BJHS | February 2023 Newsletter

HEADLINES

Student Safety Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures

Students should arrive at school no earlier than 8:10 a.m. and be picked up after school no later than 3:15 P.M. If a student is being dropped off or picked up, the driver must adhere to the one-way sign at the entrance of the parking lot. Drivers must NEVER go the wrong way in the parking lot as this is unsafe for students and staff. Thank you for being so cooperative.

BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL FAMILIES, PARENTS, PLEASE

DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR CHILD BEING AT SCHOOL ON TIME

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

Now that the second quarter is behind us, we have come to the most important part of our school year. Teachers are conscientiously teaching, and students learn the core content they should know at their grade level. Attendance is crucial for optimum learning, and this is a critical time for students to attend every day possible in school. Parents, please discuss the importance of your child being at school on time, and we all must take extra precautions to ensure the good health of our students. With the many viruses and illnesses accompanying the winter months, please encourage good eating, sleeping habits, and hand washing. If your child is showing symptoms of illness, please keep them at home until the symptoms subside. Contact the school and your child’s teacher for missing assignments.

Jill Larson Principal jlarson@brookwood167.org

School Hours

Students’ school day is from 8:30 a.m. until 3:10 p.m.

Students should not arrive earlier than 8:10 a.m.

As always, please reach out to your child’s teachers for any questions/concerns, or if I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me and know that my door is always open. I can be reached at the school number (708) 758-5252, by email jlarson@ brookwood167.org or by cell phone at (708) 362-0115.

Our second Parent Teacher Conferences are being held this month on February 8th from 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Parents do not need an appointment to attend conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences are a good way to meet your child’s teacher and learn about your child’s academic performance, as well as the teacher’s expectations. If you know what is expected in the classroom, you can more easily address any issue that comes up as your child moves through the school year. By attending conferences, you also send a positive message to your child that school is important. Keep in mind that you are an equal partner at the conference. If you have questions or observations, the conference is a good time to share them with the teacher. Don’t forget to share what you know about your child. Your information helps the teacher better understand how to teach your child.

I am honored to serve as your prIncIpal

Student Support Intervention (SSI)

We hold Student Support Intervention Meetings (SSI) all year long, before school at 7:45 a.m. or after school at 3:15 p.m. to schedule a meeting, please email Ms. Mitchell at rmitchell@ brookwood167.org, or call the school at (708) 758-5252.

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION

Our teachers do an excellent job of communicating with families. Here is where you can stay informed proactively:

• School and District Website - www.brookwood167.org

• Bull Dog News - Weekly school newsletter that will be sent home on Fridays

• ClassDojo - It is essential that you sign up for the Principal’s ClassDojo. If you have not already joined, an invitation will be sent to you during the first week of school. To join, you will need either your phone number or email address.

• A phone call or an email is an efficient way to communicate with your child’s teacher. Please remember that our teachers are with students throughout the day and will return the call/email as soon as possible. At times, this may be the next school day.

If a child has any symptoms listed below, they should stay home in the morning or go home if these symptoms first occur at school.

IF MY CHILD IS SICK, WHEN SHOULD I KEEP THEM HOME?

When a child can return to school is based on the specific symptom they have.

• Fever of 100.4 or higher

• New onset of moderate to severe headache

• Shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Abdominal pain from unknown cause

• New congestion/runny nose

• New loss of sense of taste or smell

• Fatigue from unknown cause

• Muscle or body aches

If you answer “YES” to any of the above, your child MUST stay home. Please call the school to report your child’s absence (708) 708-758-5252 (Option 1.)

ANTI-BULLY PLEDGE...

We make a COMMITMENT to stand against bullying.

We will treat others with RESPECT and KINDNESS.

We will have the COMPASSION to not be a bully.

We will have the COURAGE to not be a bystander.

It is our RESPONSIBILITY to help others and to report bullying.

ATTENDANCE

Take a look at your child’s attendance. When your child returns in January, the school year will be about half over. This is a great time to review the first part of the year and make plans for the next. Looking at your child’s school attendance should be part of this important process. Did your child attend school every day unless they were sick or there was a family emergency?

If so, congratulations! Let them know you’re proud of their strong attendance. Help them keep up the good work for the rest of the year and beyond. Strong attendance is one predictor of success in school.

If not:

• Remind your child that regular school attendance is a priority.

• Emphasize the need for rest, nutrition, and exercise to stay healthy and stay in school.

• Consider the reasons you take your child out of school. Can you make some appointments outside school hours?

• Create consequences. Let your child know that skipping school erodes your trust in them.

IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

To report absences please call the attendance line at (708) 757-2115. Please call the school before 8:30 a.m. to report your child’s absence.

Please leave the following information:

• Student’s full name with the spelling of the last name

• Reason for absence/tardy/early release

• Your name and relationship to the student

• Please call the main number (708) 758-5252 at least 45 minutes PRIOR to early dismissal.

For your student to be EXCUSED you must sign them in and out in the main office or their absence will be marked as unexcused.

Official attendance will be reported every morning at 9:00 a.m. If your child joins a teacher’s classroom late, they will be marked tardy in PowerSchool, and you will be notified through the Principal’s Class dojo.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

questIons for parents to ask durIng parent/teacher conferences

• What is your preferred method of asking a question about my student: email, phone, or a note in the planner?

• What can I do to support you and make your job easier as we work as a team for my child’s growth this year?

• What can I do at home to keep academic and behavioral expectations on track?

• How can I best stay on top of what is happening at school? In the classroom?

• What do you suggest we do if we are at home and my student gets “stuck” on homework?

• What is your teaching style, and how can we be consistent with those methods at home?

• What are your suggestions for limiting online time and social media for this age?

• Does my child have too many extracurricular activities from your vantage point? How do I know if he/she is overbooked?

• How do I help my student gain independence in middle/high school?

• How can I stay aware of any behavior issues that may arise at school?

• What is your policy on late homework and make-up work? How does that influence grades?

• How do you handle absences and missed tests or homework?

• What will have the biggest impact on my student’s grade in your class?

• What are some modifications you might make if you saw a child struggling with your area of expertise?

• What are some tools we can use at home to help my child grow in his understanding of the basic math concepts you are teaching in your class?

• Is my child at a point where you would suggest additional help, such as a tutor or enrichment at home? Can you suggest any resources?

• What can I do to support literacy when my student is at home?

• My student struggles with spelling. How do I help them without humiliating them (especially if they are older)?

• What books do you think my student would enjoy if she doesn’t like to read?

• What have you observed, negative and positive, regarding my child’s response to classroom behavior expectations? Are they polite and respectful to teachers and students?

• What behavior modifications can we make at home to reinforce expectations at school?

GET INVOLVED!

Parent Involvement

Our focus this year continues to be on parent involvement. We want to create a welcoming environment for all our parents, and we want to continue this important partnership throughout the school year.

Our next Parent/Teacher Conferences are on February 8th, 2023. Attending Parent/ Teacher Conferences is one way to be involved and help your child succeed.

a parent/teacher conference Is a great opportunIty to:

• Discuss your child’s progress

• Share your child’s strengths and needs

• Work with the teacher to help your child do well in school

Conferences focus on learning, although behavior and social concerns might be discussed. The teacher will review your child’s progress, including strengths and areas in need of improvement.

If you are unable to make it to Parent/Teacher Conferences, please contact our Assistant Principal to set up a meeting with your child’s teachers.

Ms. Mitchell

Assistant Principal

(708) 758-5252

rmitchell@brookwood167.org

I am excited to share with you that for the second year in a row, our Superintendent and Board of Education have decided to provide our students with a set of school supplies to use at school and a set to use at home! If your child needs any additional resources or supplies for any of their classes, please contact our school office at (708) 758-5252, so we can help provide them with all necessary and needed materials.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

POWERSCHOOL

All Brookwood teachers use an online grading system called “PowerSchool” that they update every Thursday.

We encourage you to check your child’s progress regularly. This program is confidential; therefore, you will need an access username and password to see your child’s progress. If you need your username and password, please contact the school office at (708) 758-5252. A PowerSchool app for your cellular phone makes it easy for parents to stay updated on their child’s progress.

PARENT VISITATION DAY

Parent Visitation Day

March 16th, 2023

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please save the date and come out for our last parent visitation day!

You can follow your child’s schedule and meet their teachers. Have some light refreshments and talk with the principal.

You will also be able to pick up your child’s home electronic device and home set of school supplies and sign up for ClassDojo and PowerSchool.

This is a great way to connect positively with your child’s school and keep up to date about what your child is learning daily. We hope you can come!

TECHNOLOGY HELPLINE

If your child is having any technology problems connecting to their teacher’s Google Classroom, please contact our help desk at (708) 300-3553 or email our help desk

helpdesk@brookwood167.org

Please leave a detailed message with your name, child’s name, phone number, and the issue you are having with the device.

MISSION STATEMENT

Brookwood School District 167, in partnership with parents and the community, will create a learning environment in which all students excel at becoming lifelong learners and decision-makers.

WE BELIEVE

• Families shape their children’s motivation, confidence, and academic success by being interested and involved in their overall development.

• All students are unique and should be challenged to the highest level of academic and artistic excellence.

• In the importance of staff development opportunities based on best practices and educational research.

• In educating our children in a safe and nurturing environment with access to state-of-the-art technology.

• The school system should teach students to think critically enabling them to become contributing citizens in our global society.

• In continuous improvement in all aspects of the school system to foster a culture of excellence, Accountability, and integrity.

• In responsible stewardship of financial and physical resources.

VISION STATEMENT

Our overall vision is to improve the achievement of all students, regardless of race, socio-economic status, gender, or ability levels (disabilities). We share the accountability of student achievement throughout the school. We believe in using research-based practices to achieve our goals. We promote school and community involvement because we believe that these partnerships help us meet the needs of all of our students.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO

1. Providing students with highly qualified teachers

2. Providing our staff with professional development

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION & SUPPORTS (PBIS)

As a part of PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports), teachers, administrators, and support staff have the responsibility to TEACH positive behavior expectations to our students.

This education results in students knowing exactly what is expected of them and a framework of evidence based behavioral supports and interventions in an integrated curriculum to enhance both the social behavior and academic atmosphere for our diverse body of students throughout the school.

Lessons take place in several ways and in the environment for the expectations. For example, teachers will do short lessons each week on a specific expectation, the staff on lunch duty will discuss lunchroom expectations, on Fridays students complete a Kahoot or Blooket quiz to review the expectations they have been learning about all week.

Posters or anchor charts have been created for different areas of the building to give the students and staff reminders about the expected behaviors.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

As the weather is getting colder, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Brookwood Jr. High School believes that student dress and overall appearance should foster a positive and productive environment and should reflect pride in oneself as well as our school. We further believe that student dress and appearance are a shared responsibility of the home and the school. The Administration will make the final judgment on the appropriateness of clothing and/or appearance and reserves the right to prohibit students from wearing any articles of clothing or other items that lead to or may foreseeably result in the disruption of, or interference with, the school environment. Please read our Parent Student Handbook for specific dress code expectations.

PAPER TUTORING | PARENT RESOURCES

• The parent & guardian’s guide to implementing Paper™ at home | Guiding caregivers in providing the unlimited support their students need.

FAMILY NIGHTS

• Family Black History Trivia Night- February 21st

• Family Fitness Night- March 14th

• Family Reading Night- April 18th

• Fine Arts Night-April 20th

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

february Is black hIstory month

MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Every morning in February, during the morning announcements, we will be sharing daily Black History Facts with students to help them study for our Black History Family Trivia Night on February 21st.

ALL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

During Advisory on February 3rd, 2023, students will complete Black History Educational Activity Books

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2023

Historical Perspectives: Captivating, full-life, pre-recorded, 45-minute online performances with captioning, including slides, sound effects, voiceover and questions with the playwright.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR - 8TH GRADE

Civil Rights Leader | Black History | Leadership | Conflict Resolution

Diversity | Character Education | Civil Rights Movement

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

• Experienced discrimination at age six (6) when his best friend (white) could no longer play with him

• Enrolled in college at age fifteen (15) and struggled academically at first. Became committed to peace-ful conflict resolution

• Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott at age twnety-six (26), integrating the buses after 381 days.

• Successfully fought for passage of civil rights and voting rights bills in the 1960s; awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

• Challenges students to resolve their conflicts through listening, discussion and peaceful conflict resolution

WILMA RUDOLPH

Olympic Champion | Black History | Disability | Awareness | Women’s History

Bullying | Character Education

WILMA

• Was the 20th of 22 children, born in the South in the 1940s to strong, caring parents

• Contracted polio as a little girl, eventually overcoming its paralyzing effects on her left leg by age twelve (12)

• Overcame poverty and discrimination to become the first in her family to graduate from college

• Became the first woman in the US to win three (3) gold medals in the Olympics in track (1960)

• Challenges students to keep trying, never give up and do their best in whatever they do

FEBRUARY 21ST, 2023

Black History Great Works Onsite Assembly - Harriet Tubman

Introduce students to a real-life heroine who led 300 people from slavery to freedom. Served the Union army during the Civil War, and was one of the most prominent voices in the push for women’s voting rights.

Harriet Tubman was born a slave around 1820, but from the time she was a child, she knew that she had to be free. After several attempts to steal herself away, she finally succeeded in escaping to the North - and that’s just the real beginning of an inspirational true-life adventure story.

Harriet went on to go South and back dozens of times, eventually bringing over 300 people up to freedom. In addition, she worked as a nurse and a spy with the Union Army, and after the war, became a prominent voice for suffrage for American women.

This is a great introduction to this real-life heroine.

FEBRUARY 24TH, 2023

Black History Program | 1:30 P.M.- 3:00 P.M.

FOOD SERVICE

New Food Service!

Our Superintendent and Board of Education know how important proper nutrition affects our students’ learning. This year we will be purchasing our school breakfast and lunch from - QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICE.

Quest Food Management Servic is passionate about food and they believe in wholesome, nutritious ingredients. That is why they are committed to using items that are healthier for both our student’s bodies and the planet.

Quest Food Management Service, provide communities with fresh, high-quality food, exceptional responsiveness, and intensely personal service.

By purchasing with the following standards in mind and preparing items so that they are as fresh as possible when served, they support local agriculture, increase nutrition, and intensify the flavor.

HONOR & HIGH HONOR ROLL

Students are given a quarterly report card at BJHS.

Students who earn an academic G.P.A. of 3.95 or higher are placed on the High Honor Roll.

If a student makes an academic grade of 3.453.94, they are placed on the Honor Roll.

Students earning those honors will be invited to a special Student Recognition Luncheon each quarter.

Our Quarter 2 celebrations take place this month, January 30th for 7th grade Honor Roll students and January 31st for 8th grade students.

CLASSDOJO

What is ClassDojo?

PLEASE JOIN OUR CLASSDOJO’S AND STAY INFORMED!

It is important that you sign up for the Principal’s Class Dojo. I post important information such as if a bus is running late, important reminders regarding picture day, graduation information and other important topics.

PLEASE SIGN UP TODAY!

ClassDojo is actively used in 90% of U.S. K-8 schools.

ClassDojo is a free app that helps build amazing classroom and school communities. Teachers give feedback to students for any skill, like “Working Hard” and “Being Curious.”

From the mobile app, parents view their child’s feedback, and can message directly with teachers and school leaders.

Please join my ClassDojo so you can stay informed on what is happening at Brookwood Junior High School.

If you would like to join, please accept the invitation that we emailed to you or texted you, or contact the school at (708) 758-5252, email, jlarson@brookwood167.org. All you will need to provide is your cell phone number or email address.

GET INVOLVED AND STAY INFORMED!

SPORTS / ACTIVITIES

ALL SPORTS ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION REQUIRES A CURRENT PHYSICAL

FALL SPORTS

• Cross Country

• Girls Basketball

• Boys Basketball

• Cheerleading

WINTER SPORTS

• Wrestling

• Girls Volleyball

• Boys Volleyball

SPRING SPORTS

• Track

DID YOU KNOW!

We do not have tryouts for any of our sports teams. If your child wants to participate, they must show up for practice! Please encourage your child to get involved.

SPORTS PHYSICALS

Any student planning on participating in a sport must have a current physical on file (good for one (1) year).

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Join BJHS Clubs & Activities

• Tutoring

• Student Council

• Chess

• Art Club

• S.T.E.M. Club

• Cheerleading

• Cooking Club

• Mathletes

• Speech & Debate Club

• Video Club

• Gospel Choir

• NJHS

• Drumline

• Band

• Jazz Band

• Yearbook

• Girls Basketball

• Boys Basketball

• Girls Volleyball

• Boys Volletball

• Wrestling

• Track

• Cross Country

• Keyboarding Club

• Spanish Club

DAILY BELL SCHEDULE

SAVE THE DATE

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 1ST

LUNCH WITH THE LAW | 11:30 A.M.

VISION BOARD ACTIVITY | SELECT 8TH GRADERS

BOOK FAIR BEGINS

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ HOME VS. HUTH | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ HUTH | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 2ND

DISTRICT WIDE SPELLING BEE @ BJHS | 10:30 A.M.

WRESTLING @ REED CUSTER - COAL CITY | 4:30 P.M.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ MEMORIAL | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ HOME VS. MEMORIAL | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 3RD

FIELD MUSEUM FIELD TRIP | SELECT 7TH & 8TH GRADERS

FEBRUARY 6TH

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ HART | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ HOME VS. HART | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 7TH

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES PLAY | WILMA RUDOLPH & MLK

WRESTLING @ WESTMONT | 4:30 P.M.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ HUTH | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ HOME VS. HUTH | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 8TH

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES | 10:30 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.

FEBRUARY 9TH

WRESTLING MEET @ DARIEN EISENHOWER | 4:30 P.M.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ CRETE | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ HOME VS. CRETE | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 10TH

BOOK FAIR ENDS

FEBRUARY 13TH

WRESTLING @ MANHATTAN | 4:30 P.M.

FEBRUARY 14TH

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING | EARLY DISMISSAL @ 11:30 A.M.

FEBRUARY 15TH

HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM | 7TH GRADERS

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ HOME VS. COLUMBIA | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ COLUMBIA | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 16TH

HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM | 8TH GRADERS

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ COLIN POWELL | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ HOME VS. COLIN POWELL | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 17TH

SHEDD AQUARIUM FIELD TRIP | SELECT 7TH GRADERS

FEBRUARY 20TH

PRESIDENTS DAY | NO SCHOOL

FEBRUARY 21ST

BLACK HISTORY ASSEMBLY | HARRIET TUBMAN

FEBRUARY 22ND

VISION BOARD ACTIVITY | SELECT 8TH GRADERS BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ MEMORIAL | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 23RD

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ HART | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 24TH

BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM | PARENTS WELCOME | 1:30 P.M.

FEBRUARY 25TH

WRESTLING IESA REGIONALS

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL 7TH GRADE REGIONALS

FEBRUARY 27TH

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL @ HOME VS. CHMS | 4:15 P.M.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL & CHESS @ CHMS | 4:15 P.M.

FEBRUARY 28TH

BOYS VOLLEYBALL @ HOME VS. PARKER | 4:15 P.M.

BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Save

Parent/Teacher Conferences

February 8th, 2023

10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

VISITORS

If you need to come into the school for any reason, for safety reasons, you will be required to wear a mask, and you will need to have a current Driver’s License that will be checked in our Raptor Security System.

Raptor® provides a line of sight as to who is always in our school. The system provides school and districtwide reporting for all visitors, volunteers, and contractors that have signed in/out of our buildings.

This is important for safety reasons.