Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 / i
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.
Student Safety Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures
STUDENT DRESS CODE HEADLINES
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER
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.
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. Contact Info 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 jlarsonPrincipalLarson@brookwood167.org
FAMILIES,SCHOOLJUNIORBROOKWOODHIGH
THANK YOU FOR
SERVE
Our kids have been awesome. We are looking forward to a wonderful school year! Thank you to all our families that came out for our Open House/ Curriculum Night on August 25th. Parents that attended were able to receive their child’s home computer and home supply kit. Students received $10.00 in Brookwood Bulldog Bucks if their parent or guardian was in attendance. We had a great turn out and I am grateful for all our supportive families. If you were not able to attend the open house, please contact the school for a time to come in and pick up your child’s materials. We are asking that every parent sign up for the Principal ClassDojo, as this is a great way for parents to stay informed about important events and information throughout the school year. Please contact the school office if you need help signing up for this awesome FREE communication tool! I AM HONORED TO AS YOUR PRINCIPAL!
PRINCIPAL’SCORNER
01 /Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022
STARTAMAZINGANTOTHESCHOOLYEAR
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.
COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION
• 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.
ParentsAttendance/Absences/Tardiesmustcalltheschooltoreport 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.
Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 / 02 WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
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
• 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.
• Bull Dog News - Weekly school newsletter that will be sent home on Fridays
When a child can return to school is based on the specific symptom they have. of 100.4 from unknown
03 /Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022
• Fever
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.
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.)
IF
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.
ANTI-BULLY PLEDGE... MY CHILD IS SICK, WHEN SHOULD I KEEP THEM HOME?
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
SURVIVALPARENT’SGUIDE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 / 04 A
During our parent orientation at our kid’s school a couple of weeks ago, the counselor assured us that it is possible to survive the middle school years if you will do three (3) things...
01
REMEMBER THAT (YOU) ARE THE PARENT. ACT LIKE IT.
Last week we talked about the ways your middle schooler is changing. As a first time Middle-School parent, with all of the changes and not-so-stellar characteristics, I started thinking to myself, “How will we ever get through this?”
By:life.Dan
Many parents want to be their kids’ BFF—doing whatever it takes not to disrupt the magic that happens when everyone is happy. But at this stage in the game, our role is more like that of coach than friend. You’re not done parenting yet, this child is not ready to be launched into the world as an adult, so you have to continue to work at parenting during this stage knowing that the goal of friendship lies just ahead. They need a parent, and that’s a function only you can fulfill. And yes, while they won’t always be happy with you—or happy in general during their tween/teen years— it doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Parents are the most important thing in a child’s Scott
REMEMBER THAT (YOU) ARE THE PARENT. ACT LIKE IT.
Because of their hormones, they can and will showcase the full range of emotions in a matter of hours—sometimes minutes! During those moments of insanity, they will say things that might hurt you. They will roll their eyes, huff, sigh, or completely blow you off. WARNING: that’s not the time to pick a fight. You can’t argue with unbalanced people, your children included. The chances are that they don’t really mean it. Pushing boundaries is now one of the primary activities on the middle school child job description. And it’s not that we shouldn’t enforce those boundaries, it’s just that we need to do so with grace and truth. Grace. Lots and lots of grace. 02 DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
05 /Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 A
SURVIVALPARENT’SGUIDE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
DON’T TAKE PERSONALLYANYTHING
Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 / 06 A
03 GET AND STAY CONNECTED GET AND CONNECTEDSTAY
Be intentional about getting your middle schooler connected to the right people. They can’t navigate this time on their own. They need people in their lives who are not you. They love you, but they will not tell you everything. In their eyes, you’re no longer objective. Connect your kid to a trusted adult such as a coach, play director, dance teacher, or church small group leader. Because they won’t ask you every question that pops into their head, widen the circle and find other adults who would say what you Mostsay. of all, we can simply offer our kids safe places to land. Sometimes they just need space to clear their heads. They need us constantly reminding them they have value and that we love them in spite of the crazy.
Middle school isn’t easy, but with a little planning, preparation, and parenting you will help your children thrive throughout these important years.
SURVIVALPARENT’SGUIDE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
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.
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 arephonewithPleasehelpdesk@brookwood167.orgdeskleaveadetailedmessageyourname,child’sname,number,andtheissueyouhavingwiththedevice.
TECHNOLOGYHELPLINE
07 /Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022
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.
POWERSCHOOL
• All students are unique and should be challenged to the highest level of academic and artistic excellence.
• The school system should teach students to think critically enabling them to become contributing citizens in our global society.
STATEMENTMISSION
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.
•
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.
2. Providing our staff with professional development
ARE COMMITTED
In educating our children in a safe and nurturing environment with access to state-of-the-art technology.
• In responsible stewardship of financial and physical resources.
• In the importance of staff development opportunities based on best practices and educational research.
STATEMENTVISION
Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 / 08
• Families shape their children’s motivation, confidence, and academic success by being interested and involved in their overall development.
• In continuous improvement in all aspects of the school system to foster a culture of excellence, Accountability, and integrity.
WE TO 1. Providing students with highly qualified teachers
WE BELIEVE
Any student planning on participating in a sport must have a current physical on file (good for one (1) year). Sports Physicals
SPORTS
Quest Food Management Service, provide communities with fresh, high-quality food, exceptional responsiveness, and intensely personal Byservice.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.
FOOD SERVICE
HONOR ROLL & HIGH HONOR ROLL
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.
New Food Service Partnership
Students are given a quarterly report card at StudentsBJHS. 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 StudentsRoll. earning those honors will be invited to a special Student Recognition Luncheon each quarter.
09 /Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022
Did you know?
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.
GET INVOLVED AND STAY INFORMED!
Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 / 10
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.
PLEASE JOIN OUR CLASSDOJO’S AND STAY INFORMED!
CLASSDOJO
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.”
What is ClassDojo?
11 /Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 SPORTS EXTRA-CURRICULARACTIVITIESACTIVITIES ALL SPORTS ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION REQUIRES A CURRENT PHYSICALJoinBJHS Clubs & Activities FALL SPORTS • Cross Country • Girls Basketball • Boys Basketball • ••••••••CheerleadingTutoringStudentCouncilChessArtClubS.T.E.M.ClubCheerleadingCookingClubMathletes 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! WINTER SPORTS • Wrestling • Girls Volleyball • Boys Volleyball SPRING SPORTS • Track• 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
Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022 / 12
DAILY SCHEDULEBELL
8:00BREAKFASTA.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. SCHOOL HOURS 8:30 A.M. - 3:10 P.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. 3:10CURRICULAREXTRA-3:10DISMISSALP.M.P.M.-4:30P.M.
13 /Brookwood Junior High School Newsletter / Issue 002 / September 2022
SCHOOLJUNIORBROOKWOODHIGH
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. Save the Parent/TeacherDateConferences will be held on November 7th, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
VISITORS
