Middle Matters

• Feb. 20th Black History Month Panel & Sneaker Ball

• Feb 27th Black History Month Celebration (WIN)

• Feb. 27th: End of Trimester 2

• Mar. 17th: Institute Day (No School)

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

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

• May 25th: Memorial Day (No School)

• 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)

https://oakpark.revtrak.net/Middle-Schools/BMS/brooks-dance/#/list

Purchase tickets through Thursday 2/19 @ 11:30pm (deadline extended)

All tickets need to be purchased in advance. No entry tickets will be sold at the door!

https://forms.gle/sgxM5fd63zzaeUEm6

Your student's ELA and Math teacher are providing your student with their STAR Asssessment report.

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.

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

Student behavior and discipline have been important and widely discussed topics across our community. In response, the District 97 PTAC Committee is hosting a Community Conversation on Understanding and Supporting Student Behavior on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brooks Middle School.

This facilitated conversation will bring together families, educators, students, board members, and community members to build shared understanding around behavior expectations, discipline practices, and the social-emotional supports students need to thrive. Participants will have the opportunity to listen, share perspectives, and explore proactive strategies that strengthen partnership and trust across our schools.

This event reflects District 97’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility in supporting student behavior—we hope you will join us.

RSVP by Feb. 13 at https://bit.ly/4baioS4

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

Passcode: 1014096931934358

Please join us February 28 for the 20th celebration of Harambee at Longfellow school. This FREE community event celebrates Black History Month with storytelling, dancing, poetry, singing, and more. All families are welcome to celebrate with us. Over the last 20 years, Harambee has grown and evolved into a unique experience that celebrates and highlights the joy, history, and talent of our own community. The African Market opens at noon. Many local families/small businesses will have various homemade goods for sale. There will be a unique hair & fashion show at 1pm and the live performances begin at 2pm. Please come celebrate the 20th year of Harambee and the 100th year of Black History Month with us!

We’re excited to welcome new students to District 97 for the 2026-27 school year! Starting Jan. 21, 2026, families can register new students for kindergarten and grades 1-8.

Returning Families: Registration for returning students will open on Jan. 28. Please keep an eye out for a separate communication with the registration link and details.

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!

Join District 97 for an Accelerated Learning Family Information Night on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Julian Middle School. The session will include a presentation that outlines the process and requirements for single-subject and whole-grade acceleration (Grades K-8).

Click here to view the event flyer.

We are in the process of updating our websites to reflect this year's dates and any new changes.

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.

Please be sure to scroll down to get updates on our Sport and Club offerings as well as PTO Communications!

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!

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! Currently, 20% off storewide sale and there is fee shipping over $75. Happy Shopping for the HOLIDAYS!

8th Grade Nashville Trip!!!!

March 14-16, 2026

Meets at Brooks in A126 on Fridays!

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

WRESTLING ​- When we return on Tuesday, 2/17, we'll have a conference meet at Unity​ Middle School. If you can come out and cheer us on we would appreciate the support. ​We will have practice Wednesday​ and Thursday​ then Friday, 2/19 we face off with Elmwood Park here at ​the nest. We are forever grateful for you showing up support​ing us!

​C​oming up: ​ We will take flight​ on Saturday, February 28th,​ to Lincoln Middle School, ​in Mt. Prospect, IL​ for the Regionals. Exciting!!!

Please email Coach Venhorst at RVenHorst@oprfhs.org and Coach Campos at RCampos@oprfhs.org for detailed information. Students, please see Ms. Washington; she'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Wednesday, 2/18 ​we're at Hertiage Summit​. All conference games will be held at Unity starting​ with JUNIOR VARSITY on Thursday, 2/19, VARSITY ​on Monday, 2/23​, and JV & VAR CHAMPIONSHIPS​ on Tuesday, 2/24. - Contact Mr. Grimaldi (lgrimaldi@op97.org) with any questions.​ If you're able to come out, we appreciate the support!

**Boys Volleyball Try-outs/Open Gym Coming Soon!**

Students, look for flyers this week around the school! All athletes must attend all tryouts • All athletes must have sports physicals ad permission slips on file prior to open gym.

-8th Grade, Varsity Open Gym, Wednesday, 2/11, 3:30pm - 5:30pm.

-Varsity TRYOUTS = Tuesday, 2/17 3:30pm - 5:30pm and 2/19 at 7:00 am

-Jr. Varsity 6th & 7th Open Gym = Monday, 2/23 3:30pm - 5:30pm

-Jr. Varsity TRYOUTS = Tuesday, 2/24 - 3:30pm 5:30pm

See COACH GRIMALDI or COACH BEADER if you have any questions.

Track Information Meeting

Wednesday, March 4th @ 6:00 PM for parents/guardians of students interested in participating in track and field. Meets link - https://meet.google.com/fdt-bvxe-quj .

BEAT (Brooks Earth Action Team):

Every Tuesday in C202 Meetings every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 in C202. Contact Ms. Stamp (lstamp@op97.org) or Ms. Raad( Kraad@op97.org ) with any questions.

Service Club

We will start planning out our projects for the year, so bring your ideas! 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. f 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

• 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, the next meeting is Tuesday, January 13th in Room B408.

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. See Mr. Lee in Room B305 with any questions. Spoken Word Club begins at 4 pm on Wednesdsys. See you there!

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 - The Club will not meet Monday, 2/16. The district is closed due to observance of President's Day. 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

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.

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.

Pre-order by Monday, Feb 9 at 4pm

Pick up Wed, Feb 11 at 3:30-7pm

@ Billy Bricks Oak Park

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.

🦅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!

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.

Donut Day is THIS Wednesday, Feb 11.

Donuts are $2 each and sales are cash only.

Sold at every lunch period while they last!

Students can pick up pre-orders (sold last week in dozens only) during their lunch period, or purchase individual donuts for $2 each.

Proceeds from this sale will support our Brooks Community Support Initiative that helps families during times of need and unexpected loss.

Sign Up to Volunteer for Donut Days Here

THANK YOU! 💙

The PTO is providing dinner from a local restaurant for our faculty and staff next week during conferences.

We are in need of donated drinks, desserts and flowers to help show them how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849AEAC2DAA8-61892926-february

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

• 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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.