As we enter the month of May, the calendar is overflowing with activities and learning experiences for our students. Don't forget to look inside this edition of the Palos West News for more details on the plethora of exciting events.

I'm excited to announce that Palos West will be representing District 118 at this year's Tech 2012 - "Students for the Informational Age" demonstration on May 2nd at the State Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois. Ms. Kueber, Ms. White, and first grade students, Nilkolette Hurley and Umair Memon will be showing off our first grade animal research projects to state legislators and members of general public in an effort to raise awareness of how students are utilizing technology in their classrooms to prepare for today's information driven society. Join me in wishing our team luck as we continue to lead the charge for making sure that students have the necessary tools to excel in the 21st century.

As I referenced last month, this is the time of year when our professional staff begins planning for next year's classroom assignments. As a fellow parent, I empathize with those of you who want to make sure your child is placed in an environment where he or she has the greatest opportunity for success. Please keep in mind that requests made for a specific teacher are often difficult to accommodate. Therefore, I recommend that if you have information that you wish to share, please write me a letter identifying your child's specific learning style and/or social needs. These letters need to be addressed to me and submitted prior to the end of the school year. They can also be emailed to rcozza@palos118.org.

Staying with the theme of future planning....if you know that your child will not be attending Palos West next school year because you intend to move or enroll him/her in another school, please contact our building secretary, Ms. Chris Vent at 761-3802 or cvent@palos118.org so we can plan accordingly. The sooner we know, the earlier we can help you prepare for your transition.

Finally, I invite you to attend this month's Board of Education Meeting which will be held on May 15th at Palos West. This is a special time of year as the Board will recognize Palos West and some of our students for various outstanding accomplishments. Invitations have been sent out to those receiving awards. The Awards Ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. in the red gym.