Frequently Asked Questions (Fall 2021 version)
Will there be weekly PTO or CAST lunches this year?
For new families, the PTO and CAST's largest fundraiser involved supplying lunch 2 days a week from a pizza and sub sandwich purveyor. PTO and CAST each supplied lunch one day a week for students who opted in for a fee. As of this publishing date, these lunches are on hold due to COVID restrictions that don't allow parent volunteers in the building, which makes these lunch programs possible. Stay tuned for more details since both the Julian PTO and CAST greatly want to resume these popular fundraisers as soon as conditions and regulations allow.
Technology Roundup
- Help Desk: If your student is having issues with their Chromebook, including connectivity issues, email the D97 Help Desk at helpdesk@op97.org. This will set up an official Help Desk Ticket and allow a D97 staff person to respond and help resolve the problem.
- Canvas and Powerschool Guidance: Those new to Julian or even those with years of experience in the school may want to become familiar with Canvas and Powerschool. Follow this link to parent guides to both platforms. What's the difference between the two?
* Canvas is a course management system that supports online and in-person learning and teaching. It allows teachers to post grades, information, and assignments online. Our teachers use Canvas to provide updates upon assignments, allow students to hand in assignments, and provide feedback to students electronically.
* PowerSchool is our school’s information system that alerts of student grades, absences, and assignments. Grades will be updated weekly to provide a live account of your child’s academic progress and standing.
- New Student Google Accounts (@stu.op97.org). Your student's email address has changed from @students.op97.org to @stu.op97.org and they won't be able to access their old emails and files unless the parent/guardian requests access to migrate data from the previous account. To do that, email:helpdesk@op97.org
SHIELD Testing & Quarantine Info
Covid Shield Testing is Every Wednesday. District 97 is utilizing SHIELD testing as an additional mitigation strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Students should not eat any food or drink, 60 minutes prior to their test time. See this
link from Julian with the times for each grade.
Remote Learning for Quarantined Students
Learn more about D97’s plan for remote learning for
quarantined students here.
Mental health resources
DePaul "Mindful Middle-Schoolers" Program
DePaul University, in partnership with the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and D97, offer the following services and supports to the Julian community during the 2021-2022 school year:
- School-based group mindfulness-based services for students
- Individual and family therapy at school and home
- Care Coordination services to help families navigate and connect to community resources
- Community Talks (virtual) on a variety of topics such as: technology, anxiety, depression, executive functioning, mindfulness and the social and emotional needs of youth, culture and mental health, coping with the pandemic & transition back to in-person
If you would like your child to be considered for participation in a mindfulness-based small group, individual or family therapy, or would like to request support from the Care Coordinator, complete this
Request for Assistance Form.
PTO Meeting Schedule
The PTO meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Public meetings will be every other month, on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The public meetings are a great opportunity to discuss anything on your mind with the PTO Executive Board, Principal Christian and teachers. You are also welcome to attend executive committee meetings to learn more what the PTO is up to.
Executive Council Members
Presidents: Dave Gullo (co-chair position open)
Co-VPs of Programming: Gail Gearhart (co-chair position open)
Co-VPs of Communications: Jennifer Alten and Susan Raphael
VP of Wellness: Meredith Farster (co-chair position open)
VP of Green: OPEN
Co VP/Treasurer: Jamie Howe and Sanjay Patel
Secretary: Lisa Cohen and Jean Dawson
Volunteer Coordinator: OPEN
VP of Fundraising: Gina Demes (co-chair position open)
VP of Diversity/Inclusion: Kate Walz & Lindsay Gaskins
Want to volunteer either for the Executive Council or a task?
Go here.
Community News
OPEF needs a new design for their iconic BASE CAMP tee for summer 2022! The contest is open to D97 Middle School & OPRFHS students. Winner receives a $100 gift card and their design will be printed on the 2022 BASE CAMP shirts! Visit
www.OPEF.org for rules and details.