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Middle Matters

Week of March 9th, 2026

MiddleMattersWeek of March 9th, 2026

Important Dates

  • Mar. 9th -13th Service Club: Community Fridge Donation Drive

  • Mar. 11th PTO Penny's Dine Out

  • Mar. 13th 8th Grade Graduation Picture Retakes

  • Mar. 13th 5-Essentials Parent/Guardian Survey closes

  • Mar. 14th- Mar. 16th: 8th Grade Trip to Nashville, TN

  • Mar. 17th Institute Day (No School)

  • Mar. 18th Virtual Middle School Transition Meeting for Incoming 6th Grade Families with IEPs

  • Mar. 20th: Trimester 2 Report Cards emailed home

  • Mar. 30th - April 3rd: Spring Break (No School)

  • Apr. 6th PTO Meeting (Virtual)

  • Apr. 7th-9th and 14th-16th Illinois Assessment for Readiness

  • Apr. 15th PTO Donut Day

  • Apr. 23rd College & Career Exploration

  • Apr. 24th Deadline to Purchase GBMS Yearbook

  • May 25th Memorial Day (No School)

  • May 28th 8th Grade Dance

  • June 2nd Brooks 8th Grade Graduation at Oak Park River Forest High School @ 6:30pm

  • June 2nd Last Day of School (assuming no emergency days used)

Link to School Year Calendar

8th Grade Graduation Picture Retakes - March 13, 2026 8th Grade Graduation Picture Retakes - March 13, 2026

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Photo retakes will be held during 1st period. Please have your child bring their original photo proof along with $10 to purchase the retake.


If your child was not present for the original picture day, please send them to school dressed to take their photos. Students will take one photo with a cap and gown and one photo without the cap and gown.


Please email Angel Banks (abanks1@op97.org) with any questions.

5-Essential PARENT/GUARDIAN Survey-please take 10 min. to provide your insights! 5-Essential PARENT/GUARDIAN Survey-please take 10 min. to provide your insights!

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5-Essential PARENT/GUARDIAN Survey - please take 10 minutes to provide your insights!

Illinois 5Essentials Survey is Open!

District 97 families, staff, and students in grades 4–8 are invited to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, open through March 13, 2026. The survey takes about 10 minutes and gathers feedback about school climate and learning conditions that support student success.


Responses are confidential, and your feedback helps guide school improvement efforts across District 97. In order to receive a school report from the survey, we need to have at least 20% parent/guardian participation.


We currently have 15% parent/guardian response rate from Brooks Families! Please encourage network of Brooks parent/guardians to respond if they haven't yet done so. The survey closes Friday, March 13, 2026.

Take the survey: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/

Eagle Class of 2026!!! Eagle Class of 2026!!!

8th Grade Nashville Trip!!!!

March 14-16, 2026

Volunteers for Career Days! Sign-up Today! Volunteers for Career Days! Sign-up Today!

We need 60 more volunteers! Please click on to volunteer or share this form or the flyer below with anyone you think would be interested in volunteering to present at one or both of the Career Exploration Days on Wednesday 4/22 at Julian from 12 to 3:30p, and on Thursday 4/23 at Brooks from 12 to 3:30pm.

Student took as survey indicating they are interested in learning more about Careers in the following fields:

Advanced Manufacturing

Arts, Entertainment & Design

Construction

Digital Technology

Education

Energy and Natural Resources

Financial Services

Healthcare & Human Services

Hospitality, Events & Tourism

Management & Entrepreneurship

Marketing & Sales

Public Service & Safety

Supply Chain & Transportation


We would love to have you present at our Career Exploration Days! Please volunteer using this form!

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Service Club: Community Fridge Project Service Club: Community Fridge Project

Brooks is holding a mini-food drive for The Community Fridge Project next week only! March 9th-13th, please bring any non-perishable food items you would like to donate. There is a bin in the office, or donations can be dropped off in B208 or B209. Here are the most needed items:


Pasta Sauce

Peanut Butter/Jelly

Canned Soups/pull top

Canned Chicken/Tuna

Pancake Syrup

Pancake Mix

Cooking Oil

Salt and Pepper

Rice

Dried Beans

Crackers

Granola Bars

Cereal/Oatmeal

Raman

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

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8th Grade Dance 8th Grade Dance

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The 8th GRADE DANCE IS THURSDAY, MAY 28 from 6-8pm and WE NEED YOU!


Be part of this fun annual tradition and help in a variety of ways — whether its planning, decorating, volunteering at day-of serving concessions, working check-in, helping with the Photo Booth, or any of the other ways to play, we know you’ll find one that suits your interest and skills!

Sign up today!

Illinois Assessment for Readiness and Illinois Science Assessment Illinois Assessment for Readiness and Illinois Science Assessment

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All About IAR and ISA!


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 and 8 will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) as well.


This year, the IAR/ISA will be administered to Brooks students as follows: ELA IAR will be administered April 7th, 8th and 9th with make-ups on April 10th and 13th. MATH IAR will be administered April 14th, 15th, and 16th with make-ups on April 17th and April 20th. ISA will be administered to our 8th grade students on April 22nd and 24.


Check out our “5 Things to Know About IAR” document to learn more about this year’s assessment!

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¡Todo sobre IAR e ISA!


Cada primavera, todos los estudiantes del Distrito 97 en los grados 3 a 8 toman las evaluaciones requeridas a nivel federal para ayudarnos a comprender cómo están creciendo académicamente. Desde 2019, el estado ha utilizado la Evaluación de Preparación de Illinois (IAR) para evaluar el conocimiento y las habilidades de los estudiantes en Artes del Lenguaje Inglés (ELA) y Matemáticas, así como su progreso hacia la meta a largo plazo de preparación universitaria y profesional. Los estudiantes de 5º y 8º grado también tomarán la Evaluación de Ciencias de Illinois (ISA).


Este año, el IAR/ISA se administrará a los estudiantes de Brooks El IAR de Lengua y Literatura se administrará los días 7, 8 y 9 de abril, con recuperaciones los días 10 y 13 de abril. El IAR de Matemáticas se administrará los días 14, 15 y 16 de abril, con recuperaciones los días 17 y 20 de abril. El ISA se administrará a nuestros alumnos de octavo grado los días 22 y 24 de abril.


¡Consulte nuestro documento “5 cosas que debe saber sobre IAR” para obtener más información sobre la evaluación de este año!

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D97 Middle School Transition Night for Families of Incoming 6th Graders w/ IEPs D97 Middle School Transition Night for Families of Incoming 6th Graders w/ IEPs

District 97 families of current 5th grade students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are invited to join us for a virtual 5th to 6th Grade Transition Night focused on preparing for the move to middle school.

This informational session is designed to provide clarity, ease anxiety, and help families feel confident and prepared for this exciting transition within District 97.

Details

  • Date: Thursday, March 19

  • Virtual Event Zoom Link: https://op97-org.zoom.us/j/82620350649?pwd=HoCCC4MupNMLTkdp90FOJCnDB26LWf.1&jst=2

  • Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

What to Expect:
Middle School Scheduling
How schedules are built and what a typical day looks like.
Teaming Structure
How teachers work together to support students.
IEP Services in Middle School
How supports are delivered in a new setting.
Tips for a Successful Transition
Practical strategies to help students feel confident and learn about Middle School Connections.

Q&A
Time will be provided to meet members of the middle school team and get answers in real time.

D97 Registration for 2026-27 School Year Open for All Students D97 Registration for 2026-27 School Year Open for All Students

D97 Registration for 2026-27 School Year Open for All Students

Online registration for the 2026-27 school year in District 97 is now open for all students. Complete details about the process—including residency documents, timelines and other helpful resources—are available on the district website: www.op97.org/registration.


Returning Students

Registration for returning District 97 students is open Jan. 28, 2026, through April 30, 2026. Complete details can be found at https://www.op97.org/hr/returning-student-registration.


New Students and Kindergarteners

Registration for kindergarten and new students opened Feb. 19. Please click the links below to learn more about the registration process for kindergarteners and new students.

  • Kindergarten Registration

  • New Students


Get Ready to Register

Visit our District 97 Registration page for everything you need to know about the process, including residency documents, timelines, and helpful resources.


Need Help?

Our registration team is here for you! Reach out anytime through Let’s Talk. We look forward to supporting you through this process!

GBMS YEARBOOK ORDERING GBMS YEARBOOK ORDERING

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Yearbook Purchase Link: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014096931934358

Passcode: 1014096931934358

Food Assistance Resources for Families Food Assistance Resources for Families

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With the ongoing federal government shutdown, some families may be concerned about a possible pause in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits beginning Nov. 1, 2025. Please know that no student will go without a meal—students who qualify will continue to receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school, and any student in need of a meal will always be served.


To help ensure that all families have access to healthy food during this time, our District 97 school social workers have compiled a list of local and regional food assistance resources. The document will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.


View Food Assistance Resources for Families


Families who may qualify for meal assistance are encouraged to complete a Free or Reduced Lunch application at any time. Information is available here: www.op97.org/business-office/food-service

If your family could use additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school. Additional resources may be available through our PTOs or community organizations, and our staff will do their best to connect you with what you need.

We are grateful to our social workers and community partners for their ongoing care and support of our families.

Chromebook Cases Chromebook Cases

Reminder: Chromebook Cases Must Stay On Devices

We want to remind everyone that Chromebook cases should remain on the devices at all times. These cases are an important part of keeping our devices in good condition and ensuring they last throughout the school year.

Benefits of Keeping Cases On:

  • Protection: Cases help prevent damage from drops, spills, and everyday wear and tear.

  • Longevity: Protecting the Chromebook reduces repairs and extends the life of the device.

  • Consistency: Cases ensure that all devices are safeguarded in a uniform way, making it easier for students to handle and transport them safely.

Thank you for helping us keep our Chromebooks safe and ready for learning!

Brooks Spirit Wear Sale Brooks Spirit Wear Sale

Brooks Spirit Wear Sale

Link to order: https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/IL/Oak%20Park/Gwendolyn+Brooks+Middle+School


Remember, a portion of our sales goes back to our school and supports our school store. Please reach out with any questions!

Clubs & Sports Clubs & Sports

CLUB Information can be found in Student Announcements with details. This is updated weekly, as new clubs get organized and announce dates and times.

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FRIDAY NIGHT PLACE: Meets at Brooks in A126 on Fridays!

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Speech Team: New Year, New Rules...Still Champs!!

It was an exciting competition weekend at Elmwood Park High School for District 97 families and staff. This year, for the first time, Brooks Middle School and Julian Middle School competed "separately" in the annual West 40 Speech & Drama Festival. For more than 20 years, the combined District 97 teams have been the West 40 champs. This year, performers competed in their "individual" events. They were scored using a rubric, with points totaled to determine placement. If their points fell within a specific range, they could earn 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbons. Performers were not necessarily competing against another school in the same event. They were just trying to get the best points possible for their performance. As a result, the outcome was the same: At Brooks and at Julian, our super talented students earned first place ribbons!


In addition, 8th graders Nat M. (Brooks) and Aria A. (Julian) each earned the inaugural Golden Microphone Award! Winners of this award were nominated based upon their demonstration of perseverance, courage, commitment, positivity, and/or dedication. Congratulations to all our District 97 student performers for bringing home the 1st place ribbons. And thank you to each Julian and Brooks coach for their time with each performer, providing encouragement and feedback, rehearsing after school on multiple occasions, communicating with families and for building community!


When you see them, give a shout out to the students, as well as to Julian Head Coach Bill McGlynn, and Assistant Coaches Bessie Santos, Echelon Jackson, John Beck, Cas Scaman and Brooks coaches Pam Gaffney and Sarah Perros.

ROBOTICS - Congratulations to the Brooks VEX Robotics Teams who brought home more hardware for the trophy case this weekend at the 2026 Battle of the Bots. All the teams did an awesome job all year. Congratulations to all the team members! Check out the photos.

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D97 WRESTLING -What a weekend! We took 6 qualifiers for the Sectionals this weekend and although we may not have had any State qualifiers we had a great experience. We thank you for coming out to support us throughout our Wrestling Season! We've had an incredible time working together and a big shout out to our Coaches Venhorst at RVenHorst@oprfhs.org and Coaches Campos at RCampos@oprfhs.org for joining us. We appreciate all the time you have given us day after day.


BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Practices are now underway with our first game at Lincoln Middle School on Monday, March 9th. For more information, see COACH BEADER if you have any questions.


Track

Track and Field practice will be Monday - Thursdays, 3:40pm - 4:45pm on days when school is in session. Please email Coach Sefcik at bsefcik@op97.org and Coach Shadoian at jshadoian@op97.org for any questions.


BEAT (Brooks Earth Action Team):

Meetings every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 in C202, when school is in session. March 17th we will NOT meet. Contact Ms. Stamp (lstamp@op97.org) or Ms. Raad( Kraad@op97.org ) with any questions.


Service Club

Brooks is holding a mini-food drive for The Community Fridge Project next week only! March 9th-13th, please bring any non-perishable food items you would like to donate. There is a bin in the office, or donations can be dropped off in B208 or B209.

If you have any questions, please see Ms. Martinez or Ms. Walsh. We meet every Friday from 8am - 9am in B208.


Rainbow Revolution: We meet every Monday that there is school in the Brooks Media Center from 3:30-4:30pm. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Robot– email is still currently aberman@op97.org.


RPG CLUB (Formerly Dungeons and Dragons Club)

When: Every Wednesday

Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Where: C302 (Mr. McDowell’s Room)


Morning Choirs

If you are interested in joining contact Mr. Blackman at fblackman@op97.org

Rehearsals (No Rehearsal on next week Tuesday 3/17 due to No School)

  • Fledglings (all grades) - Thursday mornings at 8am

  • Downbeat (7-8 in Band, Chorus, or Orchestra) - Tuesdays and Fridays at 8am


Art Club

Meets Thursdays in D301 (Mrs. Murray’s room) from 3:30-4:30. All students are welcome for “open studio” (work on your own ideas and projects) with provided materials. You don’t have to come every week. Art club will work around your sports and other extracurricular activities. See you soon!


Student Council - If you are participating in Student Council, we meet in Room B408, on Mondays.


Spoken Word Club

Spoken Word Club has an ‘open door’ policy, meaning that you can participate with us at any point in the school year.

  • When:Wednesdays from 4 to 5:15pm
  • Where: Alternates between Julian and Brooks (Schedule)

Spoken Word Club will meet Wednesdays, from 4-5:15 pm. It will alternate between Brooks and Julian, and students from both schools are invited to alternate along with the schedule. The club will be led by our poet-artist, PhalaiR, as well as teacher-coaches Ms. Santos (Julian-C407) and Mr. Lee (Brooks-B305).


Chess Club / Game Club

Meets every Thursday 3:30-5:00 in C108 with Mr. Hausfeld.


Best Buddies

We hope that you will come join Best Buddies Club. Best Buddies officers will meet in Ms. Kiska’s classroom Wednesday at 3:30.


Here is the link you will need to sign up: Best Buddies Sign Up . If you have any questions, please feel free to contact lkiska@op97.org or bsefcik@op97.org


Star Wars Club - Meets every Monday from 3:35-4:35 in room C404 with Mr. Syndergaard. All are welcome!


Yoga Club

Meets Wednesday, after school in Ms. Nikolakakis’ room C-207. Come relax and be yourself! We will do yoga, experiment with sound baths, and explore mindfulness and meditation. All are welcome, and no experience is needed!


Club: Labubu Club

No meeting next week, Tuesday 3/17. Join the preppy, baddie, slaaaay, Labubu club where we will do Labubu arts and crafts, make Labubu clothes and accessories, and write storylines for a Labubu stop motion film. NOTE: you do not have to have a Labubu to be in the club that meets in Mrs. Rhoades’ room on Tuesdays in A126 from 3:40-4:40.

PTO Communication PTO Communication

BROOKS CARES BROOKS CARES

💙 Interested in lending a hand to help our Brooks families in need, but don’t know how? Learn more about our Brooks Cares initiative and how you can help.

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💙 THE SAFETY & SUPPORT TEAM NEEDS YOU! 💙 💙 THE SAFETY & SUPPORT TEAM NEEDS YOU! 💙

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Join the PTO in supporting students and families in practical ways through a new PTO-led initiative. Learn more and sign up here.


If your family is in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to fill out this form.

Your privacy is extremely important to us, and your information will remain confidential—shared only with a small, trusted group dedicated to providing immediate support and solutions.

Si su familia necesita ayuda, no dude en completar este formulario. Su privacidad es extremadamente importante para nosotros y su información se mantendrá confidencial, compartida únicamente con un pequeño grupo de personas de confianza dedicadas a brindar apoyo y soluciones inmediatas.

🍜PENNY’S DINE OUT THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11! 🍜PENNY’S DINE OUT THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11!

Order take out or dine in at Penny’s in Oak Park (1130 Chicago Avenue) on Wednesday and mention “Brooks Middle School.” A percentage of all “Brooks” sales will go to support our school and students! Thank you!

PTO DONUT DAYS - April 15th 2026 PTO DONUT DAYS - April 15th 2026

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🍩 NEXT DONUT DAY IS WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2026



🍩 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR UPCOMING DONUT DAY ON APRIL 15!

Everybody loves donut day — join us and find out why it’s our most popular fundraiser! It’s also a fun way to spend time with your student(s) on these sweet days! Only two more to go, so don’t miss your chance!


Sign Up to Volunteer for Donut Days Here




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PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR STARSHIP LUNCH

The PTO will need adult volunteers to assist with distributing Starship lunches to all grade levels each Tuesday. More information coming soon!


Please note that to ensure the distribution process runs smoothly, we request that volunteers are able to stay for the duration of all 3 lunch periods from 10:40am - 12:55pm on any day you may sign up for. **Per D97 policy, all volunteers must complete and pass a D97 Background Check which is a quick and easy process that can be scheduled through the D97 office.**


Future Starship Orders

The PTO has stopped taking Starship orders for this session. Anyone who is interested can join in after winter break. We will have that sign up available after Thanksgiving.

🦅YOU are the PTO!

Do you want to have an impact in the Brooks community and get the inside scoop on what is going on at Brooks and D97? It’s not too late to get involved! No prior PTO is necessary. Sign Up for Open Positions Here!


E-mail gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com any questions!


We love making new friends and look forward to hearing from you!

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Connect with the Brook’s PTO

Please Consider a Donation to the PTO

Your commitment to our school community is invaluable. By contributing to the PTO, you’re directly investing in the success and enrichment of our children’s education.

Reference Information Reference Information

If you have questions about the upcoming school year, please don’t hesitate to contact me April Moriarty, Principal at amoriarty@op97.org. You can also contact my Executive Coordinator, Ms. Angel Banks, at abanks1@op97.org or (708) 524-7636.


Our Administrative Team

April Moriarty, Principal (amoriarty@op97.org)

Dr. Denise Gildon, Associate Principal for Teaching & Learning (dgildon@op97.org)

Chasity McComb-Williams, Associate Principal for Culture, Climate, Clubs & Sports (cmccomb-williams@op97.org)


Student Success Coach Team:

Our Student Success Coaches will be the point person if your student is facing any challenges with academics or with peers. They also are the case managers for all 504 plans.

6th Grade: Audrey Schoen - aschoen@op97.org

7th Grade: Bernard Starks - bstarks@op97.org

8th Grade: Josh Rodgers - jrodgers@op97.org


Social Workers:

Our Social Work team will be the point person if your student is facing any challenges socially/emotionally. They also support students with social work goals outlined within Individual Education Plans.

6th Grade: Jennifer Olsen - jolsen@op97.org

7th Grade: Abby Berman - aberman@op97.org

8th Grade: Hannah Boudreau - hboudreau@op97.org


Reporting Student Absences:

Email brooksattendance@op97.org or call 708-665-3074


School Nurse and CNA:

Tracy Biggerstaff: tbiggerstaff@op97.org

Melissa Godwin: mgodwin@op97.org

Send School Health form/physicals/dental forms to: brooksnurse@op97.org


Front Office:

PowerSchool login questions, Attendance or School Fee Questions-Vashti Carter: vcarter@op97.org

Canvas login questions, Receptionist- Minerva Colbert: mcolbert@op97.org


TECH Support:

Please email: helpdesk@op97.org

Please complete claim form if your student's chromebook is damaged or lost

Student Drop Off & Pick Up Information Student Drop Off & Pick Up Information

DROP OFF & PICK UP INSTRUCTIONS:

We strongly encourage students who are able to walk or bike to school to do so rather than arriving by car. This reduces congestion around the school and makes drop off easier for the kids who do need to be driven to school.


IF ARRIVING AT SCHOOL BY CAR, ALL PARENTS/GUARDIANS should be dropping students off on Kenilworth Ave heading south, Randolph heading east or Washington heading west and then have the Brooks student exit on the passenger side of the car and then walk to their designated line-up location. Please refrain from pulling into the staff parking lot, as it is hazardous with multiple cars in motion, as well as staff members driving in for work. Additionally, please do not drop off or pick up on Clinton Avenue as that is where are school buses are parked. This is a safety and security concern, so we thank you in advance for your cooperation.


Designated Line-up Locations:

7th and 8th Grade Walkers: Kenilworth Ave main entrance (also access to commons doors for breakfast or to get a temporary Student ID)

7th & 8th Grade Busers: Clinton Ave entrance

6th Grade Busers and Walkers: Washington Street Entrance

Morning Library Morning Library

The library is now open beginning this week for the school year in the mornings starting at 8am.

  • Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
  • No pass needed
  • To enter, 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.

Student Attendance Student Attendance

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STUDENT ATTENDANCE - How to Report Student Absences

Attendance will be taken every day for each class period by each of your child's teacher and it will be denoted in PowerSchool. Student's are expected to attend each of their classes at their scheduled time and day. If your student will be absent from school, please call the attendance number 708-665-3074 or email brooksattendance@op97.org
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School Nurse - Tracy Biggerstaff

Please contact the Brooks Health Office and speak with Nurse Tracy Biggerstaff if you have questions or concerns regarding your student's health.

(708) 524-3058 or tbiggerstaff@op97.org

Brooks Main Office-Phone Hours & Dropping off Items Brooks Main Office-Phone Hours & Dropping off Items

Office Phone Hours

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 at 708-665-3074 or you can email brooksattendance@op97.org. Our office staff will listen to voicemails left on the main line starting 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.

Brooks Bell Schedule and A/B Rotation Brooks Bell Schedule and A/B Rotation

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  • Here are the links to our Click here to view the updated bell schedule for Trimester 2 & 3

  • and A/B Calendar for PE/Elective class.

Breakfast and Lunch Information Breakfast and Lunch Information

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Keep D97 Schools Allergy Safe - No Nuts Allowed

Nuts and nut products are not allowed in any District 97 schools during the 2025-26 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.

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Daily School Lunch Options

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TUESDAY PTO - STARSHIP LUNCH

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FRIDAY BRAVO - DOMINIOS

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School Lunch Options

Hot lunch will be available to students who wish to participate and have a funded or an approved lunch account, starting the first day of school. If you have questions regarding your student's lunch balance, you may contact the Lunch Manager, Shetrice Baker at Sbaker2@op97.org. To make payments on student lunch accounts please visit, https://www.mymealtime.com/signin.aspx


Breakfast and hot lunch menus and other information

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TUESDAYS - PTO STARSHIP LUNCH OPTIONS

Lunches will be served every Tuesday when school is in session starting September 16th and ending on December 16th for a total of 14 lunches. PTO will take orders again this week. Your student would begin to get their lunch on Tuesday, September 23rd for a total of 13 lunches. When you place your order, you will be ordering lunch for each Tuesday. You will have the same item for lunch each Tuesday.

Because we are serious about Brooks being a school where all kids feel that they belong, we determined that our fundraisers shouldn’t be a source of exclusion for any students. Therefore, we use a Pay What You Can model. The recommended price for the lunches is a small increase over the cost the PTO pays Starship for the lunch. However, you will be able to enter the price that makes sense for your family to pay. This may be lower or higher than the recommended price.

PLEASE NOTE - this is intended to be a fundraiser. If we do not make money, we will not be able to continue with this model and will need to rethink the future of this fundraiser. We are counting on those families that are able to pay more than the recommended amount to be generous.


Order here:

http://bit.ly/41BMOae

Pay here:

https://buy.stripe.com/aFa7sMdRLfNa9K54700Ny00


Menu options:

Pasta w/meat sauce w/french bread- $100
Pasta w/marinara (contains Parmesan) w/french bread - $100
Vegan GF minestrone soup w/french bread - $100
Chicken & Rice soup w/ french bread - $100
Chicken tenders w/french bread - $135
Club Sandwich w/chips - bacon, turkey, & cheddar, lettuce, tomato - $145
Italian Sandwich w/chips - salami, ham, mozzarella, lettuce tomato,, oil, vinegar, oregano - $145
3 Cheese Sandwich w/chips - mozzarella, cheddar & Swiss, lettuce, tomato, oil & vinegar - $145
Vegan Hummus sandwich w/chips- hummus, lettuce, tomato, cucumber- $145

We need your help! Meet new Brooks parents! Get an inside glimpse of your middle schooler's
day! Adult volunteers are needed to assist with the distribution of the lunches to all 3 grade levels.

All volunteers must complete and pass the D97 Background Check. This is quick and easy and you can complete that now.


Here is the link to volunteer:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054BA8AB23A2FCCF8-58159339-starship?useFullSite=true#/

Questions about volunteering? Email Lindsey at Lindsey.danhauser@kidcreatestudio.com

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FRIDAYS - BRAVO PIZZA LUNCH OPTION

There is still time to sign up for Friday Pizza Lunch!


SIGN UP FOR FRIDAY PIZZA LUNCH


Parents - We Need Your Help! Volunteer to help serve pizza on Fridays - SIGN UP HERE!

Brooks School-Wide Expectations Brooks School-Wide Expectations

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Student have been learning the new routines and expectations and doing a wonderful job. Thank you for your support in help us create a safe, respectful and responsible environment for our students.


We have been teaching, supporting and reminding students of the School Wide Expectations.

Student School IDs and Temporary IDs

Students should go to the commons as soon as they arrive on campus (8:15am to 8:55am) when they realized they don’t have their IDs to get a temporary ID. If they come to school late (8:57am) they will go to the main office, where they will get a tardy pass and if needed lunch ticket and/or temporary ID. Students who realized that they dont' have their ID upon arrival to first period will be sent to the main office main office before 9:15am to get a temporary ID.

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.

BACKPACKS AND LOCKERS

Locker Checklist has been shared and posted in each student's locker during the first week of school to help them think through the items they need to take with them when they visit their locker at the start of the day, before and after lunch and at the end of the day.


If your child needs to purchase a lock at anytime during the school year, please do so online HERE. Your student's WIN teacher will receive the lock to give to your student if you've purchased one due to your student missing/losing their lock.

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Water Bottle Reminder

We ask that if possible to please send your student to school with a filled water bottle. We have water bottle filling stations in the school for our students to refill their water bottles when needed.

Technology Support Technology Support

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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. Please complete claim form if your student's chromebook is damaged or lost.

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