The Jayhawk Weekly

Dear Julian Parents and Guardians,

This week, we will host our Winter Conferences virtually. Teachers will be available from 4:30pm - 8:30pm on Thursday. And from 8am - noon on Friday. And remember, students have a four-day weekend (there is NO SCHOOL on 2/14 or 2/17).

All this month, as we will continue to celebrate Black History Month, we hope you'll share your pictures with the district office (communitynews@op97.org). Don't forgot to mark your calendars and join us at the Celebration on Saturday, March 1st! We are excited for all the various events and displays that our students and staff are contributing to our month-long celebration!

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.

• PTO Meeting: Wednesday, February 12th (7pm in the Media Center or via Zoom)
• Family/Teacher Conferences: Thursday, February 13th (Full Day of Classes)
• Family/Teacher Conferences: Friday, February 14th (No School for students)
• Presidents' Day: Monday, February 17th (NO SCHOOL)
• 8th Grade Cap Gown Picture Retake Day: Friday, February 21st (9am -10am only)
• Black History Celebration: Saturday, March 1st (3pm - 5:30pm)
• Institute Day: Monday, March 3rd (No School for students)
• Spring Break: Mon., March 24th - Fri., March 28th (NO SCHOOL)
• Institute Day: Tuesday, April 1st (No School for students)
• District closed: Friday, April 18th (NO SCHOOL)

• 8th Grade Class Trip: Sunday, May 25 - Tuesday, May 27th
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 26th (NO SCHOOL)

• 8th Grade Graduation: Tuesday, June 3rd

District 97 had earned a first place trophy for 10 consecutive years prior to the pandemic and we’re back at it again-3 years consecutive years as #1 (but who’s counting?) 😀

The contestants, who perform in a wide variety of events, are judged by a rubric and can earn individual ribbons for a first, second, or third place in their event. However, to win as an entire team, the district that has the most first-place wins earns the trophy. All but one of our events earned first place this year!

Special shout out to the newest coach to join our team- Ms. Echelon Jackson, who led her Reader's Theater event to victory (1st place!) Thank you to the 2025 Julian Coaches:

Advisory teachers received the results of the Winter MAP testing on Friday. So students should be bringing home their test scores before the end of the week, in time to discuss scores during conferences, if you'd like. Please be sure to check with your child, as scores will be distributed to students during advisory classes on Monday, February 10th.

Winter Conferences are offered virtually this week. There will be a full day of classes for students on Thursday, February 13, followed by virtual conferences from 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm. On February 14, there is no school for students. Conferences are virtually on Friday from 8 am - 12 pm. Due to the Presidents Day holiday, classes will resume on Tuesday, February 18th.

You will have the opportunity to sign up for 5-minute conferences with Core and Elective teachers and/or 20-minute conferences with Special Education Teachers, Multilingual Teachers, Student Success Coaches, and other Related Service Providers. Given the number of students our teachers see each day, we have tried to optimize the number of conference times available to families. We recognize that every parent/guardian still may not have the opportunity to meet with every teacher. If you have no concerns or questions at this time, please consider connecting with your student(s)’s teacher(s) through email. Please follow the instructions below to log in to the conference scheduling system, PowerPTC, through your PowerSchool Parent Portal.

If you have not created a PowerSchool Parent Portal access account, please follow the attached directions, as this must be completed first. Then, you will follow the PowerPTC Quick Start Guide directions below to create your virtual parent-teacher conference schedule.

The PowerPTC scheduler will open on Thursday, February 6th at 11 am and close on Thursday, February 13th at 11 am. If you still wish to schedule a conference past that time, please contact that staff member directly.

If you need additional help scheduling or cannot access the conference scheduling system, please email julianinfo@op97.org or call the main office at (708)524-3040.

Last week, a group of twelve 8th grade "world language ambassadors" visited Julian's four feeder elementary schools (Mann, Irving, Longfellow and Beye) to acquaint the 5th graders with world language at Julian in advance of their upcoming electives choices. They shared insights into why French and Spanish are useful languages, what makes world language class fun and answered LOTS of questions. The 8th grade presenters included Aarya N., Rikkell J., Veronica S., Ray H., Rocky R., Naomi H., Artie S., Lilah T., Elliot B., Nico L., Sophia B. and B Andersen. It was a pleasure to hear our Jayhawks take ownership of the presentation and to observe the positive interactions between the 8th and 5th graders. There were even a few face to face pen pal connections made at Longfellow and Irving!

Help our Jayhawks reach their goal!

Best Buddies is excited to announce our merch for this year. This design was created by several Best Buddies members, representing our passion for friendship and support of people with disabilities.

We are selling shirts, sweatshirts, hats and mugs this year. Linked here is the website to order on. You will have it in time for Best Buddies month and our BB spirit day on March 5th. The order window closes on February 12th. So make sure you order before then.

Please reach out to Ms. Mandelbaun or I with any questions!

• Practices will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before school from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
• No practice on Wednesday unless otherwise specified.
• Practice will start promptly at 7:30 a.m. please be at Julian by 7:15-7:20 a.m. to allow yourself time to put away school items and get ready for practice.
• Runners will use the PE Locker rooms to store their items while at practice.
• After practice runners may use the gym lockerrooms to change into school clothes but then need to report back outside to their designated grade-level areas.
• Please bring a water bottle for practice along with a snack for after practice (optional but encouraged).

Please click here to sign up your Julian student. If you have any specific questions, please contact Mr. Talarico at mtalarico@op97.org

Ms. Tania's RISE students & Mr. Colucci's Advisory are Library Buddies! In the photos posted, we shared who/what we love and made Valentines!

Last week, we discussed The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon. They loved the twists and mysteries to be solved. Along with being dedicated readers, this group has so much spirit! We'll pick our next book on Friday 2/21 - see Ms. Winchell to join!

If you would like to donate water, snacks, entrees or desserts for the event, please sign up now!

District 97 is asking students, staff, and families to provide feedback about the current and future student and staff devices. In addition to this questionnaire, staff will complete focus groups with students and staff from across the district. We look forward to receiving feedback from you to help inform the upcoming device refresh recommendation to the board of education, as well as, future initiatives/projects.

This short survey aims to gather valuable feedback from students, staff, and families regarding their experiences with current devices and their expectations for future technology. The survey will be open for two weeks (Jan. 31-Feb. 14).

The collected data will help inform decisions about future device purchases and implementations, ensuring that the chosen tools effectively support student growth and align with the Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards.

Thank you in advance for taking some time to provide feedback on this questionnaire to our District 97 team to help inform the next phase/refresh of our student and staff technology resources!

IF YOU WISH FOR YOUR CHILD TO RETAKE THE PHOTO DUE TO A REASON OTHER THAN PHOTOGRAPHIC ERRORS, THE CHARGE IS $10.00. Students can take the graduation photo over again if their eyes were closed, the photo was out of focus, there was a glare on their glasses, or they were absent from school on the original graduation picture date (for those listed reasons, there is no retake fee or charge). Only 8th grade students that have been signed up by a parent or guardian will be called out of class for the picture retake. So please take a moment to fill out the google form before 2/18.

REMINDER INFO:

The 8th Grade Cap & Gown picture re-take day is on Friday, Feb 21st. Photographers will only be here for the first two hours of the school day. Please remember that students should not have updo or high ponytail hairstyles, so that the cap fits properly. Also, students should refrain from wearing any shade of green clothing, jewelry, hair accessories, etc., as that would interfere with the photo. Students will be photographed against a green screen backdrop. Thank you.

Celebrate Your 8th Grader

With a Message & Baby/Toddler Picture!

• Message - one message per graduate, from family

• Baby or Toddler Picture preferred

• Strict MAX of 300 character (40-45 words) -we have limited space

• Submit your form here: SUBMIT HAPPY AD HERE

• DUE DATE: 2/24/25

Mrs. Guarino

Team 6-2 Math Teacher

NBCT

Percy Julian Middle School

Our students voted to attend Great America at the end of the year by a large majority! We are working to secure our final date and will share as soon as we can!

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!

REGISTER FOR OAK PARK YOUTH BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

Registration is open for OPYBS spring t-ball, baseball and softball leagues. We offer leagues for kindergarten through 8th/9th grade. It's never too late to play baseball or softball. All levels welcome. $50 late fees will apply after February 9th. Questions? Email Megan Elsener at meganelsener@gmail.com

The D97 Special Education Parent Support Group is now meeting monthly, and we would love for you to join us! Meetings will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Whittier Elementary School, 715 N. Harvey Ave., on the following dates:

• Feb. 24, 2025

• April 28, 2025

• May 12, 2025

Childcare will be provided. We hope to see you there!

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.

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:

1. Please read all packaging to ensure the item is not produced on equipment shared with nuts

2. Additional safe options may be viewed at: www.snacksafely.com

We appreciate your partnership in promoting the health and safety of our children.

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 Lunch Manager, Venus Jones at vjones@op97.org. To make payments on student lunch accounts please visit, https://www.mymealtime.com/signin.aspx

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.***

As we begin the new year, let’s work together to keep our schools safe and welcoming for everyone. Below are important reminders to help ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.

We appreciate your partnership in making our schools safe and secure! Visit our District Safety Page for additional resources.

Be Aware and Report Concerns

One of the most important things we can do as a community is to speak up when we see something concerning. If you notice anything that seems unusual or unsafe, please report it to an administrator or staff member immediately.

It’s also important that students maintain awareness while walking to and from school. Here are some safety tips compiled by school districts 97 and 200 in partnership with the Oak Park Police Department.

Winter Weather Reminders

Emergency Closings and E-Learning Days

Please take a moment to review the information shared in the district’s Weekly Wrap-Up on Dec. 1 regarding winter preparedness.

The district’s emergency closing and E-Learning procedures are outlined in this brief deck; full details are posted at https://www.op97.org/communications/emergency-closings.

Cold Weather Reminders for Families
District 97 believes it is important for students to have opportunities for physical activity and playtime during the day—even during the cold winter months. This winter, students will be permitted to go outside for recess when the temperature, with wind chill, is 15 degrees or higher. The district utilizes the Wind Chill Chart developed by the National Weather Service.

It is important that students dress in warm layers when cold temperatures are expected. Students should remember to bring hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, coats, snow pants and boots. It is recommended that families label these items with their children’s names.

Basic Strategies for Healthy Schools

There are several steps students and staff can take to keep our schools safe and healthy this winter: stay home when you are sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and stay up to date on your vaccines. CLICK HERE to watch a brief video >>

Visitor Reminders

• All visitors must check in through our Raptor Visitor Management System at the front office. Please bring a valid ID.

• Once checked in, visitors will receive a temporary badge that must be worn at all times while in the building.

Emergency Preparedness

We are committed to being prepared for any emergency. Our district follows the "I Love U Guys" Standard Response Protocol, which focuses on safety actions like Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter, and Hold. Learn more about the protocols, and what you can do to prepare, here: D97 Emergency Preparedness.

Secure Gun Storage

Secure storage is a simple action a gun owner can take to reduce access to guns among young people, keeping children and families in our community safe. Best practices for secure storage include storing guns unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition. Click here to visit the village's webpage about safe firearm storage.

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.

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:

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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

• 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.

Oak Park, IL 60302

708-524-3040

www.op97.org/julian