News from the Principal ...

As many of you have already heard, I have taken on a new job opportunity to be the principal of Addams Junior High, in Schaumburg, IL, for the next school year. Although I am extremely excited about this new challenge, it is also bittersweet knowing that I will be leaving Palos South. With this being the last newsletter that I will send out as the principal of South, I wanted to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to the entire South community.

When I came to Palos six years ago, I did so not knowing much about the community or the area (a North side guy, in a South suburb). What I quickly found out was that Palos South is home to the most polite, considerate, intelligent middle school adolescents that I have ever come in contact with. I still remember all the students that came up to shake my hand, and introduce themselves to me on the first day of school back in August of 2007. Equally impressive is the dedicated, hard working staff of Palos South, who commit to excellence every day. The staff is just as lucky to be able to work collaboratively with involved and supportive parents. I would like to extend my gratitude to each of these groups for touching my life and making it fun to come to work every day! I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and will leave South in June, knowing that the school community will continue to excel into the future because all are committed to ensuring that the "students' needs" are paramount! 

Although the year is winding down, we still have much to accomplish, and want students to continue to grow academically, socially and emotionally all the way through the last day of school. Parents, we ask that you help them along by continuing to ask your children questions about their day, check grades regularly on the Skyward grading system, and visit our website for calendar updates. As always, this newsletter is full of valuable information about what students have accomplished in the last couple of months, along with a preview of events to come during the last weeks of school.

Here are some particularly noteworthy accolades and interesting upcoming events:

• Generosity that never ceases to amaze! Our students and staff have been at it again, raising money for numerous causes over the last couple of months!  On March 13, Mrs. Swan, Mrs. Shem and the Student Council sponsored the second annual South Trivia Night. Proceeds from the (over $2000) event went to the Grace Regan Educational Fund, pediatric kids' cancer research and to fund a Student Council convention trip. Additionally, huge kudos goes out to Mrs. Duffy and the rest of the South math department and our students for their efforts in raising money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Our school, once again, participated in a math-a-thon to benefit the hospital. Over 100 students raised almost $7000 for this worthwhile cause. Finally, some brave staff members participated in St. Baldrick's. Students donated money that went to pediatric cancer research, and in turn we had some bald headed staff members walking the halls of Palos South.
• 8^th grade graduation reminders: We are excited that the graduation ceremony will be held at Stagg High School this year. The event will take place at 6:00 pm on May 30. Each student's family will receive four tickets to the anticipated event. I would like to be the first to wish our 8^th graders congratulations and much success in future endeavors! We are extremely proud of their efforts, and ask that they continue to try their best to finish the year strong! We expect a lot from them as the role models of the school, but only because we know they are up to the challenge.

Ms. Phelan and I would like to extend our thanks to all the community members and families who continue to support our students' efforts. As always, if you have any thoughts or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards,

Chris Bingen
Principal