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From the Desk of Dr. Dubec
 Fall is officially here and our staff and kids in Palos 118 are hard at work, busy with teaching and learning. Our district successfully launched the 2010-2011 school year with a smooth transition and quickly became established in their daily routines. Turnout at each of the school's Open Houses/Curriculum Nights was very strong, which is a testament to the dedicated parents in our school district. We understand parents want to ensure their child's school experience is a positive one, so we wanted to extend a reminder about the importance of maintaining good study and nutrition habits, both at home and at school.
Establishing good routines are an integral part of your children's academic success, and it begins with nutrition; specifically breakfast. Research indicates that children who skip breakfast have trouble concentrating at school and become inattentive and restless by late morning. Parents can help bolster their children's ability to concentrate and learn, by sending them to school with a nourishing breakfast in their systems. According to the Dairy Council of California, "Breakfast skippers do not make up for the lost nutrients later in the day, and average less than 2/3 of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for many nutrients." A balanced breakfast will keep your child energized until lunch and can be quick and easy to make. Some ideas include:
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ready-to-eat cereal with fruit and milk
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toasted bagel with cheese
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fruit-filled breakfast bar and yogurt
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toasted waffle topped with fruit and yogurt
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fruit smoothie (fruit and milk whirled in a blender)
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peanut butter on whole-wheat toast
For more information about nutrition for kids and teens, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.
Our kids will definitely need their nutrition to keep up with all of the fun events scheduled this fall at Palos 118. Sixth through eighth graders are encouraged to dress as their favorite rock stars and have fun at the MPA's "Rock Hop" at South, Friday 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. More autumn fun is right around the corner with the MPA's Octoberfest at Palos South on October 23 featuring entertainment by the Palos East, West, and South Bands and Choirs. Watch for details in upcoming ecouriers. The PFA's Back to School Breakfast will take place at 9:30 a.m. this Thursday, September 23 at Lake Katherine, and their Mom's Night Out will take place Thursday, September 30.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for an evening of shopping with friends at the Foundation's Vendor Fair October 29 at the Palos Country Club. Tickets are $25 in advance and include hors d'oeuvres and a beverage. Check out the latest ecourier for ticket information. If interested in being a vendor, contact Susan Manglano at pomegran8@wowway.com.
Your dedication to education is truly appreciated, and so are your volunteer efforts that enrich your children's school experience. Thank you for your commitment, and I look forward to seeing you at one of the many events scheduled this fall.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. Dubec, Ed.D., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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"Pinwheels for Peace"
Celebrated at Palos East
 Palos East students participated in the annual "Pinwheels for Peace" art and literacy program coordinated with International Peace Day Tuesday, September 21. Children lined up outside of school and enthusiastically planted handmade pinwheels in the grass to create a visual statement about peace.
Students created pinwheels by cutting out paper templates and writing their thoughts about war and peace, tolerance, or living in harmony with others on one side; on the reverse side, they colored and decorated their pinwheels to visually express their feelings. They planted their assembled creations in front of Palos East in morning on International Peace Day. Palos East art teacher, Linda Frigo, coordinated the effort.
For more information about Peace Day, visit www.peaceoneday.org or www.pinwheelsforpeace.com.
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