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 From the Desk of Dr. Dubec
In observance of American Education Week, I began Monday morning by visiting each school to personally say thank you to all of our educators, support staff, and volunteers at Palos 118. It was gratifying to be surrounded by such positive learning environments and to see teachers, aides, and parent volunteers.
It is fitting to observe American Education Week, now in its 90th year, during the same month as Thanksgiving. The national holiday originated from a mix of European and Native traditions, but essentially began as a tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year. Today, we set aside the fourth Thursday of November each year for the sake of tradition, but also to show appreciation for all we have.
Our support staff at the district office have been working hard for many months developing new websites for our schools. I appreciate all of the effort that went into making this positive change for our school district. The new websites will feature a friendly layout, integrated calendars, and easy navigation tools that will make communication more efficient. I encourage you to visit the new district and school websites on December 1 to see the exciting changes for yourself.
In addition to our staff and faculty, I am also grateful Palos 118 has such dedicated and strong support organizations. The PFA enriches the school experience for students through programming such as art awareness, theme lunches, and more. Our Educational Foundation raises much needed funds through Laps for Literature and the Vendor Fair, and parent volunteers have really stepped up this year to help make the Music Program thrive. Thanks to all of our organizations for their dedication.
School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the best it can be for every child. November 15 has been designated as School Board Members Day in Illinois, and we extend thanks our community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to Palos 118.
Each time I step into one of our schools, I am grateful for the teachers, staff, students, and parents that make Palos 118 warm, welcoming, and successful. Enjoy a safe Thanksgiving break.
With gratitude,
Joseph M. Dubec, Ed.D., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools | |
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Late Start and Pulaski Day Reminders
In emergency weather situations we have the option for a late start instead of closing completely. Late start would be used in situations where a delay of the start of the day would permit an improvement of road conditions more conducive to safe travel. Please click here for a review of the late-start schedule.
Palos 118 will be required to "make up" any full emergency school closing days. The Board approved the option of using Casimir Pulaski Day as the first make up day should any emergency days be used prior to March 5, 2012. This information was placed in our calendar and hand book. Please be prepared for the possibility that Pulaski day will be used as a make-up day. |
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Cook County to Discontinue Crossing Guards at South and West Schools
The Cook County Sheriff's Police have notified Palos 118 that beginning December 1, school crossing guards will no longer be provided at Palos West Elementary School and Palos South Middle School. We are very concerned about our students, especially since 104th and 131st streets are major vehicle roadways, and crossing guards are needed to help our children reach school safely. Your voice requesting that our school crossing guards be maintained will be helpful. Please contact our Cook County Commissioner, Elizabeth Doody Gorman, and express your concern regarding this action of the county:
Liz Gorman
South District Office:
9763 W. 143rd Street, Suite D1, Orland Park, IL 60462
708-349-1336
Palos 118 is working on an emergency plan to continue having school crossing guards if the county removes its crossing guards, until a more permanent solution can be reached. Crossing guards for our East campus are provided for by Palos Heights because the school is within the city limits. This is typical of all suburban schools who receive crossing guard assistance through the city, village, or local police where the school is located. Palos West and South are in unincorporated Cook County and crossing guards have been the responsibility of the Cook County Sheriff's Police. Unfortunately, this not only creates a safety issue, but appears to be another effort of a larger governmental body attempting to solve budget issues by forcing local school districts to pick up the cost with their limited funds. |
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Announcing the New
One District-One Book Selection | |
Where the Mountain
Meets the Moon
by Grace Lin
The Chinese proverb, "A book holds a house of gold" is definitely true of the novel Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. This story is about a young girl named Minli who lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. Her father is a wonderful story teller; he tells Chinese folktales of the Jade Dragon and Old Man on the Moon who is said to have the answers to all of life's questions. Join Minli on her exciting journey to find the ultimate answer.
On December 1st District 118 will begin Minli's journey with the turning of each page. Students, parents, staff and community members are all invited to embark on this expedition. Read by yourself, with your family, or follow along with our chapter podcasts as we come together in search of the ultimate answer.
To begin your journey, visit the district's web page for everything you'll need. This extensive page contains: book order forms, registration information, schedules, special activities, discussion questions, chapter podcasts, and an overview of our culminating event.
On the evening of February 8, 2012, our journey will conclude. All are invited to gather at Palos South Middle School to celebrate our quest together and demonstrate what each of us has learned along the way.
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Exciting Changes Coming to Palos 118 Websites! | |
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Palos South Honors Veterans
Palos South's annual Veterans Day ceremony on November 10 was an opportunity to honor community and family members who serve or have served our nation in the military. For more coverage, visit the Palos Patch. Top: Local dignitaries salute during the Pledge of Allegiance. Middle: Members of Palos South's Student Council, who organized the ceremony, serve a light reception for veterans and their families. Bottom: Sixth grader, Madison Webb, her mother Alicia, and her grandfather, Mike Czworniak, who served in the Army from 1959-1961, enjoy time together following the ceremony. |
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People You Should Know...Palos 118's School Nurses | |
School nurses have many responsibilities. Besides taking care of sick students and monitoring their chronic illnesses and medications at school, nurses provide emergency care to students and staff. They serve as a liaison between home and school by communicating with parents and physicians' offices. Additionally, they conduct vision and hearing screenings on students, provide CPR and first aid training to all staff, and promote wellness in the schools.
 Mrs. Terri Segredo RN, has been a nurse at Palos South for 11 years. Prior to coming to South, she was a nursing supervisor
at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, and also worked at the Immediate Care Center in Orland Park. Mrs. Segredo is married and has three kids. She enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends. Currently reading "Plain Truth" by Jodi Picoult.
Mrs. Jane Scott RN, BSN, has been a nurse for 27 years, and has been at Palos West since 2008. She worked as a pediatric nurse for several hospitals and also for a pediatrician before coming to West. Mrs. Scott is an advocate of taking Vitamin D supplements, especially during the cold and flu season. She has two daughters and enjoys biking, gardening, and reading. Currently reading "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo.
Mrs. Darlene Sierzga RN, has been a nurse for 28 years. Before coming to Palos East in 2006, Mrs. Sierzga practiced in a variety of areas including surgical pre-and post-op, home health, utilization management/discharge planning, oncology, and outpatient clinics. She is married, has one son, and enjoys bike riding, walking, cooking,and baking. Currently reading "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens" by Richard Carlson, PhD. |
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