September 18, 2020
Hi folks,

As we approach the end of week 4, it feels like we are steadily acclimating to this year's changes and are beginning to establish a rhythm to our school routines. While we continue to limit many of our "normal" activities, slowly but surely we are exploring ways to create a healthy community. Student Council is preparing to start the Charity of Choice nomination process, Mr. Downing and I are organizing our 8th grade student mentors and our fabulous PTO has organized a DJ and Kona Shaved Ice truck for today's 6th grade lunch. (Yes, health and safety measures will be implemented.)

A few quick thank yous from this past week. To our RLA volunteers who assisted with this week's Materials Pickup; to our PTO for coordinating blanket and mask sales, spirit wear and today's lunch celebration; to our parents who have graciously donated food, snacks and water for staff and students; to all of our families for helping ensure safe drop-off and pick-up procedures each day.

Curriculum Night Presentations
Today is the last opportunity to view the Curriculum Night presentations. We will be shutting down the site at 4pm today. The link to the Google site is: https://sites.google.com/northbrook28.net/nbjh-curriculum-night/home.

PTO Update
The NBJH PTO would like to extend an invitation for you to join our PTO and donate to the ONLY FUNDRAISER for the NBJH PTO -- the Free Will Campaign. PTO funds are used to sponsor programs and events such as Career Day, Dance Assembly, Teacher Grants, the 8th Grade Graduation Party and various Hospitality events. In recent years the PTO helped outfit the NBJH library with all new flexible furniture. Membership also provides access to the PTO Directory app.

In order to fund these programs, we are kindly asking for a $25 per family donationThis is merely a suggested amount; we will accept any amount that you are comfortable with. All students will benefit from the PTO programs, regardless of the amount of your family’s contribution. You can make your online donation here. Your donation is tax-deductible! If you would like a receipt for your donation, please email Monique Howard at bmhoward2004@yahoo.com. Thank you for your support of the NBJH PTO and the Free Will Fundraiser.

Lunch orders
Must place order by midnight tonight. You can use this form to place your order for the week.

MAP testing
Students in grades 6-8 will take two separate MAP assessments -- one in math and one in reading -- during the fall, winter and spring. We have targeted the week of September 29-October 2 and the week of October 5-9 for our assessments. Students will take the reading assessment one week and the math assessment the other. We will communicate specific days/dates in our next update.

PSAT 8/9 for 8th graders
Many of our 8th grade families are wondering what will be happening with the PSAT 8/9 assessment this fall. This is a decision made by D225 in collaboration with the township elementary districts. We expect communication from the high school in the next couple of weeks that will provide an update on the assessment process. If the PSAT 8/9 is still administered in person this fall, testing date options would likely be two Saturdays and a Monday in November. Stay tuned for more info.

Enjoy the weekend...
Scott

--
Scott Meek, Ed. D.
NBJH Principal
(847) 504-3501

Important Dates
9/21 - schedule: A day
9/22 - schedule: B day
9/23 - schedule: A day
9/24 - schedule: B day
9/25 - schedule: A day


9/22 - School Board Meeting - 7pm
9/28 - NO SCHOOL - Yom Kippur

Remote Learning Academy News
Next Library Materials Check Out is October 7
The next library books/materials pickup is Wednesday, October 7 from 4:30 - 5:30 at your child’s home school. Look for more information from your child’s teacher(s) regarding what materials will be included in the pickup. Your child can also return library books, original iPad cases (5th and 6th grade) or other materials on October 7.
NWEA-MAP Assessments at Home
NBJH students will take MAP September 29 - October 23. While we’ve been administering MAP in our district for many years, this is the first time we’ll administer MAP remotely so we wanted to provide some insights to you as RLA parents.

A computer-adaptive test like MAP adjusts the difficulty of questions as a child works on the test. Most students will get about half the questions right and half wrong. This means that your child may see questions about content he or she has not seen before or been taught. Please know this is supposed to happen with MAP. As a parent, it might be hard to watch your child get answers wrong on a test, but to accurately reflect your child’s strengths and to help your child’s teacher know what he/she needs to learn next, please don’t step in and help your child with answers. The most important thing you can do is ask your children to do their best and reassure them that there are questions about concepts they haven’t learned yet, but will soon! 
District News
Instrumental, Choral Rehearsals in Full Swing
The first instrumental rehearsals for District 28 bands, orchestras and chorus were held this week. This was accomplished outdoors with special masks, bell covers and socially distant seating. It's music for the soul to hear students playing their instruments together again!
Check out this short video of Tuesday's rehearsal.
Virtual Backpack
District 28 shares local non-profit and community partner flyers here in the District's "Virtual Backpack." This approach allows us to provide information about community programs in a way that is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Please note that District 28 is making this information available as a courtesy and to provide information about local events and programs in our community. Materials posted on this page are the responsibility of the organizations represented. You can always check the Virtual Backpack webpage as a handy reference!
Participate in the Census
to Help Boost Local Funding
Help our district get the funding we need to continue providing special education, free and reduced lunches and other important services to students and families by completing the 2020 Census today. Learn more about the Northbrook effort on the village's webpage.
Workshops and Enrichment
The Center for Gifted is offering in-person Fall 2020 Wonders and fall weekend programs in Glenview for 1st -8th grades. Classes include Science Spectacular, Deconstruction Zone, Historic Games of Strategy and more! The center is also "Remote Learning with Personal Enrichment.” Applicants need not be tested or identified as gifted - just
bright, motivated, and hungry for new challenges! Please visit thecenterforgifted.org  for more information.
Day Program for Remote Learners
Northbrook Park District is offering a day program for children in grades K-8 who are in remote learning. children will get assistance with virtual learning lessons and have time to play and participate in indoor and outdoor games. Download the flier for details.
 Dr. Scott Meek, Principal | Northbrook Junior High | 847-498-7920 | www.northbrook28.net