As we enter into the final weeks of the school year, students can feel a mixture of emotions. They are gearing up for summer and a less-structured time away from school, and they are facing the reality of saying goodbye to their friends and teachers for the summer, and maybe even longer as they transition to a new building. This can mean challenges at home as students think about the transition ahead.
In the coming weeks, as you gather around the dinner table, or even on a walk or car ride, we have suggested a couple of activities that you can try with your child(ren) to help them express these end-of-year feelings with a focus on gratitude and looking forward to new and exciting things. Check them out and enjoy!
Gratitude and Memories: Have your child create a Top 5 or Top 10 list of best memories from the school year. You can write these down or just ask your child to share them with you. Ask your child why that stood out to them, and why they are thankful for having had that experience. It will help them process their feelings about that experience, and will also spur some great conversations about what they might hope for in the coming year.
Letter to My Future Self: Invite your child to create a letter or a drawing that they would share with themselves a year from now and include what they want to remember from this school year, and lessons they have learned, and one wish for themselves for the coming year or summer. As this can be difficult for younger children, they could draw three things: their favorite memory, something they learned this year, and a wish/goal for themselves in the next grade or in the summer. After completing the letter/drawing, put it in an envelope and put it on the fridge with an open date for a year later. You can open it up and see if the lessons and memories were still there, and if the wish came true!
🎓8TH GRADE GRADUATION PARTY 5/31 7:00-9:30PM 🎓
The 8th Grade Graduation Party will be Friday, May 31st from 7:00-9:30pm, at WJHS. This festive party is provided by the WJHS PTO for graduating 8th graders and will include Dancing❗Inflatables❗Games❗Photo Booth❗Refreshments❗
PLEASE NOTE: No cell phones allowed, per school policy. If phones are brought they will be locked at the door and returned at the end of the evening.
We want to make sure our 8th graders feel the love as they say goodbye to WJHS! Many hands are needed to make sure things run smoothly. Can YOU help us decorate or hand out snacks at their party? Partial availability is fine with us! Click HERE to view the SignUp Genius. 7th and 8th grade parents welcome to volunteer. THANK YOU!
✏️7TH GRADE PARENTS: TIME TO BUY YOUR EDUKIT FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR ✏️
ALL of your student’s school supplies in ONE BOX! No running around, going to multiple stores! Save time and money by purchasing an EduKit school supply box and IT WILL BE WAITING FOR THEM IN THE CLASSROOM ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. Order today by clicking HERE!
🎓8TH GRADE GRADUATION YARD SIGNS 🎓
The WJHS PTO is providing a complimentary yard sign for your graduating 8th grader! You can pick up your FREE sign at 728 Romona Road (it’s the house with the BLUE door- look on the front porch!) Stop by at your convenience. ONE SIGN PER GRADUATE PLEASE. Congratulations to all our 8th graders from the WJHS PTO!
📣WJHS & NEW TRIER SPIRITWEAR 📣
Looking for a great gift for your graduating 8th grader? Get them ready for New Trier High School with a “Class of 2028” sweatshirt! Details HERE. humanKIND is a locally mom-owned company that we’ve partnered with to sell WJHS spiritwear. Items are fully customizable with an option to ship OR pick up locally. Click HERE for options.
2 SPOTS LEFT FOR LUNCH DUTY - VOLUNTEER TODAY
Spend 1 hour of your time to serve food to students in the lunch line on either Wednesday 5/29 or Monday 6/3. The lunchroom staff really appreciates our help! Sign up HERE
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education held its regular monthly business meeting last Monday. The Board was presented with the final report from the Community Review Committee (CRC) titled “Harnessing the Power of Free Play to Advance Educational Outcomes” and also reviewed updated CRC bylaws. The Board also reviewed the annual Student/Staff Planning Report for the 2024-25 academic year and approved transportation contract renewals for both regular and special education. Additionally, the Board approved several outstanding faculty and staff candidates for the 2024-25 academic year, including Jeffrey Batt and Robert Miller as new Grade Level Administrators at Wilmette Junior High School. Agendas and materials for all Board of Education meetings are available online.
Parent Education Event - Supporting School Transitions
As families begin to prepare for the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year AND look ahead to the 2024-25 school year, I encourage those who have students making school transitions this coming Fall to check out our most recent Parent Education recording titled “Supporting School Transitions.” This presentation provides an overview of the many ways in which our schools partner to support student and family transitions between schools. Whether you have a child moving from EC-K, 4th-5th, 6th-7th, or 8th to high school, this is a “must-watch” for any family! Please visit our D39 Parent Education website to find archived recordings of our wonderful and informative Parent Education events.
Upcoming Important Dates
Please keep in mind these important upcoming dates. Refer to your school principal’s newsletter for other important year-end happenings within our buildings.
Monday, May 27 – NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
Wednesday June 5 – Last Day of Regular Attendance for Lechner Early Education Program
Thursday, June 6 – Last Day of School for K-8 (early release day); Park Day for LEEP Students
Wilmette Junior High School
Email: office-wjhs@wilmette39.org
Website: http://wjhs.wilmette39.org/
Location: 620 Locust Rd, Wilmette, IL, USA
Phone: 847-512-6600
Instagram: @hawkwolf39
Twitter: @hawkwolf39