WJHS Weekly News and Notes

Dear District Families,

Today we reflect, honor, and commemorate the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 on Patriot Day. As we observe the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of that day, we reflect on our personal memories from that day, honor the lives lost, and remember the heroic courage shown by first responders. Today, we celebrate America’s resilience, compassion, ability to work together, and our commitment to respecting all people, regardless of race, culture or creed. Thank you for your partnership as we continue to cultivate a warm, caring, supportive community for all students and staff.

Parent Education

Earlier this month, District 39 hosted its first Parent Education event of the academic year titled “Responding to School Safety Incidents: The Standard Response Protocol.” A recording of this presentation is available now. This presentation detailed the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) that D39 adopted for school safety. Under this framework, our full learning community will use clear and consistent language and share a common understanding of what to do in an emergency situation. More information regarding our 2026-27 Parent Education schedule will be shared soon.

District 39 is proud to continue its partnership with the Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) to provide additional Parent Education opportunities for our families. GPS events are held virtually via Zoom at both Noon and 7 pm. No registration is required for these free events. Please visit their website to view their full schedule.

D39 Parent Portal

District 39 utilizes the PowerSchool Parent Portal as an information hub for our families. We encourage all families to watch this short video that walks you through all of the available resources available on the Portal and familiarize yourself with everything that the Portal has to offer. Listed below are just some of the features inside the Portal:

• Attendance update for child(ren)

• Fee balance (view outstanding balances and submit payment online)

• Lunch accounts (monitor your child’s lunch account and view purchased items)

• PLS Vault (District 39’s secure home for assessment reports)

• Current grades (Highcrest and WJHS students only)

• Report an absence

• View report cards and forms

• Setup your email notification preferences

Wilmette Stars / Special Olympics

The Wilmette Stars, District 39’s Special Olympics team, is looking for student-athletes and volunteers who would like to participate in our basketball skills season starting October 6. Any D39 student in grades 3-8 with an intellectual disability is eligible to participate. There is no charge for eligible students to participate. If you would like more information, please contact Joe Taylor at taylorjo@wilmette39.org.

DEBATE AFTER SCHOOL CLUB BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 5

Build public speaking skills and learn about the formal debate process. Ace’s Debate Club offers fall after school classes for both beginning and advanced students. Register HERE

WJHS Advanced Debate 8-week (WJHS students only) class meetings Mondays 3:30-4:30: 10/5, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7 (class meets after school at WJHS room 127). Students must be enrolled at WJHS.

HAVE YOU PURCHASED A PTO MEMBERSHIP YET?

It is important to purchase a PTO Membership because the $25 fee helps plan programs that benefit all students throughout the school year. Separate from the iGNITE Enrichment fund, the PTO funds stipends for teachers who coordinate the Latin Club, Student Council, Yearbook, funds beautification efforts like the front door planters, and staff appreciation throughout the year. The PTO also sponsors the 8th Grade Graduation party each year (free for all 8th graders!) and hosts tables at beginning of the year orientations and curriculum nights. In return, you get access to the online school directory, a lifeline for parents to connect with other parents. We use a platform called Membership Toolkit to make it easy for our parents to make and track purchases (i.e., Yearbook) and for you to get important information about school activities. Please join!

Even if you have a student at another D39 school, in order to access the WJHS Directory you will need to purchase a WJHS PTO membership. This can be done HERE, on the wjhspto.com website. Any questions or have trouble logging in? Email directory@wjhspto.com. YOU MUST UPDATE YOUR HOUSEHOLD CONTACT INFORMATION FROM A HOME COMPUTER TO BEGIN, NOT A PHONE.

IGNITE FUND FOR ENRICHMENT

The PTO's iGNITE Fund for Enrichment pays for field trips, author visits, traveling exhibits or experiments, cultural experiences and educational school assemblies. The suggested amount is $85 per WJHS student but ANY amount you can contribute is appreciated. The iGNITE fund covers the cost of enrichment for ALL students. At the top of the wjhspto.com website there is a button called “PTO STORE” where you can make your contribution. Thank you!

USE THESE LINKS FOR EASY SIGN UP IN THE CAFETERIA AND COURTYARD

Have an hour to spare during the school day? We would love to see you at lunch & in the courtyard during recess - SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE STARTING IMMEDIATELY! Please use these links to sign up for your spot today! Thank you for your time!

Cafeteria: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAA23A2F5CE9-cafeteria

Courtyard: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FACAA23A2F5CE9-volunteer

CURRICULUM NIGHT - PTO TABLE

The PTO will have a table in the cafeteria during the lunch hours of Curriculum Night on 9/17 (7th & 8th grades together this year). Stop by and check out WJHS SpiritWear, meet PTO members and see how you can get involved.

COMMUNITY NEWS

New & Exciting at The Wilmette Public Library! They have created a maker space, the Studio, with a new program focused on helping parents, teachers, and caregivers with any school-related projects called PTA Toolkit - informational meeting on Monday evening 9/14, 6:30 - 7:30pm. Find out more and register here: https://wilmette.libnet.info/event/16869640

Here in the Studio we’ve seen room parents making presents for teachers, teachers making room décor, McKenzie variety show participants decorating costumes, and much more. We get such wonderful school-related projects that I decided to pull together a resource guide for parents and caregivers at a program. The idea is to give parents and caregivers an overview of the Studio’s resources, right at the beginning of the school year, so they can get the most out of it all year long.

For those who can’t attend, please consider the Studio as a creative resource! We’re always happy to support parents, caregivers, and teachers with a wide variety of craft and technology projects. Think room decorations, teacher gifts, costumes, and school swag. If folks have questions or want to plan projects ahead, give us a call at 847-256-6950 or email us at studio@wilmettelibrary.info. The website lists hours, free supplies, equipment, and more: https://www.wilmettelibrary.info/studio

VOLUNTEER CENTER OFFERS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH

The Volunteer Center is a New Trier Township nonprofit connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities! The Volunteer Center’s Junior Board is kicking off for 6th-8th graders who want to participate in service and experience leadership. Monthly service opportunities include serving dinner at a homeless shelter, playing games with seniors, sharing dinner/conversation with adults with disabilities, running games at a nonprofit carnival and many more. You can enroll your child HERE

For more information email info@volunteercenterhelps.org or visit volunteercenterhelps.org

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT FRIDAYS!

Wilmette Junior High School Wolves spirit wear is offered through our partner and fellow Wilmette moms’ business HumanKind. Check out all the great items HERE that can be personalized! BE READY FOR SPIRIT FRIDAYS THIS YEAR!