BJHS | October Newsletter

ISSUE: 002 / OCTOBER YEAR: 2021

BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PLEASE TRY AND LIMIT YOUR CHILD’S ABSENCES...

We are closing in on the end of the 1st Quarter for grades and I know many of our students have been working hard to start their year off right. The 1st Quarter is a great time to check-in with your child and discuss how the first part of the school year has progressed. Although we like to give our middle school students some freedom to take charge of their own academics, it is always a great idea to have them explain to you their progress, challenges and plan for staying on track.

We have started some athletic activities for our students in September which includes the start of our Cross-Country season and girls’ basketball. All students are required to have a yearly physical prior to participating in any athletic practices or games/meets.

We will also be starting our after school tutoring hours in the near future. Students will have the opportunity to get help with homework or projects by certified teachers afterschool hours from 3:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. You can always reach out to your child’s teachers at any time to inquire about options for extra assistance in any class. To request tutoring for your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher through Class Dojo or through email.

Please try and limit your child’s absences from school and ensure that they arrive to school on time. School starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. Research shows that high levels of academic achievement are linked to student attendance and engagement. Our focus this year is to limit student absences and tardies as they can directly impact your child’s education.

We welcome all parent communication and will

be timely in our response to your concerns. If your child is experiencing difficulty in his/her learning, please contact us immediately. We want to be proactive in reaching a solution instead of being reactive. All teachers offer extra help to students. Please encourage your child to ask for help.

If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at the school number (708) 758-5252, by email jlarson@ brookwood167.org or by cell phone, (708) 362-0115.

STAY SAFE AND BE WELL! JILL LARSON, PRINCIPAL

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

What is ClassDojo?

Reporting of Absence(s): Parents must call the school to report their child absent before 8:30 a.m. The number for reporting absences is (708) 758-5252, Option 1.

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 ClassDojo.

ClassDojo is a school communication platform that teachers, students, and families use every day to build close-knit communities by sharing what’s being learned in the classroom home through photos, videos, and messages. *Students and parents will be linked to their class through a code provided by the teacher*

Please join my ClassDojo so you can stay informed on what is happening at BROOKWOOD JR. HIGH. If you would like to join, please accept the invitation that we emailed to you or texted you, or contact the school at (708) 7585252, email, jlarson@brookwood167.org, or cell phone, (708) 362-0115. All you will need to provide is your cell phone number or email address.

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.

GET INVOLVED AND STAY INFORMED!

NWEA MAP TESTING During the week of 9/20/21, your child took a MAP® GrowthTM test from NWEA® on a computer. Every year Brookwood School District 167 assesses student skill levels in reading and in math by administering the MAP Assessment. We use NWEA Map as our local District-Wide Assessment to measure student growth. Students are given a Fall Benchmark Assessment, a Winter Benchmark Assessment and a Spring Benchmark Assessment. The data from this assessment provides the district and each individual teacher with very important information that supports the planning and development of instructional lessons to maximize the skill level of every student for optimum academic growth MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.

VISION Our

overall

Vision

becoming lifelong learners and decision makers.

is

to

improve the achievement of all students, regardless of

•

or

ability

levels

(disabilities).

We share the accountability of

student

achievement

throughout the school. We

•

believe in using researchbased 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: •

•

•

POWERSCHOOL

environment with access to state-of-the-art

Families shape their children’s motivation,

In educating our children in a safe and nurturing

We Believe:

race, socio-economic status, gender,

•

technology.

•

The school system

confidence, and

should teach students to

academic success by

think critically enabling

being interested and

them to become

involved in their overall

contributing citizens in

development.

our global society.

All

In continuous

School teachers use an

All students are unique

•

Brookwood

Jr.

High

and should be challenged

improvement in all

to the highest level of

aspects of the school

academic and artistic

system to foster a

“PowerSchool” that they

excellence.

culture of excellence,

update every Thursday. We

In the importance of

accountability and

staff development

integrity.

encourage you to check your

opportunities based

•

In responsible

online grading system called

child’s progress regularly.

on best practices and

stewardship of financial

This program is completely

educational research.

and physical resources.

confidential;

therefore,

Providing students with

you will need an access

highly qualified teachers

username and password to

Providing

our

with

professional

see your child’s progress.

staff

If you need your username

development

and/or password, please contact the school office at

MISSION

(708) 758-5252. There is a PowerSchool app available

Brookwood School District 167,

in

partnership

for your cellular phone that

with

parents and community, will

makes it easy for parents to

create a learning environment

stay updated on their child’s

in which all students excel at

ABSENT FROM SCHOOL?

progress.

Parents did you know that if your child is absent, you can request a recorded version of their teacher’s lesson? We want to keep students on track, and this is a great way for ensuring students don’t fall behind if they miss a class. You can also request a recorded lesson if your child is struggling and they need to see the lesson again. Please reach out to your child’s teachers and take advantage of this great resource.

Cops n Bobbers is dedicated to the mission of bringing Kids, Police, and the Community together in outdoor events that are educational and fun.

Cops & Bobbers believes that in setting an example for the community, and getting kids together in outdoor events, we can strengthen bonds and join friendships with the community and police.

HOME ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND HOME SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION If you were not able to make it to our on-site Open House in September or our three (3) pick up dates on September, please contact the school office at (708) 758-5252.

In partnership with the Glenwood Police Department, Brookwood Jr. High School took two (2) groups of 7th & 8th grade students fishing at the Izak Walton Preserve located at 1100 Ridge Road in Homewood on Thursday, September 16th and Friday, September 17th.

The Glenwood Police also had a cookout and students were treated to hot dogs, chips, and a drink at the preserve. The district purchased T-Shirts commemorating this fun activity.

The Cops and Bobbers Program is designed to teach kids how to fish. The Glenwood Police hosted the event. The goal of Cops & Bobbers is to get kids hooked on fishing rather than drugs and crime, and to also show our police department in a positive and friendly manner.

We can provide you with a pick-up day and time.

Our students had a great time interacting with the Glenwood Police officers and learning how to fish!

SPORTS

Any student planning on

GIRLS BASKETBALL

participating in a sport

Girls basketball season is starting in October! If your daughter wants to participate, please have her see Mr. DeRamus, Girl's Head Coach or Ms. Baker, Girls Assistant Coach. We do not have tryouts or cuts; students can participate as long as they have a current sports physical on file in the Nurse's office and as long as they attend practices.

must have a current

CROSS COUNTRY Our Brookwood Cross Country Team has been doing great! The following students have the fastest times of the season (2 miles): Jalen J. Christian D. Morgan T. Jazmin C.

16:46 16:51 21:38 22:25

| | | |

Mario T. Jairo D. Itzel S. Nadia L.

16:49 17:44 22:05 22:26

physical on file (good for one (1) year).

UPCOMING EVENTS 1st, October 4th, October SSJHSA Cross Country Conference Meet Fire Prevention Week 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Girls Basketball @ Obama | 4:15 p.m.

Dismissal - School Improvement Planning 11:30 a.m.

5th, October 6th, October Girls Basketball @ Home vs. CHMS | 3:30 p.m. Lunch with the Law Mentoring Program

Girls Basketball @ Home vs. Huth | 4:15 p.m.

9th, October IESA Cross Country Regional Meet @ Round Barn Farm, Manhatten, IL | 9:00 a.m.

12th, October Girls Basketball @ Crete Monee | 4:15 p.m.

13th, October 15th, October Girls Basketball @ Memorial | 4:15 p.m. Immunizations & Physicals Due (REQUIRED) 18th, October

National School Bus Safety Week Girls Basketball @ Home vs. Hart | 4:15 p.m.

19th, October Girls Basketball @ Home vs. Parker | 4:15 p.m.

20th, October Girls Basketball @ Parker | 4:15 p.m.

Virtual Family Reading Night | 6:00 p.m.

21st, October Girls Basketball @ Hart | 4:15 p.m.

25th, October Red Ribbon Week Girls Basketball @ Home vs. Crete | 4:15 p.m.

29th, October Dismissal - Early Release Day | 2:00 p.m.

End of Quarter 1

27th, October Girls Basketball @ Columbia | 4:15 p.m.

October is Fire Prevention Month!

“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.

STAFF Teacher

Position

Period Contact Hours

Email

Craig, Christina Math-8th

5th

1:00-1:55 p.m.

ccraig@brookwood167.org

Cantorna, Sean ELA, R180

6th

1:55-2:50 p.m.

scantorna@brookwood167.org

Shields, Kayla ELA- 8th

6th

1:55-2:50 p.m.

kshields@brookwood167.org

Walsh, Peter ELA-7th

6th

1:55-2:50 p.m.

pwalsh@brookwood167.org

Schmalz, Matthew Social Studies-8th 2nd

9:45-10:40 a.m.

mschmalz@brookwood167.org

Suarez, Juan Social Studies-7th 2nd

9:45-10:40 a.m.

jsuarez@brookwood167.org

Baker, Mary Science/STEM- 8th 3rd

10:40-11:35 a.m. mbaker@brookwood167.org

Moirano, Gina Science/STEM-7th 3rd

10:40-11:35 a.m. gmoirano@brookwood167.org

Rauen, Katie SPED

10:40-11:35 a.m. krauen@brookwood167.org

3rd

Smit, Steve R180, M180, SPED 1st

8:50-9:45 a.m.

ssmit@brookwood167.org

Kemp, Lisa R180, M180, SPED 1st

8:50-9:45 a.m.

lkemp@brookwood167.org

Hinz, Christine Math-7th

5th

1:00-1:55 p.m.

chinz@brookwood167.org

Bennett, Susan Art

1st

8:50-9:45 a.m.

sbennett@brookwood167.org

Ross, Chanae Music

1st

8:50-9:45 a.m.

cross@brookwood167.org

Canning, Mitchell

Band

4th

11:35-12:15 p.m.

mcanning@brookwood167.org

Lagger, Frank

P.E.

4th

11:35-12:15 p.m.

flagger@brookwood167.org

DeRamus, Elisha

P.E.

6th

1:55-2:50 p.m.

ederamus@brookwood167.org

Adams, Lucretia Social Worker

8:00-4:00 p.m.

ladams1@brookwood167.org

Page, Emily Social Worker

8:00-4:00 p.m.

epage@brookwood167.org

Mitchell, Rosia Assistant Principal

7:30-4:00 p.m.

rmitchell@brookwood167.org

Larson, Jill

7:30-4:00 p.m.

jlarson@brookwood167.org

Principal

VIRTUAL FAMILY MATH NIGHT Brookwood Junior High School’s (BJHS) “Virtual Family Math Night” was held on Wednesday, September 15th from 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. A Google Classroom was created, and a link was posted for students and their families to join on ClassDojo, a flyer was sent home with the Classroom link and a Robocall went out to families inviting them to participate.

When families logged on @ 6:00 P.M., administrators and staff greeted them and explained they would be participating in a “Math Escape Room”. A Kahoot with probability questions was shared with our families as a warm up activity. Families then participated in an Escape Room that contained fun Math probability activities.

Math resources were included on the Google Classroom for families to use and the links were also posted for the various math activities and made available for families to continue to use after the event ended.

Everyone that participated had a great time. Next month we will be having a “Virtual Family Reading Night”.

FAMILY MATH NIGHT

October is Fire Prevention Month! The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 3rd – 9th) is to

raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family is protected. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire prevention and whole home safety.

The NFPA's 2021 campaign for Fire Safety Month is "Learn The Sounds of Fire Safety." At First Alert, we are proud to support their mission and this year’s theme. For Fire Safety Month this year, First Alert is urging families to protect your whole home with "Safety You Can Trust." First Alert is the #1 brand in fire safety by providing homeowners fire safety products that have been trusted by generations. Help protect and keep your home safe today by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as having fire extinguishers at home. First Alert is dedicated to helping protect what matters most because a home emergency can happen at any time.

Did You Know?

Fire Prevention week is the perfect time to educate and talk with your whole family about fire safety – include testing alarms, changing the batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarms, how to use a fire extinguisher and escape route planning.

• • • • • • •

3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the US 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly* Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan* Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires

Help Protect Your Whole Home First Alert has been educating and protecting homes and families since 1958. We urge you to practice whole home safety, so you and your family are prepared not only during Fire Prevention Week and Month, but throughout the entire year. Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. They work around the clock to provide your family an early alert in the event of an emergency, providing you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom to keep your home and family safe. Fire extinguishers should also be placed on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage.

INTRODUCING THE 2021 NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK THEME: DRUG FREE LOOKS LIKE ME™ We’re excited to announce the 2021 Red Ribbon Campaign Theme, Drug Free Looks Like Me™. Submitted by Marin Wurst, a 7th grader at Solon Middle School in Solon, Ohio, the theme is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free!

Marin’s theme was chosen because it best describes how all of us must do our individual parts to keep our communities safe, healthy and drug free. All segments of the community -- health care workers, police officers, educators, school bus drivers, parents… people just like you and me, are examples of what we can achieve through self-dedication, care and commitment. The theme encourages everyone to use their voice to make a difference no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they do. The possibilities are endless when we work together!

“I was so surprised to hear the news that my theme won, and I’m very excited,” said Marin. “Being drug free is important to me because I want to stay healthy and have a good life. I’m proud that Drug-Free looks like me!”

MARIN WURST, SOLON MIDDLE SCHOOL, 7TH GRADE

NFP organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985.

After his murder, parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America. The theme contest is just one way NFP brings awareness to the community.

When not in school, Marin spends her free time playing soccer, making clay figurines, sketching, painting and playing video games. She also wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Her message to other young people is to, “Always be yourself.”

Theme submissions are accepted January 1 through December 4 and winners of the contest receive $500 in Ribbon Week themed merchandise courtesy of Nimco, Inc. Learn how to submit your 2022 Theme suggestion by clicking here: www.redribbon.org/theme/contest/

Fayette Middle School students, from left Shay McCoy, Selam Engida, health teacher Kathy Folden and student Thomas Moore show off their banner. GEORGIA 2001

The Red Ribbon Campaign® is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week®, October 23rd - October 31st each year.

What Is Red Ribbon Week?

Why Support The National Theme?

It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite A theme unifies each year’s campaign and helps to and take a visible stand against drugs. Show your broadcast one message, creating a tipping point to personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through change behavior. the symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23 - 31st.

Why? The Red Ribbon Campaign® was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign® is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG - FREE AMERICA.

Who?

How?

Plan a Red Ribbon celebration. Order and display Red Ribbon materials with the National Red Ribbon Theme. Proceeds from the sale of Red Ribbon theme merchandise helps support prevention programs across America. Order for your family, students, staff, patients, employees and customers and encourage them to wear the red ribbon symbol during Red Ribbon Week®, October 23rd - 31st.

BJHS Wearing red ribbons during the month of October continues to represent our pledge to live drug free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs.

National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week® Celebration. We are helping citizens across the country come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy Brookwood Jr. High School will celebrate Red Ribbon and drug-free, through parent training, networking Week by raising student awareness of living a drug and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign®. free life. We encourage you to take this opportunity to talk to your kids about drugs.

+1 708-758-5252 +1 708-758-3954 www.brookwood167.org

201 Glenwood-Lansing Road

Glenwod, IL 60425

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.

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

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.

BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

This is

important for safety reasons.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES I am excited to share with you that this school year, Brookwood School District 167 will be providing 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.

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 YOUR COOPERATION!