The Jayhawk Weekly
September 21, 2025
The Jayhawk Weekly
Dear Julian Parents and Guardians,
This week, our teachers met to review the data from our first STAR assessment. Teachers collaborated to identify students who could use additional support in the areas of ELA, Math, and Executive Functioning. Over the next week, Team Leaders will be reaching out to families identified for this support. Beginning next week, some students will switch their WIN teachers in order for these supports to be provided. While these targeted classes will provide more intensive instruction in the identified area, all WIN classes will continue to provide structures for students to work on academic skills and executive functioning.
As the school year is in full swing, our lost and found is beginning to fill up too! Please make sure that all your students' belongings are labeled, such as book bags, clothing, self-carry meds (like inhalers), notebooks, folders, etc. Many items could be returned if they had the students' names on them. And please remember, the Lost & Found area will be cleared out each Friday after dismissal. We can not store old items & lunch bags, as they cause gnats, fruit flies, and attract other unwanted insects and pests. Every week, the Lost & Found will be cleaned out.
Also, a friendly reminder: there is no school on Tuesday, September 23rd. All district schools and offices will be closed due to Rosh Hashanah. Shanah Tovah (שנה טובה) to those who celebrate!
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 purposes. Mr. Filipowski does not receive those emails.
Jayhawks together,
Nick Filipowski
Principal
Adrienne Court
Associate Principal
DaWanda Fountain Dotson
Associate Principal
Launched in Fall 2015, Spoken Word is a powerful and effective medium for fostering creativity and self-expression in young people. Kids learn to collaborate creatively and to respond to each other's work in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
When: Beginning Wed., Sept. 24th
Where: Alternate between Julian and Brooks Middle Schools
Spoken Word Club will meet Wednesdays, starting Sept. 24th from 4-5:15pm. It will alternate between Brooks and Julian, and students from both schools are invited to alternate along with the schedule. (The Sept. 24th meeting will be held at Brooks.) It will be led by our poet-artists, Kevin Coval and PhalaiR, as well as teacher-coaches Bessie Santos (Julian) and Miles Lee (Brooks). We look forward to hosting a slam event in December/January and in May.
OPRF Girls Lacrosse Youth Clinic
When: Sunday, October 5th 1:00-3:00pm
Where: OPRF's Track Field
Information: Come and learn the game or advance your skills at OPRF's annual fall clinic coached by current OPRF varsity coaches. No experience necessary. Cost is $10 and includes an OPRF Girls Lacrosse shirt.
Contact Coach Borja (jborja@oprfhs.org) with any questions. Register below...
https://oprfhs.revtrak.net/athletics/athletics-lax/girls-lax/
Label belongings so that they can be returned to students
Students should check the Lost & Found area in the commons when they lose a belonging. The school office will only have lost items such as cell phones, chromebooks, eyeglasses, jewelry, house keys, etc that are found in the building. All other lost or misplaced belongings (such as notebooks, water bottles, lunch bags, jackets, shoes, gloves, etc.) will be in the commons. The Lost & Found area will be cleaned out each Friday afternoon or on the day before the start of a long holiday weekend, winter break and spring break.
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.
**Program Changes** and Upcoming Family Information Session
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.
A message from Ms. Winchell...
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
PLEASE APPLY NOW IF YOU NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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.
WE NEED YOUR INPUT
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!
PTO MEETING DATES
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
KEEP THOSE CAP & GOWN ORDERS/PAYMENTS COMING!
As we approach the 2026 graduation celebration, we will share information here for 8th grade families:
- 1 - USED CAP & GOWN COLLECTION: The Julian PTO will collect gently used caps and gowns for families that are interested in donating or receiving a set for their 2026 graduate. A collection box will be in the Julian school office. Email ptojulian@gmail.com if you would like to receive a donated cap or gown for your 8th grade student.
- 2 - 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.
- 3 - 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).
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Jackson, the Julian Executive Coordinator.
Away for the Day
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.
Helpful Hints
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.
DO NOT DOUBLE PARK
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.
Lockers and School Locks
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.
ATTENDANCE
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 DAY
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.
SCHOOL LUNCH
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.***
HEALTH OFFICE REQUIREMENTS/SPORTS PHYSICALS
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
SCHOOL FEES
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.
Mark Your Calendar
- 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
