Brooks School Wide Competition for Special Olympics is Here!!!
Monday Jan. 14th until Monday Jan. 28th
What is the Polar Plunge: Several District 97 staff members will plunge (some partially and others fully) into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan to support Special Olympics IL
When/Where is Polar Plunge: 2/17/19 (Sunday) in Evanston
Why Support the Polar Plunge: Did you know that D97 has 7 Special Olympics sports? We have one of the largest Special Olympics sport options based on our district size in the entire state! We offer: soccer, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics, track, golf (new sport), bowling (new sport) and Young Athletes (3-8 yr. olds). Special Olympics has given D97 thousands of dollars in grants since 2012. By supporting our plunge, this is a way to continue the high level of programs that we offer in the district.
What’s at stake: The three teams at each of the three grade levels along with their teachers will be competing by raising the most money to support the Polar Plunge for the right to decide what Mr. Gonsur will wear when he plunges into the “warm” waters of Lake Michigan on February 17th. Hopefully the team that wins is kind in deciding what Mr. Gonsur will wear when he takes the plunge, because he embarrasses easily.
How to Donate: From Monday January 14th until Monday January 28th you can donate money to any of your teachers for the cause. Anything helps!
May the best team win!!
NAMI
NAMI Basics, a 12-week course designed specifically for parents of children who have recently been diagnosed with a mental illness. This year, the course will be held at First Presbyterian Church in River Forest, beginning Monday, 1/21.
NAMI Basics provides a comprehensive overview of symptoms a child may experience, available resources and treatments, and how to advocate for your child as they work through and recovery. The class also provides a supportive network of other parents in similar circumstances, and allows parents to learn from one another's experiences. As always, our programming remains free of charge to participants.
We welcome families at Brooks who would like to register (for free) on our eventbrite link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nami-basics-education-program-tickets-48931978866
Coffee with Capuder
Come even if you haven't read the book!
Community Café Series
The next event in Superintendent Kelley's community café series will take place on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Buzz Café (905 S. Lombard Avenue). Learn more about the community cafés >
Young Filmmakers Contest
One Earth Film Festival has announced it's Young Filmmakers Contest. Students may submit a 3 to 8 minute film about one of 6 sustainability topics: energy, food, transportation, waste, water, or open space/ecosystems. They should present a problem with their topic and then a solution. Please see this website to learn more and to view a short film about the contest. Deadline is January 13, 2019.
Teacher Appreciation
The PTO will be hosting an appreciation dinner for the teachers and staff of Brooks on Thursday, January 31st to thank them for their hard work and dedication to our community. The dinner will be catered, but we are looking for donations of drinks and dessert, as well as help setting up. Click here to sign up!
Girls Volleyball
Practice Schedule:
January 14, 15, 16, 17
3:30pm - 6:00pm
January 18
7:30am - 8:30am
If you have any questions, please contact Coach Grimaldi at hgrimaldi@op97.org
Track and Field
If your student is interested in joining the Track and Field team, there will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 15 from 3:45pm - 4:45pm in the 3rd floor gym.
For more information, please contact Coach Dajani at rdajani@op97.org
OPEF Robotics News and Information
You can learn more about the event on OPEF's website or their Facebook page.
For more information about the robotics program please visit: https://www.opef.org/programs/vex-robotics/. Questions? Please contact Michele McAndrews at mvmcandrews@opef.org or Mr. Shinners at bshinners@op97.org
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School
Email: acapuder@op97.org
Website: op97.org/brooks
Location: 325 S Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park, IL, United States
Phone: (708) 524-3050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/108994473138309/
Twitter: @brooksop97