Middle Matters

• May 4th PTO Meeting Virtual at 6pm: Meet link

• May 8th Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

• May 18th - May 22nd Spring Book Fair

• 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 for all students

PTO Virtual Meeting - Tonight at 6pm

Google meet link

We want to acknowledge and apologize for the unintentional omission of Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in our May 4th edition of Middle Matters.

May is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, cultures, histories, and experiences of Jewish Americans as well as Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. We regret that this recognition was not included alongside other heritage month acknowledgements this year.

We also appreciate the feedback regarding the multilingual “thank you” graphic shared in the newsletter. We understand the concern raised about the absence of Hebrew representation and recognize the importance of ensuring all members of our community feel seen, valued, and included in our communications.

While these omissions were not intentional, we recognize that the impact caused hurt and disappointment for members of our community. For students and families who felt unseen or excluded, we sincerely apologize. We are grateful to those who brought these concerns forward and will use this feedback to more thoughtfully review future communications and materials to better reflect and celebrate the diversity of our Brooks community.

• Oak Park Public Library: Explore a curated collection of books, films, and programs that honor AANHPI heritage and culture. Click here >>

• Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: Discover virtual exhibits, storytelling initiatives, and educational resources celebrating AANHPI histories and achievements. Click here >>

• Oak Park Public Library: Find books, films, and programs celebrating the contributions of Jewish Americans to history, culture, and society. Click here >>

• Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM): Visit the official JAHM website for stories, educational materials, and events highlighting Jewish American history and culture. Click here >>

• The Library of Congress: Visit to support the federal government’s commitment to paying tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of American history, culture, and society. Click here >>

Help show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them for getting us through another amazing school year! There are several ways to participate: donate drinks, desserts and flowers, donate your time to help serve during one of Friday’s lunch periods, and/or donate gift cards in any amount to be distributed the week of May 4-8. Thank you in advance for helping us honor the Brooks team for their hard work and dedication.

Sign up here!

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE MAY TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH ON

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026.

Want to get involved in the PTO? We'd love your help!

The PTO runs on the energy of people just like you, and there's a place for everyone, no matter how much (or little!!!) time you have to give.

Whether you're up for jumping in at a single event or want to take on an ongoing role, we have flexible opportunities that fit your schedule. From one-time events like Teacher Appreciation, Book Fairs and dances, to fundraisers like Dine Outs and Donut Days, to behind-the-scenes support – every bit of help makes a real difference for our Brooks community.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to Heather Cleghorn and Kristina Lilleburg, this year’s Co-Presidents, at gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com and we'll help you find the perfect fit.

We can't wait to have you on the team!

Learn more, view open positions and sign up here!

We Are D97 is a district storytelling and recognition series that celebrates the people who make our school community what it is.

Across our school, we see everyday actions—big and small—that reflect our shared values and positively impact students’ daily experiences. These moments help bring our Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate to life, and this series is a way to recognize the people behind them.

Students, staff, and families can all be part of We Are D97. Know someone in our school community who is making a positive impact? We invite you to share their story.

Nominate someone for We Are D97

Selected honorees will be featured on the district website and in district communications throughout the year.

Walkathon Details

On May 8th from 3:30–5:00 pm, students, families, teachers, and staff will walk along Washington Blvd between the middle schools. Brooks students will use the north sidewalk to Julian and back; Julian students will use the south sidewalk to Brooks and back.

Before the walkathon, families must complete a permission form. Students may collect donations, even if they cannot attend on May 8th. And students can walk, even if they do not collect donations.

During the event, DJs will play music at each school, and snack tables will offer donated items for sale to create a fun atmosphere. Parent volunteers will be stationed along the route for safety. At the end, students will return to their own school and are responsible for getting home as they would after a normal school day. This is not a district-sponsored event, and the district is not responsible. Event organizers aim to provide a fun, safe fundraiser but are not liable for participants or volunteers.

How to Join Us

• I have a current D97 7th grader who wants to be part of the walkathon.
• Great! Fill out this Permission Slip.
• In the form, there is a link to set up an individual fundraising page and join Team Brooks or Team Julian. You can choose to have the account in your name or your kid’s name. Use a non-D97 email account. Add a picture if you’d like, but no pressure. The highest fundraisers from the school that raises the most will get to silly string their administration!
• I’d like to donate to the central fund.
• Great! Here’s a Link
• I’d be happy to volunteer to help run the walkathon
• Sign up here

If you have any questions, please reference this information page or email Lisa Peloquin at lisapeloquin28@gmail.com.

We appreciate your continued support in helping your child come to school ready to learn each day. One important way you can help is by making sure your child’s Chromebook is fully charged and ready for use every morning.

Chromebooks are an essential learning tool that students use daily for assignments, research, and classroom activities. When devices arrive uncharged, students may miss valuable learning time while waiting for access to a working device.

You can support your child by helping them build a simple nightly routine:

• Plug in the Chromebook to charge each evening, if they have cell phone add this to that routine.
• Pack the Chromebook in their backpack each morning.
• Bring the Chromebook fully charged to school every day.

Creating this habit helps students develop responsibility and ensures they are prepared for learning from the moment class begins.

Thank you for partnering with us to support student success! Please send an email to helpdesk@op97.org. They will send you the payment link and issue a new charger to your student.

Oak Park Middle Schools Launch "Battle of the Bins" for Earth Month: Brooks and Julian Middle Schools Receive Illinois Green Schools Project Grants to Pioneer Zero Waste Competition

This April, the rivalry between Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School and Percy Julian Middle School is going green. The two schools have announced a friendly but fierce environmental competition to determine which campus can produce the least amount of trash during "Zero Waste Wednesdays."

The initiative is led by the schools’ respective ecology clubs: the Brooks Earth Action Team (BEAT) and Julian’s The Lunch Trays. Both clubs were recently awarded prestigious grants from the Illinois Green Schools Project, providing the funding necessary to implement advanced composting, recycling education, and waste-tracking systems.

Strategic Collaboration

While the schools are competing for the top spot, the project is a massive collaborative effort. Using their grant funding, the clubs are working together to:

• Standardize Sorting: New compost, recycling and trash containers have clear plastic bags so the students can see the correct items in each bin.

• Education Campaigns: Hosting assemblies, creating digital content, and having weekly trivia and other challenges in the lunch room to teach students about how to dispose of trash and food waste correctly. Students can win raffle tickets for prizes as an incentive to participate.

• Data Transparency: Sharing weekly results on social media and the commons of both schools to keep the community engaged and the "trash talk" environmentally friendly.

The Impact

The Illinois Green Schools Project grant recognizes schools that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and student-led climate action. By diverting organic waste and plastics from landfills, Brooks and Julian are significantly reducing their local carbon footprint.

"Seeing the Lunch Trays and BEAT join forces is inspiring," says Laura Stamp, a Brooks teacher and sponsor of the BEAT. "This grant allows our students to take their passion for the environment and turn it into measurable, local impact. Our kids see that the way we serve lunches in District 97 is incredibly wasteful and they want to be leaders to make the simple changes that can make a difference in the long run.”

The winner of the competition will be announced the first week of May, following a final "Earth Day" weigh-in. The winning school will receive the “Battle of the Bins” trophy to proudly display until next year’s competition. The grade level that creates the least amount of landfill trash will receive a zero-waste ice cream party.

Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School Won the Trophy!

📚Help us make this Spring’s Book Fair an even bigger success and put new book in the hands of every student!

Our December Book Fair more than doubled our previous fair in sales and profit, and resulted in over $1,000 in “Share the Fair” sales donated by families, teachers and community partners for students in need.

We need YOU to continue our success! Sign up to volunteer at a convenient time and share the joy! Thank you!

School Safety

TOY GUNS AND WATER GUNS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON CAMPUS

Under no circumstances are students allowed to bring water guns to school. Weapons of any type or kind, including toy guns or water guns, are strictly prohibited. And should not be brought to school or be used anywhere on school property, including the turf field. Students found using or bringing anything resembling a weapon to school, including toy or water guns, will have immediate consequences, up to or including detention and suspension.

We ask that families discuss this important safety practice with their Brooks student(s). Administrators will contact parents/guardians and issue appropriate consequences for behavior infractions.

End-of-year field trips and travel are a great privilege we love affording our students to celebrate their achievements. However, certain requirements must be met for a student to be considered eligible for participation in these excursions to ensure we are focused on our main priority and goal: a well-rounded and rigorous education.

• To ensure safety, students must be able to redirect behavior and follow adult directions or requests throughout the school day.

• To ensure student accountability, students should consistently demonstrate responsibility through regular class attendance and limited tardies throughout the school day.

• Student must be in good standing, in accordance to behavior expectations, as outlined in the Oak Park School District 97 Student/Family Handbook. Any student who does not adhere to the behavior expectations in the handbook may be removed from the end of year field trip/travel opportunities even past the date of eligible refunds.

Between now and 5/26/26, any yearbook purchased will have a shipping fee and will be delivered to the school for distribution. After 5/26/26, any yearbooks purchased will have a shipping fee and be delivered to your home.

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

Passcode: 1014096931934358

• Click on link to order yearbooks: Starting at $28.15
• Yearbooks will be distributed to 8th graders during lunch on June 1.

Did you know an 8th grade student can take the contents of their D97 Google account with them?Google Take Out makes it possible to transfer their District 97 Google Account to a personal Gmail account or their high school-issued Google account. Per the terms of service with Google Workspace for Education, a parent/guardian can request to migrate data from the student's old D97 account to a new account. If you are interested in doing this for your student, please have fill out the form to provide the required consent. The student D97 account will be available to transfer until Sept. 1st of the current year.

Chromebook Collection on May 27 and 28 during 1st Period

Use links below if need to replace case, charger or make a claim and/or payment for lost Chromebook

• $20 to purchase a replacement case, if needed
• $20 to purchase a replacement charger, if needed
• Claim Form and to make payment related to claim, if needed

**Students who do not turn in their Chromebook, case, and charger by June 1 will not be able to pick up their cap, gown, and tassel nor their graduation tickets until this is resolved**

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

• Cost: $15
• Sign-up and make payment and be sure to complete permission slip, as all students attending need a permission slip.

Be part of this fun annual tradition and help in a variety of ways — whether it's 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!

Distribution of items for Graduation on Monday June 1st:

• Distribution of Cap, Gown, and Tassel (if purchased)
• Distribution of Graduation Tickets for 4 Guests

****Students who do not turn in their Chromebook, case, and charger by June 1 will not be able to pick up their cap, gown, and tassel nor their graduation tickets until this is resolved*****

Graduation Rehearsal

June 2 at 9:00 a.m.

All students will meet at Brooks and bus together to the high school. Please ensure your student is on-time for their final day of school.

Graduation Ceremony

Oak Park River Forest High School on June 2 at 6:30 p.m.

More information about the logistics of the event will be provided as we approach the event.

Please Note: End-of-year field trips and travel are a great privilege we love affording our students to celebrate their achievements. However, certain requirements must be met for a student to be considered eligible for participation in these excursions to ensure we are focused on our main priority and goal: a well-rounded and rigorous education.

• To ensure safety, students must be able to redirect behavior and follow adult directions or requests throughout the school day.

• To ensure student accountability, students should consistently demonstrate responsibility through regular class attendance and limited tardies throughout the school day

• Student must be in good standing, in accordance to behavior expectations, as outlined in the Oak Park School District 97 Student/Family Handbook. Any student who does not adhere to the behavior expectations in the handbook may be removed from the end of year field trip/travel opportunity, even past the date of eligible refunds.

Between now and 5/26/26, any yearbook purchased will have a shipping fee and will be delivered to the school for distribution. After 5/26/26, any yearbooks purchased will have a shipping fee and be delivered to your home.

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

Passcode: 1014096931934358

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!

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.

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!

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

The Brooks Robotics Club & OPEF are happy to announce the return of Spring Robotics camp. This camp is the less competitive robotics option at Brooks; it is geared toward students who are interested in exploring robotics without the pressure of the competitive robotics team. Students who may not have any previous experience with building robots and coding will also feel comfortable here.Students will work in teams to design, build, and code a robot to complete a task, play a game, or both! Previous examples include robot soccer, road racing, and obstacle courses. Space is limited to 20 students, so sign up soon!

The Drones camp is our newest camp addition to the Brooks Robotics Club. In the Drone camp students will learn the basics of flight using drones as the vehicle. In the camp, students will code their drone to perform basic commands and also fly the drones in an obstacle course.

If you’re interested, you can check out the poster for more details, or click the sign up link! If you have any questions, please contact Brian Shinners at bshinners@op97.org.

• Drones and Robotics Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dpMeZVlzce13pzg1zTmmIkxdKnZ6GbVN/view?usp=sharing

• Drone Camp Form: https://forms.gle/2qP1EHyGgE8TrPs7A

• Robotics Camp Form: https://forms.gle/iP4Y11gm7V5pk3aK8

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.

Ultimate Frisbee

Look for Brooks Ultimate’s colorful jerseys this Friday, May 8, our tournament, in Rockford, against some of the Midwest’s best Ultimate middle school teams!

Reminder - Brooks practices are every Thursday & Friday from 3:30pm - 5:00pm. Thursday practices are at Julian and we’ll leave from the Brooks outdoor sign at the corner of Washington & Kenilworth at 3:35pm. Students will need to be picked up from Julian at 5pm. Friday practices are at the Brooks field from 3:30pm-5:00pm.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL🏐

We had some great games last week against Heritage Summit - we took the wins! We're now in tournament territory. THE Brooks Varsity team will be playing today, May 4th at 5:30pm! We've got this Eagles. Our JV Team made it to the final 4! They will play Heritage Summit again on tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5th at Unity at 4:30. Our Varsity team will also be playing at 4:30 tomorrow too! Lots of Eagle action on the courts of Unity. We would love to have you come out to support us - all the cheers, claps, and familiar faces means more than you know!

For more information, see COACH BEADER and COACH GRIMALDI if you have any questions.

Track

What a weekend and what a time! If you see an athlete that's on the track team, please congratulate them on all of their hard work this past weekend!! Here's the breakdown of our Eagles success.

Saturday, May 2nd 🎊

JV Girls - Second place

Varsity Girls - Fourth place

Sunday, May 3rd 🎊

6th Grade Girls - First place

7/8th Grade Girls - First place

6th Grade Boys - First place

7/8th Grade Boys - Second place

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

BEAT (Brooks Earth Action Team):

Meetings every Tuesday from 3:30pm - 4:30pm in C202, when school is in session. Contact Ms. Stamp (lstamp@op97.org) or Ms. Raad( Kraad@op97.org ) with any questions.

Service Club

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

• 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 3:30pm-4:30pm. 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 - We will meet in Room B408, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 8:00 AM.

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

Spoken Word Club will meet Wednesdays, from 4pm - 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 3:30pm - 5:00pm 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 3:30pm.

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 3:35pm - 4:35pm we have school, 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.

💙 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please see picture of flyer below. Click on this Flyer to be able to access the hyperlinks you see in the image below.