BMS | January 2025 Newsletter

Brookwood

January 2025

Middle School Dr. Muriel Hollimon, Principal Brookwood Middle School Time is moving rapidly, and our students are clearly on their “Journey to Excellence.”

Thank you to our Board of Education and Superintendent, Ms. Lindsay, for coming out and supporting the Arts.

“Thank You”, Families, for joining us in December for our Winter Program.

Our phenomenal band teacher, Ms. Bauman, worked tirelessly with her students, and they performed exceptionally well.

Lastly, I hope everyone enjoys the holidays with their families and friends. Please be safe during the Fall and Winter Breaks.

It was nice to have our violin students, under the direction of Mr. Ostrega and Ms. Bennett, the Gospel Choir director, work with our students, and everyone’s performances were superb.

If you want to reach me, please call or email our school.

Sincerely, Dr. Muriel McClam-Hollimon, Principal BMS mhollimon@brookwood167.org

I’m very proud of our BMS students!

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 1

Principal’s Desk HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Can you believe we are entering the 2025 school year!?

BROOKWOOD DISTRICT 167

Brookwood School District 167 in...

MISSION STATEMENT

partnership with parents and the community, will create a learning environment where

We Believe...

all students excel at becoming

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lifelong learners and decision-

Families shape their children’s

with access to state-of-the-art

motivation, confidence, and

technology.

academic success by being

makers.

interested and involved in their

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students to think critically, enabling

overall development.

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academic and artistic excellence.

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citizens in our global society.

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In continuous improvement in all aspects of the school system

In the importance of staff

to foster a culture of excellence,

development opportunities based

accountability, and integrity.

on best practices and educational research.

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them to become contributing

All students are unique and should be challenged to the highest level of

The school system should teach

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In responsible stewardship of financial and physical resources.

In educating our children in a safe and nurturing environment

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

-- Maya Angelou

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 2

BROOKWOOD DISTRICT 167 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 all our students’ needs.

We Are Committed To...

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Providing students with highly qualified teachers

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Providing our staff with professional development

“Success is about dedication. You may not be where you want to be or do what you want to do when you’re on the journey. But you’ve got to be willing to have vision and foresight that leads you to an incredible end.” --Usher

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VISITORS If you need to come into the school for any reason, 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 district-wide reporting for all visitors, volunteers, and contractors that have signed in/out of our buildings. This is important for safety reasons.

Daily Bell 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

5th Grade Lunch |

11:35 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.

6th Grade Class |

11:35 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

5th Grade Class |

12:05 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Student Safety/ Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

6th Grade Lunch |

Students should arrive at school no earlier than 8:00

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

a.m. and be picked up after school no later than 3:15

5th Period

1:00 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.

p.m. All walkers and car riders will enter through

6th Period

1:55 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Door #1, The Main Entrance.

SEL Meeting

2:50 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Dismissal

3:10 p.m.

Extra-Curricular

3:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Activities

Please use extreme caution when dropping off and picking up your children. The speed limit is five (5) mph on school grounds. Watch for children exiting and entering vehicles. Please yield to buses dropping off and picking up. We thank you for helping us to keep all students safe.

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 4

IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFOMATION Daily attendance is required. If your child anticipates being absent, please make sure the reason is valid. A student that is chronically absent is defined as a student who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause for more than 5% of the last 180 school days. This is a matter of concern as the Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/26-2a considers a truant rate of more than 5% of the last 180 days to be excessive.

Students who are frequently absent often miss important information being taught, fall behind, and lose interest in school. An improvement in attendance may help a student achieve better grades and feel better about himself/ herself.

Counseling services and tutoring will be provided to chronically absent students, along with a “Check-In and Check-Out” program of support.

If a student continues to be absent or tardy without a valid excuse, the Regional

Superintendent/South Cook Intermediate Service Center will be notified, and measures will be taken to address this concern more seriously. If your child is struggling to attend school consistently, it is essential that we work together to improve their attendance, as this will improve their chances for school success.

A student who misses ten (10) days is 25% less likely to enroll in college. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate and find good jobs.

I commend the families for instilling in their children the importance of being present daily.

I commend the families for instilling in their children the importance of being present daily. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance, please reach out to our Social Worker.

Mr. Darryl Thompson (708) 758-5350 dthompson@brookwood167.org

SCHOOL SUPPLIES Once again, this year, our Superintendent and the 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) 758-5350 so we can help provide them with all necessary materials.

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 5

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL

DoJo...

We ask that every parent sign up for the “Principal ClassDojo”, as this is an excellent 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 excellent “FREE” communication tool!

Please continue to read the messages on ClassDojo so that you will be updated with anything new happening at BMS. We hope you received information about your student’s grades and how we can work together to support your student with any additional academic support he or she may need. We hope your student shares this information with you as the parent and with us so we can address these situations immediately.

Please review information disseminated via ClassDojo from our office and teachers. We want to communicate with all families and will send essential messages regularly using this platform. Our office often sends information from the Junior High School regarding canceled after-school programs and practices. Please stay connected by signing up!

Student Activities...

As a reminder, our 6th-grade students participate in Athletic activities at the Junior High School. Please ensure that your student maintains their grades and follows the rules of the games.

We want our students to do well in their classes and stay safe in their sports activities!

We are also continuing our After-School Activities at BMS, and we would like our 5th and 6th-grade students to maintain their grades so they can participate in the activities weekly.

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 6

Here To Help...

As we head into the colder months, reminding students to stay physically and emotionally healthy is essential.

Please encourage your child to dress warmly and practice good hygiene. Our counselors can provide support and resources if your child is overwhelmed by schoolwork or social pressures.

Thank You...

I am reminded of our amazing community. I am thankful for our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and hardworking students who make our school such a special place to learn and grow. Together, we are building a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Thank You for trusting us with your child’s education and growth!

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 7

Keep Them Home...

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.

When a child can return to school is based on the specific symptom they have: •

Fever of 100.4 or higher

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New congestion/runny nose

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New onset of moderate to severe headache

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New loss of sense of taste or smell

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Shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat

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Fatigue from unknown cause

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Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

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Muscle or body aches

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Abdominal pain from unknown cause

If you answer “YES” to any of the above, your child “MUST” stay home. Please call the school before 8:30 a.m. to report your child’s absence (708) 757-2110 (Option #1).

Please leave the following information: •

Students full name with spelling of the last name

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Reason for absence

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Your name and relationship to the student

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 8

Reporting A Student’s Absence...

Parents must call the school to report their child absent before 8:30 a.m. The number for reporting absences is (708) 757-2110 (Option #1). Official attendance will be reported every morning by 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.

Reporting A Student’s Early Dismissal...

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Please call the main number (708) 758-5350 at least (45) minutes “PRIOR” to the early dismissal.

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In order for your student to be excused, you must sign them in and out in the main office; otherwise, their absence will be marked as “UNEXCUSED”.

Please Leave The Following Information...

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Students full name with spelling of the last name

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Reason for absence/tardy/early release

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Your name and relationship to the student

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 9

PBIS Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports Education Facts 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 precisely what is expected of them and a framework of evidence-based behavioral supports and interventions in an integrated curriculum to enhance the social behavior and academic atmosphere for our diverse body of students throughout the school.

Lessons take place in several ways, and the environment for the expectations. For example, teachers will do short lessons each week on a specific expectation, the staff on lunch duty will discuss lunchroom expectations, and on Fridays, students complete a Kahoot or Blooket quiz to review the expectations they have been learning about all week. Posters or anchor charts have been created for different building areas to remind the students and staff about the expected behaviors.

While these strategies may not eliminate all problem behaviors, they create consistency, predictability, and a more positive atmosphere. They teach new skills to help children get their needs met. The solid foundation will help even if challenging behaviors persist by creating a bedrock for additional support layers.

Here are places to seek additional information: •

Parenting with Positive Behavior Support: A Practical Guide to Resolving Your Child’s Difficult Behavior

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Home and Community Based Positive Behavior Support Facebook Page

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Home and Community PBS Website

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Parent Center Hub Positive Behavior Supports Resource Collection

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Intensive Intervention: An Overview for Parents and Families

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The Association for Positive Behavior Support

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Getting Behavior in Shape at Home

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Family Resources for Challenging Behavior

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The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI) Resource Library

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 10

PBIS | Second Step Second Step | SEL (social emotional learning) As part of our PBIS Initiative at Brookwood Middle 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 important skills such as how to have empathy, emotion management, problem solving skills, friendship skills, and responsibility. The weekly focus for each lesson varies. Please talk with your child about these lessons, it will help to reinforce them at home! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s SEL teacher.

Define, teach, and routinely acknowledge family expectations.

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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:

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Speak in a respectful voice.

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Be responsible for actions.

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Be safe; keep hands, feet, and objects to self.

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.

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Behaviors that get attention get repeated. Notice when a child does the right thing and say 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!

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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.

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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!

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Use visuals to create predictability. A visual schedule can display major routines of the day with pictures that are drawn, real photos or cut-outs from magazines. 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!

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 11

ClassDojo Please review information disseminated via Class Dojo from our office and teachers. We want to communicate with all families and will send essential messages regularly using this platform. Our office often sends information from the Junior High School regarding canceled after-school programs and practices. Please stay connected by signing up.

We encourage you to do the following to help us communicate with you: •

Please ensure we have an accurate email address. If you are not receiving Dojo messages from us, it probably means we have incorrect information on our end.

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Please sign up for the digital tools that Brookwood School District and the school have provided.

These include: •

Class Dojo

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Power School Parent Portal

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Please talk with your child’s teacher about Google Classroom and how it can be used as a communication tool.

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Timberwood News - Weekly school Newsletter that will be sent home on Fridays

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Please follow us on Facebook

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Please visit our website at www.brookwood167.org

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Please feel free to email us or call us at (708) 758-5350

Please join my ClassDojo so you can stay informed on what is happening at BROOKWOOD MIDDLE 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) 758-5350, email, mhollimon@brookwood167.org, or cell phone, (708) 252-4789. All you must provide is your cell phone number or email address.

GET INVOLVED AND STAY INFORMED!

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 12

All SD 167 teachers use an online grading system called PowerSchool that they update regularly.

We encourage you to check your child’s progress regularly.

This program is entirely confidential;

therefore, you will need an access username and password to see your child’s progress.

If you need your username and/or password, please get in touch with the school office at (708) 758-5350.

A PowerSchool app for your cellular

phone makes it easy for parents to stay updated on their child’s progress.

Breakfast/Lunch We will send home a menu each month so you know what is being served and can plan accordingly.

Breakfast: Breakfast is served daily in the school cafeteria from 8:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

CHAMPIONS | BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Lunch: Hot lunch is free for all students. This includes entrée, fruit, milk, and dessert. If you pack lunch for your child, please keep a healthy choice of foods. Parents will not be allowed to bring their child fast food. Any questions, please contact Janice Machnikowski, Food Services Manager at (708) 758-5190.

Technology Help Desk

Champions is a Before & AfterSchool Care Program available to our Brookwood families. Please get

If your child is having any technology problems

in touch with Champions as soon as

connecting to their teacher’s Google Classroom, please

you can to secure your spot.

get in touch with 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

Space is limited.

Champions Family Support Phone: (800) 246-2154 ChampionsHelp@kc-education.com

the device.

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 13

Student Engagement SPIRIT Week...

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 14

Winter Concert...

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 15

Student Engagement Donations from Mr. Hull & 5th Grade Student, Bria Renteria

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 16

As a reminder, Paper Tutoring is a resource that can be used at home to help students with their assignments.

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 17

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES January 7th

Students Return to School from the Winter Break

January 8th-17th

IReady Math Diagnostic

January 9th-17th

NWEA MAP Assessment

January 13th

Board of Education Meeting

January 15th

School Improvement | 11:30 a.m. Dismissal

ACCESS Testing Begins (Grades K-8)

January 20th

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration | No School

January 24th

Early Release Day | 2:00 p.m. Dismissal

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 18

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 19

BROOKWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dr. Muriel Hollimon, Principal

200 Glenwood-Lansing Road Glenwood, IL 60425

GO “TIMBERWOLVES”

+1 708 758 5350 (School)

info@brookwood167.org

+1 708 757 4528 (Fax)

www.brookwood167.org

BMS | January Newsletter | Page 20