We are off to a great start this school year! As a staff, we spent a considerable amount of time these first days focusing on creating a positive learning environment for all our students. Students have been provided a number of opportunities to connect with their teachers and classmates, learn about our expectations, and understand that everyone plays an important role in creating a strong culture and climate here at our school. You can expect to receive a Middle Matters communication from me weekly on Sundays. I apologize for the lateness of this week's communication, as I'm dropping off my youngest daughter in Connecticut for her Freshman year of college! Please check out the information below regarding the middle school grading and assessment policy, food allergy safety guidelines, school attendance, and much much more.

~April Capuder

Principal

Last spring, middle school administrators and teachers reviewed our grading and assessment policy. We made some changes in order to have more consistent practices for redos and retakes throughout the building. Please take some time to read this document.

One of the goals we have as a district is for 90% or more of our students to have 95% attendance or better for the entire school year. Included in this document is important information about the impact school attendance has on learning and what you can do to support your student to be here everyday.

Please click on the link below to learn more about the Food Allergy Safety Guidelines for D97 and Brooks Middle School. We appreciate your partnership in promoting the health and safety of our students.

Brooks School Handbook

Please review our Brooks Handbook with your student.

Chromebook Distribution on Tuesday 8/28

During the School Registration Process, families electronically signed the Acceptable Use Policy. This will enable your child to receive their Chromebook during PE on Tuesday 8/28/18.

BOOK BAGS and/or BACKPACKS

Book bags/Backpacks are useful for carrying materials/books to and from school. If a Book Bag needs to be carried by the student throughout the building, a cinch sack or another smaller type bag is preferred, as the smaller the size the less congested and safer the hallways are. Additionally, the space available in classrooms for full-sized back packs is limited and makes navigating through classrooms difficult. Backpacks should be stored in lockers. Lockers measure 11 by 11 inches.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (including Cell Phones)

Personal Electronic devices are not allowed out in common spaces. Teacher discretion will be used in the classrooms. Personal devices should be left on silent while in the building.

Staff will take personal electronic devices if they are seen being used in common spaces during school time in the building. Multiple infractions will require the parent to pick up the personal electronic device. As with other personal items, the school will not be responsible if the personal electronic device is stolen, lost or damaged. We strongly discourage students from bringing valuable items to school.

Eco Eagles will be meeting TUESDAYS at 3:30 in Room C202 starting, September 4th. If you’re interested in the school garden, creating award-winning films, taking field trips and being an environmental activist, join us! Eco Eagles is the best club ON the planet FOR the planet!

Please join us in the commons this Friday for the first Coffee with Capuder. We look forward to seeing you there!

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