WJHS Weekly News and Notes
October 31, 2025
Principal Update
Dear Wolves,
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.
Upcoming Events and Key Reminders
Week in Review
A huge shout-out to Mrs. Meier'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!
Screening Notification
Each year vision and hearing screenings take place in our school per Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. This screening is scheduled for WJHS students on November 10, 11, and 12th.
The state mandates a vision screening for all 8th grade students, students new to the district and special education students; and a hearing screening for students new to the district and special education students. The vision screening is not a substitute for a complete eye and vision exam by an eye doctor. If your child currently wears glasses or contacts or has submitted an eye exam form this school year, they will not be screened.
Children who fail two consecutive screenings, 10-14 days apart, of either vision or hearing will receive a referral letter with detailed instructions for next steps. If you have any questions, please contact the school health office by phone at 847-512-6652 or via email at nurse-wjhs@wilmette39.org.
Village of Wilmette
Please see the following message below that was sent to the broader Wilmette community on Wednesday:
"Community Message - October 29, 2025
Immigration Enforcement, Your Rights, and Resources
The Village of Wilmette along with its Human Relations Commission is committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive community where all feel safe and welcome. The Village strives to promote the well-being and safety of all members of the community including those who live in, work in, and visit Wilmette.
Accordingly, we want to share with the community credible reports of immigration enforcement actions taken in Wilmette this afternoon. While the Village and the Police Department were not made aware of these actions in advance, nor have any additional information at this time, we want to share the following information with the community.
Current Village Policies
The safety and well-being of all residents, workers, and visitors remain our highest priorities. The Village of Wilmette Police Department upholds the Illinois TRUST Act and does not participate in immigration enforcement activities or investigations. The TRUST Act also prohibits the Wilmette Police Department from detaining individuals based solely on citizenship or immigration status, except under a valid criminal warrant. Additionally, by law, officers may not obstruct federal law enforcement agents in the performance of their duties.
We want people who live, work, and visit Wilmette to understand that they should not hesitate to call 9-1-1 if they need police assistance regardless of immigration status. When 9-1-1 is called and our officers respond, we do not ask about the immigration status of individuals, we do not detain anyone based solely on their immigration status, and we do not provide any other assistance to immigration agents related to immigration investigations. If you or someone you know needs police assistance, please call 9-1-1.
Village Board to Review Additional Policy Options
At the October 28 Village Board meeting, a number of Wilmette residents expressed their concern for the immigrant community; the Village Board heard and shared in these concerns. Accordingly, the Board directed Village Staff to prepare communications to educate all members of our community, including visitors and workers, to promote resources to support the immigrant community, and to prepare for a policy discussion to determine appropriate steps the Village may be able to take to help keep community members safe.
The Village Board will consider these policy options at its Wednesday, November 12 Village Board meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers (second floor, 1200 Wilmette Avenue).
Know Your Rights and Where to Find Help
All individuals—regardless of immigration status—have legal rights. While the Village does not endorse any of the organizations or providers listed below, to help connect residents and other community members with reliable assistance, this page contains a compiled a list of local and regional resources for individuals and families to utilize.
Online Resources
- North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, 847-737-4042
- Illinois Immigration Information Hub
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), 312-332-7360
- Resurrection Project – Immigration Legal Services, 312-666-1323
- National Immigrant Justice Center
- Illinois Accountability Commission
Printable Resources
Emergency Resources
- Immigration Emergency – Call Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Hotline
- 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
What Can You Do?
The Village is not notified when or where immigration enforcement is happening. If you see something suspicious or unsafe, please contact the Wilmette Police Department so our officers can ensure the safety of everyone involved. Our Police Department has and will continue to serve our community with compassion, empathy, acceptance, and understanding.
Community members concerned about the legitimacy of any observed law enforcement activity are encouraged to contact the Wilmette Police Department by dialing 9-1-1. When reporting, please share as many details as possible, including the location, what was observed, and any descriptions of people or vehicles involved. This vigilance and partnership play an important role in maintaining a safe and welcoming community for all.
Events
Know Your Rights Workshop (Virtual) - Wilmette Public Library
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Tuesday, November 4, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
8th Grade Parents
Please see an update regarding graduation and New Trier placement testing in the 8th Grade Updates section of the newsletter.
Bernie's Book Club Drive
The book drive for Bernie’s Book Bank will be hosted at Wilmette Junior High from October 1 - November 14, 2025. This drive will be a re-launch of the book drive that was organized by the Wilmette Rotary Club for many years before COVID put a pause to this work. Last year, the local chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) supported a book drive with drop-off locations in our schools. The bins will be located in the vestibule at the entrance of the school and in the library. Please bring only gently used children's books - for ages birth - 6th grade. See the attached flyer toward the end of this section for further information.
Weekly Reminders
Just a quick reminder that Fridays are Spirit Fridays! We encourage everyone—students, staff, and parents—to show their WJHS pride by wearing either WJHS Spirit Wear or the color blue. Let's make every Friday a day to celebrate our amazing school community.
Go Wolves!
Sincerely,
Jon Baffico, Principal
Leaders of the Pack
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 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.
These students are the heart of our school, and we are so proud to celebrate them.
District Updates
Village of Wilmette Communication to Residents and District 39 Procedures Regarding Outside Visitors
We recognize that there is anxiety within our learning community regarding activity from outside agencies in Wilmette. As the Village shared in an email communication to residents on Wednesday, it is committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive community where all feel safe and welcome. The Village also provided some details regarding current protocol for the Wilmette Police Department in response to potential immigration enforcement activities. Below are links to resources that you might find helpful:
Know Your Rights (printable card)
District 39 shares this commitment and reaffirms that it is our duty and highest priority to maintain our schools as safe places for students, staff, and families. During the school day, our schools have limited and restricted public access. We have designated specific areas as private and restricted during the school day (including any areas beyond our controlled front foyers as well as our playgrounds), which is applied to all visitors to our schools. Our protocols for visitors and for granting entry to our schools apply to all guests and help us to maintain safety and security for all.
We will continue to stay connected with the Village and will keep you updated in the event of any changes to Village policy that would affect our current procedures. Thank you for your partnership as we all work together to keep our learning community safe.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Our fall parent-teacher conferences will take place Nov. 19-21, immediately preceding Fall Break (Thanksgiving week). Conferences will be held virtually through the Meet the Teacher platform, with in-person appointments available by request. You should have received an email yesterday (Oct. 30) from District 39 with sign-in information, including login credentials. Sign-up for conferences will open on Monday (Nov. 3).
Board of Education
The Board of Education gathered on Monday evening for its monthly business meeting. During the meeting, the Board was presented with the Spring 2025 IAR Report (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) and Fall Enrollment Report and approved both the District’s e-learning plan, which must be renewed every three years per ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education) regulations, and the estimated 2025 tax levy. Additionally, the Board. Agendas and materials for all Board of Education meetings are posted online the Friday prior to the meeting.
Parent Education Events
Please mark your calendar for our next D39 Parent Education event, a presentation and meet-and-greet with acclaimed children’s book author Derrick Barnes, which is set for next Tuesday, Nov. 4. This will be an in-person only event at 7 pm in the Romona Elementary School auditorium. No registration is required and children are welcome to attend. Please visit our D39 Parent Education webpage for our full 2025-26 schedule as well as recordings from previous events.
District 39 Educational Foundation Bingo Night!
Join the fun at the D39 Educational Foundation’s Annual Bingo Night on Friday, Nov. 14 from 6-8 pm at the Highcrest cafeteria! Excitement is in the air as the cards are covered and everyone is on the edge of their seats ready to yell, “Bingo!” Winners select prizes from a table full of games, toys, and gift cards. This fundraiser is fun for the whole family. Visit the D39 Ed Foundation website for more information and to purchase your tickets.
7th Grade Updates
Happy Halloween from your WJHS Administrative Team!
8th Grade Updates
Graduation Update
- The graduation date has been confirmed for Thursday, June 4th at New Trier High School at 5:30 PM
- The graduation fee in Powerschool is due by Tuesday, November 4th.
New Trier Placement Testing and Recent Email
We want to make you aware of an important email sent Thursday, October 9 from New Trier High School to all eighth grade families. The message includes key materials for incoming freshmen.
We know that sometimes emails can have issues, so please make sure to check your spam or junk folders first if you did not see it. If the email is still missing, the fastest way to get the materials is to contact New Trier directly at adminservices@nths.net. Please include your student’s name and mention that they are a Wilmette Junior High School student.
Additionally, New Trier has a helpful webpage at www.newtrier.k12.il.us/incomingfreshmen that can answer most questions about dates, times, and other details.
A crucial point from the email is the sign-up for the placement test. Families can choose to have their student test on November 15 or November 22, but they must fill out the sign-up form. This is required for all students, even those who need accommodations. To complete the form, families will need their student's New Trier ID number, which was provided in the email.
Lastly, please remind your student that they will need to bring their fully charged, school-issued device on their selected test day. New Trier’s testing department will work with our technology staff to ensure the devices are ready for the test.
We hope this helps clarify the process and we look forward to a smooth transition for our students.
Go Wolves!
Rob Miller
Important Upcoming Dates
November 19-21: Parent-Teacher Conferences (No student attendance on November 20 and 21)
November 24-28: Thanksgiving break
School Hours and Bell Schedule
Arrival and Departure Goals
Morning Drop-Off and School Entrance Updates
The school doors at WJHS open at 8:10 AM daily. Students can enter through the front lobby doors or the back entrance near the bike racks. Bike racks are available at both locations.
Please take a moment to review the updated morning drop-off procedures document. Following these guidelines is essential for a smooth and safe morning for everyone.
Morning Bell Schedule
To ensure students are ready to learn and to maximize instructional time, we ask that students be on campus by 8:15 AM.
8:10 AM: Doors open for student entry.
8:15 AM: Warning Bell. Students should be moving from their locker to their 1st period class.
8:20 AM: 1st period begins. Students are expected to be seated and ready to learn.
A Note on Student Safety: Avoid the Regina Dominican Parking Lot
We want to address a serious safety concern regarding students walking or biking through the Regina Dominican High School parking lot. The Regina Dominican parking lot is private property. Many student drivers there have limited experience and may not see students on bikes or on foot when backing up.
For the safety of all our students, please review the designated walking and biking paths and instruct your student to avoid using the Regina Dominican lot as a shortcut.
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and ensuring a focused start to the school day!
Athletics Updates
Wilmette Wrestling
The Wilmette Wrestling Team will hold open gym practices on Mondays and Thursdays after school from 4 to 5 p.m. in November. Everyone is welcome to come and give wrestling a try. They will meet in Gym A at HMS. Their first practice will be on Monday, November 3rd. You can find more information on their website: wilmettewrestling.com
Winter Sports
Winter sports registration is now open! This includes the following sports: boys and girls basketball, dance, and wrestling. Basketball tryouts will begin on October 20th, Dance tryouts on October 27th, and Wrestling begins on December 1st. We are looking forward to great winter sports seasons.
Sarah Meier + Kirsten Best
Wilmette Jr. HS (WJHS) /Highcrest MS (HMS) Athletic Directors
ANNOUCEMENTS
Happy Halloween! Have you noticed the festive designs of our front planters? Special thanks to Noela Scarano, our PTO volunteer, who pays attention to detail and is creative with her designs when welcoming our students and staff in the front door!
Don’t forget to turn your clocks BACK one hour on Sunday morning 11/2! That means at 2am Sunday morning, it will become 1am, and that means you’ll get to sleep in an extra hour on Sunday.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
PLEASE PICK UP LOST/FOUND ITEMS FROM SCHOOL CAFETERIA
Lost and found items are piling up! Please come retrieve your items Monday-Friday from 10-11am or 2-3pm. Lunch boxes will be tossed Friday 10/31 (because they are too stinky to open!) and clothes and water bottles will be donated over winter break. Come get yours before they’re gone for good!
LUNCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
As of today, no one has signed up to help serve lunch next week Monday - Thursday, 11/3-11/6. We really need at least 1 volunteer to help out each day, but there’s room for 2 so grab a friend and do it together! It’s only 1 hour, from 11:30am -12:30pm. The cafeteria workers are friendly and welcoming and your assistance is greatly appreciated. Sign up HERE.
WJHS JAZZ BAND & ORCHESTRA PERFORM AT THE CHICAGO WOLVES GAME 11/8
On Saturday 11/8, the WJHS Jazz Band & Orchestra will perform at the AllState Arena before the Chicago Wolves Hockey Game! Come support your friends by watching them perform in the walkway around the arena before the game begins. A special ticket price of $22.21 (including taxes and fees) has been offered to our WJHS families. Doors open at 6pm, puck drops at 7pm. Guests can bring their ice skates and skate on the ice after the game. Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets!
WJHS MAGNETS
A complimentary WJHS car 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! Tell your student that if they are looking for a nice quiet place after eating lunch, they are welcome to hang out in the large courtyard instead of going out to the playground. Open on either Tuesdays or Thursdays. *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
The WJHS PTO has been asked to pass along some relevant community information:
CURRENT 7th GRADE PARENTS: PARENT-LED WASH DC TRIP NOW AVAILABLE
Attention 7th Grade Parents: There will be a Parent-Led Trip to Washington D.C. in February 2027, when your student is in 8th grade NEXT YEAR. This trip is not sponsored by the school or the PTO, but we’re happy to share the message from 7th grade WJHS Parent, Catherine Hurley: Registration is now open for the Parent-Led Trip to Washington DC for February 2027! This trip will be held Presidents Day Weekend 2027 (2/13 - 2/16) and is being led by Catherine Hurley (current 7th Grade Parent) and planned with Educational Travel Partners. This trip is scheduled for February 2027 and is intended to be another option for current 7th graders who were unable to sign up for/take the teacher-led trip in November 2026 due to lack of availability or scheduling conflicts. A minimum of 25 participants is needed for this trip to run. More details and itinerary can be found HERE. Contact Trip Leader Catherine Hurley for the itinerary details and any additional questions: cnehurley@gmail.com or 312-371-5637.
Website Registration Instructions for Parent-Led Washington DC Trip February 2027
Click on the green text that says “Login” along the top
Under “Learn More About A Trip” type in code wilmette27
