NBJH Weekly Update 12/20/24

Hi folks,

The conclusion of the calendar year seems like an appropriate time to reflect upon our year and all of the positive experiences we have shared as a school community. There have been achievements by select individual as students have been chosen for honor festivals for their musical talent and our 8th grade girls volleyball team won the conference championship. There have also been special accomplishments at the school level as we came together to select and raise funds for our Charity of Choice -- CASA. And more recently, our school community united under one selfless goal to collect toys, games, clothes and gift cards for the Youth Services Holiday Gift Drive. Those are events we should be extremely proud of.

District 28, and NBJH specifically, is a special place because of the people who care so much about the organization. Thank you to our parents and guardians for your unwavering support and entrusting us with your kids for 176 days each school year. Thank you to our students, who have an uncanny way of filling us with emotion each day. (Sometimes tears, but mostly smiles!) Thank you to our staff for their flexibility and perseverance as they try to find new and creative ways to connect with kids.

On behalf of our entire staff, we wish everyone the happiest of holidays as next week brings us Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and much more. We wish safe travels to families who are hitting the road, the skies, or the seas over the next couple of weeks. Have a fun, safe and relaxing winter break; we look forward to what 2025 has in store!

Take care,

Scott

Science Teacher Carmela Stout sponsors the annual trip to Futures Unlimited STEM Workshop at Oakton Community College. The event provides an opportunity for our students to explore STEM careers, meet successful women in STEM, participate in interactive workshops, learn how to get involved in STEM at GBN and meet new people. A total of 13 students participated.

Students were invited to join the festivities of the season by participating in an after-school gingerbread house decorating contest. Lots of icing, candies...and fun! Kudos to the winning creation (above) and all those who participated. Thank you to our Student Council for sponsoring this activity!

Our students and staff in the foundational classroom are extending an open invitation to all NBJH students for the first Buddy Group Outing of the year. Up for an evening of curling and a whole lot of fun? Come join us on January 31, 2025!

Each winter, parents/guardians can recommend their sixth- and seventh-grade student(s) be re-evaluated for language arts and/or math course placement for the next school year. Students in the following courses may be recommended for re-evaluation:

• Core Language Arts for placement into Advanced Language Arts

• Math 6 Core for placement into Math 7 Pre-Algebra

• Math 6 Accelerated for placement into Math 7 Algebra

• Math 7 Core for placement into Math 8 Algebra

Please read the language arts and math documents located on the district website to review the process for identification. Use this link to access the parent nomination form if you would like your child re-evaluated. It can also be found on the District 28 website, and paper copies are available at the NBJH school office by request. The completed form is due by Monday, January 13, 2025.

The receipt of nomination forms will be confirmed via email. If you submit a nomination form but do not receive an email confirming its receipt, please email Laura Cohen, G/T Services Coordinator at NBJH. Visit our website for additional information on the district’s Gifted and Talented Services. You may also contact Mrs. Cohen if you have any questions about the process.

Students will go outside for recess when the "feels like" temperature is 20 degrees or higher. Please encourage your students to dress appropriately for the colder weather. Additionally, please leave a little extra time for student drop-off on cold and/or snowy days to ensure your child arrives prior to the 8:35 bell.

Snow Days

In the case of inclement weather, our first priority is to use a SNOW DAY and the schools will be closed. Generally, our inclement weather days are needed in one or two-day increments.Decisions about closing schools for inclement weather are made by the superintendent in coordination with other Northfield Township superintendents and local, county, and state emergency management officials.

If our schools need to close for inclement weather or another emergency, the missed instructional time will be made up at the end of the year. We have currently identified June 3-7, 2024, as emergency days in the calendar. Please review additional details on our website under school closing information.

We understand that the winter holidays can be a challenging time for many families. To support you during this season, we’ve compiled a list of resources that you and your family can access at any time:

Crisis Hotlines

• Safe2Help Illinois: Text SAFE2, Call 1-844-4-SAFEIL, or visit Safe2HelpIL.com to share safety issues in a confidential manner

• Suicide Hotline: Call 988 if you need someone to talk to when life is challenging

• Help Stop Hate: Call 1-877-458-HATE to access a confidential service to report an act of hate

Counseling Services

• Family Service Center: Schedule an appointment at 847-251-7350

• Josselyn Center: Schedule an appointment at 847-441-5600

• Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook: Schedule an appointment at 847-724-2620

Food and Shelter

• Northfield Township Food Pantry: Call 847-724-8300

• Haven Emergency Shelter: Call 847-251-6630

Please do not hesitate to use these resources if you or your family needs support. We are here to help and wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season.

WINTER BREAK - 12/23/24 - 01/03/25

Looking Ahead...

01/06 - B Day - School Resumes

01/07 - A Day

• P.T.O. Council Meeting - H.O.H. Community Room - 9-10:00 a.m.

01/08 - B Day

• Music Parents Club Meeting - H.O.H. Community Room - noon

01/09 - A Day

01/10 - B Day

• NBJH P.T.O. Meeting - JH Conference Room - 8:45 a.m.

• 6th Grade Dance Assembly 3:30-5:00 p.m. (in NBJH main gym)

01/07

• Boys' Basketball vs. Wilmette (7/8) - 4:30 p.m.
• Girls' Basketball at Wilmette (7/8) - 4:30 p.m.

01/09

• Boys' Basketball at Maple (8/7) - 4:30 p.m.
• Girls' Basketball vs. Maple (8/7) - 4:30 p.m.

District 28 invites local non-profit organizations and community government agencies to promote events for families and children. Each week, some event are highlighted in the newsletter. View the complete list of events on the Virtual Backpack web page. To submit an event, please email the web-friendly flier to Terry Ryan, Communications Director. All fliers are subject to approval.

The Glenbrook North High School Broadcasting Department is hosting a FREE hands-on media clinic for 8th graders on Thursday, January 9 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This workshop is for students who are interested in TV, Radio, Podcasting, News, Sports, & Filmmaking. The event will be held in the Glenbrook North High School Broadcasting Room (Room A116).

To ensure a spot, please register as soon as possible as we can only accommodate the first 75 students who sign up. The camp is for 8th-graders at NBJH, Maple, Field, Wood Oaks & private school students who will be attending GBN next year. Current GBN Broadcast students and instructors will lead the clinic. Registration is available through January 7 at gbnbroadcasting.com

Northbrook Girls Softball Association House League is designed for instruction and inclusion. The program accepts Kindergarten through 8th grade girls regardless of their experience, ability, or residency. Having fun while participating in low-pressure fast-pitch softball instruction is the priority of the program.

Register today

Dr. Scott Meek Ed.D.

NBJH Principal