WJHS Weekly News and Notes

As we head into another busy week, I want to highlight some important upcoming events and key reminders. Your partnership is essential to our students' success, and we appreciate your continued support.

Key Updates & Information

Week in Review

A huge shout-out to Mr. Larsen's homeroom and the Broadcast Club! Monday's video and weekly announcements were fantastic. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make it a success!

Picture Retakes

Please complete the following form if your student needs a picture retake or were absent on the day they were originally taken. Due on or before October 16.

SEL Screener

In the past, elementary students have participated in the INSIGHTS Social-Emotional Competency assessment to gauge their progress in several SEL Competency Areas, and 5th-8th grade students have participated in the MESH/Panorama assessment for the same purpose.

We have transitioned this year to a new tool that will act as a screener for social-emotional and behavioral risk called the SAEBRS/mySAEBRS. Using this tool will help MTSS teams to identify students in need of support, and provide interventions as needed. It is a different type of tool than used before, and will provide more actionable data for us to better support students.

The assessment tool is brief (20 questions) and at K-2 will be completed by teachers, while at 3-8 it will be completed by students. It should only take about 10 minutes total for 3-8 students to complete. Use of this tool supports our District 39 strategic priority of creating an inclusive student community that advances social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health.

Please note: Students will need headphones to complete this assessment.

After School Slime Experience

Join the Northwestern Undergraduate Chemistry Council along with science teachers Mr. Nelson and Dr. Ower on Tuesday, October 20th from 3:20-4:20 for a free after school activity at WJHS! We'll be making color-changing slime, talking about the chemistry behind it, what kind of matter it is (is it a solid, liquid, or something completely new), and talking about what chemistry in college might look like. If your student is interested, sign up here! The registration must be completed by a parent.

This event is limited to the first 45 WJHS students who sign up. Any additional sign ups will be put on a waitlist. You will be notified if you are on the waitlist. More slots may open up based on student attendance and the availability of Northwestern volunteers. This experience is completely free thanks to support from the WJHS PTO and Northwestern University.

Apply for a D39 Foundation Gripp Grant! 💡 Have an innovative idea to enhance learning in our schools? The District 39 Educational Foundation is accepting applications for Gripp Grants! Teachers, staff, and school community members are encouraged to apply to bring creative projects and programs to life. 👉 Click here to view guidelines and submit your application

Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy Visiting WJHS!

Wilmette Junior High School is excited to partner with Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy to bring certified therapy dogs to our campus! Trained volunteers and their therapy dogs will visit WJHS about twice a month throughout the school year for one-hour sessions, bringing comfort, connection, and support to our school community.

How Visits Work:

• Classroom Visits: Staff members may sign their entire classes up for 30-minute sessions during the school day. Individual students do not need to register.

• Optional Participation: Student participation is entirely voluntary. Students can choose whether or not to participate, even if their class attends.

• Opt-Out Option: If your child's class is scheduled to participate and you prefer they do not attend, please complete the Therapy Dogs Opt-Out Form 2026-2027. Students who opt out will work on schoolwork during that time. You only need to complete this form if you wish to opt your child out.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. Panico at panicon@wilmette39.org.

High Five Friday!

We are thrilled to announce that High-Five Friday is coming to Wilmette Junior High next Friday, October 16! Starting around 8:10 AM, members of our local Police and Fire departments will be at the school entrance to cheer on our students, hand out high-fives, and help us kick off the day with high energy and community spirit.

A Note for Families:

Please be aware that you will see an increased presence of police officers, firefighters, and emergency vehicles around campus during morning arrival on October 16. There is no cause for concern—they are here purely to support and celebrate our students! Please keep in mind that official emergency personnel attendance will depend on local call volume at the time.

We look forward to a fun, high-energy morning!

Mathcounts WJHS 2026-2027

MathCounts is a highly competitive competition for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. If you would like to represent WJHS at the regional competition, please fill out this google form.

On October 22nd, we will go over the program, and solve some Mathcounts practice problems. On October 29th, November 5th, and November 12th, students will take 3 school contests. The 14 top scoring students will be chosen to represent WJHS at the regional competition. These 14 students will continue to practice for the regional competition on December 3rd, 10th, and 17th; January 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th; and February 4th.

The Regional Competition is on Saturday, February 6th. Please make a note of that now, to ensure that your child does not have a conflict with that date, should they make the team. Students who do well at the regional competition may be invited to the State Competition which is usually one of the first two weekends in March. The four top scoring students from the Illinois State competition will be awarded an all expense paid trip to the National Competition in May. Please reach out to Jessica Radcliffe, radclifj@wilmette39.org, if you have any questions

Join Us for Wilmette’s Annual Trunk or Treat!

Get into the Halloween spirit with the Wilmette Police Department, Wilmette Fire Department, and local community partners at this year’s Trunk or Treat event! Families are invited for a fun, safe evening of costumes and candy.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026

• Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Location: Metra South Poplar Parking Lot

• Hosted By: Wilmette Police Department, Wilmette Fire Department, and Wilmette Public Library

Volunteer & Host a Vehicle: Want to participate in the fun? We are looking for volunteers to bring their decorated vehicles and hand out candy to local children. To sign up your car, scan the QR code.

Questions? If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Community Relations Officer Carly Watson at watsonc@wilmette.gov or 847-920-3550.

Go Wolves!

Jon Baffico

We're proud to announce this month's Leaders of the Pack—students who have truly shown what it means to be an outstanding member of our school community!

This award recognizes students who exemplify our core values: leadership, compassion, service, responsibility, self-awareness, and integrity. These students are more than just academically strong—they consistently demonstrate exceptional character. They are the ones who lend a hand without being asked and act with kindness and honesty every day.

Please join us in celebrating this month’s honorees:

7th Grade: Lizzie Berlin, Allison Cappiello, Audrey Dahl, Lucas Davis, Paree Gupta, Phoebe Hecht, Janessa Janvier, Etta Kluss, Emma Lyman, Logan Nguyen, Thomas Parker, Mae Robinson, Owen Rundall, Mikaeel Shaikh, Joseph Young

8th Grade: Elsie Anscomb, Ellis Becker, Ava Bennett, Lucy Braatz, Arden Casteel, Scout Davis, Clara Fishbeck, Charlie Hart, Annika Henry, Dawei Ho, Charlotte Klug, Leonid Kyiko, Duncan Miller, Lena Nelson, Bea Quinn, Aria Raval, Nora Turnbull

These students are the heart of our school, and we are so proud to celebrate them. Congratulations to all of our Leaders of the Pack!

Bike Parking and Riding Reminders

Now that student bike parking has transitioned to the front of the school between the Learning Commons and the Auditorium, we appreciate everyone's cooperation in making morning arrivals smoother and safer.

A few quick reminders as we adjust to the new layout:

• Fill Racks Center-Out: When you arrive on campus, make an effort to park your bike toward the middle of the rack first and work your way outward. This optimizes space and keeps bike storage organized for everyone.

• Use Secondary Racks if Full: If you typically park closer to the main office and those bike racks are full, please head toward the other set located near the parking lot.

• Stay on Designated Paths: When leaving campus for the day, DO NOT CUT THROUGH THE PARKING LOTS. Always stay on the designated paths and crosswalks.

• Use Designated Racks Only: Always lock your bike to official school racks. Do not attach bikes to private fences, trees, or non-designated structures.

• Keep Pathways Clear: Avoid leaving bikes where they can block walkways, gates, or emergency access points.

Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe, accessible, and organized!

Important date reminder (8th grade only): New Trier placement testing will take place on November 7 and November 14. Families will select one of these two dates. Additional information about the test and the registration process will come directly from New Trier in early October.

October 12: No School Students (Staff Institute Day)

Please visit the athletics website for more information on practices and coaches emails.

Thanks so much and please let us know if you have any questions.

Sarah Meier + Kirsten Best

Wilmette Jr. HS (WJHS) /Highcrest MS (HMS) Athletic Directors

SIGN UP HERE FOR OUR NEWEST AFTER SCHOOL CLUB - STARTS OCTOBER 19!

Is your student passionate about animals and eager to make a direct impact in our community? Paws for Cause is a new student-led service and advocacy club supporting local dog rescues, including C.A.R.E. (Community Animal Rescue Effort), Border Tails, and PAWS Chicago. Members will develop leadership, organization & teamwork skills through hands-on service projects, such as:

• Organizing food, supply & donation drives for shelter pantries

• Creating adoption signs, awareness posters, and "animal of the week" displays

• Learning and sharing key information about responsible pet ownership

Meeting Details:

• Who: Open to all 7th and 8th grade students

• When: Weekly on Mondays after school for 1 hour (club runs October 19th 2026 thru December 14th)

• Where: Room 130

• Cost: $120/student - 8 sessions

Note: Signed permission slips will be required for participation and direct on-site volunteer opportunities.

WJHS FAMILY NIGHT @ THE CHICAGO WOLVES HOCKEY GAME 10/24

Come support the WJHS Jazz Band and Orchestra as they perform at the Chicago Wolves hockey game on Saturday, 10/24. Game time is 7:00pm and our musicians will be playing before the game starts inside the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. A special ticket price of $23.36 (including taxes and fees) has been offered to our WJHS families. Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

This is not a drop off event, so children should be accompanied by an adult.

2026-2027 WJHS YEARBOOKS NOW ON SALE

Yearbooks can be pre-ordered through the WJHS PTO website this year HERE. Order today and be worry-free next spring when you wonder if you’ve already bought one for your student!

WJHS MAGNETS

A complimentary car WJHS Magnet will be distributed in the Fall to all who have contributed to the iGNITE Fund! ANY contribution to the iGNITE (Enrichment) Fund is appreciated! These will come home with your student in November. Log into Membership Toolkit to contribute to iGNITE.

DID YOU KNOW WJHS HAS A COURTYARD?

Actually, we have two! And one of them is open during lunch recess for students who want to take a break during the day to relax in a quiet peaceful space. In 2021 the PTO upgraded the space to include chairs and board games for students. In order for the courtyard to be open it requires adult supervision because other classes may be in session in the surrounding classrooms. Are you available 12:00pm-1:00pm to cover both 7th and 8th grade recesses? Sign up HERE to volunteer either Tuesday or Thursdays. Questions? Contact volunteers@wjhspto.com