WJHS Highlights

Across the grade levels, the SEL lessons students engage in help them learn about themselves, their emotions, and their families and traditions. These lessons help students understand other perspectives and develop their sense of belonging in the larger community.

Learning about many different traditions that are the same as, and different from your own helps your child increase their understanding of the world around them. This month we have the opportunity to learn more about Ramadan, which began at the start of March and ends at the end of the month with the holiday of Eid-al-Fitr. During this holiest and most important month for Muslims around the world, many practice fasting during daylight hours. Enjoy reading a book together about Ramadan to learn more! District 39 staff are aware that many students will be celebrating Ramadan, and are prepared to make accommodations for students to be able to participate. Please make sure you reach out and let us know if your child is participating so that we can support them as needed.

As a reminder, this calendar provides dates and information on many celebratory dates for students and staff of District 39.

LAST DAY TO ORDER A YEARBOOK!

Today 3/14 is the last day to order your student a 2024-2025 Yearbook. Yearbooks are $32 and can be purchased online at wjhspto.com. Yearbooks will be delivered during the last week of school during homeroom. The PTO does not order extras and there will not be a re-order. THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ORDER A YEARBOOK.

You must be logged into your Membership Toolkit account on wjhspto.com to purchase a yearbook. There is no cost to register. You do not need to become a PTO member. The PTO uses your purchase information in Membership Toolkit to link to your student for delivery through homeroom classes.

If you are not sure whether you have already ordered a yearbook, there are two ways to check. Either go to your Membership Toolkit account on wjhspto and look under Your Account, Previous Orders OR check your email for confirmation from notify@membershiptoolkit.com or Wilmette Junior High School PTO. Questions? Email yearbook@wjhspto.com

SPRING DEBATE REGISTRATION OPENS 3/17

Spring Debate is Mondays starting 4/7 and runs for 6 weeks. Information will be updated soon for you to register at acesdebateclub.com.

SNACKS-FOR-STAFF SIGNUP GENIUS

Spring is here- we can feel it! To give the staff a little treat to get them through the end of the year, the PTO stocks the shelves in the staff lounge with fun snacks. Our goal is to have everything ready for the week of April 11-17. This is our final Snacks-for-Staff event for this year. Please consider signing up to drop something off or Amazon direct-ship and thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A4A62FA2FCCE9-55413945-april#/

2025-2026 WJHS PTO POSITIONS

Be in the know. Make a difference. Have fun while supporting our teachers and staff. Enrich our student’s school experience. Make friends! There are so many reasons to serve on the PTO. Please consider sharing your talents for the 2025-2026 WJHS PTO. For more information on the following positions please email president@wjhspto.com.

President-Elect: 2-year commitment, shadows President then becomes President next year

Secretary: takes notes and writes minutes during Exec Board meetings, the first Wednesday morning of every month

VP Community/Hospitality: manages team of volunteers for monthly staff bagels/coffee, teacher appreciation week, receptions for newcomers and 7th grade parents, holiday gift fund

VP Communications: manages website and works with Directory and Membership Toolkit

Civics & Safety Rep: attends community meetings and reports to VP Legislation

Outside Front Planters Rep: perfect for someone who likes plants/gardening, responsible for front sidewalk planter flowers/beautification with seasonal decorations

Newcomers Welcome Committee: Serves as contact for new families to Wilmette/D39

Graduation Party Committee: Help plan end of year party for 8th graders

VOLUNTEER TO SERVE LUNCH

The lunchroom staff needs 2 parents each day to help serve lunch as students go through the lunch line. Can you help us out just once? These days have ZERO parents signed up- Monday 3/17 and Thursday 3/20 and the Monday and Wednesday after spring break. Sign up HERE and thank you so much! It’s truly appreciated!

SPRING COURTYARD COMING SOON

Did you know that WJHS has two interior courtyards? One of them is a place where students can go during lunch recess to hang out with friends, play board games or just take a quiet break from their day. The PTO coordinates parent volunteers to take out board games from the supply closet and monitor the space for 30 minutes. The courtyard will be open after spring break during lunch for 7th graders on WEDNESDAYS and for 8th graders on FRIDAYS. SignUp Genius for parent volunteers coming soon! Check back next week!

The WJHS PTO has been asked to pass along some relevant community information:

D39 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The D39 Educational Foundation is seeking enthusiastic and committed volunteers to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. Trustees serve a 3-year term and collaborate closely with teachers, staff, and community members to fund transformative educational opportunities (such as ClassVR, the HMS Living Wall, Logitech Crayons, and elementary school murals) and organize engaging fundraising and community events (including College Paddle Night, Family Bingo, and Trivia Nights). The Board meets monthly during the school year, and there are occasional social events to help build strong relationships among this dedicated team. Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Beth Karnes by Monday, April 7th at boarddev@d39foundation.org for more information.

NEW TRIER STEM CAMP - REGISTRATION OPEN

There’s still time to register for the 12th Annual New Trier Engineering STEM Summer Camps! Hosted by the New Trier Applied Arts Department, its mission is to enthusiastically lead activities that engage campers in hands-on activities, friendly competitions, and exciting creative-thinking and building challenges. Guided by current and former New Trier students, each camp runs daily from 9am-3pm at New Trier’s Northfield campus. REGISTER HERE. July 14-18 or July 21-25.