everything they had on the course! To show how tough our sectional was, the team that won it took 1st at State, and the 2nd place team took 6th. We are so proud of their hard work this season!

Complete with their signature sparkles, our girls team brought so much positive energy to the sectional race! No matter where they finished, they ran with the same love for the sport they displayed all season long. Every runner gave it her absolute best, whether that meant pushing for a new PR or adapting her goals to match the race conditions.

Our Garden Club students have been busy getting their hands dirty! This week, students planted spring-blooming bulbs and harvested seeds from our native planting beds. Ms. Winchell, shared her expertise and taught our students about the responsible collection and preservation of native seeds.

Now we’d love for our families to grow with us!

We are actively seeking parents, caregivers, and families who would like to help with the continued beautification of our school grounds. No gardening experience is necessary—just a willingness to dig in and help!

Please click the link below to join our growing Garden Club community. We’d love to have you! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRUrIHhXPnJ0I0YycshtgmwQV40VGcGfu2sn7Z1DUl-N7hyw/viewform?usp=header

It's election season and that means a mock election at Julian! Our students have had the opportunity to learn about midterm elections and to think through candidates in their WIN class. Families can help students with their decisions using this Julian mock election voter guide. Voting will take place via Social Science classes and in the library on October 29, 30, and November 2. Mock election results will be shared in WIN classes Wednesday, November 4.

The registration window for the Access to Algebra Bridge Course is open until Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.

If you are interested in signing up, please visit the District 97 website to register your student. Classes run from Nov. 23, 2026, through June 9, 2027, and students must pass the end of course exam with an 80% or higher to move on to the next level of math. Students who are already accelerated in math or who have successfully completed the Access to Algebra program in the past are not eligible to participate.

Need assistance?

Please contact Director of Teaching and Learning, Emilie Creehan at ecreehan@op97.org or Access to Algebra Coordinator, Arnetta Thomspon at athomspons@op97.org regarding questions about the Access to Algebra Bridge Courses.

We are gearing up for our Native American Assembly, and we need you! Do you know a dancer, artist or someone we should know? Do you have a family tradition or recipe that you want to share? Come be a part of our assembly and share Nov 20th Please click here

• If your child missed the original Student Picture Day on October 28th, the Picture Retake Day is on Wednesday, December 9th. You must fill out this form in order to sign up your child for the picture retake day on 12/9. If you do not sign up your student, they will not participate in the picture retake day.

• When Van Gogh sends the picture proofs to the school, students will receive them in their WIN classes. We will let you know when the proofs have been distributed by WIN teachers for students to bring home. Please remember, the school office does NOT process picture orders nor picture payments. All orders and payments must be made online: Vangoghphoto.com If you have questions regarding proofs or orders, please contact Van Gogh School Photographers at 847-382-2282. The Julian school ID code is 20032801.

We know that unexpected things happen. A sprained ankle, a broken bone, or a sudden illness can disrupt a child’s day, and the Julian Middle School Health Office is here to help your family through it.

If your child is injured or recovering from an illness or surgery:

• Please contact the Julian health office as soon as you can.

• We will work with you and your child’s school team to make school as safe, comfortable, and manageable as possible.

Written medical documentation is required for:

• Physical education (PE) excusals

• Elevator passes

• Medications given at school

• Use of crutches or other assistive mobility devices

This helps us follow your provider’s recommendations and keep your child safe.

Assistive devices (crutches, wheelchairs, walkers):

• Please complete the Orthopedic Assistive Mobility Device Authorization Form, which has a section for you and a section for your child’s physician.

• This form reflects the district’s approach to the safe use of orthopedic assistive devices in our buildings.

• All health forms are available at https://www.op97.org/health-services/forms.

As your child heals:

• Their needs will likely change, so please send us any updates to activity restrictions in writing from their healthcare provider, whether restrictions are added, changed, or lifted.

• This lets us adjust supports and make sure your child returns to activities when it is safe.

We would much rather hear from you early so that we can put supports in place right away.

Thank you for your partnership. We are always happy to help your child feel cared for and welcome at school.

Warmly,

Nurse Allison

Julian Health Office

Email: JulianNurse@op97.org

Phone and fax: 708-524-7648

Julian students can access ebooks and audiobooks through The Palace Project, which is curated by the State of Illinois Library. It is available to all students on their Chromebooks. Students can also download the palace app for Android or Apple personal devices. Here are the Palace Project Student Directions. This information is also on Canvas Lunch pages. Please have your student contact Ms. Winchell in the library for any support or questions.

D97's Maker's Market is back! Save the date for December 4 from 4-7pm in the Julian Commons. Student sign-up for makers will be posted in Canvas on November 1st!

1 - Please make sure that your child brings the following items with them to school every day:

1. School ID
2. Fully charged Chromebook
3. School supplies for their core and elective classes

2 - Remove Decorations and Coverings from the school ID - REMINDER:

Please make sure that your Jayhawk keeps their photo uncovered and the barcode unobscured on their school ID. Decorations such as stickers, beads, etc. should be limited to the lanyard or holder, and not placed directly on the student ID card. Please leave both the photo and barcode clearly visible on the ID. The barcode on the ID is how students are able to purchase breakfast and lunch meals in the commons. It is also how library books are checked out in the media center. With over 300 students to serve per grade level, we do not want to slow down the lunchroom line during students' lunch periods. When the school ID can not be scanned properly, the lunchroom staff must manually enter student data in the MealTime system, which is a delay that can be easily prevented.

We are excited to invite your student to our upcoming D97 Student Services "Student Night In" on Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Whittier Elementary School! This special evening is designed for all District 97 students with IEPs to connect with their peers and enjoy a fun-filled night together.

CLICK HERE to view the flyer >>

While the students are having a great time, parents and guardians can take the night off to relax and enjoy some time for themselves. Dinner will be provided for the students during the event.

To register your student for this event, please complete the registration form by Oct. 30. You can access the form using the following link: Register HERE.

We hope your student can join us for this fun and engaging evening!

Sincerely,

D97 Student Services Team

• A message from Oak Park and River Forest High School:

  Incoming Freshman Family Night: December 8, 2026, from 7–8 p.m.
  Parents and guardians will learn about enrollment, course selection, key dates, and next steps. Brooks families are scheduled for December 7, and Julian families for December 8. Roosevelt families are divided by student last name, as outlined in the flyer. Private and parochial school families may attend either evening, and any family with a scheduling conflict may attend the alternate session.

  Future Huskie Night and Incoming Freshman Course Selection: January 21, 2027
  Incoming freshmen and their families are invited to a welcome presentation, an assigned counselor session, and opportunities to explore academic programs, clubs, activities, and athletics. Student-led tours will also be available.

  Questions may be directed to me atlaolson@oprfhs.org or Jen Brinkman, Director of Student Learning, at jbrinkman@oprfhs.org.

  Thank you for helping us welcome the OPRF Class of 2031 to OPRF!

  Lauren Olson
  Assistant Principal for Student Services
  Oak Park and River Forest High School

• 🎓CAP AND GOWN ORDERS - IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE BE SURE TO SUBMIT YOUR ORDER FORM AND PAYMENT THIS WEEK (only check or cash can be accepted in the school office) by the end of this month. Online payments can be made on the Julian webstore. We asked that you would make your order/payment for the cap, gown and 2027 tassel by Friday, October 30th. THAT DEADLINE HAS NOW PASSED.

***If you plan to have your child wear a sibling's old cap and gown, please be sure to check the size and length of the gown (caps are "one size fits all"), as well as the condition of the gown (no stains, no holes, no snags, etc.). And remember to purchase the 2027 tassel keepsake for your student.**

• *We have extra order forms in the school office (you can purchase graduation materials with cash or a check made payable to District 97):

$12 - 2027 Tassel only

$21 - Cap & 2027 Tassel only

$23 - Gown & Tassel only

**Only the full set, cap, gown & tassel, can be purchased online for $28. PLEASE MAKE YOUR PAYMENT AND ORDER BY THE END OF THE WEEK. THANK YOU.

• 2027 GRADUATION CEREMONY - The Julian 8th Grade Graduation ceremony will be on Tuesday, June 8, 2027 at 6:30pm in the Oak Park and River Forest High School auditorium. This ceremony will be live streamed (all in-person attendees over the age of 2yrs old must have a ticket to enter). We will release the live streamed link in the Spring, so that you can share it with family and friends that are unable to attend the ceremony in-person.

This year, District 97 is utilizing the Standard Response Protocol language and visuals developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, a national organization dedicated to school safety. The SRP is action-based, flexible and easy to learn.The premise is simple - there are five specific actions that can be performed during an emergency incident (e.g., inclement weather, fires, accidents, introducers or other threats). The five actions are: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

One of the most important things we do to keep our schools safe is practice a variety of drills each year to ensure that everyone is prepared should an emergency occur. As part of our ongoing preparedness training, all students K-8th grade will receive instruction on the five SRP protocols during the month of October/November.

All content will be delivered in developmentally-appropriate ways for the student's age. This will occur during physical education classes at the middle schools and during Second Step or assembly at the elementary schools.

STUDENTS PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS CLUBS AND ATHLETIC TEAMS (Basketball, Intramural, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee and Wrestling):

The interscholastic box must be checked “Yes” on the physical form in order for your child to be eligible to try out for or participate in any interscholastic activity.

2. Please submit all health documents by one of the following methods:

• Email PDFs directly to: JulianNurse@op97.org
  OR
• Deliver documents directly to the Julian Health Office

🚨Please do NOT send health forms with your student.🚨

🚨If dropping forms off in person, please hand them directly to the Julian Health Office team so receipt can be confirmed.

• Nurse Allison
• Ms. Bec, Certified Nursing Assistant

This direct submission helps ensure that the Health Office receives the documentation and can confirm receipt.🚨

Documents may be submitted by email to JulianNurse@op97.org or delivered directly to the Julian Health Office.

Warmly,

Nurse Allison

Registration is open now for the 8th Grade Washington DC Trip. We're continuing to raise funds to make this trip possible for as many students as want to attend. Register here

Parents will be selling snacks in front of the school from 3:30-4:00 on Fridays starting 10/30. All snacks are $1! Please encourage your children to stop by.

We also have a trivia night coming up on 11/7. Get the details and register here.

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 service(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.

YEMBA’s Mentoring Empowerment Program (MEP) is in full swing at Julian MS!!

MEP is FREE and is designed to help middle school students build confidence, develop life and leadership skills, explore their interests, and connect with mentors, their peers, and community.

Julian Middle School: Mondays & Tuesdays

Important note: Students do not have to attend every session. We understand that students have sports, other clubs, family commitments, and other activities. However, consistent attendance is important and encouraged!

Haven’t registered yet? There’s still time! Register your student today!

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 service(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.

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 service(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.

THE ONLINE OPTION IS NOW AVAILABLE!

Fees may be paid online at https://oakpark.revtrak.net/Middle-Schools/JMS/julian-school-fees/

You may pay fees in person at the Julian school office during the week between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Debit/credit card payments can only be processed online or at the district office (at 260 Madison Street), not in the Julian school office. The school office can only accept cash (exact change please) or check (made payable to District 97) payments.

• No School: Tuesday, November 3rd (District 97 closed)
• School Store: Friday, November 6th (during lunch periods)
• • End of Trimester 1: Friday, November 20th
• No School: Wed., Nov 25th - Fri., Nov 27th (Thanksgiving break)
• Picture Retake Day: Wednesday, December 9th (9am -11am ONLY)
• Graduation Ceremony: Tuesday, June 8th (6:30pm @ OPRFHS, must have a ticket to enter)
• Last Day of the 2026_27 School Year: Wednesday, June 9, 2027 (full day of classes)

We strive to improve the attendance of all of our students. Each minute of each school day provides opportunities for learning and it’s noticeable when students miss time. Absences, even if they are excused, can add up to academic trouble. Please be sure students are arriving daily by 8:50 am. Students arriving after 8:57 am will receive a tardy for the day.

Missing only 2 days a month (excused or unexcused), means your child misses 10% of the school year. If your child is going to be absent, please notify the office prior to 9:00 a.m. by calling (708) 665-3064 or emailing julianinfo@op97.org. When we do not receive a call or email from a parent/guardian, school regulations require that parents/guardians are contacted to verify the child's absence.

Should you need resources to support your child’s attendance please visit this link or reach out to your child’s Student Success Coach.

• 6th grade - Sergio Torres (storres@op97.org)

• 7th Grade - Becca Murray (rmurray@op97.org)

• 8th grade - Kasey Fleming (kfleming@op97.org)

Oak Park, IL 60302

708-524-3040

www.op97.org/julian