The Jayhawk Weekly
Dear Julian Parents and Guardians,
This week, 8th graders will take the ISA on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please remind students to get a good night's rest, bring their fully charged Chromebook, to eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time.
As we come to the end of the year, we ask you to help us remind your students of our expectations. The end of the year brings many celebrations and field trip opportunities. The opportunities 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. Please review these with your student (see below in the newsletter) and if you have any questions, please reach out to your child's team leader or one of the Associate Principals.
As always, if you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact our team (emails below). Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students' growth and success.
Jayhawks together,
Nick Filipowski
Principal, Percy Julian M.S.
Mrs. Court, Associate Principal
Mr. Filipowski, Principal
Mrs. Fountain-Dotson, Associate Principal
- Library Media Center: Friday, May 9th (Closed before school)
- School Office hours: Friday, May 9th (Opens at 8:30 a.m./Closes at 4:00 p.m.)
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 26th (NO SCHOOL/District 97 Closed)
- Julian Olympic Day: Thursday, May 29th
- Career Exploration Day: Friday, May 30th
- 8th Grade Graduation: Tuesday, June 3rd (6:30 p.m. @ OPRFHS)
- Last Day of School: Wednesday, June 4th (Report Card Day)
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 will be administered to Julian students between April 7th and 11th. 8th grade students will complete the ISA on April 22nd and 23rd. Here is a link to the bell schedule for the testing days.
Check out our “5 Things to Know About IAR” document to learn more about this year’s assessment!
Career Exploration Day is back at Julian Middle School, and we are in need of community support! The school is seeking presenters to share about their career, industry, and personal journey to students during 30-minute sessions.
The event will take place Friday, May 30, at Julian. Please consider signing up to support this amazing event or share the sign-up link with local friends and family members so we can make this an amazing event for the Julian community.
Questions? Please contact the school planning team at julianced@op97.org.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In September 2024, District 97 introduced the VisitorSafe™ Visitor Management System(formerly known as the Raptor Visitor Management System) to streamline the visitor check-in process, ensuring that all visitors are properly identified and authorized before entering our schools.
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance school safety, visitors may sign in using the Raptor Safe mobile app.
The Raptor Safe app offers a secure and convenient way for visitors to verify their identity before arriving at school. With the Raptor Passport feature, visitors can pre-verify their identity, which ensures a faster and smoother sign-in process when they arrive.
When arriving at a school, visitors can use the secure QR code generated by the app to expedite the check-in process. These QR codes regenerate every 5 minutes to maintain security and prevent misuse.
Please note, that using the Raptor Safe app to pre-verify your identity is optional. Visitors may still check in upon arrival using a government-issued ID.
The Raptor Safe app is available for all visitors across the district. To download the app, please refer to the Raptor Safe FAQ Sheet or go to https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/.
If you have any questions, please contact your building principal or contact us via Let’s Talk.
Sincerely,
D97 Safety Team
We are excited to introduce Handle With Care, a new partnership between the Oak Park Police Department and local school districts designed to provide support for students who may be experiencing trauma or difficult life circumstances. The goal of this program is to help create a compassionate and understanding environment for students, ensuring that their emotional well-being is prioritized alongside their academic growth.
Learn more about how this program works and its benefits by reviewing the attached Handle With Care Family Introduction (PDF).
Live stream of the final home games
The last home games of the boys volleyball team are this week. And are also available via Hudl from 4:30pm - 6:30pm:
Date Opponent
4/22 - Roosevelt (Berwyn)
4/24 - Northlake
All videos will be available via this public link via Hudl.
REMINDER
Please note the following modified school office hours:
- Fri., 5/9 - the office will open at 8:30am due to a staff event so please plan accordingly (and will then close at 4:00pm)
- Fri., 5/9 - the library media center will be closed before school
- Tues., 6/3 & Wed., 6/4 - the office will close at 4:00pm for graduation ceremony prep and on the last day of school
LOST & FOUND:
- The Lost & Found area is in the commons. And it is cleared out each Friday afternoon. Please make sure that if your child has lost or misplaced a piece of clothing, lunch bag, water bottle or shoes, that they thoroughly check the Lost & Found area.
8th Grade Important Dates
- 8th Grade SFGA payment deadline: Friday, April 25th (last day to submit Great America and Class of 2025 T-shirt payments)
- 8th Grade Fest: Friday, May 16th (1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
- 8th Grade Springfield/St. Louis Class Trip: Sunday, May 25 - Tuesday, May 27th
- 8th Grade Device Return: Thurs., May 29th - Fri., May 30th (students turn in their chromebooks and chargers during PE/Health classes)
- 8th Grade Great America field trip: Monday, June 2rd (9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
- 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony: Tuesday, June 3rd (6:30 p.m. @ OPRFHS)
SFGA Permission slip and Payment links
GREAT AMERICA SUPER MEGA DEAL IS ONLY $100!
We are pleased to announce that we are offering a super mega deal for the 8th Grade Celebration field trip. We will go to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL on Monday, June 2nd from 9:30am - 6:30pm. For only $100, students will get admission to Great America amusement park, transportation to and from the park, lunch, a snack, and a refillable beverage cup...plus a Class of 2025 t-shirt!
- All payments are due by April 25th (PLEASE NOTE: we will NOT extend the payment deadline. If you wish for your child to participate, payment must be received on or before 4/25. Great America must be paid in full prior to the trip date and we must have our final t-shirt order submitted by April 28th. Therefore, no refunds will be issued since each vendor must be paid in advance, prior to the SFGA field trip date.
- IF YOU OWN A SEASON PASS to Six Flags Great America, the cost of the trip is $60 (it includes the Class of 2025 t-shirt, transportation, lunch, snack and the refillable beverage cup). Click here if you already own a valid SFGA season pass and you wish to purchase the season pass deal. **On June 2nd, if your student does not bring the season pass, they will have to pay full price admission at the gate or a parent/guardian will need to pick them up from the amusement park. If you already own a season pass, your child is responsible for bringing their valid season pass with them on the day of the field trip.
- If your student will not attend the SFGA field trip on 6/2, but they want to order a Class of 2025 t-shirt, the cost will be $15.
We encourage all 8th grade parents/guardians & students to read the INFORMATION SHEET first before making the payment. Any students who do not abide by the rules of the amusement park and/or the D97 code of conduct will be asked to leave the amusement park. And parents/guardians will be responsible for their departure and transportation home. **No refunds will be granted for any student that is asked to leave the amusement park for any reason.
Click here to make your online payment for the Mega Deal or the Season Pass Deal via the Julian webstore.
And don't forget to complete the Permission Slip for Six Flags Great America!!
If you have questions, contact Ms. Jackson at ejackson@op97.org.
As you make travel plans for summer vacation and arrangements for out of town graduation guests:
Please let your family and friends know that the graduation ceremony for Julian will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:30pm in Oak Park and River Forest High School's auditorium:
- Each Julian student that is graduating will receive 4 tickets for the ceremony.
- The school does not have a ticket wait list or ticket exchange.
- Every person over the age of 2 years old must have a ticket to obtain entry to the OPRFHS auditorium.
- A live stream of the ceremony will be available for those that do not have tickets and/or can not attend in-person.
More details regarding the graduation ceremony will be shared later this month.
Attention all parents/guardians that have children registered for the 8th Grade class trip
We will have the final parent meeting on Tuesday, April 29th at 6:00pm in the commons. WorldStrides will have a finalized itinerary and helpful packing tips regarding the trip. If you have not already, please make your final payment for the Springfield/St. Louis this week.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Jackson.
Join us for the musical review that celebrates some of CAST's best costumes over the years. This show features the greatest hits of the fabric and broadway variety.
Performances will take place in the Julian Middle School auditorium. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets >>
Performances:
- Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
ISBE State Performance Plan Indicator 8 Survey Now Open!
If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), we highly encourage you to take the ISBE SPP Indicator 8 Survey to help guide our parent engagement efforts and provide the best possible service to our students.
Your responses through the survey play a vital role in shaping future initiatives and strengthening family-school partnerships in special education.
The survey can be completed by mail or online using the unique seven-digit survey ID enclosed in a recent letter from Measurement Inc. If you did not receive a letter from Measurement Inc., or need your seven-digit survey ID, you may request it online here.
For assistance in English or Spanish, contact Measurement Inc. at ISBEParentSurvey@MeasInc.com or (877) 881-7077. You can also reach District 97 Senior Director of Student Services Donna Middleton at dmiddleton@op97.org.
The survey is open through June 30, 2025. We value your input and thank you for your participation!
Registration for 2025-26 School Year Open for All Students
Online registration for the 2025-26 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 Feb. 26 through April 30, 2025. 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.
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!
Information About Acceleration Opportunities in District 97
District 97's Single Subject and Whole Grade Level Acceleration process for students for the 2024-25 school year opened on March 1st!
District 97 believes that all students should be challenged and supported to develop to their maximum potential. For students who demonstrate they may benefit from accelerated placement, we provide opportunities to participate in an instructional setting that is usually reserved for students who are older or in higher grades than the child. This includes, but is not limited to:
The application/referral windows are:
March 1 through April 25 for acceleration
Information about the District 97 Accelerated Placement Program can be found at http://www.op97.org/acceleration.
Celebrate the Diversity of Oak Park at the 2025 Multicultural Fest!
The Park District of Oak Park, Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 are excited to host a Multicultural Fest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Scoville Park. This event will celebrate and showcase the incredible diversity that makes Oak Park such a vibrant community.
We’re looking for organizations to join the celebration by hosting a table, organizing activities that highlight a specific culture or region, performing on stage, or leading an art workshop. If your organization represents a culture and would like to participate, please complete our interest form. We’ll be in touch with more details in early 2025!
Please remember to only park in a legitimate space
Parents & Guardians,
We kindly ask that you refrain from parking outside of the painted lines of the parking spaces in the Julian staff lot. If there are no spaces available and the parking lot is full, please do not park outside of the lines or in the driveway. Just before spring break, one of the transport vans for our elderly lunchroom workers was unable to get out of the parking lot because vehicles were blocking the driveway. It was an unfortunate situation that took nearly a half hour to resolve.
If the front staff parking lot is full, please find a parking space along Ridgeland, Cuyler or Randolph. If these areas are blocked by double-parked or illegally parked cars, there is a great safety issue if an ambulance or emergency response vehicle cannot navigate our parking lot. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.
A Healthy Learning Environment for All
Health Reminders
We are so happy when your child can be at school on time and well enough for learning. However, keeping your child home when sick is essential to keep illness out of our schools and prevent spread to others.
*Families must report any absences due to illness or for any other reasons by calling or emailing the school attendance line (708-665-3064 or julianinfo@op97.org).
Please keep your child home if they are exhibiting signs of illness:
- Temperature of 100.0 degrees F° (37 C°)
- Your child should be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Your child must stay home for a full 24 hours after their last episode of vomiting/diarrhea before returning to school
- Strep throat:
- Your child must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school and fever free for 24 hours without medication if a fever is present.
- Swollen, red eyes that itch and are draining (possible pink-eye)
- Your child must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school for bacterial conjunctivitis and drainage free and/or a note from the doctor.
- Uncontrolled coughing or constant “runny” nose – especially with yellow or green mucus
- However, for a mild runny/stuffy nose and mild cough it is alright to send your child to school.
- An unusual rash, a blistery rash, or a rash associated with a fever
- Your child should remain at home until you have discussed the rash with your physician and your child is not contagious (a note from your doctor may be required)
- COVID? Please see and follow the info in the link: https://www.op97.org/health-services/covid-19-guidelines
- Has symptoms that prevent them from learning:
- Very tired or lack of appetite
- Headache, body aches or earache
- Sore Throat—a minor sore throat is ok for school, but a severe sore throat could be strep throat, even if there is no fever. Other symptoms of strep throat in children are headache, stomach upset, or rash. Call your doctor if your child has these symptoms.
Food Allergies/Food Safety
Approximately 10% - 15% of students have a food allergy. The most common allergen item is nuts of any kind. Every food-allergic reaction has the possibility of developing into a life-threatening reaction within minutes. Some individuals may react to merely touching the substance, while for others, consumption of a tiny amount of that food can cause a reaction which could be fatal.
We strongly encourage packing nut-free products in your student's lunches
We strongly encourage sending nut-free products on field trips
There is NO food sharing between students at any time during school
How to identify safer foods for your children to eat:
Please read all packaging to ensure the item is not produced on equipment shared with nuts
Additional safe options may be viewed at: www.snacksafely.com
We appreciate your partnership in promoting the health and safety of our children.
FOOD DELIVERY POLICY
***District 97 employees will not sign for food deliveries for students.*** Julian students or parents/guardians should NOT have food delivered to the school through any food delivery service (i.e. DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, etc). Food deliveries will not be accepted during the school day. Please plan to pack a lunch or purchase a school lunch each day.***
LUNCH
Hot lunch is available to students who wish to participate and have a funded or approved lunch account. If you have questions regarding your student's lunch balance, you may contact the Lunchroom Manager, Ms. Venus Jones at vjones@op97.org. To make payments on student lunch accounts please visit, https://www.mymealtime.com/signin.aspx
SCHOOL FEES
Fees may be paid online at https://oakpark.revtrak.net/Middle-Schools/BMS/BMS-School-Fees/#/list
You may also pay fees in-person (with check, money order or cash only) at the Julian School Office during the week between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Join the fun!
Come help Julian be an even more awesome place...all that's missing is YOU! Julian PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) meetings will be held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Media Center:
Final meeting of the 2024-25 school year:
Wednesday, May 14
If you can't make it in person, log onto Zoom for the PTO meetings:
Every month on the Second Wed, until May 14, 2025, 9 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZIqd-2grzwqH9xbM57ma8Z4koONenHwAstO/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGuqTsuEtWSsByPRpwAB4igLPzzmGZfgvpFnjKwVC1SOjmiPe1tHLdxOM_x&meetingMasterEventId=8BZCj1FGQtmhEqFKmR7G4w
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86704817058?pwd=sQ8438MQAlKe75JZ21eRBMFkOpJDza.1
Meeting ID: 867 0481 7058
Passcode: 325017
Report an absence
- Please call the attendance line at 708-665-3064 to leave a voicemail regarding your child's absence.
- Email julianinfo@op97.org if you have any questions for the school office.
- Dial 708-524-3040 to reach the Julian school office. And remember, if you plan to get your child for an early dismissal, give the school office a call 10-15 minutes prior to your arrival. This will give them time to locate your student and for your student to gather their belongings. Please, whenever possible, have your pick up done prior to 3:00 pm. Thank you for your understanding.
