WJHS Highlights

FEBRUARY:

The month of February is Black History Month. While learning about and honoring the contributions of Black Americans to the history of our country and their impact on our world today, is something we do year-round at school, this month is a great time for families also to set aside time to recognize these trailblazers and engage in learning about the contributions of African-Americans...especially in our area. Did you know that the Bronzeville neighborhood in Chicago is considered the birthplace of Black History Month?

A couple of family-friendly opportunities include the Chicago History Museum Family Event for Black History Month or the Multiple Events, both musical and historical at the Field Musuem. In Wilmette, children are offered the opportunity to participate in the Village's annual Black History Month contest or visit the Wilmette Public Library for one of their events.

Engaging in these activities as a family supports your child in developing their social-emotional skills as they learn about identity, engage in perspective-taking, and celebrate many various traditions and experiences.

TEACHER/STAFF SOUP LUNCH 2/21🥣

During February each year the PTO plans a “Soup Lunch” for teachers and staff as a winter treat! Please help us by providing some delicious homemade soup or chili on Wednesday, 2/21. Not a soup person? That’s ok- we need donations of bread/crackers, toppings, etc. too! Please visit the SignUp Genius HERE to see what’s available and for more information. This is one of our teachers’ favorite days - we know because they tell us! ❤️

8TH GRADE PARENTS REMINDER: GRADUATION/GOWN FEES DUE TODAY 2/1

Don’t forget to pay the Graduation fee and purchase your Graduation Gown (if needed), it’s DUE TODAY! Information from Nicole Ryan’s email sent 1/24:

*Pay Graduation Fee through PowerSchool HERE

**Register to GET a gown HERE

7TH GRADE PARENTS REMINDER: “OPT IN”👍DURING D39 REGISTRATION

When you register your child in PowerSchool for next year, you will be asked if your student/parent information can be included in the PTO family directory and class lists. Please select “YES.” The directory is not distributed to anyone other than student families and D39 staff. This will also opt YOU in so you can get important email notifications about social events, after-school clubs, graduation activities and other student/family news throughout the 2024-2025 school year. The only place a class list will appear is through the PTO Directory.

BEAUTY & THE BEAST JR THEATRE CLUB - ONLY 9 SPOTS LEFT

Bring the timeless story of Beauty & The Beast to life with Skyline Children’s Theatre’s afterschool club on WEDNESDAYS from 3:45-5:45pm starting 2/7 (Cost: $365). Your student will receive a named role and memorize lines, sign catchy songs and learn dances while being guided by a professional teaching artist. Your star’s moment has arrived and their spotlight awaits! Register HERE! This club is run by an outside vendor (Skyline Children’s Theatre) and not the WJHS PTO. Questions? Email clubs@wjhspto.com

LUNCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Spend an hour and a half of your day helping the school while viewing your child from a distance (they might not even know you’re there)! You do not need to cook, only assist in serving the food items to the students as they go through the lunch line. Plenty of availability through the end of February. Sign up HERE and thank you!

Registration for 2024-25 Academic Year

Registration for the 2024-25 academic year is now open. ALL students, including those already attending D39 schools, must register via PowerSchool for the 2024-25 academic year. For returning students, visit the PowerSchool Parent Portal, click on the registration link, and follow the instructions. For students who will be new to D39, visit wilmette39.org/enroll for instructions on the new student registration process. We encourage parents with new kindergarten students to enroll as soon as possible. D39 is also offering its optional KEEP39 afternoon enrichment program for kindergarten students. You can register your child for KEEP39 at the same time that you register for kindergarten. For those families with younger children, you can also register your child(ren) in our Lechner Early Education Program (LEEP) for three- and four-year-old students at this time.

D39 Summer Enrichment Program Courses Now Available!

Looking for a fun and educational summer experience for your child(ren)? Learn more about our District 39 Summer Enrichment Program! This program runs from July 2-31 and provides a variety of both academic and hobby-based courses for students currently in grades K-7. This year, K-3 courses will be held at Romona Elementary School with grades 4-7 being offered at Highcrest Middle School. Offerings for Summer 2024 are posted online now! Please visit our D39 Summer Enrichment Program website for more details on this wonderful summer option.

Parent Education Event

Please make plans to join us for our next Parent Ed event, “To Rainbow Infinity and Beyond: Cultivating and Celebrating a Positive Neurodivergent Identity,” scheduled for this Wednesday (Feb. 7) at 11 am. This presentation will be led by Amanda Besinger, MS, MSW, LCSW at kiND Therapy + Wellness on Chicago’s Northside. You may join us in-person at Harper or participate virtually via Zoom. Please register online to reserve your spot and visit our Parent Education page for our full schedule of events, registration links, and archived recordings.

Village of Wilmette’s Black History Month Contest

The Village of Wilmette’s Human Relations Commission is sponsoring its annual Black History Month contest. This year’s Black History Month theme, “African Americans the Arts,” encompasses the impact that African American artists have had on cultural movements and more. Students are invited to submit posters, essays, poetry, and/or art/multimedia/music entries for this contest. Entries are being accepted now until Feb. 15 and can be sent or delivered to Wilmette Village Hall (attn: Human Relations Commission, Village Manager’s Office), 1200 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. Visit the Village of Wilmette website or click the link above for more information.

Crossing Guard Update

We are proud to share that the Village of Wilmette has filled all of its permanent crossing guard spots. Thank you to all of our families for their efforts to help fill these openings as well as their patience while the Village worked through their staffing shortage. There is still an opportunity and a need for substitute crossing guards. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested, please see the attached flyer for more information and visit the Village of Wilmette website to apply online.

New Trier Winter Carnival is Coming

New Trier is hosting its Winter Carnival on Friday, Feb. 23 from 5:45-8 pm on its Winnetka Campus (Trevian Way Entrance). The entire New Trier Class of 2024 will work with their adviser rooms to transform the school into various carnival attractions for children. In addition to various activity booths, ranging from Face Painting and Bozo Buckets to Glowing Dance Party and Mini Bike Race, the event will include carnival confections such as cotton candy and snow cones. This year’s carnival will also feature an additional Dinner and Magic Show, alumni raffle, and more! All proceeds of the event benefit 2024 Senior Class Service Project.