Skip To Main Content

News Archives

Professor Peter Lilijedahl works with township math teachers during a special day of professional development.
Township Math Teachers Learn To Build 'Thinking Classrooms'

On May 15, math educators from all the Northfield Township junior high schools joined District 225 math teachers and instructional supervisors for a day of professional development with Mathematics Education Professor Dr. Peter Liljedahl. Using his book "Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics," Liljedahl led the educators through activities illustrating ways to engage students and build their thinking skills. 

Wendy Concklin has been named Educator of the Year by the Illinois School Health Association
Health Teacher Named Educator of the Year

The Illinois School Health Association selected NBJH Health Teacher Wendy Concklin as the Illinois School Health Educator of the Year. This recognition comes on the heels of the Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recognizing Northbrook Junior High as a Blue Ribbon Health School, the second time in 15 years.

  • NBJH
screenshot of video
Technology That Engages, Enhances and Extends Learning

Before Spring Break our 7th-graders used a DNA simulation to better understand the effects of DNA mutations. Designed by our Instructional Technology Coach, the lab is an example of District 28's Learning First initiative to enhance, engage and extend learning through technology.

Students in Concert Band perform at a recent concert.
District 28 Music Receives Outstanding Program Award

When every K-5 student receives 60 minutes of music education a week, there are four levels of band, five levels of orchestra, a children’s choir, several middle school choral groups, musical productions for every 5th grade and an annual spring musical at the junior high, it’s not surprising that District 28 receives continuous recognition from the NAMM Foundation with the Best Communities for Music Education.

 

  • GB
  • MB
  • NBJH
  • WM
Jeremy Bartunek sitting at the piano
Greenbriar Music Teacher Honored by Yamaha

Greenbriar music teacher Jeremy Bartunek is among six Illinois educators honored by Yamaha in its 40 Under 40 Music Program.

“The six Illinois honorees possess action, courage, creativity and growth while going above and beyond when instructing music programs. The 40 Under 40 program honors music educators at all grade levels,” according to the Yamaha press release.

Click headline to read more.

First grade students assemble meal kits for Ronald McDonald house in the Greenbriar auditorium.
Greenbriar Gives Brings School Together in Common Goal

The results of Greenbriar School’s first-ever weeklong, school-wide, community service project will require about 20 carloads to deliver, says parent volunteer Urmi Graft.

The school auditorium was transformed into a workshop where every class spent 30-60 minutes working on age-appropriate projects throughout the week. The results: 1,300 meal kits for Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn and more than 1,500 bracelet craft kits & handmade joke cards for Camp One Step, an organization that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families.

  • GB
8th-grader student Nortbert Huelke and his oboe.
First Chair Suits 8th-Grade Oboe Player

Playing the oboe is quickly becoming a lifelong passion for 8th-grade Northbrook student Norbert Huelke. He just returned from performing as 1st Chair Oboist in the All-Illinois Junior Band and now he’s setting his sights on the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.

  • NBJH
student musicians fill the gym for a musical performance during the Blue Ribbon celebration.
NBJH Celebrates National Blue Ribbon

Northbrook Junior High held an all-school assembly on Friday, Dec. 1 including a student musical performance and video. State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gerschowicz and State Sen. Julie Morrison and a representative from Sen. Laura Fine's office were among special guests at the celebration. 

District 28 officials at the Washington D.C. Blue ribbon awards ceremony
Northbrook Junior High Accepts National Blue Ribbon in D.C.

Northbrook Junior High Principal Dr. Scott Meek, District 28 Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson and teacher representative Wendy Concklin accepted the 2023 National Blue Ribbon School award in Washington D.C. on Nov. 17. "There was so much positive energy and enthusiasm in the building as everyone was celebrating their success and clearly were proud of their own school's accomplishments," said Dr. Scott Meek, Principal

Greenbriar Outdoor Classroom Project in honor of beloved kindergarten teacher
Outdoor Classroom To Honor Mrs. Porcaro

Greenbriar School is creating an outdoor classroom so that beloved kindergarten teacher Mary Porcaro’s essence of seeing the beauty in children and nature will be present for years to come.

  • MB
Maria Eck in the Westmoor School office.
Maria Eck Named Westmoor Principal

Maria Eck, an educational leader who has 12 years of experience as a principal of elementary, middle and high schools, is the new principal of Westmoor School.

  • WM
  • YE
NBJH Awarded Health Education Blue Ribbon
NBJH Awarded Health Education Blue Ribbon

Northbrook Junior High received a state Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Health Education for its curriculum and school programs that support student health and well-being.