With the start to fall, comes many Parkside traditions such as basketball, the fall play, parent teacher conferences, music concerts and many club opportunities. These events are important to students and their development. Please encourage good sportsmanship and participation as we partner to make this a fulfilling school year!
With Python Pride,
Karrah Jensen
Principal
jensenk@unit5.org
Parent Teacher Conferences Coming Soon!
Conference Time! The sign up for a conference with your team or individuals will be virtual or in person. Both options are available. You will receive an Infinite Campus email with the sign up for your team and/or a specific teacher. The sign up form will be sent out late next week. Conferences will be held Monday, November 7th. Thank you!
Don’t miss the PJHS Fall Play “Sci-Fi Scenes and Monster Dreams” on Tuesday, Oct. 11th and Wednesday, Oct. 12th at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $2.00 for students and $3.00 for adults. Come see what happens in this 45 minute show as our actors play comical monsters, mad scientists, courageous superheroes, powerful wizards and many more in a variety of scenes.
PTO NEWS!
Hi Python Families! We wanted to take a minute and let you know about some opportunities to get involved with the PJHS PTO. Meetings take place in person at PJHS IMC (or via google link available on PTO Website) on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00pm. Our next meeting is October 13th.
Provided are links for:
an Interest Form to tell us where you might like to help out.
an Opt Out Fundraiser to help us support our students and staff!
and a Popcorn Friday Parent Volunteer Opportunity (The whole school year schedule is included!)
All of the above are also located on the PTO Website under Volunteer Information & Forms.
PLEASE use the links above and get involved in whatever way works for your family! Thank you for your time and if you have any questions/comments/etc. please send us an email at parksidejrhighpto@gmail.com .
You BELONG! PJHS Student Clubs
We are proud to offer many opportunities for our students to belong at Parkside Junior High School! Please encourage your student to review the list and seek out a new interest!
BOOK FAIR COMING SOON!
The book fair will kick off Monday, Oct. 31st and run through Monday, Nov. 7th
Promise Council at Parkside Junior High School
The history of Promise Councils in Unit 5 schools began in 2009 with one elementary school. Over the years, by adding additional Promise Councils at schools, hundreds of children have benefited from the support of caring adults in our community. This year Parkside Junior High School is a fortunate recipient of a Promise Council and we need your help. The main goal of a Promise Council is to remove barriers to learning so that all students, regardless of socio-economic status, have the opportunity to achieve success at school.
Already this year and as the year progresses, the staff at PJHS, along with our Family Coordinators will identify items (food, clothing, household items, shoes, personal hygiene items, etc.) that students need. If you are interested in assisting the Promise Council to fill the student needs such as the ones listed, among others, please consider adding your information to this simple FORM. Our goal is to get to 100 CARING ADULTS to support and help. Help us reach our goal by joining our distribution list! When a need arises, a mass email would go out to everyone with details of the request. Your email address will be kept confidential and only used for the purpose of the PJHS Promise Council. Thanks for your support!
Student Clubs 2022-2023 - Parents.pdfFocus on Mental Health
Mental Health Resources: McLean County
PATH Crisis Center: Call 2-1-1
This is a local organization that provides emotional support and information for people who are
experiencing any kind of challenge, including mental health challenges, or who are looking for any kind of resources in their community. Available 24/7.
The McLean County Center for Human Services: Call 309-827-5357
This is McLean County’s community mental health center. They provide counseling services and operate the Crisis Team, which is a team of counselors who can travel anywhere in McLean County to provide immediate support to people who are in crisis. Counseling is available by appointment during business hours and the crisis team is available 24/7.
The Center for Youth and Family Solutions: Call 309-820-7616
This is a local counseling center that provides counseling services and operates SASS (Screening, Assessment, and Support Services), a crisis intervention service for young people. Counseling is available during business hours by appointment and SASS is available 24/7 through the CARES line (1-800-345-9049).
NAMI Mid Central Illinois: Call or text 309-336-7396 or email namimidcentralil@gmail.com
http://www.namimidcentral.org/
This is a local nonprofit organization that provides free support groups and education for people
experiencing mental health challenges and their families. You can also call, text, or email for emotional support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
This is a national resource that provides emotional support and assistance for people who are thinking about suicide or concerned that someone they care about may be thinking about suicide. Available 24/7.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org/
This is a national resource that provides emotional support and assistance via text for people who are struggling with their mental health or any other kind of crisis. Available 24/7.
YWCA Stepping Stones Sexual Crisis Line: Call 309-556-7000
https://www.ywcamclean.org/what-we-do/prevention-and-empowerment-services/stepping-stones
This is a local sexual assault program that provides completely confidential support, resources, and
assistance for people who have experienced sexual assault and their loved ones. Available 24/7.
Trevor LGBTQ+ Lifeline: Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat online at
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
This is a national organization that provides emotional support, resources, and information related to gender identity and sexual orientation for young people. Available 24/7.
Additional resources can be found here.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Silent and Away
Our Pythons have started strong in 22-23! They are engaged, focused learners! At times mistakes do happen! Did you know each month our PBIS team analyzes the behavior data for the school to see how we can best support our students. We share out the data with the students and set goals. Did you know that at PJHS, one of our top office referrals for the month of September was due to infractions with cell phones. Our focus this month in on appropriate cell phone usage. Silent and Away! Students are not to have cell phones in sight and should never enter the locker rooms. When a student goes to PE, phones are to be stored in their main locker. Please help to reiterate these expectations at home! Thank you for your support!
FCCLA FACS Club Parent Newsletter Slide (October).pdf
Athletics Update
NEW!! Athletics Update Site
Click to access the new Athletics Update site. The site will have information pertaining to tryouts, upcoming events, and more! We will still be using 8to18 for all registrations, and posts will still be made on Facebook and Infinite Campus when needed in addition to morning announcements. The goal is to improve communication and provide a place for students and families to get the info they need with a more user-friendly experience on our end and yours.
Boys Basketball
Tryouts begin on October 17th and will include multiple sessions for 7th and 8th grade teams. Exact times will be released by October 7th, after all fall/winter sports coaches meet to reserve gym spaces.
6th graders should expect to play on the 6th grade team, but are welcome to try out for the 7th grade team per IESA rules. Once we have volunteer coaches for 6th grade and see registration numbers, we will determine how many teams (either 1 or 2) from Parkside are entered in the Eastview School League where most games are played. Several area schools are participating, and we were fortunate enough to have Parkside Orange and Parkside Black teams to give kiddos more time on the court.
Coaches Needed
6th grade basketball - Volunteer position(s), usually a parent/guardian of a current 6th grader. If interested, email Mr. Haws - hawsj@unit5.org. Multiple coaches are likely needed to support a growing program.
Wrestling - Paid, must apply through the District Website. We have a head coach, but need an assistant.
Important Links / Resources
Athletics Brochure - Start/End Dates for Each Season & Player Requirements
8to18 Website - Registration & Team Schedules
Note: Students may stay at the school if the game starts at 4:30 PM
Upcoming Dates to Note
Friday, October 7th - Python Perks Popcorn Day
Monday, October 10th - No School
Tuesday, October 11th - Fall Play 5:00 pm
Wednesday, October 12th - Fall Play 5:00 pm
Thursday, October 13th - PTC sign will go live to schedule
Thursday, October 13th - Promise Council at 4:30 pm, PTO at 6:00 pm (in person and virtual)
Friday, October 21st - Picture Retake Day
Wednesday, October 26th - Half Day student attendance day
Monday, October 31st - Scholastic Book Fair Begins in IMC