BJHS | October Newsletter

OCTOBER

NEWSLETTER

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 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.

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, THANK YOU TO ALL OUR FAMILIES THAT CAME OUT FOR OUR HISPANIC HERITAGE FAMILY

NIGHT!

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

School Hours

As we near the end of the first quarter already, we have accomplished quite a bit with our students! In each classroom that I walk into, I hear student conversations and language that impresses me. Our teachers are making great strides in working with our students to state their thoughts and questions clearly and coherently on so many different topics. We are working to keep our parents and guardians informed of their child’s progress throughout the school year. This type of communication should happen on a regular basis, so parents and guardians go into conferences as informed as possible about their child’s progress. This will help you to have a focus area or question for the conference as well as guide you in areas to support at home. You will receive these communications in numerous ways– i.e., Class Dojo, newsletters, email, phone calls, written notes on assignments or assessments that go home.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

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.

Jill Larson Principal jlarson@brookwood167.org

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

The other area that we are focusing on is our PBIS system. This month our focus is our student planner initiative. If students write their assignments in their planner, their SEL teacher will sign off at the end of each day. Students must have a parent sign-off on Thursday. On Fridays, if students have their teacher initials for the week and a parent, signature they will receive a raffle ticket to put in the hallway bank that is located in our main hallway. Every Friday we will pull a raffle ticket and students will be able to go to the ILEAD room with a friend. Research shows that when students record all their assignments and planned activities in a planner, their brains can stop struggling to keep track of everything they have left to work on and focus fully on the task at hand. Student planners are for sale in the main office for $8.00. If students need help with getting a planner, please contact Ms. Larson at jlarson@brookwood167.org.

Attendance/Absences/Tardies

Parents must call the school to report their child absent before 8:30 a.m. The number for reporting absences is (708) 757-2115. 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.

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.

HISPANIC HERITAGE FAMILY NIGHT

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Night took place at Brookwood Junior High on Tuesday, September 20th, 2022. It was the school’s first in-person family night since 2019! There was a great turnout of families that included parents, students, and siblings. The night kicked off with mariachi music and a brief discussion about the night’s activity. As families were seated, nachos and beverages were served to them at the tables. The families enjoyed good food and company.

When the attendees were settled in, 7th grader, Daniel C. was the emcee for the evening. He introduced the crowd to Loteria, or Mexican Bingo. Loteria is very similar to regular bingo, except the caller calls out pictures instead of numbers in Spanish. Beans (any variety) are used for the playing pieces. When the player gets 4 pictures in a row, they must call “Buenas!” If a player calls bingo, he or she will be disqualified and must start over.

The most intense part of the evening was the Cover-All game. The first person to cover all the pictures on their card would be the winner. At the end of the evening, all winners received their own Loteria game for home. All participants received authentic Mexican candy.

BROOKWOOD JUNIOR HIGH’S HISPANIC HERITAGE

NIGHT WAS ONE FOR THE BOOKS! A NIGHT OF GAMES, MUSIC, FOOD, FUN, AND LAUGHTER WAS A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF THE SCHOOL’S FAMILY ENGAGEMENT NIGHTS.

COPS AND BOBBERS

In partnership with the Glenwood Police Department, Brookwood Jr. High School took two groups of 7th & 8th grade students fishing at the Izak Walton Preserve located at 1100 Ridge Road in Homewood on Thursday, September 15th and Friday, September 16th.

The Glenwood Police also had a cookout and students were treated to hot dogs, chips and a drink at the preserve courtesy of the school district. The district also purchased t-shirts for our students and police officers commemorating this annual fun activity.

The Cops and Bobbers Program is designed to teach kids how to fish. The Glenwood Police hosts this event several times during the school year, in the Fall, Spring, and Summer months. 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 light.

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

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION & SUPPORT (PBIS)

As a part of PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports), teachers, administrators, and support staff have the responsibility to TEACH positive behavior expectations to our students. This education results in students knowing exactly what is expected of them and a framework of evidence based behavioral supports and interventions in an integrated curriculum to enhance both the social behavior and academic atmosphere for our diverse body of students throughout the school. Lessons take place in several ways and in the environment for the particular expectations. For example, teachers will do short lessons each week on a specific expectation, the staff on lunch duty will discuss lunchroom expectations, on Friday’s students complete a Kahoot quiz to review the expectations they have been learning about all week. Posters or anchor charts have been created for different areas of the building to give the students and staff reminders about the expected behaviors.

LUNCH WITH THE LAW

Our first “Lunch with the Law Program’’ for this school year took place this week. The Glenwood Police Chief, Deputy Chief, Glenwood Detectives and 7th and 8th grade students were treated to a pizza luncheon. This is our second year of implementing this program that was brought to the Junior High by Ms. Lindsay, Superintendent.

Students were able to talk to the officers and ask them questions about law enforcement opportunities, internet safety, career goals, and a variety of other topics related to law enforcement. Students enjoyed themselves and we look forward to this monthly partnership with our local law enforcement officers.

We are excited to announce that Brookwood School District 167 will provide students with a set of school supplies for school and home again this school year! Therefore, there are [NO] school supplies lists. However, if your child needs additional resources, please get in touch with the school office at 708-758-5252.

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.

PARENT VISITATION DAY

Parent Visitation Day

October 3rd, 2022

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please come out for our Parent Visitation Day. You can follow your child’s schedule and meet their teachers. Have some light refreshments and talk with the principal. You will also be able to pick up your child’s home electronic device and home set of school supplies and sign up for ClassDojo and PowerSchool. This is a great way to connect positively with your child’s school and keep up to date about what your child is learning each day. We hope to see you on October 3rd!

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.

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 Partnership

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 ROLL & 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.

SPORTS

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).

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!

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

All students are welcome to join our Cross-Country Team! Athletes will compete against nine (9) other schools in our conference. After school, the first CrossCountry practice and informational meeting will occur on Wednesday, September 1st.

GET INVOLVED!

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

SCHOOL HOURS

8:30 A.M. - 3:10 P.M.

BREAKFAST

8:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.

SEL MEETING

8:30 A.M. - 8:50 A.M.

1ST PERIOD

8:50 A.M. - 9:45 A.M.

2ND PERIOD

9:45 A.M. - 10:40 A.M

3RD PERIOD

10:40 A.M. - 11:35 A.M.

4TH PERIOD

7TH GRADE LUNCH

11:35 A.M. - 12:05 P.M.

8TH GRADE CLASS 11:35 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

7TH GRADE CLASS 12:05 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.

8TH GRADE LUNCH 12:30 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.

5TH PERIOD

1:00 P.M. - 1:55 P.M.

6TH PERIOD

1:55 P.M. - 2:50 P.M.

SEL MEETING

2:50 P.M. - 3:10 P.M.

DISMISSAL

3:10 P.M.

EXTRACURRICULAR

3:10 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

SAVE THE DATE

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 3RD

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK

PARENT VISITATION DAY

GIRLS BASKETBALL @ HOME VS. OBAMA | 4:15 P.M.

OCTOBER 4TH

FIELD TRIP | BLOOM HS MANUFACTURING DAY (SELECT 8TH GRADERS)

OCTOBER 5TH

LUNCH WITH THE LAW 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

OCTOBER 5TH

GIRLS BASKETBALL @ HUTH | 4:15 P.M.

OCTOBER 6TH

ANTI-BULLYING VIRTUAL ASSEMBLY | VOICES

OCTOBER 7TH ADVISORY - 8TH GRADE | PLC - 7TH GRADE

OCTOBER 8TH

CROSS COUNTRY IESA MEET

OCTOBER 12TH

CONFLICT RESOULTION TRAINING | 7TH GRADE

GIRLS BASKETBALL @ HOME VS. MEMORIAL | 4:15 P.M.

OCTOBER 13TH

SSJHSA CHEERLEADING CLINIC @ OBAMA | 3:30 P.M.

AMERICAN WRITERS MUSEUM FIELD TRIP | 8TH GRADE

OCTOBER 17TH

GIRLS BASKETBALL @ HART | 4:15 P.M.

OCTOBER 18TH

STUDENT COUNCIL CLINIC @ BJHS | 3:30 P.M. ERIN’S LAW TRAINING

OCTOBER 19TH

GIRLS BASKETBALL @ HOME VS. PARKER | 4:15 P.M.

OCTOBER 20TH

FAMILY STEM NIGHT @ BJHS | 6:00 P.M.

OCTOBER 21ST

EARLY DISMISSAL | 2:00 P.M. END OF 1ST QUARTER

OCTOBER 24TH

GIRLS BASKETBALL @ CRETE | 4:15 P.M.

OCTOBER 25TH

CHICAGO WOLVES FIELD TRIP | NEW STUDENT GROUP

OCTOBER 26TH

CONFLICT RESOULTION TRAINING | 7TH GRADE

GIRLS BASKETBALL @ HOME VS. COLUMBIA | 4:15 P.M.

OCTOBER 28TH

FALL PICTURE RETAKES

FIELD TRIP | PEGGY NOTEBART MUSEUM | 7TH GRADE

OCTOBER 31ST

EARLY DISMISSAL | SIP | 11:30 A.M.

BROOKWOOD

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Save the Date

Parent Visitation Day

October 3rd, 2022

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Save the Date

Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 7th, 2022

10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

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.