News

August 1, 2022

                                                                                                             

Dear Addams Community,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year at Jane Addams Junior High!  We hope everyone is having a relaxing and enjoyable summer break.  Each year, it seems that the summer flies by more quickly!  Once again, August is here and it’s time to start thinking about “back to school”.  We are excited for another highly successful year. Our number one priority this year to make sure that school is a safe and positive experience for all of our students. Included in this email is information that will be helpful to you and your child in preparing for the first day of school.


 Information Day

 Information Day is Wednesday, August 10th from 3 to 7 p.m.  If families chose to attend Information Day, students will receive a copy of their schedule, be given the opportunity to buy PTA spirt wear and can take self-guided tours of the building. Parents must accompany their student to Information Day.

 

What happens if you cannot attend Information Day?

We realize that many families may be out of town or not available on August 10th. This is perfectly, OK! As long as residency is up-to-date, you can logon to the Infinite Campus parent portal on August 10th to view your child’s schedule. All 7th grade students will receive a tour of the school and be on-boarded on August 15th (and 8th graders will receive refreshers on August 16th) so it is not essential that they attend Information Day.

 Proof of Residency/Registration (REQUIRED for all families)
 
Families must have both portions of their 2022/2023 registration complete in order to have their student schedule released, including review of registration and annual verification of residency.  District 54 has moved to an electronic residency verification process to verify the residency for the majority of families.  Families whose residency we were unable to verify electronically were sent a letter providing details of the additional information needed.  If you did not receive a letter then your residency was most likely verified.  Review of registration information can be completed through your parent portal account.  For families who do not have a portal account, a paper registration form was mailed.


 Schedules will be withheld 
if residency is not current or you have not proved residency. If you are planning to attend Information Day, bring residency documents with you. Click here for a list of information needed. If you cannot attend Information Day, you can stop by our office any day before the start of the school year with documentation.


 Addams PTA
 
During Information Day, you will also have the opportunity to sign up for our PTA.  We have an absolutely amazing and dedicated PTA that works diligently to support our students.  Please stop by the PTA tables to receive hot lunch forms and learn more about how you can help this organization that provides meaningful learning opportunities for your children. 


 Jane Addams Annual Block Party

 On Information Day, we will be holding our Annual Block Party from 4:30 p.m – 6 p.m. This will provide an opportunity for our Addams students and parents to mingle with some of the Addams staff. Old Town Pizza and Culvers on Wise Road will be generously donating some pizza, water and custard. Bring a blanket and enjoy some DJ music and good friends.  See the picture at the top of this email or the attached document for more information about the block party. 


 Supply Lists

 Click here to find the 2022-23 school supply list.  Teachers would like your student to bring all supplies with them on the first day of school.  Remember to mark your student’s personal items with his/her name to avoid confusion if an item is misplaced.

 

Student Schedules

The process of scheduling a junior high school of 720 students is extremely complex. All students were given the opportunity this past winter to pick two elective choices, but were told that their choices were not guaranteed. While we tried to honor these requests, not all students will receive the elective they chose. As such, we will not be able to change schedules if students did not receive their first choice for electives. Doing so would create unbalanced classes and upset the instructional environment for all. Thank you in advance for understanding.

 

First Day of School
 
The first full day of school on Monday, August 15 and will be for 7th grade students ONLY.  This day is designated for seventh grade students to help them get acclimated and comfortable with Jane Addams Junior High. All students will then come on Tuesday, August 16.

 

Backpacks/lockers

Students can use backpacks this year to carry all possessions with them throughout the school day. They will also have the use of school lockers before and after school to store coats, gym shoes, etc. During the first days of school, teachers will discuss what items students should bring for class each day and what can be left at home, in lockers or in the classroom. 

 

School Hours
 
School hours are 7:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. with first period beginning at 7:38 am.  Please note: beginning Wednesday, August 21, every Wednesday is designated for staff development.  Students are dismissed 30 minutes early at 1:45p.m.
  

Office Hours
 
School office hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Remember that our student absence line (847 357-5900) is available 24 hours a day. Please call by 7:00 a.m. if your child will be absent from school.

Fall Sports
 
Girls basketball tryouts will occur during the first week of school. In addition, any boy or girl is welcome to join the Addams cross country team. In order participate in these or any sport; an approved physical examination must be on file with the school.

Physical Examinations
 
If your child plans to try out for one of our athletic teams and/or participate in intramurals, per School Board Policy, current physicals are required of all students to be on file prior to try-outs and/or participation in any inter-scholastic or intramural sport.  All new students entering our district must present proof of immunizations and a health examination prior to the first day of attendance.  Please note that physical examinations are good for one year from the date of the exam. If you have any additional questions about your child’s physical, please contact our school nurse.

 This year promises to be a great one!  Enjoy the remaining weeks of summer and prepare yourself for what is sure to be an exciting school year.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the coming school year, please feel free to contact my assistant principal, Bill Musselman or me at any time at (847) 357-5900. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Regards,

Chris Bingen        Bill Musselman
Principal               Assistant Principal

 

Important Dates to Remember:  

  • August 10:  Information Day (3 to 7 pm)
  • August 10: Block Party (4:30 to 6 pm)
  • August 15:   1st Day of school for 7th graders
  • August 16: 1st Day for 8th graders (all students in attendance)
  • August 23: Addams Curriculum Night