From the Desk of Dr. Dubec
Just because school has ended for the summer does not mean learning has to stop as well. Children who do not read over the summer tend to lose literacy skills while children who do, actually improve their reading ability and are better prepared for school in the fall. You can help prevent the "summer slide" by encouraging your kids to read and do fun learning activities.
During the school year, the majority of books students read are not of their own choosing, so summer is the perfect opportunity to let them explore different characters and genres on their own. Committing to some type of routine with at least 20 minutes devoted to reading each day, is the best way to stay on track. Surprisingly, most kids read far beyond their minimal time when the material is self-selected and interesting to them.
Our local libraries are a valuable resource for summer reading materials. Reading programs are now in full swing with incentives and prizes to reward young readers. They are a great way to promote the love of reading at no cost to you!
Available at libraries and bookstores are Rebecca Caudill Award Winning Books that are popular with both older kids and adults. A list of previous winning books is on the RCYRBA website. A 2012 master list for middle school students wanting to get a jump on their reading material is available at the Rebecca Caudill website as well. The annual reading program is sponsored by Palos South's Media Center. For recently graduated eighth graders, or high-school age kids looking for reading material, the Illinois School Library Media Association's site, The Abraham Lincoln Award: Illinois' High School Readers' Choice Award has many age-appropriate suggestions.
Looking for more ways to enrich your children's summer? Encourage them to keep a journal. Drawing or writing their thoughts and experiences in a simple notebook will keep their creative energy flowing, and their writing skills sharp. Kids will enjoy personalizing their journal cover with stickers or photos and will be a valuable keepsake of their summer vacation months.
As a reminder, our own Palos websites offer multiple educational and reading links. Involvement in Postcards to the Principal at East, and Blast Off to Summer Reading at West, are excellent ways to encourage summer reading. Additionally, Palos South students are encouraged to visit Study Island to keep their skills sharp, and East and West students can hone their math skills at Everyday Math. There are also many other free and safe sites to explore including www.funbrain.com, Harcourt Trophies, www.aaamath.com, and http://www.storylineonline.net.
In the schools and offices at Palos 118, we will be busy spending the summer months preparing for our students' return in August. Until then, I wish you a safe and relaxing summer filled with family and friends. Happy reading!
Sincerely,
Joseph M. Dubec, Ed.D., J.D. Superintendent of Schools
|
|
Remembering Palos South Teacher, Marty Regan
|
The Palos South PE staff, Ivy Zimmerman, Carolyn Schaver, Roy Bullard, Robin Kmiec, and Marty Regan. |
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Marty Regan on his accidental drowning death this past month. Our thoughts and prayers continue for his wife and family.
Mr. Regan taught physical education/health at South for the past seven years and coached soccer and track. He was very popular and respected by students, parents, and staff, and will truly be missed. Mr. Regan recently married Kelly White, one of our Spanish teachers. In March, they welcomed their daughter, Grace into the world.
Among other remembrances, the Foundation is purchasing a tree in memory of Mr. Regan. It will be planted at Palos South Middle School, and dedicated at a special memorial program organized by Palos South staff members. More information will follow in the weeks to come.
|