The beginning of each new year brings both new opportunities and challenges.  School districts across Illinois and the nation are beginning 2011 by facing obstacles such as reduced revenue and increasing expenses.  However, thanks to conservative fiscal planning, Palos 118 continues to provide a superior education for the tax dollars spent per student.     

95.6% of District 118 students met or exceeded state standards on the 2010 Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT).  Not only does 118 continue to receive academic recognition, but the district has earned financial accolades as well.  We approved our fifth consecutive balanced operating budget for 2010-2011, and have received certificates of excellence in both financial reporting, and budgeting from the Association of School Business Officials International.  Additionally, Palos 118 has again received the Certificate of Financial Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education, the highest financial ranking for school districts in the state.

Palos 118 has much to look forward to in the second semester with many upcoming celebrations, dances, activities, and fundraisers.  South's Drama Production of "The Music Man" will be held this Friday and Saturday at Stagg High School, and our "One District-One Book" event will be culminating on the evening of February 9 at South.  There will be activities and games that celebrate Antoine de Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince" that we have all enjoyed reading. 

The board of education and administration will continue to closely monitor the economy and our state fiscal deficit to plan for upcoming school years. The backbone of Palos 118's success though, is our dedicated parents and teachers, and a supportive community, which will certainly sustain us through the most uncertain economic times.

In the spirit of making New Year's resolutions, I encourage parents to embrace new opportunities and re-dedicate themselves to their children's educational experience.  Get involved with Palos 118's support organizations like the PFA, MPA, or Educational Foundation and make an extra effort to stay in contact with teachers.  Communication is the most significant way to ensure a successful year for your child. 

Happy New Year,
 

SMART Technologies Elevates

Palos West to "Elite" Status

Palos West was named an Elite SMART Showcase School by SMART Technologies, the maker of the SMART interactive whiteboard system. There are only 25 schools in North America to achieve "Elite" status.

Palos West was selected based on their commitment to using a wide variety of SMART tools in a majority of the classrooms, and having two Exemplary SMART Teachers on staff. Exemplary teachers present teaching lessons at SMART Technologies user meetings and also actively add resources to the SMART Exchange where teachers can download lessons and activities for their classrooms.

As an Elite SMART Showcase School, Palos West will receive a recognition package that includes a SMART Board 885ix interactive whiteboard system and a commemorative plaque. Throughout 2011, West will also be eligible for hardware and software donations on new SMART products as they become available on the market.

All Palos 118 classrooms are equipped with a SMART interactive whiteboard and response system, enhancing the way teachers present materials and gauge how well students learn. East and South Schools are also both SMART Showcase Schools. District wide, there are a total of four Exemplary SMART Teachers and six SMART Trainers. To supplement the SMART board learning and teaching experience, each building has 10 Airliners, which are wireless writing slates.

Moment of Silence:

Do you have a child or know someone with a child entering kindergarten this fall?

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Monday, January 31 - Friday, February 4, 2011

at Palos East and West Schools