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From the Desk of Dr. Dubec...
 "A teacher gives us two great things. One is roots, the other, wings." This saying is so appropriate at the close of the 2009-2010 school year. As Palos 118 eighth graders are achieving the milestone of elementary graduation, fifth graders are making their momentous transition to middle school at Palos South. It is an exciting time for graduating students, parents, and families. It is also a very proud moment for all of the teachers and staff who have watched the children grow, mature, and learn throughout the years.
After the award ceremonies, banquets, field trips and graduation are over, our eighth graders will be left with a solid academic foundation that I know will help them excel in high school and beyond. They will be able to draw on the many experiences they have had in their years with Palos schools both in and out of the classroom. Our teachers have nurtured them and given them all of the tools they need for success.
For those parents who will still have children in the Palos 118 School system, please be sure to register them for the 2010-2011 school year at our website's online store. You may register your child for the appropriate grade and order all required materials at this convenient online location.
I want to encourage our eighth graders who are now leaving the safe nest of Palos South, to visit our website to keep in touch with friends and events happening at their old school. Over the summer, we will be creating an alumni page especially for this purpose.
Summer is always busy -- filled with activities, camps, and sports, but please encourage your children to take the time to read as well. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Back-to-School Picnic on August 25 at Palos South. I hope all District 118 families enjoy a safe and relaxing summer break.
Dr. Joseph M. Dubec
Superintendent of Schools |
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Academy Awards for Books Takes the Spotlight at Palos East  Fifth graders celebrated their reading achievements by rolling out the red carpet at Palos East's 11th Annual Academy Awards for Books on Friday. Each quarter students were required to read and report on 3-4 books from different genre, exposing them to literature they may never have chosen. In April, students nominated and voted on their favorite books in 24 different categories, culminating with the Academy Awards-style show. Rick Riordan's "Lightening Thief" series was this year's favorite, capturing seven Oscars. Some categories include: Best Nonfiction, Best Read Aloud, Best Sports Fiction, and Best Author.
Fifth grade teacher, Jolene Jesiolowski began the program in 1999 for her own class, and over the years, the production has grown in both scope and size. This year, students who have read all of the Rebecca Caudill nominated books were also rewarded with medals. The sole purpose of the show, is still to celebrate and promote lifetime reading. Ms. Jesiolowski said, "When you hear 250 students cheering for their classmates who nominated a favorite book, you know that you are doing something right!"
Pictured above are students whose nominations won for Rick Riordan's "Lightening Thief." |
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