I am proud that Palos 118 provides a quality education with proven results. What makes Palos 118 unique is our pride in nurturing the whole child through fine arts, extra-curricular activities, and other enrichment programs.  With the flurry of activities and events taking place this spring as the 2014-15 school year draws to a close, I wanted to highlight some our students' accomplishments. 

• At the annual Young Inventor Challenge at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, three sets of 118 students were victorious in several YIC categories this year.
• Each year, South participates in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon, America's largest education-based fundraiser. This year, students raised a remarkable $10,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• ELL and ALPS students proudly represented their heritage and culture at Palos West in their annual Celebration of Cultures with projects and displays with artwork, artifacts, music, clothing, and food samples from around the world. We are looking forward to East hosting their inaugural Celebration of Cultures May 7.
• A total of 171 district students were recipients of the 2015 Presidential Academic Fitness Award.
• Congratulations to our students on their successful athletic seasons:
  -  Boys Softball: Tournament 3rd place
  -  Girls Cross Country: Conference 2nd place
  
  -  7th Grade Boys Volleyball: Conference 3rd place/
     Tournament 1st place
  -  8th Girls Basketball: Conference 2nd place/
     Tournament 2nd place
  -  7th Grade Girls Volleyball: Conference 3rd place
  -  8th Grade Girls Volleyball: Conference 1st place/
     Tournament 1st place
  -  8th Grade Boys Basketball: Conference 3rd place/
     Tournament 3rd place
• Palos South Band members participated in the 10th Annual PSMS Solo/Ensemble Contest in February and received the following ratings: 27 2nd or Excellent Ratings and 103 1st or Superior Ratings. Superior Perfect Ratings were awarded to 13 outstanding musicians.
• The 6th grade Cadet Band, 7th Grade Concert Band, and the 8th Grade Wind Ensemble received unanimous superior (first place) ratings from all three judges at the St. Laurence Band Director's Festival in March. The 7th & 8th grade bands had the highest scores of the festival and were separated by less than a point. The 7th Grade Concert Band won the Dan Greenock Memorial Award for having the highest score.
• Palos 118 Choirs will be singing the National Anthem at the White Sox game on April 26, 2015.
• Five Palos South students took first place at the annual Newbery Bowl.
• Student Councils from each school not only coordinate spirit and theme days, but they also spearhead charity drives that benefit our schools and community. Other organizations such as IMPACT Club, Wellness clubs, Environmental clubs and more, raise funds and awareness for health and social issues.

Whether it's academics, athletics, or arts, our students put in extraordinary effort that yield amazing results.  There are still more games and competitions yet to take place before the year ends including the Math Bowl, SWIC Band competition, soccer, and more. We wish all of our students luck in their upcoming competitions.

It is impossible to acknowledge every achievement earned by our students in this letter, but we are extremely proud of all their effort. Social media is another way we are increasingly sharing information beyond this econnect, the local paper, and newsletters. If you haven't done so already, I encourage you to like us on Facebook, where many more noteworthy events and accomplishments are posted each week and throughout the year. 

I would like to add that these accolades would not be possible without the help of dedicated parents, and our staff who so willingly give their time and talent to enable our students to achieve great things.  Thank you for all that you do to make our students successful in school and beyond.

Warmest regards,

Anthony M. Scarsella,

Superintendent of Schools