The Jayhawk Weekly

Dear Julian Parents and Guardians,

Last week advisories completed their Black History Month door decorating contest and we held grade-level assemblies organized by our Black Student Union and Spirit Team. A big thank you to the student performers who participated. It was a fantastic display of talent and culture, and we are grateful for this contribution to our community! They all did an amazing job! We look forward to celebrating with our entire community on Saturday, March 1st at 3pm at the Black History Celebration. We hope to see you there!

I also wanted to take a moment to review a vital safety procedure we have in place to protect our students and keep our building secure. Please remind your child(ren) that ordering food items to the school from delivery services is not allowed. Perhaps it has been due to the unusually cold weather, but we have noticed that there has been an uptick in instances of students ordering coffee and lunch for themselves. Having students meet strangers in the school vestibule or leaving classroom instruction to meet strangers at side doors to accept lunch deliveries is very concerning. Therefore, they should not order GrubHub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc. If they forget their lunch, they can purchase milk and food from the lunchroom during their lunch period. We appreciate your understanding and partnership in this matter.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact our team (emails below). Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students' growth and success.

Jayhawks together,

Nick Filipowski

Principal, Percy Julian M.S.

• Black History Celebration: Saturday, March 1st (3pm - 5:30pm)
• Institute Day: Monday, March 3rd (No School for students)
• Spring Break: Mon., March 24th - Fri., March 28th (NO SCHOOL)
• Institute Day: Tuesday, April 1st (No School for students)
• District closed: Friday, April 18th (NO SCHOOL)

• 8th Grade Class Trip: Sunday, May 25 - Tuesday, May 27th
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 26th (NO SCHOOL)

• 8th Grade Graduation: Tuesday, June 3rd

Parents/guardians all 10 of our schools are encouraged to take the Illinois 5Essentials Survey between February 18 through March 28: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/.

Thank you for participating in this important endeavor and for your continued support of our schools and the children we serve.

Dear Parent or Guardian,

We are writing to inform you about a student survey that will be administered at your child’s school for 4th-8th graders called the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This is the 12th year the Illinois State Board of Education will implement this survey across the state. This survey is based on 30 years of research at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. It asks students about their experiences in school, giving school leaders critical student input to help develop school improvement plans.

Student participants will be required to log-in using their state student ID and birth date in order to complete the survey. Students’ identities will be completely confidential. Teachers or administrators will never see individual responses to survey questions and will only receive aggregated information, such as the total percentage of students who agree homework assignments help them learn the course material.

Please be aware that under the Protection of Pupil Rights Act. 20 U.S.C. Section 1232(c) (1) (A), you have the right to review a copy of the questions asked of your student(s). Survey questions can be found on the UChicago Impact Support Center (https://impactsurveyshelp.force.com/s/article/illinois-5essentials-survey-questions).

If you do not want your child to participate, fill out the information below (click the button to be taken to the google doc to print) and ask your child to return this sheet to his or her teacher by February 28, 2025.

Thank you for your cooperation,

D97 5essentials Team

Dear District 97 Staff and Families,

We are writing to share an important update regarding the PowerSchool cyber incident that occurred in December 2024.

We just received confirmation that our D97 families have started to receive email communication from Experian on behalf of PowerSchool. These emails provide the next steps for each family and staff regarding the cyber breach. Below is some key information to help identify this email, as well as resources that may be of interest to you.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team via Let’s Talk. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work through this situation.

Sincerely,

Michael Arensdorff
Chief Technology Officer

Key Information about the PowerSchool email staff and families will receive:

• Email Address: From: PowerSchool <Ps-sis-incident@mail1.csid.com>, Ps-sis-incident@mail1.csid.com, Ps-sis-incident@mail2.csid.com, etc…

• Subject: Subject: PowerSchool Cybersecurity Incident

• Here is a link to the information that will be included in the content of the email for each individual student/family and staff contact. This email will provide options for identity protection and credit monitoring. In addition, there will be contact information for any questions regarding this incident.

• Please note that, as shared in our FAQ, District 97 does not collect social security numbers from students or parents/guardians, nor do we include them in our PowerSchool student information system.

Additional resources:

• District 97 will continue to provide updates via this page and will provide additional communication to families as we receive updates from PowerSchool. We will continue to update the D97 FAQ as additional information and/or questions are received.

--

Michael Arensdorff, CETL
Chief Technology Officer
Oak Park School District 97
260 Madison Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
708.524.3015
marensdorff@op97.org

Last week, Julian families were sent a message regarding a child luring incident that took place near Brooks Middle School. As two students were walking home after school, an adult male attempted to lure them into a vehicle. The Brooks students ran away safely and were not harmed. We are asking parents and guardians to please review these important safety tips with their students. And if you have any information regarding the Brooks incident on 2/20, we ask that you please contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708-386-3800.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community safe.

🟥⬛🟩We could you use your help to provide light refreshments for the audience members and performers on Saturday, March 1st:

If you would like to donate water, snacks, entrees or desserts for the event, please sign up now!

We’re excited to welcome new students to District 97 for the 2025-26 school year! Starting Feb. 19, 2025, families can register new students for kindergarten and grades 1-8.

Returning Families
Registration for returning students will open on Feb. 26. Keep an eye out for a separate communication with the registration link and details.

Get Ready to Register
Visit our District 97 Registration page for everything you need to know about the process, including residency documents, timelines, and helpful resources.

Need Help?
Our registration team is here for you! Reach out anytime through Let’s Talk. We look forward to supporting you through this process!

We are happy to share with you a snippet of photos from our Julian door decorating. Teachers and students came together to celebrate black historical figures, inventors, musicians, athletes, culturally relevant topics, American history and more. Our Julian students really put a lot of time and effort into their themes and door decorations.

So much creativity and collaboration. Well done to everyone!

Last week, our wrestling team won their 3rd consecutive championship! Out of a combined team of Brooks and Julian students, there were a total of 16 wrestlers that placed. Outstanding work from Julian students: Walt, Frank, Landon, Ben, Parker and Reece. We are Jayhawk Proud of these talented athletes!! Congratulations to coach Michael Colucci, Ms. Marie and the other D97 staff that helped support this amazing group of athletes!

Boys Volleyball team tryouts are this week:

8th Grade tryouts - Tuesday, Feb 25 @ 3:30pm

6th/7th Grade tryouts - Wednesday, Feb 26 @ 3:30pm

Contact Ms. Brinkman or Mr. Apostol if you have any questions.

The D97 Special Education Parent Support Group is now meeting monthly, and we would love for you to join us! Meetings will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Whittier Elementary School, 715 N. Harvey Ave., on the following dates:

• Feb. 24, 2025

• April 28, 2025

• May 12, 2025

Childcare will be provided. We hope to see you there!

Parents and Guardians are invited to a meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 3:45pm in the commons. We will discuss track requirements (sports physicals, practices, track meet dates, etc) and expectations during this time. Mr. Talarico will be available to answer any questions regarding the team.

• Practices will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before school from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
• No practices on Wednesdays unless otherwise specified.
• Practice will start promptly at 7:30 a.m. please be at Julian by 7:15-7:20 a.m. to allow yourself time to put away school items and get ready for practice.
• Runners will use the PE Locker rooms to store their items while at practice.
• After practice runners may use the gym lockerrooms to change into school clothes but then need to report back outside to their designated grade-level areas.
• Please bring a water bottle for practice along with a snack for after practice (optional but encouraged).

Please click here to sign up your Julian student. If you have any specific questions, please contact Mr. Talarico at mtalarico@op97.org

***8th grade parents/guardians: please get your happy ads in this week for your 8th grader. We need your info asap so the vendor can start work on the 2025 Yearbook. The Happy Ad deadline has been extended to March 7th. THANK YOU!

CELEBRATE YOUR 8TH GRADER

With a Message & Baby/Toddler Picture in the yearbook!

• Message - one message per graduate, from family

• Baby or Toddler Picture preferred

• Strict MAX of 300 character (40-45 words) -we have limited space

• Submit your form here: SUBMIT HAPPY AD HERE

• DUE DATE: EXTENDED TO 3/7/25 PLEASE GET YOURS IN NOW

Mrs. Guarino

Team 6-2 Math Teacher

NBCT

Percy Julian Middle School

Join Triton College for a career-exploration-focused camp designed for middle-school-aged students! Campers will choose one major area of study to focus on throughout the week, culminating in a Campers Showcase on the final day where they can present what they ve learned to their families and friends. Along with gaining hands-on experience in high-tech labs and learning from experts in the field, campers will also enjoy engaging recreation activities and daily lunches as part of the program.

To learn more about College for Kids and other camps being offered, or to sign up, scan the QR code on the flyer. Or click here: https://www.triton.edu/cfkspring/. The camp is Monday, March 24th thru Thursday, March 27th. If you have any questions, please call Triton’s School of Continuing Education at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3500, email AskCE@triton.edu, or contact Friday Night Place at (708) 657-1790 or (708) 704-3789, or email fnplace25@gmail.com.

Hosted by Triton College in partnership with Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Fellowship Community Services, Inc. and Friday Night Place.

The Park District of Oak Park, Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 are excited to host a Multicultural Fest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Scoville Park. This event will celebrate and showcase the incredible diversity that makes Oak Park such a vibrant community.

We’re looking for organizations to join the celebration by hosting a table, organizing activities that highlight a specific culture or region, performing on stage, or leading an art workshop. If your organization represents a culture and would like to participate, please complete our interest form. We’ll be in touch with more details in early 2025!

Health Reminders

We are so happy when your child can be at school on time and well enough for learning. However, keeping your child home when sick is essential to keep illness out of our schools and prevent spread to others.

*Families must report any absences due to illness or for any other reasons by calling or emailing the school attendance line (708-665-3064 or julianinfo@op97.org).

Please keep your child home if they are exhibiting signs of illness:

• Temperature of 100.0 degrees F° (37 C°)
• Your child should be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Your child must stay home for a full 24 hours after their last episode of vomiting/diarrhea before returning to school
• Strep throat:
• Your child must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school and fever free for 24 hours without medication if a fever is present.
• Swollen, red eyes that itch and are draining (possible pink-eye)
• Your child must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school for bacterial conjunctivitis and drainage free and/or a note from the doctor.
• Uncontrolled coughing or constant “runny” nose – especially with yellow or green mucus
• However, for a mild runny/stuffy nose and mild cough it is alright to send your child to school.
• An unusual rash, a blistery rash, or a rash associated with a fever
• Your child should remain at home until you have discussed the rash with your physician and your child is not contagious (a note from your doctor may be required)
• COVID? Please see and follow the info in the link: https://www.op97.org/health-services/covid-19-guidelines
• Has symptoms that prevent them from learning:
• Very tired or lack of appetite
• Headache, body aches or earache
• Sore Throat—a minor sore throat is ok for school, but a severe sore throat could be strep throat, even if there is no fever. Other symptoms of strep throat in children are headache, stomach upset, or rash. Call your doctor if your child has these symptoms.

Approximately 10% - 15% of students have a food allergy. The most common allergen item is nuts of any kind. Every food-allergic reaction has the possibility of developing into a life-threatening reaction within minutes. Some individuals may react to merely touching the substance, while for others, consumption of a tiny amount of that food can cause a reaction which could be fatal.

• We strongly encourage packing nut-free products in your student's lunches

• We strongly encourage sending nut-free products on field trips

• There is NO food sharing between students at any time during school

How to identify safer foods for your children to eat:

1. Please read all packaging to ensure the item is not produced on equipment shared with nuts

2. Additional safe options may be viewed at: www.snacksafely.com

We appreciate your partnership in promoting the health and safety of our children.

LUNCH

Hot lunch is available to students who wish to participate and have a funded or approved lunch account. If you have questions regarding your student's lunch balance, you may contact the Lunch Manager, Venus Jones at vjones@op97.org. To make payments on student lunch accounts please visit, https://www.mymealtime.com/signin.aspx

FOOD DELIVERY POLICY

***District 97 employees will not sign for food deliveries for students. Julian students or parents/guardians should NOT have food delivered to the school through any food delivery service (i.e. DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, etc). Food deliveries will not be accepted during the school day. Please plan to pack a lunch or purchase a school lunch each day.***

Fees may be paid online at https://oakpark.revtrak.net/Middle-Schools/BMS/BMS-School-Fees/#/list

You may also pay fees in-person (with check, money order or cash only) at the Julian School Office during the week between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Come help Julian be an even more awesome place...all that's missing is YOU! Julian PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) meetings will be held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Library Media Center:

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

If you can't make it in person, log onto Zoom for the PTO meetings:

Every month on the Second Wed, until May 14, 2025, 9 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZIqd-2grzwqH9xbM57ma8Z4koONenHwAstO/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGuqTsuEtWSsByPRpwAB4igLPzzmGZfgvpFnjKwVC1SOjmiPe1tHLdxOM_x&meetingMasterEventId=8BZCj1FGQtmhEqFKmR7G4w

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86704817058?pwd=sQ8438MQAlKe75JZ21eRBMFkOpJDza.1

Meeting ID: 867 0481 7058
Passcode: 325017

• Please call the attendance line at 708-665-3064 to leave a voicemail regarding your child's absence.
• Email julianinfo@op97.org if you have any questions for the school office.
• Dial 708-524-3040 to reach the Julian school office. And remember, if you plan to get your child for an early dismissal, give the school office a call 10-15 minutes prior to your arrival. This will give them time to locate your student and for your student to gather their belongings. Please, whenever possible, have your pick up done prior to 3:00 pm. Thank you for your understanding.

Oak Park, IL 60302

708-524-3040

www.op97.org/julian