The Jayhawk Weekly

Dear Julian Parents and Guardians,

We hoped you enjoyed the Curriculum Night activities and visiting your child's teachers. It was awesome to see so many parents and guardians navigating the hallways and gaining some insight in your child's middle school experience. If you missed the presentation from our Administrative Team, you can click here to take a look.

On September 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month begins. District 97 celebrates the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Together, we embrace the diversity and vibrancy of Hispanic and Latinx communities while fostering understanding and belonging for all. Our school halls already have displays celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and we will come together for grade-level assemblies as well.

If you have questions about the upcoming school year, please don’t hesitate to contact our Admin team at: nfilipowski@op97.org, acourt@op97.org, dfountain@op97.org. ****Please note that the julianinfo@op97.org is only for attendance. Mr. Filipowski does not receive those emails.

Jayhawks together,

Nick Filipowski

Principal

Adrienne Court

Associate Principal

DaWanda Fountain Dotson

Associate Principal

As we begin a new school year, we want to share a reminder of who we are in District 97. Our schools are places where every child should feel safe, welcome, and supported. We are proud to be a community that values diversity, works toward equity, and honors the rights of all students and families.

Recent changes in federal policies have understandably raised questions and concerns within our community. District 97 is committed to protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of every child in our care.

Please know that District 97 follows clear laws and policies that protect student privacy and ensure that all children receive the same high-quality education, regardless of immigration status. Our staff are trained to maintain a safe, minimally disruptive learning environment for students in all situations.

We will continue to uphold Board of Education policies that prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. These commitments are central to who we are as a district and guide us in our work with students each day.

Families can learn more about our approach and the steps we take to support student rights on our Student Immigration Rights page.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us create schools where every child belongs and every family feels supported.

This year, District 97 will continue to offer Access to Algebra for students in grades 5 through 7 who are not currently single-subject accelerated in mathematics.

✨ New Changes

This year our course will run throughout trimester 2 and 3 and there will not be a summer portion. Students who sign up will attend Access to Algebra during their WIN period. The end of course exam will take place during the school day on May 22nd.

📅 Family Information Session

Families should save the date for our family information session on October 14, 2025, if their student is interested in participating in these courses. We will be meeting from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Julian Middle School.

• Click here to view the event flyer in English

• Haga clic aquí para ver el folleto del evento en español.

We had a tremendous day of ultimate on Saturday!!! Julian sent four teams and Brooks sent two to compete against other schools at the Fall Fling in Elgin, IL. It was a fun event and the first tournament for nearly 50% of the athletes.

Congrats Julian Omega: Tournament Champions!!!

Though teams were formed for this event to be as competitively even as possible, there was one Julian squad that rose above the rest! Their volunteer coach said that every game started out a little flat and then they would turn it on and play thrilling ultimate!!! It's great to hear that you had resilience, kept your heads up, and played hard every game. Please congratulate the following athletes if you have them in class!

David T
Declan M
Hayden K
Ira W
Jaxson VE
Josiah P
Keaton T
Kellan T
Malcolm N
Miles Z
Tomas S
Wylie M

Windy City Invite is Coming up Next!

We have two weeks to prepare for one of our premier events that will include college, high school, and several out-of-state middle school clubs who are traveling to face us at the Windy City Invite in Rockford on Sunday, September 28. Wish the team luck!!!

As part of our ongoing commitment to have all students and staff prepared in case of emergencies at the school, we will conduct a variety of safety drills throughout the school year. This week, our lockdown drill will be on Tuesday, September 16th. A representative from the Oak Park Police Department will observe the drill and provide feedback to Julian administrators.

If you wish to opt out your child for the safety drill, you must contact us by 9:00am on Monday, 9/15. Please use the google form from the lockdown drill notification message that was shared with parents and guardians last week. Thank you.

We would love the feedback of the Julian community on increasing the reading level of texts in the Julian Library. Here's the link to a survey to share your thoughts. It is also open for students, who can use this link or access it on their Canvas Lunch course.

Thank you!

Jamie Winchell

Teacher Librarian | Percy Julian Middle School

Students interested in this awesome club, should check their Canvas lunch course to find the sign-up form. Please see the flyer above for more information!

Our school store is open on Fridays during lunch. Students can use Jaybucks they earn to purchase anything in the store! From Chromebook stickers, to lip balm, to fidgets, there is something for everyone! 2 7th-grade students earned Squishmallows with Jaybucks! Great job earning and saving up those Jaybucks!

A huge Jayhawk Thank You to our Spirit Team and Ms. Isler who run the school store each week!

We’re excited to share that District 97 middle schools are launching a new digital hall pass system called SmartPass. This tool will help us keep students safe, make the most of classroom learning time, and keep our hallways running smoothly.

How It Works

• SmartPass replaces traditional paper hall passes. Students use their Chromebooks to request permission to leave the classroom.
  
  

• Each student has a limit of three passes per day for bathroom, water fountain, locker visits, or getting a temporary ID. (Teachers maintain the ability to override this if a student needs to leave the classroom.)
  
  

• This limit does not apply to visits to the nurse, early dismissals, going to the media center during lunch, or visiting a teacher/class during lunch or WIN.
  
  

• Students must have their school ID or TempID visible at all times when in the hallway. The IDs allow staff to confirm where students are, why they left, and how long they’ve been away via SmartPass.

We believe SmartPass will help students build responsibility, minimize unnecessary time out of class, and ensure a safe and positive school day. Please remind your child to keep their school ID with them and to use their passes responsibly.

Principals and teachers have reviewed the new SmartPass procedures with all students to make sure they understand how it works and what’s expected.

IF YOU ARE A NEW TO DISTRICT 97 FAMILY OR IF YOUR FAMILY IS IN FINANCIAL NEED TO PAY SCHOOL FEES OR SCHOOL LUNCHES:

You may be eligible for the Federal free or reduced meals program as well as waived schools' fees; however, you must immediately submit the household eligibility application. You can complete the application online or drop it off at the school office between 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. To read more about the program, and the income eligibility requirements, please check out the Julian website.

If you are a returning family with a free or reduced application granted in 2024-25, but you have not received a Direct Certification letter from District 97 yet, then you need to complete a NEW application for the 2025-2026 school year. If an updated free or reduced application is NOT received and approved by September 26, 2025, your status will revert to full fees and meals on October 1, 2025. So please get your updated application in before 9/26.

Joining the Julian PTO supports your child, their education, and the community! There are SO many ways you can help out. We promise, there are opportunities for all interests and time commitments. Let us know your interests here!

2nd Wednesday of the month: Exec Committee @ 6:30 pm, Open Meeting @ 7 pm

October 8, 2025

November 12, 2025

December 10, 2025

January 14, 2026

February 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

April 8, 2026

May 13, 2026

PTO Julian Middle School is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89578210054?pwd=z3zBaWFUbMcnvtpcaPMafbwU46nwel.1

Meeting ID: 895 7821 0054 Passcode: 455571

Take advantage of the great discount and the free shipping for orders over $75! Get your new beanie, trucker hat, new pair of joggers, stadium blanket and more, today!!

Students will take school pictures on Wednesday, October 29th. Mark your calendar.

Tryouts will be two days:

September 15 and 16

• 8th-grade tryouts will be from 7:00 am to 8:30 am on both days
• 6th/7th-grade tryouts will be 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm on both days

Contact Mr. Kannan at akannan@op97.org if you have any questions regarding the girls basketball tryouts.

As we approach the 2026 graduation celebration, we will share information here for 8th grade families:

• 1 - FYI: Price increase for the Mega Meal Deal for Six Flags Great America. Like many things, the price of our local annual celebration field trip has increased (the cost of such things as the class t-shirts, bus transportation and the amusement park admission have all gone up). After 5 long years of having a discounted rate of $100, we now have a slight increase. For your Spring '26 planning purposes, keep in mind that it will be $120 for the Mega Meal Deal which includes the Great America admission, transportation, class of 2026 t-shirt, lunch, snack and unlimited beverage package. For SFGA Season Pass holders, the field trip will be $75 instead of $60. Per tradition, the season pass deal will include bus transportation, class of 2026 t-shirt, lunch, snack and unlimited beverage package (students must bring their valid season pass on the day of the field trip or they will be responsible for paying full price admission at the gate). We will begin collecting payments after Winter Break, with all final payments due on or before Friday, April 24th. Because we must pay our vendors in advance of the May field trip date, no refunds will be issued. The online payment option for the 8th Grade Great America trip will be made available after we return from winter break.

• 2 - Cap and Gown order forms were passed out in WIN classes during the first two weeks of classes. Please be sure to fill out the order form and return the envelope with payment (check or cash). The online payment option is available on the Julian webstore. We ask that you make your order/payment no later than Friday, October 31st.

**If you plan to have your child wear a sibling's old cap and gown, please be sure to check the fit and length of the gown (caps are "one size fits all"), as well as the condition of the gown (no stains, no holes, no rips, etc.). You may order a 2026 tassel via check or cash for $10 (please use the order form, the tassel only option is not available online).

• 3 - The results of the 2026 class trip vote are in! Brooks and Julian 8th grade students voted to go to Nashville, TN! (tentatively between March 14 - March 16, 2026). More details will be shared before winter break regarding the trip deposit and trip itinerary.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Jackson, the Julian Executive Coordinator.

In order to help your child with the school expectations, please do not text, message, or call them on their cell phone during the school day. If you need to get a message to your child(ren), please call the school office so we can assist you. This ensures that students are clear about the expectations and provides a better sense of psychological safety.

If your child is not feeling well, they should go see the nurse immediately. The school nurse will ensure they are being triaged and connect with you to share any information. If your child(ren) is texting you that they are not well and asking to be picked-up, please direct them to the nurse's office so we can make sure they are cared for until you arrive.

We appreciate your help and support. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

The new bell schedule has a lunch period that allows 36 minutes for students to eat and relax. Here are a few tips for students to help navigate the process:

1 - Wear your school ID everyday. Digging through pockets or stopping by a locker to get your ID takes time away from your lunch time. Having your ID out and ready for the lunchroom worker to scan with help you get through the lunch line faster.

2 - Make sure the picture is not covered on the school ID, your name is not blocked out by a sticker, and/or the bar code is not obscured by beads, stickers or other items on your lanyard.

3 - If you forget your ID and/or when you're asked your name, be sure to give your first and last name so that the lunchroom worker can process the lunch purchase quickly.

4 - If an adult is speaking to your group or table, please pause your own conversation and listen to the instructions that are being given. This will save time and directives won't have to be given twice.

The lunchroom supervisors have worked hard to speed up our serving time and ID check time so that students have the most time to eat available! These tips help ensure that time is maximized.

Reminder: Chromebooks Swap for 7th/8th graders:

This week, students in 7th and 8th grade will be swapping out their Chromebooks (if they have not already). Please be sure to send your student to school with their Chromebook and charger on Tuesday (if your child has Health or PE on an A day) or Friday (if your child has Health or PE on a B Day). After this week, all students should have their new Chromebook. These devices are an important tool for learning and should be taken care of and treated as a valuable.

Reminder: Chromebook Cases Must Stay On Devices

We want to remind everyone that Chromebook cases should remain on the devices at all times. These cases are an important part of keeping our devices in good condition and ensuring they last throughout the school year.

Benefits of Keeping Cases On:

• Protection: Cases help prevent damage from drops, spills, and everyday wear and tear.

• Longevity: Protecting the Chromebook reduces repairs and extends the life of the device.

• Consistency: Cases ensure that all devices are safeguarded in a uniform way, making it easier for students to handle and transport them safely.

Thank you for helping us keep our Chromebooks safe and ready for learning!

If you drive to the school for an event, to drop off a forgotten item for your child, or for a meeting, please do not make up your own parking space in the front staff parking lot. When you double park or make up a space outside of the lines, this causes other vehicles difficulty in maneuvering around your car. Also, you risk impeding emergency response vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks, should there be an emergency at the school. Large vehicles can not pull in or out of the driveway properly when cars are double parked. If the staff parking lot is full, please find appropriate parking elsewhere.

Thank you for your understanding.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only SCHOOL ISSUED LOCKS are allowed to be used on the lockers. Due to safety concerns, no student can use a lock that is not issued by the school on their locker.

If you need an alternate lock, please reach out to your 504 or IEP Case Manager. They will ensure the accommodation is listed on the plan and provide an alternate lock.

If you have already put a different lock on your locker, please replace it with the school-issued lock as soon as possible. If you have lost your school-issued lock, a replacement must be purchased for $5.

If you are having issues with your locker, please complete the Locker Challenge Form. There are signs at the end of each locker bay with the link to this form as well.

We strive to improve the attendance of all of our students. Each minute of each school day provides opportunities for learning and it’s noticeable when students miss time. Absences, even if they are excused, can add up to academic trouble. Please be sure students are arriving daily by 8:50 am. Students arriving after 8:57 am will receive a tardy for the day.

Missing only 2 days a month (excused or unexcused), means your child misses 10% of the school year. If your child is going to be absent, please notify the office prior to 9:00 a.m. by calling (708) 665-3064 or emailing julianinfo@op97.org. When we do not receive a call or email from a parent/guardian, school regulations require that parents/guardians are contacted to verify the child's absence.

Should you need resources to support your child’s attendance please visit this link or reach out to your child’s Student Success Coach.

• 6th grade - Becca Murray (rmurray@op97.org)

• 7th Grade - Kasey Fleming (kfleming@op97.org)

• 8th grade - Segio Torres (storres@op97.org)

School begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Students will now have 7 class periods per school day.

• Here is the new Bell Schedule for 2025-26. Please note the lunch and WIN class period for your child's grade level.

Hot lunch will be available to students who wish to participate and have a funded or approved lunch account, starting the first day of school. If you have questions regarding your student's lunch balance, you may contact the Lunchroom Assistant Manager, Cornelia Mack at cmack@op97.org. To make payments on student lunch accounts please visit, https://www.mymealtime.com/signin.aspx

***PLEASE NOTE: students or parents/guardians may NOT have food delivered to the school through any food delivery service (i.e. DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, etc). Deliveries will not be accepted during the school day. Please plan to pack a lunch or purchase a school lunch each day.***

Incoming 6th-grade students and/or any new students who have transferred into District 97, MUST have a wellness physical and dental exam dated within one year prior to August 20th, 2025. Your child's physical must have been performed after August 20, 2024. Your child may not be admitted to school without these documents. The interscholastic box “yes” must be checked in order for your child to be eligible to try out or participate in any interscholastic activity.

SPORTS PHYSICALS – The State of Illinois Office of Education requires that any student who wishes to participate in interscholastic sports MUST have an Athletic Physical Examination, dated within one year prior to August 22nd, 2025. It is MANDATORY that your child have this physical before they will be eligible to try out or participate in any interscholastic activity. To access student health forms please visit http://www.op97.org/hr/health-requirements

Please submit the appropriate document by mail or in person no later than September 2, 2025 to the following:

Percy Julian Middle School

Attn: Health Office

416 S. Ridgeland Ave

Oak Park, IL 60302

THE ONLINE OPTION IS NOW AVAILABLE!

The annual school fee of $225.00 can be now be paid on the Julian webstore. You may pay fees in person at the Julian school office during the school day between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. We accept only cash (exact change please) and checks (made payable to District 97) at the school office. All debit/credit card payments must be made online.

• Lockdown Drill: Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 @ 9:15am
• NO SCHOOL: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
• No School: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
• No School: Monday, October 13th, 2025
• Family/Teacher Conferences: Thursday, October 23rd through Friday, October 24th, 2025 (PLEASE NOTE: NO SCHOOL for students on 10/24)
• Picture Day: Wednesday, October 29th
• End of Trimester 1: Friday, November 14th

416 S. Ridgeland Ave.

Oak Park, IL 60302

708-524-3040

www.op97.org/julian