WJHS Weekly News and Notes

As we head into another busy week, I want to highlight some important upcoming events and key reminders. Your partnership is essential to our students' success, and we appreciate your continued support.

Key Updates & Information

Week in Review

A huge shout-out to Mrs. Leiner's homeroom and the Broadcast Club! Monday's video and weekly announcements were fantastic. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make it a success!

Attention 7th Grade Families: We Value Your Feedback!

As we move further into the school year, we want to ensure our 7th-grade students and families feel supported, informed, and connected to our school community.

Please take a few minutes to complete our brief 7th Grade Parent Survey. Your insights help us understand what is working well and identify areas where we can continue to improve the student experience.

Survey Link: Complete the 7th Grade Parent Survey
Deadline: Please submit your responses by Friday, October 23.

Thank you for your partnership and ongoing support of our students and staff

SEL Screener

In the past, elementary students have participated in the INSIGHTS Social-Emotional Competency assessment to gauge their progress in several SEL Competency Areas, and 5th-8th grade students have participated in the MESH/Panorama assessment for the same purpose.

We have transitioned this year to a new tool that will act as a screener for social-emotional and behavioral risk called the SAEBRS/mySAEBRS. Using this tool will help MTSS teams to identify students in need of support, and provide interventions as needed. It is a different type of tool than used before, and will provide more actionable data for us to better support students.

The assessment tool is brief (20 questions) and at K-2 will be completed by teachers, while at 3-8 it will be completed by students. It should only take about 10 minutes total for 3-8 students to complete. Use of this tool supports our District 39 strategic priority of creating an inclusive student community that advances social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health.

Please note: Students will need headphones to complete this assessment.

We're proud to announce this month's Leaders of the Pack—students who have truly shown what it means to be an outstanding member of our school community!

This award recognizes students who exemplify our core values: leadership, compassion, service, responsibility, self-awareness, and integrity. These students are more than just academically strong—they consistently demonstrate exceptional character. They are the ones who lend a hand without being asked and act with kindness and honesty every day.

Please join us in celebrating this month’s honorees:

7th Grade: Lizzie Berlin, Allison Cappiello, Audrey Dahl, Lucas Davis, Paree Gupta, Phoebe Hecht, Janessa Janvier, Etta Kluss, Emma Lyman, Logan Nguyen, Thomas Parker, Mae Robinson, Owen Rundall, Mikaeel Shaikh, Joseph Young

8th Grade: Elsie Anscomb, Ellis Becker, Ava Bennett, Lucy Braatz, Arden Casteel, Scout Davis, Clara Fishbeck, Charlie Hart, Annika Henry, Dawei Ho, Charlotte Klug, Leonid Kyiko, Duncan Miller, Lena Nelson, Bea Quinn, Aria Raval, Nora Turnbull

These students are the heart of our school, and we are so proud to celebrate them. Congratulations to all of our Leaders of the Pack!

McKenzie Is a Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!

Congratulations to McKenzie Elementary, which was named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School this week by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)! One of the state’s highest recognitions for educational excellence, McKenzie is just one of 24 schools statewide to receive the distinction this year. This program recognizes public and nonpublic schools that demonstrate exceptional student outcomes through outstanding academic performance or success in closing achievement gaps, and McKenzie was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School.

The Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established in 2025, after the federal administration abruptly ended the prestigious U.S. Department of Education program. The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program continues the longstanding tradition of recognizing educational excellence in Illinois schools. Schools receiving the designation serve as models for effective teaching, learning, and student support across the state. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement!

Parent Education – Kate Hannigan Visit

District 39 is proud to welcome award-winning author Kate Hannigan to Wilmette for an evening, in-person Parent Education event on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 pm inside the Romona Elementary School auditorium. Registration for this event is open now. Families can pre-order signed Kate Hannigan books prior to the event through a partnership with Lost Willow Books. The deadline to pre-order her signed books is today, Oct. 23. Please visit our D39 Parent Education webpage for our full 2026-27 Parent Ed schedule as well as recordings of presentations from previous years.

Gripp Grant Applications – DEADLINE TODAY

Applications are now being accepted for District 39 Educational Foundation Gripp Grants. The Ed Foundation grants funds for innovative educational programs, experiences, and technologies that expand, enrich, and complement the schools’ curricula. Grant applications are welcomed from anyone in District 39 (including families) or any organization that makes a proposal consistent with the mission of the Foundation. Some examples of recently funded projects include sensory boards for elementary schools, classroom VR headsets, and Apple Pencils for creative learning.

Please visit the D39 Educational Foundation website for more information and to apply. Applications are due by Oct. 23.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Families are asked to Save the Date for our fall parent-teacher conferences, which will take place Nov. 19-20, immediately preceding Fall Break (Thanksgiving week). Conferences will be held virtually through the Tes Parents’ Meeting platform, with in-person appointments available by request. Sign-up information, including login credentials, will be emailed to families next Thursday, Oct. 29 with electronic sign-up opening on Monday, Nov. 2.

Information Regarding Items On D39 Lunch Menus

District 39 is proud to announce a partnership with The Common Market to offer fresh, farm-to-table ingredients in some of its lunch offerings beginning Nov. 1. The Common Market is a nonprofit regional food distributor that connects urban communities with local food from sustainable family farms. Each month, District 39 will receive one or more ingredients from a local farm. These ingredients, which will largely consist of fruits and vegetables, will be incorporated into select items on our school lunch menus. These items will be designated on our online lunch menus by a farmhouse icon.

Throughout November, we will be using fresh apples from Hildebrand Fruit Farms in Berrien Springs, Mich. We are looking forward to providing fresh ingredients for our students while supporting our local farms.

Second Annual District 39 Educational Foundation’s Innovative Educators Award

The District 39 Educational Foundation will soon be accepting applications for the Second Annual Innovative Educators Award. This award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in innovative teaching and learning practices in their classrooms and who model the characteristics of the D39 Educational Foundation’s mission.

Nominees for the Innovative Educator Award are educators who think beyond traditional teaching methods and programs. Some descriptors of Innovative Educators are listed below:

Try new practices and approaches to reach and teach students.
Create an environment of innovation within their classrooms.
Show leadership among their peers and share their innovative practices for the benefit of all students.
Provide new and innovative opportunities for students in their varied interests and talents.
Innovative in building a welcoming community within their classrooms where every student is valued for unique abilities, background, and talents.

Families are encouraged to nominate qualified faculty/staff as we seek to showcase our amazing D39 educators! Nominations for this award will open on Nov. 2.

District 39 Educational Foundation Bingo Night!

Join the fun at the D39 Educational Foundation’s Annual Bingo Night on Friday, Nov. 13 from 6-8 pm at the Highcrest cafeteria! Every bingo card played during this fun, family-friendly event supports innovative teaching and learning across District 39! Lou Malnati’s thin crust pizza will be served. Last year’s event sold out, so please plan to get your tickets in advance! Visit the D39 Ed Foundation website for more information.

Board of Education

Committee of the Whole Recap

This past Monday, the Board of Education gathered for its monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. At this meeting, the Board was presented with our 2026 Fall Assessment Report, which included NWEA MAP and FastBridge baseline data, received a presentation on the 2026 estimated tax levy, and heard a presentation on technology use on District 39-issued devices.

Board of Education Business Meeting Preview

The Board of Education will gather on Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 pm at the Mikaelian Education Center for its monthly business meeting. In addition to hearing committee reports, the Board will hear the Spring 2026 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) report, review the estimated 2026 tax levy, be presented with the Fall Enrollment report, and conduct a first reading of several Board policies.

Agendas and materials for Board of Education meetings are posted online the Friday prior to the meeting. More information on our new Strategic Plan (2026-31), including a video highlighting our strategic priorities, is available on our strategic plan webpage.

Important 8th Grade Dates Reminder: Please keep these upcoming 8th-grade dates on your radar and calendars:

November 7 & November 14: New Trier Placement Testing (Families will select one of these two dates. Additional information regarding the test and registration process will come directly from New Trier).
Friday, May 28: 8th Grade Party
Tuesday, June 1: Six Flags Great America Trip
Thursday, June 3: Graduation, 5 PM

Bike Parking and Riding Reminders

Now that student bike parking has transitioned to the front of the school between the Learning Commons and the Auditorium, we appreciate everyone's cooperation in making morning arrivals smoother and safer.

A few quick reminders as we adjust to the new layout:

Fill Racks Center-Out: When you arrive on campus, make an effort to park your bike toward the middle of the rack first and work your way outward. This optimizes space and keeps bike storage organized for everyone.
Use Secondary Racks if Full: If you typically park closer to the main office and those bike racks are full, please head toward the other set located near the parking lot.
Stay on Designated Paths: When leaving campus for the day, DO NOT CUT THROUGH THE PARKING LOTS. Always stay on the designated paths and crosswalks.
Use Designated Racks Only: Always lock your bike to official school racks. Do not attach bikes to private fences, trees, or non-designated structures.
Keep Pathways Clear: Avoid leaving bikes where they can block walkways, gates, or emergency access points.

Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe, accessible, and organized!

Athletics Update: State Cross Country Results

We are proud to announce that 8th grader Jacoby Rhuberg competed at the State Cross Country Meet today in Bloomington-Normal. Jacoby capped off a fantastic season by running a personal best time to finish 19th place in the state, officially securing All-State honors.

Congratulations to Jacoby on his dedication, hard work, and magnificent finish!

Tryouts for Winter Sports

We are excited to get our winter sports underway! With Girls Basketball tryouts wrapping up earlier this week, Boys Basketball and Dance are up next.

Boys Basketball tryouts will take place on Monday, October 26th and Tuesday, October 27th. Dance clinics will also run on October 26th and 27th, with Dance tryouts following on Thursday, October 29th.

Please remember to register on PowerSchool before attending tryouts or clinics. We look forward to another fantastic sports season!

Open Mat Wrestling

The Wilmette Wrestling Team will hold open gym practices on Mondays and Thursdays after school for the month of November. Practices are held in Gym A at HMS from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come out and try wrestling. The first practice will be next Monday, November 2nd.

Girls Wrestling

Come be a part of something new! Girls wrestling is the fastest-growing sport in the country. Wilmette wrestling has had girls compete on our team for many years, but we are gauging interest to see if we have the numbers to start an official girls team. Please reach out to Coach Lee if your daughter is interested. wjhswrestlingcoaches@wilmette39.org

Go Wolves!

Sarah Meier + Kirsten Best

Wilmette Jr. HS (WJHS) /Highcrest MS (HMS) Athletic Directors

LAST CHANCE!! WJHS FAMILY NIGHT @ THE CHICAGO WOLVES HOCKEY GAME 10/24

Come support your friends in the WJHS Jazz Band and Orchestra as they perform at the Chicago Wolves hockey game on Saturday, 10/24. Game time is 7:00pm and our musicians will be playing before the game starts inside the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. A special ticket price of $23.36 (including taxes and fees) has been offered to our WJHS families. Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

This is not a drop off event, so children should be accompanied by an adult.

2026-2027 WJHS YEARBOOKS NOW ON SALE

Yearbooks can be pre-ordered through the WJHS PTO website this year HERE. Order today and be worry-free next spring when you wonder if you’ve already bought one for your student!

WJHS MAGNETS

A complimentary car WJHS Magnet will be distributed in the Fall to all who have contributed to the iGNITE Fund! ANY contribution to the iGNITE (Enrichment) Fund is appreciated! These will come home with your student in November. Log into Membership Toolkit to contribute to iGNITE.

THE PERFECT REASON TO SPEND AN HOUR OUTSIDE - HANG IN THE COURTYARD!

The fall weather is BEAUTIFUL & the perfect time to help out in the courtyard to see your student during their recess break. Please use this link to sign up for your spot today! Thank you for your time!

Courtyard: SIGN UP HERE

DISTRICT SCHOOL SAFETY MEETING NOTES/REMINDERS

A special thank you to our school safety representative, Jocelyn Shook, for providing the following safety updates and meeting recap:

Lithium Battery Fire Safety: The Fire Department reminds families to charge lithium-ion batteries (found in smartwatches, laptops, and e-bikes) during daytime hours on non-combustible surfaces where they can be monitored. Recent fires have been linked to devices charged overnight on nightstands or covered in bedsheets.
Bus Transportation: Per Michelle McGregor (D39 Busing), students are strictly required to ride only their assigned bus route.
Electronics & Earbuds Policy: An upcoming Illinois law will mandate no electronics in K–8 schools next school year. While District 39 is already aligned through our "Away for the Day" policy, please remind your children that earbuds are included and should not be worn in hallways between classes.
Student Privacy & Recording Laws: Please remind your children that Illinois is a two-party consent state, making it illegal to record individuals without their permission.
Bike Safety Warning (Tampering): There have been reports of individuals loosening the quick-release levers on bicycle front wheels. Please ask your student to inspect their bike before riding to ensure wheels are secure.
E-Bike Legislation (Effective Jan 2027): A new Illinois law taking effect in January 2027 will require e-bike riders to be at least 15 years old. We encourage families to keep this age restriction in mind ahead of the holiday season and discuss safe riding habits at home.
Community Hangout Spot: Looking for local activities for your kids? Remind them that the Wilmette Warming House is a fantastic, safe place to spend time with friends!

YOUR PTO IN ACTION

The PTO is happy to help sponsor the Rainbow Therapy Dog program this year spearheaded by the school social worker, Natalia Panico. This program is designed to support student well-being by reducing stress and anxiety while fostering a calm, positive and safe learning experience through 11 visits throughout the year for our student community. Thanks Natalia for your partnership!

STAY CONNECTED!

Follow @WJHS.PTO on Instagram for PTO news, reminders, upcoming events and a peek at what’s happening around WJHS.

Join WJHS PARENTS on Facebook to connect with other current WJHS families, ask questions, share information and stay in the loop.

Visit WJHSPTO.com throughout the year for PTO news, volunteer opportunities, after-school clubs, meeting information, important links and more.

WJHS SPIRITWEAR

Look your best on Spirit Fridays! Wilmette Junior High School Wolves spirit wear is offered through our partner and fellow Wilmette moms’ business HumanKind. Check out all the great options HERE that can be personalized!

WJHS Weekly News and Notes

October 23, 2026

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Principal Update Principal Update

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Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Principal Update

Leaders of the Pack

District Updates

7th & 8th Grade Updates

Important Upcoming Dates

Athletics Updates