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From the Desk of Dr. Dubec
This is an exciting time to be part of Palos School District 118. At Tuesday's Board meeting, the results of the Illinois Standardized Achievement Test (ISAT) were presented. I am pleased to inform you that 95.4% of Palos 118 pupils met or exceeded state standards. In addition, Palos 118 has received the School Search 2010 A+ award. Our district was one of 57 districts in Illinois to receive this student performance recognition. As taxpayers you will be pleased to hear that Chicago Magazine gave Palos 118 an " A " grade for efficiency based upon high test scores and moderate per pupil spending. The magazine noted that the Palos 118 community gets a good value for the money spent on education. Our 2010-11 budget is a balanced budget which is a major accomplishment during these challenging economic times. I want to thank students, parents, our staff, and the community. Without your help, hard work, and commitment to our schools, these successes would not be possible.
There are a number of special activities coming up in the next few weeks and I hope you can attend. The MPA's annual Octoberfest will be held this Saturday, October 23, 2010. The MPA Octoberfest helps showcase our band and chorus students and affords families a time of good food in a social atmosphere. The Palos 118 Educational Foundation is sponsoring a special vendors' fair on Friday, October 29, 2010 at the Palos Country Club. This special Friday night out features an opportunity to "shop," enjoy hors d'oeuvres and connect with Palos 118 families. Finally, the PFA annual Mother/Son Bash will be held on November 13, 2010. This year, the Bash will be held at the Homer Megaplex to provide children with a unique activity environment. I would encourage you to support these events. The Foundation, MPA and PFA provide so much to our schools and children, and this is only possible with your help and support.
Thank you, again, for all you do.
Joseph M. Dubec, Ed.D., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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Commitment Yields Benefits;
Palos 118 Schools Post Record-High
ISAT Test Scores
Despite national headlines that indicate an urgent need for educational reform, Palos School District 118 continues to excel in providing quality education. Palos 118 continues to outperform most districts in meeting state learning standards. The total percent of students meeting and exceeding state standards on all subjects at all grades tested is 95.4%, an increase of .7% over 2009 and a historic, all-time high overall score. The percentage of students exceeding state standards is also at a historic, all time high for all subjects. See details in the Administrative section of Board Business. |
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Palos 118 Expands Health and
Wellness for Students
 The Board of Education acted on the recommendation of the Palos 118 Wellness committee to expand the district's wellness program to promote student health and to comply with new legislation for the prevention and management of life-threatening allergic reactions. The changes focus on reducing and eliminating the use of food treats for birthday celebrations, parties, and fundraising. Over the next few months, Dr. Dubec will be working with principals, teachers, and support organizations to implement this expanded program on January 1, 2011. The expanded program would eliminate all edible and non-edible birthday treats, focusing birthday celebrations on student recognition school wide and in classrooms. Room parties would limit food to the end of the year party. Healthy eating habits in connection with our PE program are designed to encourage pupils to make health conscious life decisions. Parents will be receiving informational bulletins regarding these changes.
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Mrs. Kerri Treacy joined Palos 118 last year as a part-time communications assistant. Last month, Kerri accepted three 2010 Illinois Chapter of the National Society of Public Relations Association (INSPRA) awards for excellence in communication. The district was recognized for the 2009 econnect preview, the 2009 Palos South Veteran's Day article, and the econnect monthly newsletter. Away from Palos 118, Kerri enjoys cheering on her three sons (13, 11, and 6) in baseball, football, and basketball. 
Mrs. Rosalie White has been with the District for five years as a fourth grade teacher and became the Media Specialist at West this year. Rosalie was recently recognized in the "Big Ideas!" newsletter distributed by Kristina Smekens for sharing her strategies on helping teachers and promoting the 6-Traits writing model. Rosalie has two daughters (20 and 18), and enjoys outdoor activities. 
