Greetings Mead Community,

 

As we kick off the month of October, we’re grateful for the energy and dedication we continue to see from both our staff and students. We also want to extend our appreciation to our parents and families– your ongoing partnership plays a vital role in supporting our school community and helping our students thrive. Together, we continue to build a strong and successful foundation for the school year.

 

Spirit wear orders were delivered this week to students, so please by on the lookout at home for the new swag! Below you will find updated information regarding our upcoming sports seasons. Enjoy the continued summer weather this weekend!

 

Sincerely,

 

Tricia Leong-Principal

Alex Csuk- Assistant Principal

We have multiple sports starting up in October. Important dates are outlined below. Students must have a physical on file and a sports permission slip submitted on Infinite Campus prior to tryouts. Click on the link below for steps on how to sign up your student.

 

Boy’s Basketball- 8th Grade

 

Boy’s Basketball- 7th Grade

 

Cheerleading

 

POMs

As a reminder, on early release days, our students represent Mead Junior High both in and out of the building. We encourage all Mustangs to make positive choices in the community by demonstrating respectful behavior, following expectations, and being mindful of others. We want to ensure our students show what it means to be “We Are One” wherever they go. Thank you for partnering with us by sharing consistent messaging at home.

This year school staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help. SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts. Through the program, students learn: 

On 10/22 during advocacy, students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. At the end of class, students will complete an exit slip which asks whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns. School staff will conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk. We encourage you to visit www.mindwise.org/parents for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn. If you have any questions or concerns about your student’s participation in this program please contact me at 847-357-6000 or email me at [email protected]. You may also contact any of our school guidance team members.

Hot Lunch orders for the second trimester (December – February) are open and will close on November 17. All check payments must be received by noon on November 18.

Good news—by popular demand, Treat Day signup has reopened for October and November! This is the same signup as earlier this year, just reopened for those that did not get a chance to signup.

 

You may sign up for any/all upcoming Treat Days now, but for your convenience, the PTA will also provide additional enrollment opportunities throughout the year.

Drop by Door 14 to grab a treat (cash only) during our last home Cross Country meet on Thursday, October 9 against Eisenhower—all proceeds benefit the Mead PTA. Volunteers are needed to help us run this event; if you’re able to help, please sign up below.

 

Our programs run better with your help! We are looking for volunteers to distribute food for upcoming Hot Lunch and Treat Days. Check out the links below and sign up today!

Everyone belongs in the Mead Jr. High PTA! Joining the PTA is an easy way to support our mission of “Every Child. One Voice.” Together, our goal is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

 

At each of the next 2 PTA meetings (Oct 8 and Nov 12), every current PTA member will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $10 coffee gift card! You do not need to be present to win.

 

Membership is $7 annually (anyone and everyone can be a member!) and can be purchased using the link below.

Our next PTA meeting is October 8, 2025, 6 pm at Mead Jr. High. Please join us to learn more about the events happening at Mead and how you can support the school and PTA.

This year’s Reflections theme is “I Belong.” Students are invited to explore what this theme means to them by creating and submitting an entry in one of the six categories of artistic expression: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts.

 

Reflections is a National PTA program that celebrates the arts in education. This is a wonderful chance for middle school students to express who they are, share their voice, and let their creativity shine in a way that feels most true to them. We can’t wait to see the amazing ideas our students will bring to life!

 

Please make sure to complete the entry form and submit it along with your finished project to the school office before the deadline. For questions, please contact Beata Laska at [email protected]

District 54 is offering classes to learn how to speak English. These classes are for parents who have children attending a District 54 school who are interested in learning Basic English conversation skills as well as beginning reading and writing skills in English. 

 

Adult ESL will take place at Eisenhower Junior High School and Campanelli Elementary School on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30pm from October 14 through December 2. If you are interested, please complete the form below by Tuesday, October 7. Seats are limited.

In District 54, we are dedicated to supporting the academic and social-emotional growth of every student. Your perspective as a parent or guardian plays a vital role in helping us build a complete understanding of your student’s strengths and areas for growth. To gather your valuable input, families of students in grades K–8 will receive an email on Monday, September 29, containing a unique link to complete the District 54 Personal Assessment of Core Competency for your student(s). The survey will be open through Friday, October 17. We sincerely appreciate your participation, as strong collaboration between home and school is essential in supporting your student’s overall well-being.