Julian Middle Matters Newsletter
A weekly communication from Dr. Fitzgerald
Friday, April 17
Dear Julian Families,
I am sharing information related to our grading practices during this remote learning time. Some changes have been made based on feedback received from families and teachers. We have added a RLREDO mark and EX mark for teachers to use in PowerSchool. Below, you will see how the new mark of RLREDO should be used and its impact on the RLINC mark. You will notice these new marks within PowerSchool the week of April 20.
PowerSchool
Teachers will be using the following codes in PowerSchool to indicate how students are progressing during this remote learning period.
Remote Learning Grade Marks in PowerSchool
RLPASS means Remote Learning PASS. This mark will be used if a student earns a 70% or higher on the assignment.
RLINC means Remote Learning Incomplete. This mark will be used if the assignment is not submitted but teachers are anticipating that the student will submit the work. The overall course grade will not be impacted when this mark is used.
New Marks in PowerSchool
RLREDO means Remote Learning Redo. This mark will be used if a student earns 69% or less on the work submitted. The overall course grade will not be impacted when this mark is used.
EX means the student is Exempt from completing the assignment now or in the future. This mark will be used as needed to support students and families navigate remote learning.
Please be assured that there will be flexibility and understanding around students completing assignments. The assignments shared during remote learning have suggested due dates and can be found in Canvas for their classes. The student has the flexibility to submit these assignments when they are able to do so based on what works best for the family.
Please feel free to contact building administrators or teachers if you have questions. Here is the communication we plan to share with all of our middle school students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Todd Fitzgerald
Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Julian Students
We are super proud of the work our students are doing. We also know that it is important for them to take care of their social and emotional self. We will be sharing some interactive social emotional learning activities with them weekly. Students will be receiving an email Monday mornings around 9:00 with activities that have been created by the middle school Culture and Climate coaches.The first one includes a flipgrid activity. Our hope is to create a space of community, just as it was when we were in the building.
This information will also be posted on the Canvas teacher pages for students to access. Please encourage your student to spend some time reading through this document. It is here to provide them with ideas on how to manage this difficult and unusual time away from school. We are looking forward to seeing what they are doing for self care!
Remote Learning Family Survey
With the transition to remote learning due to COVID-19, District 97 has been working to develop and improve strategies to help students and families. As we continue to strive for continuous learning and we move forward with further plans, we would REALLY like to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey on remote learning in District 97.
Your feedback and suggestions will be helpful in allowing us to better serve you and inform our future plans for all students.
This survey will be open through Thursday, April 23, and we will carefully consider all feedback received through this date. Thank you for your continued partnership and extraordinary efforts to support your children throughout remote learning.
D97 Special Education Parent Support Meeting
The District 97 Student Services Department is hosting a virtual Special Education Parent Support Meeting on Monday, April 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to allow parents to come together to discuss what is working for them during remote learning and what they may need in terms of support from each other. Parents and district staff have been listening and sharing ideas together.
Please see the details below to join us.
Topic: Special Education Parent Support Group
Date/Time: Monday, April 20, at 6:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96637937565?pwd=NzVrMTlZaVl4ekt4cUpMK3Nxc0c3QT09
Meeting ID: 966 3793 7565
Password: 028632
Technology Support
Mental Health Resource, "Call4Calm"
It's now been four full weeks that students have been learning from home. And we know the COVID-19 pandemic can wear on every resource—from food and shelter to our emotional bandwidth and mental health. Fortunately, the Illinois Department of Human Services has launched a support line called Call4Calm that is reachable via text. Individuals who want to speak with a mental health professional can text the word “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish speakers) to 552-020. Within 24 hours, that individual will receive a call from a mental health professional employed by a local community health center.
People can also text other terms, like “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to the same number to receive information on how to navigate and access support and services. Call4Calm is free, and individuals who use it can remain anonymous.
Oak Park Public Library
The Teen Services department of the Oak Park Public Library is in the process of rebranding the department and have created a logo creation contest where teens ages 13-17 can win $100, $75, and $25. You can find out more about it here.
We have also created Leading Edge Teen Advisory Board (LETAB). If you are looking to gain stronger leadership skills, self advocacy skills, and have a community voice, or looking to volunteer. This is for you. To apply click here.
Finally, here is the link to additional resources including 20 suggestions to utilize your time during this difficult time.
Upcoming Events
April 20-23 - Remote Learning Days
April 21 - Board of Education Meeting (Virtual, 7 p.m.)
April 24 - Remote Learning Planning Day (No Student Instruction)
April 27-30 - Remote Learning Days
Email: tfitzgerald@op97.org
Website: op97.org/julian
Phone: 708-524-3040