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Letter from the Principal
Happy holidays from Palos South!! It is hard to believe we are in December already. Our students are busy spreading holiday cheer. Between the band and choir concerts, volleyball and basketball games, along with other clubs and events, the school is alive from morning to night! This newsletter contains many examples of the positive energy that is flowing throughout the building. We know it is a hectic time of the year, but we ask you to take some time to read the articles in this newsletter and have conversations with your sons and daughters about what they have been up to at school. We hope that the last two weeks before break go quickly and that you all have a safe and healthy 2012!
- The South students continue to amaze us with their generosity to those who are in need, and/or those who are less fortunate. During October, Club Action collected candy, toys and school supplies to fill over 130 gift bags that were donated to the Ronald McDonald House, Hopes Children Hospital, and Palos Hill Park Community Center. While the Environmental Club raised $107 in a "Change for Change" campaign to help elephants. The club also sponsored a school wide magazine drive. Also, the Student Council raised nearly $500 to help 6 families in need with kids ranging in age from 3 to 14 years old. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Student Council representatives purchased and wrapped gifts for the kids. The club is also sponsoring a holiday dance on the last school day before winter break to raise money for the Autism Society. The student council is working in a joint effort with Club Action for the event. Tickets are $3 to enter the dance, but can be reduced to $2 by supporting the Club Action initiative, as they donate items to the Palos Township Emergency Food Pantry. More information on this event will be distributed to students soon.
- We have a new fundraising opportunity that we would like to extend to our parents to benefit the Palos District 118 Music Programs. If you shop at GFS, we would encourage you to take a minute to become a Fun Funds member. For more information click on the following link: http://gfs.com/funfunds/home.page?OrgNumber=2494330. Each time you checkout with your Fun Funds card you will earn points that the band and choir programs can redeem to help purchase food and other items needed during the year. Also, you can still help out Palos South by mentioning us at checkout when shopping at Target, and by collecting "Box Tops for Education" and turning them in to the school office. During these trying economic times, we continue to look to supplement the amazing, educational opportunities for our students that the community deserves.
- This year, in particular, we are seeing an increase in social media interactions within our student body. Although many of these interactions are appropriate, some are very concerning. In order to keep our students educated regarding the consequences of inappropriate usage within the realm of social media, the PFA has arranged for Josh Gunderson to speak to our school regarding issues relating to Facebook. You can learn more about Josh and his message by visiting his website: www. joshgunderson.com. Hopefully, with some guidelines, we will continue to ensure the safety of all our students and give them appropriate ways to communicate in this technologically advanced world in which we live. In addition, we have scheduled an assembly for an FBI detective and a representative from the Illinois State Attorney General's office to speak to our students regarding possible dangers of internet communication. Both of these assemblies are scheduled for the Spring of 2012. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child's activity on the internet, please contact Ms. Christie or me.
- With the cold weather season upon us, it reminds us that the district has a "late start of school" option which may be utilized in lieu of canceling school for the entire day. The late start would delay all school and bus operations by one hour. Palos South would begin at 9:30 am. All zero hour classes and activities would be canceled. Parents would be notified of the late start by phone and email through the district's urgent parent notification system.
As always, we thank our parents for all your help and support! The teachers and administration feel very strongly about continuing the pro-active approach we take with any issues that may arise. Our thanks to you, as a community, for your continued support and appreciate your help with guiding our students to young adulthood. We have great kids at Palos South, and it is because they come from wonderful families! Enjoy the holiday break, and never hesitate to contact Ms. Christie or me with any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Chris Bingen Amy Christie
Principal Assistant Principal
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