WJHS - From the Principal's Desk (5/3/12)

Thursday, June 20, 2013

From the Principal’s Desk

Greetings, Parents,

I have often talked about the importance of the Memory Maker experiences for our kids. Memory Makers are the experiences that transcend time and have a significant impact on us as individuals. These are the connections to others, our wonderful accomplishments, and the life lessons that we learn both in and out of the classroom.

I had the opportunity to witness a Memory Maker in process this week. Our High-5 Choir held a small performance at HMS. The High-5 is a unique group of fifth through eighth graders. Some of the members of the chorus are members of our comprehensive learning center and have significant disabilities. These students are paired with typical peers. The group is made up of about 20 students and puts on a fabulous performance. As I sat and watched the concert, I couldn’t help but think what an incredible experience this is for all of the children involved.

It is these types of experiences that help shape who we are and how we interact with others. We are lucky to have this program. Our school would like to thank all of the students who sing their hearts out. We’d also like to thank the teachers (Mr. Sunderman, Ms. Clauss, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Mah, and Ms. Gerrity) who are so committed to making this a wonderful experience for the students.

I have attached a picture of the group to help illustrate what a wonderful program this is.

Thanks, and have a great weekend,
Dave

Highlights

LINK UP!

For WJHS news and updates, bookmark these websites:

Wilmette Junior High PTO: www.wjhspto.com

Wilmette Junior High: www.wilmette39.org/wjhs

FOR PARENTS

Looking for the perfect way to appreciate your teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week? LOOK NO FURTHER!  There is a gift that not only honors that extra special teacher, administrator, or staff member who has made an incredible difference in your child’s life, BUT also gives back to District 39 schools. Honor a faculty or staff member or even your student graduating from the District with a Certificate of Appreciation from the District 39 Educational Foundation. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation (minimum online donation $39) and we will create and deliver a beautiful keepsake certificate for the honoree as well as add them to our Virtual Brickwall that will forever recognize your honoree. For more information, or to order a certificate, go to www.d39foundation.org and look for the Wall of Honor/Certificate of Appreciation links. Thank you!

Do you have film cameras that are collecting dust? New? Old? Broken? Working? On behalf of the WJHS Photography Dep’t, Mr. Wilson is collecting film cameras for use by WJHS students. Any and all camera donations are welcome. Broken cameras can be used for parts. Working cameras can go right into service. All donations will receive a tax donation letter. Bring or send your camera donations into the WJHS office. For questions or more information, contact Mr. Willson at willsone@wilmette39.org.

PTO NEWS

We are delighted to announce that the WJHS PTO General Board approved the slate for the 2012-2013 Executive Board. To view the slate CLICK HERE.

Any questions or comments? Email Sarah Jacobs at wjhsptopresident@gmail.com.

FOR STUDENTS

The District 39 Foundation invites you to come make a special Mother’s Day card on Saturdday, May 5, from 11:30 to 3 PM at the Tiffany & Co., Old Orchard. One lucky family will win a special Mother’s Day surprise. Come show your support for mom and the D39 Educational Foundation! There is limited availability, so to RSVP or with questions: Kelly.Malone@Tiffany.com.

Box Tops for Education comes to WJHS! You earn cash for WJHS every time you clip box top coupons from hundreds of participating products we use every day, such as General Mills cereals, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Ziploc, Yoplait, Kleenex, Progresso, Avery labels and many, many more! Each box top is worth 10 cents … and they can really add up. 

Join us for another Boys vs. Girls contest in April/May to finish out the year. Will the girls win again or will the boys step up?? The top 3 homerooms of the winning gender get prizes and it all counts toward the contest for a class party! Box Tops are free money for the school … don’t throw them in the trash!! Remember to cut them out and bring them in!! See the full contest results graphs posted at school, and if you have any questions … please contact Arpi Yazijian at apiollie@aol.com.

HELP

HELP!!!!  WE NEED YOU.... in the cafeteria!  In May and June we are really short on volunteers.  Please consider signing up for a shift or two. It's fun!  And, it's only for 1.5 hours, from 10:50 - 12:20 (except Thursdays when it is 11:05 - 12:35). Signing up is easy!  Just click on the link:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/wjhs1.   C'mon, don't let your kids go hungry.  Lend a hand.  We REALLY appreciate your help!  The Lunch Ladies, Ann & Molly

8^th GRADE GRADUATION

Registration for the Great America Trip is now open! 8^th graders will spend the day at Great America on Tuesday, June 5 (rain date – Wednesday, June 6). All parents must respond to either register for the trip or to let us know your child will not attend. To respond: CLICK HERE.

8th grade graduation and the after party is just weeks away! The Raffle Committee has been collecting your generous donations and is hoping to receive more so that we can provide as many prizes for the party as possible. If you have unused gift cards, (new) New Trier gear, or anything you feel is age-appropriate that you would like to donate, please e-mail Barbara London at barbarajsnider@att.net or Julie Murphy at MerrittMurphy@sbcglobal.net and we will arrange to pick up your donations. Deadline is: Thursday, May 24^th

YOUTH CONNECTION

Thanks to all parents who attended the Youth Connection Spring Fiesta!  Through support of fundraisers like this, Youth Connection is able to offer your children a safe, fun place to come after school and the opportunity to participate in programs like the spring play and Battle of the Bands.

Are you spring cleaning and looking for a place to donate items?  Youth Connection will be a beneficiary of the Woman's Club of Wilmette August Rummage Sale again this year so the more you donate rummage to the club, the more it benefits Youth Connection.  Beginning immediately, donations can be dropped off at the club at 930 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette, on Mondays and Tuesdays between 9:00am and 2:30pm.  If you would like to drop off at a different time, please call Mark at 847-251-0527 to make arrangements.   Please donate items in good shape including furniture, children's toys and clothing, household items, and electronics.

 
MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday, May. 5

Inspired Youth Tutoring

Monday, May. 7 through Friday, May 11

WJHS Arts Week

Tuesday, May. 8

JH Spring Band Concert – 7:30 PM

Thursday, May. 10

JH Orchestra Concert – 7:30 PM

Thursday, May. 17

6^th Grade Parent Transition to WJHS Mtg. – 6:30 PM

Wednesday, May. 23

WJHS/Highcrest Spring Choral Concert – 7:30 PM

Monday, May. 28

NO SCHOOL – MEMORIAL DAY

E-mail Cathi Borushek at wjhshighlights@gmail.com by noon on Tuesday to submit announcements for next week’s Highlights.

The only way to teach respect is to model it ~ Todd Whitaker