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November 1, 2020
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A focus on community: See ways to receive help if you need it & give back if you can.

Monday, November 1 - B day.
Tuesday, November 2 - ELECTION DAY (NO SCHOOL)

Find Voting Information here
Wednesday, November, 3 - A day.



Dear Parents and Guardians:

First, there is no school on Tuesday and the A/B schedule looks a bit different this week. Monday is a B day and Wednesday is an A day. Please note that meal pickup is Monday not Tuesday this week.

In spite of this crazy, difficult year, our community has come together in ways big and small. Read this newsletter for ways you and your family can receive help from supplies, to Spanish tutoring, to mental health resources. Help is available if you need it. And, if you're in the position to help others, we've included some ways you can help. 

New Topics
  • Jayhawk Support from the PTO helps families in need
  • Spanish tutoring is now available
  • Holiday Food & Gift Basket program needs donations
  • Don't miss the virtual PTO meeting on Wed, Nov 4, 7:15 pm focused on Diversity & Inclusion
  • CAST news
  • Box Tops for Education
Repeat Reminders
  • (Virtual) Coffee with Principal Christian, Nov 7
  • Check out books from the Julian library remotely!
  • Community Conversations about the book Stamped
  • 7th grade skate event is full but sign up for the waiting list!
  • Spiritwear store is open!
  • D97 Social-Emotional Wellness Check-ins
  • Technology Roundup
  • PTO Meeting Schedule
  • Meal Distribution Schedule
Do you know someone who needs to be added to our newsletter email list? Go to the PTO website and sign up on the homepage. Have questions? Email us at ptojulian@gmail.com. Use this new email address to easily contact the school: julianinfo@op97.org.
 
- Your Julian PTO Executive Council
 
THIS WEEK
Mon/Thurs = B Days   Wed/Friday  = A Days
No school on Tuesday, November 3!
See full schedule here

Jayhawk Support from the PTO is here!
The Julian PTO is committed to supporting ALL of our students and families to succeed and thrive. Our primary goal this year is to ensure families have the support they need to get through the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning. If your family is in need of any school supplies, food, toiletries, clothing, etc., Jayhawk Support is here for you! Complete this confidential form and you will be contacted by the Wellness team to help meet your needs.

Please note: There are some limitations to the support Jayhawk Support can provide. We will make every effort to help connect families with local resources if needed. We take your privacy very seriously. Only the Julian PTO Wellness team will have access to personal information.

Want to help Jayhawk Support? If you would like to contribute to our fund, you can let us know by emailing julianptowellness@gmail.com
Spanish tutoring is back and remote!
If your student needs Spanish tutoring, the Spanish teachers area available for free tutoring. The schedule during remote learning is as follows:

LUNES (Monday) (AM): Señora Bultas
MARTES (Tuesday) (AM) : Señora Villalobos
JUEVES (Thursday) (PM) : Señora Hoskins
VIERNES (Friday) (AM): Señora Alberttis
 
AM Tutoring will be from 8:15 to 8:45 am. PM tutoring will be from 3:35-4:05 pm. Click here to join.
 

Attend the next PTO meeting on Wed, Nov 4: Focus will be on Equity and Inclusion!

Join the Julian PTO - including Mr. Christian - on  November 4 at 7:15 pm. The Julian PTO will begin a discussion on how to develop a more equitable, transparent, and inclusive process for input and decision making within the PTO. We do this in recognition that we are living in challenging times, but those challenges are not equally felt among all Julian families, teachers, or our community. We also do this in alignment with D97's equity goals. By creating a transparent and inclusive process for decision making and input, we can more actively listen to and create space for all voices within the district. Please join us in this transformation process – we want to hear from you.

P.S. Did you know that every Julian parent and guardian is automatically a member of the PTO?

Join Zoom Meeting: https://op97-org.zoom.us/j/87376248449

Or call in: 312 626 6799  Meeting ID: 873 7624 8449
 
Virtual Coffee with Principal Christian: Sat, Nov 7, 10 am
Please save Saturday, November 7, at 10 am for the first Coffee with Principal Christian. Bring any ideas, thoughts and questions to the discussion. Feel free to email Mrs. Echelon Jackson at ejackson@op97.org with any preliminary questions you might have for Principal Christian. Please click here to access the zoom link.
 
Consider Donating to the Holiday Food & Gift Basket 2020 Program
Due to the pandemic, the Oak Park community Holiday Food & Gift Basket program has been re-imagined – but more in demand than ever. Please donate to support this great cause if you can. In lieu of gifts, recipients will receive a Target gift card to purchase any items needed at the time. Organizers anticipate supporting approximately 2,000 people this year, including at least 45 families from the Julian community. (Please note that Jessie Fenske, LCSW, Julian School Social Worker, asked to include this item.) Go here to contribute.
 
CAST News
Just over 100 Julian students are all signed up to perform and work production crew in four virtual shows during the CAST Resilient 2020-21 Season. These amazing students and their families are taking the leap of faith that we can find a way to connect in the new normal. Stay tuned to see what they come up with! Check out this cool video to see what is in the works. Don't forget to stop by CAST's new website to learn more about this well-loved arts program in its 35th year as a part of the educational experience at Julian Middle School.
 
We're still collecting Box Tops for Education & download the app! 
If you have collected Box Tops for Education, please email our Box Tops coordinator, Lori Churchhouse, to arrange a time to drop off the Box Tops, as Julian staff wants to limit the number of visitors to the school. If you purchase products with Box Tops, download the app to make sure they count for Julian in the future. It's now as simple as scanning your receipt. 
7th Grade Ice Skating Event: Nov. 6, 6:45-8:15 pm
Sign up here for the waiting list

As with the 6th grade event, this event filled up quickly. Don't despair! Please follow the above link to get on the waiting list. We were able to use that list to get students into the last event when we had last minute cancelations. We also hope to have more events and will make sure those not able to attend this first event are given first priority for any subsequent grade level events.

The Julian PTO is partnering with the Park District to sponsor a free, safe Welcome to Julian ice skating event for our 7th graders (8th grade event to follow on Nov 20). We have reserved the Paul Hruby Ice Arena at Ridgeland Commons for a private skate night on Friday, November 6 from 6:45 - 8:15 pm. The PTO will provide free skate rentals to anyone who needs them. Due to COVID regulations, we can safely allow up to 42 students at the event.

Masks must be worn for the duration of the event. Masks may not have exhalation valves and must fully cover nose and mouth. Bandanas and other "neck gaiters" may not be worn.  There will be temperature checks at the door and entrance will be staggered to maintain distance during check-in. We will need a handful of chaperones to help with each event. Please send any questions to the Julian PTO at PTOJulian@gmail.com.
Julian Library Remote Check-out 
The next pick-up day is Wednesday, November 4, 3:30-4:30 pm. Put in your holds now!
 
To check out books from the Julian Library do the following: To pick up books:
  • Curbside pick-up in the Julian lot
  • Hold up a sign with your full name
  • Pickups on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 pm
  • Put return books in a bag in your trunk
  • Check your D97 Gmail for notification
Questions? Email Ms. Winchell, librarian.
 
Community Conversations about Stamped
Our students are reading Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism and You by Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, and, if there were ever a time for us to do the same homework as our children, this is it. D97 is hosting a three-session discussion on the book during which attendees will join together for a presentation followed by discussions in separate breakout rooms. Check out this flyer for additional information.

The sessions will follow along with the chapters being read by students and staff. Breakout sessions will be led by students from Dominican University, who will follow a peace circle format and draw on the Stamped Educator's Guide. Participants must register using the links provided on the library's website.
  • Session 2: Tuesday, Nov. 17 - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (click here to register)
  • Session 3: Tuesday, Dec. 1 - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (click here to register)
These sessions are made possible with the support of: District 97 staff; Oak Park and River Forest School District 200; the Oak Park Public Library; the E-Team of Oak Park; and Dominican University’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) group.
Spiritwear Store is OPEN!
We are super excited to announce the launch of our new Julian Spiritwear Store. This year we are partnering with ShabbyFly, a local, Black-owned Oak Park-based business. They provide spiritwear to several D97 schools, including Julian feeder schools Beye, Longfellow and Mann. Adding Julian spiritwear to your closet is a great way to show your school spirit and support our PTO. ShabbyFly will handle all of the sales and customer service. We are excited about this vendor because….
  • The store will remain open all year, which is great for holidays and birthdays
  • Shipping is a flat rate $3.50 per order
  • All orders are contactless and delivery is within 10 business days of order.
Click here to purchase. Questions? Contact ptojulian@gmail.com.

  
 
D97 Social-Emotional Wellness Check-ins for Students

District 97 school psychologists and nurses have collaborated to offer access to virtual mental health wellness checks at each school this fall. Parents may sign up children for 25-minute Telehealth sessions where they can access an open ear for their sources of stress and learn self-care and coping strategies. Students may attend up to three sessions per trimester and may then be referred for other school-based supports if needed. Sign up or learn more about these services here.
 
If your child is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please do not use this service and instead call the Thrive 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 708-383-7500.
 
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. If you missed the Parent University calls with some of the same details, check out the list of Parent University videos from calls held on August 13th for additional information. 

PTO Meeting Schedule

Hey parents and guardians, YOU are the P in PTO!  We need your ideas to help us develop the best possible ideas for helping make this year a success. Email the PTO at ptojulian@gmail.com to toss your hat in the ring and give us a little bit of your time. Even just a little bit helps! And, please mark your calendar for our bimonthly meetings. 
  • Wednesday, November 4, 7:15 pm (zoom)
  • Wednesday, January 13, 7:15 pm (zoom)
  • Wednesday, March 3, 7:15 pm (zoom)
  • Wednesday, May 5, 7:15 pm (zoom)

Trimester 1 Meal Distribution

Meal distribution details can be found here. Meals will be distributed on Tuesdays for the first trimester. Families who pick up meals will be charged based on their lunch status, just as they would if students were onsite. Each bag of food will contain five breakfasts and five lunches. Meal distribution days will be held every Tuesday through Nov. 30, 2020. Pickup for Julian and feeder schools is at Longfellow Elementary School (715 S. Highland Avenue) between 10:30 am and 1 pm. 

Tuesdays, Nov. 2*, 10, 17, 24 (*Nov. 3—Election Day—is a holiday, so meals will be distributed Monday, Nov. 2)
Julian PTO Executive Council Members
Co-Presidents: Michele Gurgas & Dave Gullo
Co-VPs of Programming: Sara Yount & Monnette Bariel
Co-VPs of Communications: Jennifer Alten & Alison Welch
Co-VPs of Green/Wellness: Doug Chien (Green) & Meredith Farster (Wellness)
Treasurer: Jamie Howe
Secretary: Susan Raphael
Volunteer Coordinator: Looking for 1 more volunteer
VP of Fundraising: Position Open
VP of Diversity/Inclusion: Position Open

Key Dates
2020-21 School Calendar

D97 Board Meetings
(Virtual, 7 pm)
Tues, Nov 10

Meal Distribution
(10:30 am -1 pm at Longfellow Elementary)
Oct Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Monday, Nov 2 (moved due to elections)

Tues, Nov 3
NO SCHOOL (Election Day)

Wed, Nov 4
Curbside Pickup of Library Holds (3:30-4:30 pm)
Julian PTO Meeting (Virtual, 7:15 pm)

Sat, Nov 7
Virtual Coffee with Principal Christian (10 am)

Tues, Nov 17
Stamped Community Conversation (6-7:30 pm)

Fri, Nov 20
End of Trimester 1

Wed, Nov 25 - Fri Nov 27
NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)

Mon, Nov 30
Trimester 2 Begins

Tues, Dec 1
Stamped Community Conversation (6-7:30 pm)

Remote Learning Links

Trimester 1 Remote Learning A/B Day Calendar

A/B Day Schedules by Grade

Help Desk Email: helpdesk@op97.org

Julian Remote Learning Page

D97 Parent University

PowerSchool and Canvas Parent Guides

D97 Remote Learning Page

Principal Christian's Parent Communication

MyD97 Weekly Wrap Up Newsletter

Covid-19 Links

D97 Coronavirus Update Center

D97 Let's Talk Page for Asking the District Questions about COVID-19

Oak Park Township COVID-19 Social Services Resource Guide


Village of Oak Park Coronavirus Resources

Oak Park Coronavirus Citizen Response Facebook Group


Designate Percy Julian School PTO as your organization for Amazon Smile. The PTO will receive 0.5% of your total purchase, at no expense to you. Please share this link with friends and relatives.
Digitally Collect Box Tops!  They help support our students, teachers and staff at Julian. Drop off box tops in the main office. Or use the new online process by downloading the Box Tops App
 
Percy Julian Middle School Parents Facebook Group Page
Comments? Questions? Click here for comments and questions regarding this newsletter or to submit items for inclusion in the newsletter.  
Copyright © 2020 Julian PTO, All rights reserved.


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