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February 2014 
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dr dubec From the Desk of Dr. Dubec

February is ending and our focus is on the upcoming Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) that will take place March 4-14 in grades 3-8. I want to thank our teachers and students who have worked hard on their studies, and as always, thank you parents for all of your support and help. Although ISAT is an individual test, it is a team effort and everyone can be proud of the consistently high performance of Palos 118 students.

  

Although, there is no way to truly prepare for ISATs, here are a few suggestions to follow. First, encourage your children to do well, but don't put added pressure on them. Keeping a positive attitude will help them do their best. Second, please try to make sure that this week is not interrupted with doctor's appointments or other plans that may take children out of school or make them arrive late. Following the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidelines, testing times are concrete, and children arriving late to school will not be sent down to class while a testing session is in progress. Third, the importance of a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast on testing days cannot be underestimated. For more tips on how students can optimize their test-taking skills, see the article at the bottom of this page.  I am confident our students will again perform exceptionally well because of both dedicated staff and parents.  

 

While preparations are taking place in the schools for ISATs, there are plans being made for several upcoming events that our support organizations have planned. The Educational Foundation's adult only Trivia Night fundraiser will take place February 22 at Trio in Palos Heights. The PFA's Sham Rock n Roll will be held at the Palos Country Club on March 8. More information can be found on the Foundation and PFA websites. We are grateful to have so many parent volunteers that make our school district exceptional. Thank you for your continued support. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Joseph M. Dubec, Ed.D., J.D.

Superintendent of Schools

IMPORTANT:
Casimir Pulaski Day and
Make-Up Day Information

As you are aware, pupils must attend school a specific number of days each school year. When emergency days are used, they must be made up.   This year to date, four emergency days have been used. Pulaski Day will be used as one make-up day and three additional days will be added to the end of the school year.  Thank you for the extra efforts you are making to have your children attend school during this difficult winter and for your support of our schools.

  • Pulaski Day, March 3, 2014 will be a � day of student attendance and � day of parent/teacher conferences regardless of any further use of emergency days.  Grades 1-8, PM Kindergarten, Early Childhood and Pre-Kindergarten will attend school in the morning.  There will be no school for AM Kindergarten/EC, Pre-Kindergarten.  Parent teacher conferences will be held in the afternoon to replace the day when school was closed on January 27.  
  • June 5: Graduation moves from Tuesday, June 3 to Thursday, June 5.
  • June 6: Last Day for Kindergarten, E.C, and Pre-K.
  • June 9: Last day of school.

Visit this link for more information regarding school closings and late start procedures. 

Palos South Performs Heartwarming Musical
Jack Bibbiano (Pinocchio,) Andrew Jackiw (Geppetto,) Conor Graf (Blue Fairy,) and Grace Javaras (Green Fairy,) entertained sold out audiences.

 

Frigid temperatures and blowing snow didn't stop Palos South Middle School students from performing Disney's "My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto's Musical Tale" to sold out crowds January 24 and 25 at Stagg High School.

 

The twist on the classic "Pinocchio" was told from Geppetto, the aging toymaker's point of view where he transforms from a demanding creator to a real, live father.  

 

Palos South drama teacher Katie McDonough, directed the student cast and crew of over 70 in her sixteenth musical production.  "They were a dynamic group who were very bonded together," said McDonough. "They really embodied the message of the play."

More photos from the production can be seen on the Palos Patch.  
There is still time to register for 2014-2015 Kindergarten
Palos East 708-448-1084
Palos West 708-448-6888

 

What's Happening Around Palos 118  


Approximately 550 were in attendance for the PFA's Daddy Daughter Dance on February 1 at Palos South. The Hollywood theme had everyone dressed in high fashion for the "paparazzi."

The One District One Book Event celebrating "The One and Only Ivan" on February 3 drew a large crowd.  Participants made friendship bracelets, created artwork, and played games.

On January 31, Palos South held a pep-rally for alumna Kendall Coyne who is playing for the USA Women's Hockey Team in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.  South students Christina Muraskas,  Katarina Balchunas, Michael Orloff, and Peter Gordan show their support by wearing Olympic t-shirt's with Coyne's name and number on the back. The assembly featured a video message from the olympain with words of encouragement for South students.
People You Should Know... 
Palos East
Student Council Officers
This school year, East's Student Council coordinated a School Supplies Drive to benefit Palos Township, a pop-top collection for Ronald McDonald House, and the Souper Bowl of Caring  Food Drive with Palos West to benefit Palos Township Food Pantry. They visited Alden Nursing Home to decorate their Christmas tree and carol for residents. They also participated in the Palos Heights Art Garden Tree Decorating Contest and organized spirit weeks. They are most proud though, of their "Wishes for Washington" initiative.  With student councils from all three schools, they collected money and gift cards during the holidays for tornado victims of Washington, IL.   They will be volunteering to help with Trivia Night at Palos South and also spearheading a spring playground cleanup and planting flowers.
Elected officers from left to right are: Isabela Kluever (secretary,) Delaney Doncer (vice president,) Karol Para (president,) and Walker Ahluwalia (treasurer.)  

Calendar Changes for
2014-15 School Year
  • Parent Teacher Conferences moved from November 13 and 14 to November 6 and 7.
  • Teacher Institute Day changed from February 13 to January 5,
  • Spring break changed to week of April 6 (to align with 230).
  • The May 8th � day Institute Day changed to May 15.
  • The last day of school will be June 2. (If no emergency days are used).
  • 8th grade graduation will be changed to June 1.
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Mark your calendars 
for the PFA's Annual
Sat. March 8, 2014
Palos Country Club
7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
ISAT Test Taking Tips
  • Have your children eat a healthy breakfast and lunch on test days. Avoid foods that are heavy or high in sugar, but rather select foods that are rich in protein to help them stay focused.
  • Make sure they get plenty of sleep the night before tests.
  • Let your children relax for a few hours before bedtime to relieve stress.

  • Be at the bus stop and come to school on time each day. This will help reduce stress and keep your kids relaxed.
  • Be prepared by bringing at least two number two pencils. Grades 4-8 should have their calculators.
  • Remind your children to read questions and answer choices completely before choosing the correct answer.
  • Remind your children to ask the teacher questions if he or she does not understand the test directions.
  • Ask kids to answer all of the questions to the best of their abilities.


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