BJHS | April 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, HAPPY SPRING!

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

Most of our students have finished the Illinois Assessment of Readiness State Assessment. Thank you, parents, for encouraging your child/children to do their best. It can be a very stressful time for both students and staff.

It is hard to believe we have so little time left in the school year. We want the children to continue to work hard and be prepared for the next grade. The students have been working very hard to meet their academic goals. I am very proud of all their efforts. We are working hard to ensure that every child feels pride in achieving success.

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.

We have fantastic students at Brookwood Jr. High School.

Parents, I would like to take a moment to THANK YOU for your hard work this year. You are all vital to the success of students.

As a season, Spring is a time when we get a sense of rejuvenation, a belief that things will be brighter and warmer, and a renewed energy to put our best foot forward.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to our teachers and staff at Brookwood Jr. High School. They are doing an excellent job keeping students engaged, learning, and excited about school each day. We are so lucky to have such a hardworking group of individuals.

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.

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 APRIL 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.

CELL PHONE PROCEDURES

AttentIon PArents:

Students have been consistently on their cell phones during class time.

our cell Phone PolIcy remAIns off And out of sIght.

If a student’s cell phone is taken because they have violated this policy, we will require a parent to come to the school to pick up the cell phone.

Please talk to your child regarding our cell phone policy expectations and the importance of paying attention in class. Please remind them that they are here to learn, not socialize. We appreciate your continued support.

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

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.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

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.

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!

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION & SUPPORTS (PBIS)

SECOND STEP

(SEL) As part of our PBIS Initiative at Brookwood Jr. High School, our teachers have been infusing a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum into their daily routines. With a lesson focused on each week, this curriculum teaches our students essential skills such as empathy, emotion management, problem-solving, friendship, and responsibility. The weekly focus for each lesson varies. Please talk with your child about these lessons; it will help reinforce them at home! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s SEL teacher.

defIne, teAch, And routInely Acknowledge fAmIly exPectAtIons.

• Discuss how you want to live as a family and identify some “pillars” (important, building-block concepts) that represent what you value. Talk about what those pillars look and sound like in everyday routines. To help the family remember and be consistent, choose only 3-5 and create positive statements about them.

here Are A few exAmPles:

• Speak in a respectful voice.

• Be responsible for actions.

• Be safe; keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

• Identify a couple of “hot spots” to begin. Challenging behaviors often occur within routines. Perhaps mornings or mealtimes create hot spots for the family. After discussing 1-2 ways to be respectful, responsible, and safe in the morning, teach what each looks like. Have fun with it! Set up “expectation stations” for practicing the plan and assign each family member one pillar to teach to the rest.

• Behaviors that get attention get repeated. Notice when a child does the right thing and says something about each success: “I noticed you stopped to pick up your shoes in the hallway. Thanks for putting them away and keeping the walkway safe for others.” The easiest way to change a behavior is to point out what a person does right!

• Remember this catchy phrase, “5-and-1 gets it done,” to ensure five positive interactions for each negative interaction. When the expected behavior becomes routine, the reinforcement can fade away.

creAte engAgIng And PredIctAble routInes.

• Children crave structure and routine. Adults may look forward to a relaxing evening or weekend, but kids often need regular activity and engagement. Consider that either the kids are busy or the adults are busy managing bored kids!

• Use visuals to create predictability. A visual schedule can display the day’s significant routines with pictures drawn, real photos, or magazine cut-outs. Create the schedule together, if possible. Parents can ask a child to check the schedule – especially when moving from a preferred to non-preferred activity. It’s hard to argue with a picture!

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

SPOTLIGHT...

Congratulations Raaquim Dean and our Awesome Brookwood Chess Team, SSJHSA Conference Champions!

Congratulations Quentin Washington! State Qualifier for IESA Class 3A Wrestling!

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL

APRIL 3RD

7TH GRADE HONOR ROLL LUNCHEON | QTR 3

APRIL 4TH

8TH GRADE HONOR ROLL LUNCHEON | QTR 3

APRIL 5TH

LUNCH WITH 1ST RESPONDERS

8TH GRADE VISION BOARDS ACTIVITY

APRIL 18TH

FAMILY READING NIGHT | 6:00 P.M.

APRIL 19TH

8TH GRADE VISION BOARDS ACTIVITY

ILLINOIS SCIENCE ASSESSMENT THRU APRIL 25TH

TRACK MEET @ HF | 4:14 P.M.

APRIL 20TH

FINE ARTS NIGHT | 6:00 P.M.

APRIL 21ST

ADVISORY

APRIL 24TH

COLLEGE & CAREER WEEK

FIELD TRIP | ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM | 8TH GRADE

FIELD TRIP | APPLE ART TOUR

STEAM FIELD TRIP | ACCELERATE SPEEDWAY

APRIL 25TH

FIELD TRIP | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

FIELD TRIP | LINCOLN PARK ZOO

BOYS BASKETBALL AWARDS BANQUET | 12:00

TRACK MEET @ MEMORIAL | 4:15 P.M.

APRIL 26TH

FIELD TRIP | WRIGLEY FIELD “GO CUBS”

FIELD TRIP | PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE

FIELD TRIP | PURDUE UNIVERSITY

FIELD TRIP | CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

SSJHSA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

APRIL 27TH

MATH BOWL | 8:00 P.M.

FIELD TRIP | GREATWORKS THEATRE

FIELD TRIP | INDIANA TECH

FIELD TRIP | SHEDD AQUARIUM

FIELD TRIP | IFLY

SSJHSA MUSIC FESTIVAL

-- SPRING BREAK -- FRIDAY, APRIL 7TH - 14TH

MEAL PLANNER

BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

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.