Decatur Jr. High

A Community of Presence, Perseverance, and Care

In our Decatur Jr. High, we’re building more than a curriculum — we’re building a community. Our program is grounded in three core pillars: being present, enduring challenges, and taking care of each other.

We believe learning happens best when students feel connected, supported, and inspired. Through active engagement, resilience, and empathy, our students grow not only as learners but as caring members of a shared community.

Be Present — We show up ready to learn, listen, and contribute.
Endure Challenges — We face difficulties with determination, knowing growth comes through effort.
Take Care of Each Other — We value kindness, inclusion, and responsibility in everything we do.

Posts

8th Grade Q&A with State Representative Kevin Olickal

Our 8th graders welcomed State Representative Kevin Olickal for a student led Q&A about government, leadership, and civic participation. Students asked thoughtful questions about representing community needs, the legislative process, advocacy, policy issues, and how young people can make their voices heard, even before they are old enough to vote. The conversation gave students a firsthand look at civics in action and the many ways they can participate in democracy.

9/11 Memorial & Museum 25th Anniversary | Jr. High students viewed personal stories curated by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to better understand and preserve the history and impact of September 11, 2001. Students are continuing their learning at home by starting a conversation at home with a parent or trusted adult about what they learned and why these stories matter.

Fostering Healthy Screen Habits | Join a free Parent/Caregiver Webinar: Navigating Screens at Home. You'll be part of an approachable conversation and Q&A on fostering healthy screen habits on October 13th from 6:30-7:30pm. No alarmism, no rigid rulebooks; just practical strategies families can actually use at home. Registration is linked here!

Curriculum Night Presentation SY26-27

Thank for joining us at this year's Jr. High Curriculum Night. If you were unable to join us, please review our presentation. We look forward to a great year across Jr. High!!

LABOR DAY! | It's a 3-day weekend! No School on Monday, September 7, 2026.

SAVE THE DATE! | Join us for the Welcome Back School Picnic! Color this sheet and bring it to the picnic to be entered in a raffle for a prize!

SAVE THE DATE! | Open House, Thursday, September 10, 2026

Together, we are JR. HIGH | Jr. High students are kicking off the year in Social Studies by building a community where every person is valued and feels a sense of belonging. Through team building activities, students are making connections, learning more about one another, and recognzing what each individual brings to our Jr. High community. Students added their self-portraits as a reminder that every student and teacher is an important part of who we are as a community.

Building Community

JHS building community through several team challenges to gear up for cooperative learning in Science.

Kindness Rocks | After reading Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, our 6th graders reflected on how even small acts of kindness rocks as colorful reminders that the words we choose, the actions we take, and the way we treat others can have a ripple effect throughout our community.

Greeting Circles

Jr. High students kicked off the year with Greeting Circles, practicing how to introduce themselves, ask thoughtful questions, and confidently wrap up a conversation. These simple but important communication skills will help students build connections, and navigate conversations both in the classroom and in the real world.

Huge STEMFEST this Saturday, April 11th! Mr. Kovach will be there representing "National Energy Education Project: NEED. STEM Up!!!

SY25-26 JHS Curriculum Night

During Curriculum Night, families received an inside look at our learning goals, classroom routines, and the experiences that shape students’ growth throughout the year. The slides highlighted our essential questions, key units of study, and the skills students are building as thinkers, collaborators, and civic actors. We also shared how we support students socially and academically, and how families can partner with us to make this a meaningful and successful school year.

The Decatur Debate Club is officially on the map! Our inaugural debaters have spent months sharpening their arguments for and against AI in education and their hard work is paying off. Decatur is sending 6 teams to the Chicago Debates City Championships, more than any other school in the district. We’re so proud of their grit, growth, and unstoppable voices. Good luck this weekend—go Decatur Debaters!!

Name: Decatur Junior High