March 2, 2020

ELA IAR Testing on 3/11, 3/12 and 3/13 from 9:00 am to 11:09am

ELA IAR Make-up testing on 3/16

MATH IAR Testing on 3/18, 3/19 and 3/20 from 9:00am to 10:26am

MATH IAR Make-up testing on 3/30

8th Graders only: Illinois Science Assessment on 3/3, 3/4 and 3/5 with make-up testing on 3/6

As is required by law, every student who is eligible to take the IAR assessment will receive a test ticket. A school’s participation rate on state assessments impacts its rate of proficiency and its annual School Report Card designation. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which is a federal act, requires states to calculate proficiency by dividing the number of students who met or exceeded standards on the IAR by either the number of students who tested or 95% of the number of students who should have tested, whichever is greater. Schools with less than 95% participation in state assessments are ineligible to receive the Exemplary designation. For more information about how a school's participation rate impacts rate of proficiency on a school's report card, see this from ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education). Here is more information.

Brooks currently has an underperforming designation on our School Report Card, which in part is impacted by our participation rate. We had 85% of our students participate in IAR testing in Spring 2019, which is below the required rate of participation of at least 95%. The average participation rate for the state of Illinois is 98%.

The information provided by the IAR is utilized by our school and district to reflect on the impact of our instructional units, as well as provide us with information about how to enrich learning for students. It's important feedback for us about student learning.

Thank you for partnering with us to encourage your student to put forth their best effort during IAR testing. Once students complete the test, they can read silently. The school library will be closed during the administration of the test, so please remind your student to select their book ahead of time and bring it to class during the IAR testing window to read.

Please reach out to Angelica Kamysz (akamysz@op97.org), Antione Bland (abland@op97.org) or April Capuder (acapuder@op97.org), if you have any questions.

District 97 is currently monitoring the news regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). We have been following recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which has been receiving guidance from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Please be assured that we are following all recommended protocols of the IDPH, which includes routine deep cleaning and disinfecting in all of our buildings. We are also asking staff to review hand-washing techniques with students. We will continue to monitor updates about the coronavirus from local, state and federal agencies, and will keep families informed should recommendations change.

The IDPH recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

DePaul Family and Community Services will be repeating the Mindful Middle-Schoolers talks this winter so you can attend the talks that you missed the first time! Don’t miss out on this valuable information to help you navigate these tricky adolescent years!

Join us on Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30 - 8:00 at Brooks Middle School for a discussion on Technology and Mental Health: Strategies to promote mindful digital citizens. How can we help our children approach technology mindfully? What are benefits and challenges of technology for children? What are strategies to help promote digital citizenship and wellness in youth? Join us for this free talk. DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, plan to offer a series of community talks to the Brooks/Julian middle school communities during the 2019-2020 school year as part of The Mindful Middle Schoolers Program. All are welcome (parents, school staff, students, community members).

Sign up for the talks here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/depaul-family-and-community-services-20250158751

District 97 will host an Educator Career Fair on Friday, April 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at the administration building, 260 Madison St. Candidates will have the opportunity to speak with school principals, share their resumes and complete an online application. Event flyer >

Kids can continue to earn Brooks Bucks for following the posted Brooks Student Expectations. These bucks can be redeemed at the School Store along with HERO points.

FAQ'S

• Attendance Line : 708-665-3074 or send an email. Please let us know if your student is experiencing any flu like symptoms in your message or email.
  
• Please note from 8:45am to 9:15am the Brooks answering service will be activated as our office staff is attending to in-house student and parent needs.
• REVTRAK Link - Payment system for Field trips, School Fees, Replacement Fees, Gym Uniforms, etc. The link can also be found on the Brooks Website under Payments in the blue menu bar.
• Bell Schedule - For those asking what time the periods take place.

In an effort to celebrate our community, we would like to invite parents and students to give a shout out to member(s) of the Brooks Community who have inspired them. We also want to hear from parents and students who would like recognize a Brooks teacher that has made an impact around diversity and inclusion. Every Sunday, selected comments will be featured in Middle Matters and the staff member will receive a certificate detailing how they have made a difference to you. You can also tag your comments under #BeBrooks97 on Twitter. Please join us in celebrating the Brooks Community by completing this form.

We'd like to share that the 8th grade graduation date for the Gwendolyn Brooks Class of 2020 will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 2:00pm. The ceremony will be held at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Please be sure to mark your calendars. We will have more information regarding graduation activities in February.

Purchase your yearbook today.

If you do not already have an account from a previous years purchase, you will be asked to set up an account in order to make a purchase.

Brooks Purchase Code: 1014096931934358

How to set up an account.

• March 3-5 8th Graders only Illinois Science Assessment
• March 11- 13 & 18 - 20 - IAR Testing
• March 13 - Report Cards Emailed Home
• March 23 - 27 - Spring Break

Join us on Monday, March 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 in the library for our next PTO Business Meeting. We will talk through our current budget, as well as talk about priorities and plans for next school year!

You can donate $10 or more to help pay for things like teacher grants, need-based scholarships and other enrichment activities. Please consider a matching gift donation from your employer.

Email the PTO BoardEmail gwendolynbrookspto@gmail.com if you are interested or have questions!

The 8th grade dance is a great way to celebrate finishing middle school. However, it can’t happen without support from the Brooks community! The PTO is currently looking for one more 8th Grade VP. This role helps plan 8th grade dance and a winter staff appreciation dinner. There are two 8th grade VP’s, so you are working with a partner!

Dear 7th Grade Brooks Parents/Guardians,

Thank you to the parents who have already registered Springfield trip.

As a reminder, Janorise Robinson organizes the trip for Brooks. This allows the teachers to focus on teaching and meeting student needs. Please do not send payments or forms to the school! Payments for the trip is made on the WorldStrides website and all forms are electronically submitted. Please see the information below for details. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions.

• If you weren't able to make it to the meeting or would like to review the slides, here's a link to the Parent PowerPoint Presentation. In addition, here are the next steps:

• Registration for both Springfield:

• Online at WorldStrides

• Call World Strides directly (800-468-5899)

• Brooks Springfield (Registration Letter) - Friday, April 17, 2020

• Cost: $133

• Pay $49 Deposit

• Registration Deadline is Friday, April 3

• Full Refund Program: $19

• Refer to Trip #179957

• Springfield Medical and Behavior Form - due by March 15, 2020

• Springfield Parent Chaperone Interest Survey

Financial Assistance:

1. For Springfield and DC:

1. PTO Scholarships are available

If you have questions, please send your inquiries to the following email links:

• Springfield

Thank you,

Janorise

Mondays

• Math Team 3:30pm - 4:30pm in room B409. For more information contact Esther Smith at esmith3@op97.org . Open to 6 - 8 grade students.
• Orff Ensemble (Xylophone and Drumming Music Group) Monday's, 8:00-8:50 am, Rm D104. Open to all students grades 6-8. For more information contact Mr. Carrillo (fcarrillo@op97.org)
  
• Rainbow Tribe 3:30pm - 4:30pm in the Library! Come join students who want to be a part of creating a safe and inclusive space for our Brooks LGBTQ community. All students (those who identify and allies) are invited to join! Reach out to Ms. Berman (aberman@op97.org) or Mrs. Olsen (jolsen@op97.org) with any questions!
  
• Spoken Word Club: Mondays in B205 (3:30 - 5:00 pm) with Mr. Lee and resident poet Christian Robinson. Contact Mr. Lee with questions. mlee@op97.org
• Ultimate Frisbee: Currently on Winter hiatus. This recreational Frisbee Club will meet again in the Spring on Mondays and Wednesdays to play from 3:30p to 4:30p. For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org or Coach Guerino at tguerino@op97.org - Please note practices are dependent on weather.
  

Tuesdays

• Yearbook Club meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month. Room B202 Beginning in October and ends in April. Everyone is welcome to join GBMS Yearbook Club. We are looking for students to assist us in recording the student activities & events of the 2019-2020 school year!For more information please contact Meaghan Pabellon at mpabellon@op97.org or Marsha Turner Reid at mturnerreid@op97.org
• EcoEalges - meets weekly on TUESDAYS at 3:30 in Room C202

  Students who are passionate about helping the environment, gardening, saving endangered species or who just want to do interesting things outdoors should check out the ECO EAGLES, the Brooks ecology club. We have made award-winning films, gone on cool field trips, implemented fun fundraisers and raised awareness about many different issues. We are open to whatever you are interested in, so join us! For more information contact lstamp@op97.org
  

• Chess Club meets in room C108 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. For more information contact Coach Hausfeld at mhausfeld@op97.org

Wednesdays

• Best Buddies: Calendar of meeting for 19-20 school year. Contact Ms. Beauprez with questions lbeeauprez@op97.org .
• Ultimate Frisbee: Currently on Winter hiatus. This recreational Frisbee Club will meet again in the Spring on Mondays and Wednesdays to play from 3:30p to 4:30p. For more information contact Coach Gillespie at mgillespie@op97.org or Coach Guerino at tguerino@op97.org - Please note practices are dependent on weather.

Thursdays

• Art Club from 3:30-4:30 October- March in D301. Free and open to all students.

  Mrs. Murray (kmurray@op97.org) will offer a variety of materials and techniques. Come when you can and be ready to explore your own ideas, work at your own pace, and make new friends in a creative environment just for artists! Art club is FREE!

Fridays

• Service Club meets at 8am in room B209. We organize & promote the school's service projects such as food drives, coat drives, the holiday food and gift basket program, and more! If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Susan Walsh (swalsh@op97.org) or Ms. Blanca Martinez (bmartinez@op97.org).
  

This year we are offering two cool programs for D97 middle school kids to enjoy. We look forward to another exciting VEX Robotics season at both Julian and Brooks.

• The In-House Club is designed for students with little or no experience with robotics and for students who cannot commit to the long season of our Competitive League.

• The Robotics Competitive League is an intensive program for the dedicated technology student, especially those who want to take their experience with VEX Robotics and programming to the next level.

To sign up or learn more information about our programs, visit our OPEF VEX Robotics page at https://www.opef.org/programs/vex-robotics/

Brooks in-house contact - Brian Shinners, bshinners@op97.org

Girls on the Rise is a program offered in partnership with Brooks and the Oak Park Township. Girls on the Rise provides prevention and empowerment to minority girls. We strive to instill confidence in girls to utilize problem-solving skills through communication and respect. Our program plans to build social, communication and leadership skills, healthy relationships with peers and adults, raise self-esteem and self-awareness and create a sisterhood of strong young ladies.

The 8th Grade Girls group will begin meeting on January 15th, 2020.

For more information contact Dominique Hickman at dhickman@oakparktownship.org

YEMBA is a hands on, community based forum for connecting, serving, educating, strengthening and empowering our youth physically, mentally and spiritually. For female and male youth grades 6th through 8th. Join your friends, classmates and peers in our mentoring empowerment program. A fun, safe, exciting experience and learn skills that will last a lifetime.

Wednesdays - 3:30pm 6:30pm

Includes: Homework help, mentoring, recreation workshops, snacks, guest speakers and much more...

For more information contact:

YMBA, INC.

(773) 842-5022

email: www.yemba@yemba-inc.org

Website: www.yemba-inc.org

Grownups - it's your turn to take the stage!

Bravo Advisory Board Fundraiser - April 4, 7pm-10pm at Healy's Tavern

Rehearsal Calendar

Classes & Program Schedule

Questions about BRAVO

TICKETS

Distribution of information by a community group in accordance with District 97 policy does not imply, directly or indirectly, that the group's program(s), event(s) and/or services(s) is sanctioned, sponsored or endorsed by the district, the Board of Education or the superintendent.

Teen Arts Pass is a FREE program to all teens and it gets them in to see LOTS of performances for $5! See shows shows at Goodman, Lyric and Steppenwolf theaters, as well as other smaller theaters. Here is website to learn more.

The Oak Park Public library is partnering with Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies (CBITs), on a project to design new smartphone apps that help teens better understand and manage their emotions, stress, and anxiety.

Teens ages 12-17 are invited to get involved in this research project.

In-person interviews (lasting about 1-1.5 hours) will be scheduled by CBITs at the Oak Park Public Library, and teen participants will be compensated for their time.

To learn more about this research project and to schedule an interview, please have a parent or guardian send an email to Research Assistant Professor Ashley Arehart Knapp, PhD, at ashley.knapp@northwestern.edu.

https://www.oppl.org/news-events/digital-learning/teens-invited-to-share-their-voice-on-managing-stress-and-anxiety-creating-new-app/

The Strengthening Families Program is a free, evidence-based prevention program for families with children ages 7 to 17. The 11-week program will teach effective parenting skills, healthy communication, stress management skills, conflict resolution and more. The program will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday from Feb. 25, 2020, through May 12, 2020, at the River Forest Community Center. Click here to view the program flyer.

Oak Park and River Forest High School recently implemented a new rule when attending athletic events. Effective immediately, children ages 11 and younger will not be allowed to attend athletic events at OPRF unless they are accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. Please click here for the full message from the high 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