BJHS | March Newsletter

Brookwood Junior High School

NEWSLETTER Ms. Jill Larson, Principal Brookwood Junior High School 201 Glenwood-Lansing Road Glenwood, IL 60425

INSIDE p-01

From The Principal’s Desk

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Writer’s Workshop | H. Green

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Girls STEAM Ahead

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Did You Know?

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More Ways To Know Before You Go!

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Save The Date

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Boys Basketball

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District Spelling Bee Winner!

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Events

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School Safety Drill

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Parent/ Teacher Conferences

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Food Menu

BJHS | MARCH 2019 NEWLETTER

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Our students take federally required assessments every spring.

same this year as the assessment that students took last year, only slightly shorter..

These assessments help us

You can help your child do do his

understand how our students are

or her best on the test day by:

growing academically, compared to their peers across the state.

•

Make sure that your child

MS. JILL LARSON PRINCIPAL

attends school on the days of The state uses this information

testing; testing will begin by

to provide more support and

9:00 a.m.

resources to the schools in the greatest need.

This year, the English language arts and math assessment for grades 3-8 is called the “Illinois Assessment of Readiness”.

•

night before testing;

Making sure that your child

•

gets a good night’s sleep the

the teacher questions if he or she does not understand the

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test directions;

“Education is the

•

Readiness is almost exactly the

belongs to those who prepare for it

Letting your child know that you have confidence in his

passport to the

or her ability to do his or her

future, for tomorrow The Illinois Assessment of

Reminding your child to ask

best; •

Advising your child not to worry about the test-just do the best he or she can.

today.”

If you need any further

- Malcolm X

information or have further questions about these test, please call the office at (708) 7585252..

BJHS | MARCH 2019 NEWLETTER

HEADLINES

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH Writer’s Workshop Featuring “Harold Green” February 4th, 2019 Brookwood Junior High

The kids entered and were warmly greeted by

School kicked off our opening to Black History

Mr. Green.

Month with a writer’s workshop lead by renowned poet and performer Harold Green.

The days agenda consisted of a foundational approach to cover some of the basics of

Harold Green is an experienced performer and

poetic writing such as meter, rhyme patterns,

writer who has traveled all over the country

and forms (i.e. haikus, sonnets, etc).

performing in various colleges, giving Mayoral Inauguration speeches, and has been a constant

Once Mr. Green established the foundational

staple in Chicago’s poetry scene.

aspects of poetry he engaged students through a dissection of Maya Angelou’s “I

His Mayoral Inauguration poem received a

Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” analyzing

standing ovation from dignitaries including

poetic structures, stanzas, and repetitive

former President Bill Clinton, former Chicago

words and lines within the poem.

Mayor Richard Daley and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

Afterwards, students began to construct their own poems. Students were engaged and

So it was beyond a pleasure to have Mr. Green

connected to the activities and were able to

conduct our writer’s workshop.

share as well. Brookwood students were able to cover the basics of poetry writing and apply

Brookwood selected 150 of our top aspiring

those basics through the lens of Black poets.

writers and poets to be a part of the momentous occasion.

Truly an inspiring experience!

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“As always in life, people want a simple answer . . . and it’s always

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wrong.”

GIRLS STEAM AHEAD The Homewood Science Center will be hosting its 3rd annual Girls Steam Ahead on Saturday, March 2nd at the Idlewood Country Club.

Students will be able to network with 75 women who are in the STEAM professional field.

This year we are excited to be

Students will be able to ask

taking a bus from Brookwood

STEAM leaders questions

Junior High to the event.

about their journey into the STEAM field.

Girls from Brookwood Junior High are invited to network with

The event is a great time for our

women in STEAM professions

students to self reflect and set

and see a variety of STEAM

SMART (Specific, Measurable,

exhibits.

Achievable, Relevant, and Time Limited) goals for the future.

They will be able to enjoy a

BJHS | MARCH 2019 NEWLETTER

wonderful lunch that will be

Girls are encouraged to reach

followed by a key-note speaker.

out to one of the professionals

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>> “Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”

- MAE JEMISON, FIRST AFRICIAN AMERICAN WOMAN ASTRONAUT IN SPACE

DID YOU KNOW?

they meet and gain a mentor

away with a swag bag full of

through the experience.

goodies.

The goal is for our students to

It is a wonderful experience for

walk away with a mentor who

our students to be a part of.

can offer support, volunteer

“While women continue to push forward in the STEAM fields and they’re slowly becoming a bigger part of the sciences, they still only constitute roughly 30 percent of all scientists in the field.”

and internship opportunities, and job shadowing experience to help better prepare them for their future.

They will also be raffling off prizes and each girl will walk

BJHS | MARCH 2019 NEWLETTER

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SAVE THE DATE!

SSJHSA ATHLETICS • Brookwood • Crete-Monee • Memorial • Washington • Colin Powell

• Hart • Obama • Columbia • Huth • Parker

Mar 1

Field Trip to Facets Theater-Select students

9:00 am

Mar 2

Girls STEAM Ahead Field Trip-Select Student

10:15 am

Mar 4

No School - Casimir Pulaski Day

Mar 5

District Wide Severe Weather Drill

10:00 am

Mar 5

Boys Volleyball game vs. Washington (Home)

3:30 pm

Mar 6

Boys Volleyball game vs. Obama (Away)

3:30 pm

Mar 7

Griffin Inst. Field Trip-Select Band Students

5:25 pm

Mar 8

BJHS Active Shooter Drill with Police

9:30 am

Mar 9

Saturday Academic Camp

9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Mar 11

Illinois Assessment of Readiness Testing

Mar 11

Boys Volleyball Tourney @ Memorial

3:30 pm

Mar 11

Board of Education Meeting at A&D

7:00 pm

Mar 12

Bilingual Parent Ed. Meeting

6:00 pm

Mar 15

End of 3rd Quarter

Mar 15

District Early Release Day

2:00 pm

Mar 16

IGSMA Festival - Gospel Choir

6:00 am - 9:30 am

Mar 16

Saturday Academic Camp Last Session

9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Mar 18

Candy Sale Fundraiser Due

8:00 am

Mar 18

Federal Reserve Field Tip- Select Students

12:30 pm

Mar 21

No School – Parent Teacher Conferences

12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Mar 21

Report Cards Issued

12:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Mar 22

District Dismissal-School Improvement Day

11:30 am

Mar 26

Federal Reserve Field Tip- Select Students

12:30 pm

BJHS | MARCH 2019 NEWLETTER

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CONGRATULATIONS 8TH GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM! The 2017-18 Basketball season was one of pride and success. In seventh grade, the Brookwood Jr. High Boys Basketball Team took third place in the State of Illinois. This accomplishment was spectacular as it was the most success ever gained by a team in Brookwood Jr. High School history.

The 2018-19 Basketball season was one of challenge and determination. The first thing that the team encountered was the loss of three starters from the state team of the previous year. In an effort to repeat the State Team status we made adjustments all year long with hopes of putting it all together for the Regional. Our team finished the S.S.J.H.S.A. Conference season with a seven and six record.

The team turned their attention to the I.E.S.A. Regional but the state reassigned our team to the North Suburbs because of our success last year down South.

No school was willing to host the Regional. Brookwood stepped up and proudly hosted the I.E.S.A. Regional 1. In our first two games, against Roosevelt (Dolton) and Schrum we won by thirty points in both games, and things began to look very promising for the team and our success in the quest for state. The INDIANS FOUND THEMSELVES IN A FAMILIAR REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME against Dolton Lincoln.

The Brookwood Indians beat Lincoln 54-31 to earn the school’s ninth Regional Championship in the last six years.

All five starters had double figures in points as we qualified for the Sectional Championship game in Wheaton Illinois.

The I.E.S.A. Sectional game would be played against St. Francis Xavier Wood School of Chicago Illinois. St. Francis was a private school in Bridgeport near Comiskey Park. The Brookwood Indians would prevail in the closely contested contest by a final score of 45-43 ! By winning the Sectional Championship our team qualified for the State Tournament for only the third time in history. This team was the first team to qualify twice as well as the only eighth grade team to make it downstate in history.

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The State Tournament was held in Tolono, Illinois near Champaign and we faced Vandalia in the first round of the Elite Eight of Illinois. The Indians lost 49-41 and were eliminated from the tournament. Despite losing three starters as well as the starting center having eye surgery the Brookwood Indians accomplished more than any Brookwood team in school history.

The Brookwood Indian team was made up of talent, compassion,and determination. Our fine athletes, that accomplished this success, were Jordan Brown, Kharon Green, Brett Hardy, Justin Dagans, Ajani Rush, Damarrion Walls, Jacob Gunn, Camarrion Brimley, Demirez Sutton, Tyjuan McDaniel, Aiden Butler, Joey Dixon, Kyvon Thomas, Trevon Watts, and Juan Jackson. The team was coached by Mr. Frank Lagger and Mr. Matt Schmalz.

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District Spelling Bee Winner!

We would like to congratulate 8th grader, Raymond Smith on winning the Brookwood School District 167 Spelling Bee. Raymond earned this title by competing and winning the classroom and then the building Spelling Bee at Brookwood Junior High School. He then competed against the building winners of Brookwood Middle School, Longwood, and Hickory Bend.

Raymond went on to the next round, competing with students from other schools in our area in the South Cook Spelling Bee, where he made it through to the second round.

When interviewed how he felt after his win, Raymond replied, “I was calm because I really studied hard and felt confident. I’m excited to win!”

Way to go Raymond, we are proud of you!

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Black History Month Performance This year the students of Brookwood Junior High School presented a Black History Month program entitled “Young People Rise Up - Black History in the Making”.

The purpose of this year’s program was to encourage an awakening amongst our youth. Here, at BJHS, we strive to promote growth and shed light on how each person can have a positive and long-lasting effect not only on themselves, but also the world.

Throughout our Black History Month performance you encountered those individuals who did rise, leaving an everlasting, imperishable trail for us to follow.

This year’s program featured dancing, singing, acting, and performances by our very own Brookwood Junior High School Band and so much more. The Brookwood Junior High School family was delighted to have so many join us in this celebration of life, our history and our future.

PowerSchool All Brookwood Jr. High School teachers use an online grading system called PowerSchool. We encourage you to check your child’s progress regularly.

This program is a completely confidential, therefore you will need an access username and password to see your child’s progress. If you are in need of your username and password, please contact the front office at (708) 758-5252

Severe Weather Drill March 5, 2019, we will be participating in a District Wide Severe Weather Drill. Prior to this event, your child’s teacher will go over procedures and safety precautions.

Students will kneel on the floor in the hallway with their heads down while facing a wall or locker away from an glass. Students will place their hands over their heads and quietly listen for instruction.

Your safety is important to us. Please have a disaster plan set up for your home. Make sure everyone knows where to go is case of a tornado.

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SCHOOL SAFETY DRILL Dear Parent/Guardian: Illinois Public Act 100-996, known as the School Safety Drill Act went into effect on January 1st, 2019.

The Act states: 1. The active shooter drill must take place within the first 90 days of the school year; 2. Local law enforcement must be present; 3. Students and staff must be present

near the school. During the drill an announcement will be made over the intercom informing staff and students that there is an active shooter near the school and lockdown procedures should be initiated. Teachers and all

Brookwood Jr. High School will hold

support staff have been trained in lockdown procedures that have been

an Active Shooter Drill with students

developed in accordance with State and local law enforcement.

on Friday, March 8th, 2019.

The drill will take approximately 10-15 minutes and minimally impacts the An Active Shooter Drill is practiced

instructional day. 2-3 officers from the Glenwood Police Department will

to prepare students and staff in

be on site to monitor and ensure we are following the correct procedures.

the event that there is a threat in or

The drill will not include any tactical response from the Glenwood Police Department. Prior to the drill, staff will review the procedures with students.

Your child’s safety while at school is of the utmost importance. Planning ahead will help ensure an effective response during emergencies.

If you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at (708) 758-5252.

Sincerely, MS. JILL LARSON PRINCIPAL

MS. PAMELA MARCUS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

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PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCES

“Working Together To Raise Student Achievement”

BRIDGING HOME & SCHOOL Parent - Teacher Conferences Brookwood Junior High School Thursday, March 21st, 2019 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm ** NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY BJHS | MARCH 2019 NEWLETTER

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BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

>> CONTACT US 201 Glenwood-Lansing Road Glenwood, IL 60425 Phone: (708) 758-5252 Fax: (708) 758-3954 www.brookwood167.org