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Firebird Flash: September 12 Firebird Flash: September 12

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Admin Update Admin Update

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Closing Out Another Week at Friendship

It has been a full and exciting week at Friendship Junior High! Our social workers and counselors completed their SOS presentations with students, helping provide important tools for support and safety. We also kicked off our athletics season with our first home basketball games, hosted our opening home cross country meet, and wrapped up the week with soccer. Today, we joined in the national celebration of AVID Day by proudly wearing our college gear and highlighting the skills and opportunities AVID provides our students.


At the same time, we recognize that a lot is happening in the world around us. More than ever, we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

See Something, Say Something – Our Commitment to Safety


For students to focus on learning, they must feel safe, supported, and comfortable at school. That is why we emphasize the importance of See Something, Say Something.


If you ever see or hear something concerning, please use our [See Something, Say Something Form] to report it right away. Parents can also use this form, or you may reach out directly to our administrative team or a member of our counseling staff.


By working together, we can ensure Friendship remains a safe and welcoming environment for every Firebird.

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PTO Meeting – This Tuesday

This Tuesday marks our first PTO meeting of the year, hosted in the Friendship LRC. All are welcome to join, and we encourage parents and families to come be part of the conversation. We hope to see you there at 6:30 PM!

Need to Know Need to Know

Letter to the Editor

Weekly Grade Level Updates

Be sure to check your child’s grade-level weekly notice—it’s the best place to see what’s happening in their classrooms.

  • 6th Weekly Communication
  • 7th Weekly Communication

  • 8th Weekly Communication

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Mark Your Calendars

  • Tuesday, September 16: First PTO Meeting 6:30 PM in the LRC

  • Friday, September 26: PTO Parent Night Out Back-to-School Raffle Night


Additional Resources:

  • Parent Google Calendar (ALL FJHS Happenings)
  • FJHS Club and Sport Calendar (Just clubs and sport tryout dates)
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Nice to Know Nice to Know

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Today, our 6th and 7th grade AVID classes joined in celebrating AVID Day. AVID Day, held on September 12, is a national celebration of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)—a program that helps students in grades 7–12 prepare for college and future success by closing opportunity gaps. This year’s celebration also honors the program’s 45-year impact and encourages students, educators, and communities to share their personal AVID stories on social media using the hashtag #MyAVIDWhy.


At Friendship, students reflected on the skills they are developing through AVID, participated in a team-building game, and wrapped up the day with a donut treat—not a bad way to end the week!


A big thank you to Mrs. Hamilton, Ms. Cozzi, and Mr. McElheny for making this special day possible for our students.

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Mental Health Resources

  • Mental health matters - CCSD59 is committed to supporting the overall well-being of our students.

  • We partner with Cartwheel, a trusted mental health partner to schools, to support the mental health needs of our students via virtual therapy with licensed clinicians.

  • Previously, students had to be identified and referred for these services by school staff. Now, parents/guardians can express interest directly in mental health services for their child by filling out this form.*


Questions about Cartwheel? Please visit the FAQ HERE. For any additional questions or well-being needs, please email care@ccsd59.org or call 847-593-7656.

*Please note, submitting interest in using Cartwheel does not guarantee access to services. The District will review all requests accordingly.

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Grab Your Yearbook for $27 – Limited Time Offer!

It’s time to order your 2025-26 yearbook! Purchase it now at the lowest price of the year—just $27—before prices increase at the end of October. The yearbook will be delivered before the end of the school year, giving students plenty of time to sign and enjoy it before summer break.

Order your yearbook here.

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Attendance Awareness Month

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and this year our district has joined Attendance Works’ national campaign Here Today, Ready for Tomorrow. Daily attendance is one of the most important ways to help your child succeed.


Did you know missing just two days a month can add up to nearly a month of lost learning in a year? You can find resources and tips from Attendance Works to help your child build strong attendance habits.


Thank you for helping your child show up every day - it builds good habits, friendships, and learning. Together, we can make every day count!


CCSD59's Fall Festival

CCSD59's Fall Festival is Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Join us at the Ad Center (1001 Leicester Rd. Elk Grove Village, IL) for activities, music, giveaways, and more. Flu vaccines will be available and winter coats will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

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Superintendent Search

The Board of Education is selecting a new Superintendent for the 2026-27 school year. We want your feedback to help create the New Superintendent Profile - a guide that explains the qualities and skills our district is looking for in the next leader. This Profile will be put together by search firm BWP & Associates and will guide the Board of Education throughout the superintendent selection process.

Families, staff, and community members can share input through one or all of the engagement opportunities listed below:

  • Monday, September 15: Survey opens (link will be emailed on Monday)

  • Thursday, September 18: Family & Community Listening Sessions at 6:30 p.m.*

    • Locations

      • Grove Junior High (777 W Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL)

      • Holmes Junior High (1900 W Lonnquist Blvd, Mt Prospect, IL).

    • Spanish translation available

  • Thursday, September 25:

    • Survey closes

    • Virtual Zoom Listening Session (link will be emailed next week)

For ongoing updates, please visit the Superintendent Search Process webpage.

*To request translation services for the Listening Session, please email Rachel Jobski (jobski.rachel@ccsd59.org) by 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17.

Good to Know + Celebrations Good to Know + Celebrations

Reminders + Past Info Reminders + Past Info

Safety Week Information

As part of CCSD59's ongoing commitment to safety, Friendship Junior High will participate in Safety Week from September 22–26, 2025. Students will practice emergency drills and engage in safety-focused activities to help them feel prepared and confident in the event of a real emergency.

Here is our school’s Safety Week schedule:

  • Monday (9/22): Evacuation Drill – 8:15 am (1st period)

  • Tuesday (9/23): No School

  • Wednesday (9/24): No Drill – SRO Safety Video

  • Thursday (9/25): Shelter Drill – 9:30 am (3rd period)

  • Friday (9/26): Lockdown Drill – 1:00 pm (8th period)

These activities are age-appropriate and follow the Standard Response Protocol used throughout the district. If you have any questions or prefer for your child to opt out of a specific drill, please contact your child’s teacher or the main office.

To learn more about Safety Week and the drills being practiced across the district, please review the CCSD59 Safety Week Overview.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Friendship safe.

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New Student Device Update

ALL STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED THEIR NEW DEVICE!


  • Optional Device Protection Plan: Optional Device Protection Plan: Covers accidental damage to the device or accessories if the student used it responsibly. The plan form (Spanish) explains what isn’t covered and lists repair costs if the plan doesn’t cover them or if the plan fee hasn’t been paid. Enrollment is due no later than September 26, 2025.

    • Non-Refundable Plan Fee: $20, or $10 for families who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

    • How to Pay:

      • Cash or Check: Fill out the form and turn it in to our school office with payment.

      • Online Payment: Go to your Skyward Family Access and pay through e~Funds for Schools (no form needed).

  • Securly Home: The primary family contact for your child (based on your Skyward preferences) will get a link to sign up for this new parental controls app. More details will be shared next week.

Resources: How-to videos on device operation can be found on our YouTube channel.

Firebirds—Stay on Track for Honor Society!

As we begin the new school year, remember: good grades, great behavior, and completed service hours are the keys to Honor Society induction.


Start earning service hours now by volunteering, helping neighbors, or joining community projects. Use the official Service Hour Form and turn it in when we return in the fall.


Lead, serve, and shine—let’s make this year count!

Honors Society Service Hour Form
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Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

If you're interested in joining the PTO or want to learn more about how you can contribute, please reach out to friendshippto550@gmail.com. We wholeheartedly welcome your involvement and look forward to working together to create an exceptional middle school journey for our students.


  • PTO Notes
  • Admin PTO Notes
  • Spiritwear: https://friendshipspiritwear.com/
  • Google form link to Become a Friend of the PTO and Big One Fundraiser: https://forms.gle/sH7Q2M8jUwk8d6M56


PTO Social Media

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendshippto/
  • Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BEcG1GE8i/

SAVE THE DATE!! - FRIDAY, SEPT. 26TH

Come on out to Beacon Tap to support FJHS!


PTO is super excited for this annual night out filled with good food, great company, and awesome raffles!

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PTO Welcome Back Newsletter
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Order Your Firebird Spiritwear Here

Questions or Comments? Questions or Comments?

Reach out to Principal Wheatley at wheatley.mike@ccsd59.org.

STAY CONNECTED STAY CONNECTED

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Important Note: If you use the Smore translation feature, translations are powered by Google and may not accurately reflect the content within.

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