J UN IOR HIGH NWS E LETER
ISSUE: 004 / DECEMBER YEAR: 2021
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL We know that the holiday season is a hectic one, where people are usually coming and going- and are sometimes in a rush. However, as a community, we must be sure that we are paying attention to what matters most - the safety of our children. That is why we wanted to take some time to remind our families of a few of the protocols we have in place to help us do so. We know that they may take a few extra moments, but in the end - they are worth the time they take. First, please be prepared to answer a few important questions when entering your child’s school - and be prepared to show identification for the purpose of dismissing or speaking with your child.
If your child is going to be absent, please inform the school, as soon as possible. If we do not hear from a parent or guardian, the school will need to contact our local law enforcement agency to perform a physical safety check. Lastly, if you call the school and ask for information regarding your child, please be prepared to wait or even receive a call back. We cannot share any information over the phone until we have confirmed who we are speaking with ensuring we have authorization from the parent or guardian to communicate with the person requesting the information. To that end, it remains critical that our entire community continue to follow safety protocols, particularly wearing masks appropriately, so that we can keep everyone safe and healthy. We thank you again for your understanding and your cooperation. Just a reminder that our Student Council and
NJHS students are busy planning events for our school community. In recognition of the upcoming holidays, they will be hosting a food drive for the Bloom Township Food Pantry through the month of December. As a reminder, if your child is absent from school due to illness, please be sure to call the school prior to 8:00 a.m. You may also call our health office if you have any questions. If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at the school number (708) 7585252, by email jlarson@brookwood167. org or by cell phone, (708) 362-0115. I wish all of our Brookwood Jr. High School families a wonderful and safe holiday and a prosperous and Happy New Year and thank you for your continued support!
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.
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.”
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 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. Get Involved and STAY INFORMED!
From the mobile app, parents view their
MATH MATTERS Children inevitably learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide in school, but there is great importance in talking about mathematical situations with kids every day. It is important to help children love, and see a purpose for, math while they are still young. We can make math “real” by pointing it out in the world around us. Include your child with checking and comparing prices, calculating coupons, reading recipes, measuring around the house to rearrange furniture or make a cake. Math requires practice to master. While knowing your facts builds a foundation for concept readiness, so does flexible thinking and strategy. Encourage your child and share strategies… 5+9 is 5+5+4 which is 10+4, much easier to do than 5+9, for some. Foster a love for math in your children, instill enthusiasm for it, as this will support a growth mindset for learning this language of numbers.
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 see your child’s progress.
Providing our staff with professional
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.
FOOD PANTRY SERVICE PROJECT On November 17th, 2021, the Brookwood Junior High School NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) and student council visited the Bloom Township Food Pantry for a field trip. This unique opportunity allowed students to earn service hours while giving back to their community. Students helped in a variety of ways. Some students worked with cold food, going through the fridges to remove anything with expiration dates. Similarly, a group of students also went through dry foods to check expiration dates. Students helped stock shelves with different foods donated to the pantry. These foods included the following: lentils, canned corn, peanut butter, and canned beans. A large group of students put together care packages. Assembling a line of duty, each student had an item they were responsible for putting in the bags. Bringing our students to the food pantry so close to the holiday season allowed them to see what the community needs, and how they can give back. It was evident from their hard work that our student leaders have a mission in mind, and that is to give back as much as they can to the community, they live in. It is evident from this field trip that we have many students in our building who are going to be great leaders in the very near future.
QUARTER 1 | HONOR ROLL LUNCHEONS On November 10th and 11th, 56 students in 7th and 72 students in 8th grade participated in our Quarter 1 Honor Roll luncheons. Students were treated to pizza and juice at and their academic accomplishments were celebrated. Each student received a certificate and free sandwich coupon from Arbys. Students make Honor Roll by earning a GPA of 3.45-3.89 and students earn High Honor Roll by earning a GPA of 3.90 or higher. All students had a great time.
YOUTH MUSIC ARTS INITIATIVE | VERY PROUD OF YOU (VPU) In partnership with Ohana Islands Inc., Brookwood Jr. High School sponsored an event titled Very Proud of You (VPU) on Tuesday, November 16th and on Wednesday, November 17th. The program featured two former Brookwood Jr. High School 2009 graduates, Brenton Smith aka Ohanabam and Olefemi Adigun aka Femdot. Both students are up and coming musicians and producers in Chicago. This program was open to all 7th and 8th grade students and was designed to build positive relationships between current students and our Brookwood Jr. High School alumni. The program showed students positive connections and real-life success stories that emerged from Brookwood School District 167. The event recognized and showed students how to discover their own potential as well as provide exposure and education on various aspects of the music industry. Students listened to the panel of speakers that consisted of artists, producers, musicians, and music executives. The speakers shared their musical journeys and students had a chance to ask questions, interact with, share pizza and fellowship with the artists. Everyone that participated had a great time.
ACCELERATE QUARTERLY INCENTIVE FIELD TRIP During the week of 11/15 thru 11/19, all 7th and 8th grade students had an opportunity to attend the Accelerate Indoor Speedway and STEM Academy in Mokena, Illinois. Starting with a 30-minute, instructor-led educational class, students participated and learned about the multiple subject areas involved in racing and how they relate to each other.
This Included:
• The History of racing and background knowledge • The Science behind speed, acceleration and friction • Newton’s Laws of Motion (first, second and third) • Momentum • Mathematics (degrees, angles and turns) Reading/ Language Arts (racing vocabulary, safety and terminology) Students received take-home notes, sample problems, and above all, a complete hands-on experience that allowed them to apply what they have learned to real life, a handson driving experience. All of our students that participated had a great day and they look forward to our next quarter’s incentive field trip.
7TH GRADE GIRLS BASKETBALL REGIONAL CHAMPS The 7th grade Girls’ Basketball Team won the IESA Regional Tournament on Monday, November 22nd, 2021, defeating Sauk Village, Rickover. After beating Roosevelt Junior High and Calumet City, Schrum during pool play on Saturday, November 20th, the girls advanced to the championship game on Monday against Sauk Village, Rickover, defeating them with a score of 19-10. The girls went undefeated during the tournament. The other teams played great, but the Brookwood Bulldogs came through victorious. We are so proud of their accomplishments this season. The girls had not previously played basketball and have grown so much as players. Their skill, determination, and hard work paid off. They will now compete in Sectional play on December 1st where they will face Manteno. We wish the girls the best of luck!
WATER BOTTLES Every student was provided with a plastic water bottle from our Superintendent. Students are encouraged to bring them home to clean them and bring them back filled. Please be sure to send your students with their water bottle every day.
HOME ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND HOME SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION
Our drinking fountains are not currently in use, however, there are water dispensers for students to refill their bottles. This also allows them to easily access water during class without leaving the room multiple times throughout the day for water cups. We appreciate your help under these circumstances.
If you were not able to make it to our on-site Open House in September or our three (3) pick up dates in September, please FALL contact the school office at CROSS COUNTRY (708) 758-5252.
SPORTS
GIRLS BASKETBALL
We can provide you with a BOYS BASKETBALL pick-up day and time. CHEERLEADING
WINTER
SPRING
WRESTLING
TRACK
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL BOYS VOLLEYBALL
EXTRA-CURRICCULAR ACTIVITIES TUTORING STUDENT COUNCIL CHESS ART CLUB STEM CLUB CHEERLEADING
Any student planning on participating in a sport must have a current
COOKING CLUB
MATHLETES
SPEECH & DEBATE
physical on file (good for
VIDEO CLUB
GOSPEL CHOIR
NJHS
one (1) year).
DRUMLINE BAND JAZZ BAND YEARBOOK
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL
BOYS’ BASKETBALL WRESTLING
TRACK CROSS COUNTRY KEYBOARDING CLUB SPANISH CLUB
UPCOMING EVENTS 1st, December Lunch with the Law Program Boys Basketball @ Crete | 4:15 p.m.
2nd, Decmber Lunch with the Law Program Parent University | Cyberbullying | 6:00 p.m.
7th Grade Girls Basketball IESA Sectionals @ Peotone 6:30 p.m. 6th, December 8th, December Boys Basketball @ Home vs. Columbia | 4:15 p.m. Boys Basketball @ Home vs. Powell | 4:15 p.m. Conflict Resolution Training | 7th Graders Gingerbread House Activity 13th,December 14th, December Boys Basketball @ CHMS | 4:15 p.m. Virtual Family Reading Night | 6:00 p.m. 15th, December 16th, December Boys Basketball @ Obama | 4:15 p.m. On Site Winter Band & Gospel Choir Concert | Wrestling @ Peotone | 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 18th, December 22nd, December Wrestling Tiger Invitational @ LaGrange | Holiday Gift Giving Activities | 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Early Dismissal | School Improvement Planning | 11:30 a.m. 23rd, December - 4th, January 5th, January No School | Winter Break Teacher Institute | No School 6th, January School Resumes
“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything. STAFF Teacher
Position
Period Contact Hours
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
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME If My Child is Sick, When Should I Keep Them Home? If a child has any symptom listed below, they should stay home in the morning or go home if these symptoms first occur at school. When a child can return to school is based on the specific symptom they have and whether it’s considered a COVID-19 symptom: • 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 your child has been in close contact with someone with a known or suspected case of COVID-19 within the last fourteen (14) days. (Close contact is defined as someone who was within six (6) feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of fifteen (15) minutes or more over a twenty-four (24) hour period, starting from two (2) days before illness onset.) 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) 758-5252 (Option 1).
+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!