ISSUE: 005 / JANUARY YEAR: 2022
BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL As we move towards the end of the first semester (January 21st), students are encouraged to finish strong. Know that our staff is here to support and provide students with the assistance they need. It’s important for students to seek out help when needed. There is still time. If you would like to schedule a Student Support Intervention (SSI) Meeting for your child, please contact the school office at (708) 758-5252 and we would be happy to schedule it for you. We remain committed to serve every student, every day in their quest to be a Brookwood School District 167 graduate that is self-empowered, thinks critically, embraces diversity, communicates, creates, and works collaboratively with their peers.
We thank you again for your support and your cooperation. 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. 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
WINTER BAND & CHOIR CONCERT On December 16th, Brookwood Jr. High School and Brookwood Middle School held their annual Winter Band and Choir Concert. We were very excited to be able to hold the concert in person. Many parents and family members came out to enjoy the music and get in the holiday spirit. The students put on a terrific concert, and everyone had a great time!
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.
SCHOOL PROCEDURES With the start of the new year upon us, it is a great time to review some important reminders regarding some of our procedures at Brookwood Jr. High School: • Update your contact information with office personnel as needed. It is important that we have current information in case we need to contact you for an emergency. • Check on your child's grades by logging into PowerSchool. If you need your log in and password, please contact the school secretary at (708) 758-5252. Students have been working hard and the quarter will be ending soon on January 21st. • Please try to call when your child is absent or will be late to school. We are trying to promote 100% student attendance, so please try to ensure your child comes to school and is on time each day! • Please make sure your child is reading at least twenty (20) minutes daily. • Please stay involved! Please join my ClassDojo, we have many activities and we hope our families get involved and stay connected. (To join call the school at (708) 758-5252 and let the secretary know you want to sign up, all you need to provide is your cell phone number or email). These are just a few items that may seem small, but really play an important part of our school running smoothly and creating less stress on children and parents.
Thank you for your continued support!
MATH MATTERS Math is very useful in everyday life. Math can help us do many things that are important in our everyday lives.
Here are some daily tasks for which math is important: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Managing money $$$ Balancing the checkbook Shopping for the best price Preparing food Figuring out distance, time and cost for travel Understanding loans for cars, trucks, homes, schooling or other purposes Understanding sports (being a player and team statistics) Playing music Baking Home decorating Sewing Gardening and landscaping
Parents can help teens connect math they learn in school and their everyday lives. As a parent, you could talk to your teen about how you use math in your daily life. You could also ask family members and friends how they use math in their daily lives. Please talk to your teens about these math connections to real world. Share with your child the examples of everyday math applications, which are listed below. When your teens hear how math can be used every day, they will be more likely to view math as important and valuable. They may also become more interested in mathematics. Remember that you as a parent can greatly influence how your child thinks about mathematics.
DECEMBER STUDENT ACTIVITIES 7th & 8th Graders | Canvas Painting
Gospel Choir Bowling Field Trip
The Brookwood Jr. High School Gospel Choir performed at the Village of Glenwood Tree Lighting Ceremony
Family Literacy Night
PBIS ACTIVITY Students and staff participated in our monthly PBIS activity which was a Staff vs. Student Basketball Game and Reindeer Games
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.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BJHS 7TH GRADER, JOURDIN DOMINGUEZ!
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.
On December 11th, Jourdin participated in the 2021 USA National Boxing Championships held in FALL Shreveport Louisiana. By a unanimous decision, she took CROSS COUNTRY first place in her weight class GIRLS BASKETBALL and is now ranked number 1! BOYS BASKETBALL
SPORTS
We are so proud of her!
WINTER
SPRING
WRESTLING
TRACK
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL BOYS VOLLEYBALL
CHEERLEADING
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 10th, January *Boys Basketball @ Home vs. Memorial | 4:15 p.m. *Girls Volleyball @ Memorial | 4:15 p.m.
10th - 21st, January NWEA MAP Testing Window
11th, January 12th, January Wrestling @ Reed Custer | 4:30 p.m. Lunch with the Law Mentoring Program *Boys Basketball @ Home vs. Hart | 4:15 p.m. *Girls Volleyball @ Hart | 4:15 p.m. 13th, January 17th, January Virtual Author Visit | Christie Server Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | No School *Boys Basketball @ Parker | 4:15 p.m. *Girls Volleyball @ Home vs. Parker | 4:15 p.m. 18th, January 19th, January Virtual Family Math Night | 6:00 p.m. *Boys Basketball @ Home vs. Crete | 4:15 p.m. *Girls Volleyball @ Crete | 4:15 p.m. Wrestling @ Liberty/Peotone | 4:30 p.m. 20th, January 21st, January *Boys Basketball @ Columbia | 4:15 p.m. End of 2nd Quarter | 2:00 p.m. Dismissal *Girls Volleyball @ Home vs. Columbia | 4:15 p.m. Wrestling @ Gurrie | 4:30 p.m. 24th, January *Boys Volleyball @ Home vs. Colin Powell | 4:15 p.m. *Girls Volleyball @ Colin Powell | 4:15 p.m. Chess @ Home vs. Colin Powell | 4:15 p.m.
25th, January Wrestling @ Manhattan | 4:30 p.m.
*The SSJHSA Conference will re-evaluate the “No Fans” Policy based on current COVID numbers for all upcoming Home and Away Games (Please Call the School) 26th, January 28th, January *Boys Volleyball @ CHMS | 4:15 p.m. School Improvement Planning | 11:30 a.m. Dismissal *Girls Volleyball @ Home vs. CHMS | 4:15 p.m. Chess @ CHMS | 4:15 p.m. 31st, January Parent University | Self Harm & Suicide | 6:30-8:00 p.m. Book Fair @ BJHS Parent/Teacher Conferences | No School
* No Fans
“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 Principal
7:30-4:00 p.m.
jlarson@brookwood167.org
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).
HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING On Wednesday, December 22nd, students participated in Holiday Gift Giving Activities. Teaching Kids to Give Back during the Holidays. “Its better to give than to receive” is an old adage that we’ve all heard. A study by the American Psychological Association suggests that giving to others increases life expectancy by at least five (5) years. We can start with the very small and teach our children about giving to others in need. Young children can learn to give back during the holiday season by giving a kind word, offering a smile, sharing a toy, drawing a picture, writing or dictating a note, or comforting a friend or family member. And as they grow, so will their generosity. Students participated in many fun activities that focused on giving. Students were also treated to hot chocolate, cookies and each student received two (2) presents. We all had a great time and learned the importance of giving.
+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!