Dear Parent and/or Guardian:
Peter J. Palombi Middle School is pleased to inform you of a new and innovative method for presenting your student with the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test results.
· IAR Parent Portal – Introducing Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Parent Portal, where you can access individual student results and resources to support everything you need to know about your child's performance on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness for English Language Arts and Math. This portal also allows you to add your student’s Spring 2023 test results to your user account and access them in the future.
· Video Individual Score Reports (Video ISRs) – Video ISRs are personalized videos created specifically for your student that walk through the information presented on their student's score report. Delivered via the IAR Parent Portal, video ISRs combine student-specific animation and voice overs to help you better understand your student’s assessment results and direct you to resources that are tailored for your student's needs. We encourage you to watch these videos with your child and discuss any questions with your student’s teacher.
As in the past, you will continue to receive paper copies of the Individual Student Reports (ISRs). However, new this year, including on the ISR, will be an individual claim code unique to your student. With this code, you will be able to securely access your student’s test results in the IAR Parent Portal.
The IAR Parent Portal and Video Individual Score Reports are NOW available and we are excited about the opportunity to strengthen our efforts with you to effectively communicate your student’s performance on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 847.356.2118 x51006.
In addition to IAR information, in the coming weeks, your child will receive an Individual Student Progress Report for the NWEA MAP assessment, which is a summary of how your child is performing academically, as measured by the most recent MAP Growth test your child has taken. These tests and scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.
MAP Growth tests are unique, and it adapts to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.
Your child’s MAP Growth results are represented as RIT scores. A RIT score is the overall score for a subject based on a Rasch Unit (RIT), and you’ll see it referenced in the Family Report your teacher will share with you.
I hope you find these reports informative.
For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/family-toolkit.
Sincerely,
Angela Sisi
ATHLETICS
A reminder for those students that plan to participate in Boys/Girls Basketball, Cheerleading, or Poms: an up-to-date physical must be on file in the Health Coordinator’s office before a student will be allowed to try out for any given sport. Click here by October 13th to register for tryouts. Tryouts will be taking place as follows:
Girls Basketball: October 16th and 17th, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Cheerleading: October 16th and 17th, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Boys Basketball: October 18th and 19th, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
October 18th and 19th, Boys Basketball and Poms Tryouts, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
ACTIVITIES
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week occurs each year and is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free! This year we will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 23-27. The following Spirit Days will take place during this week:
Monday, Oct. 23 - Red Out (Go Red for Red Ribbon Week)
Tuesday, Oct. 24 - Jersey Day (Team Up Against Drugs)
Wednesday, Oct. 25 - PJ (Put Drugs to Sleep)
Thursday, Oct. 26 - Neon Day (We're too Bright for Drugs)
Friday, Oct. 27 - Pink Out (Wear all Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness)
Leader in Me Updates
Palombi started our student action teams! These action teams help foster leadership opportunities in our school and with our students. These teams are created by suggestions from our student body and our staff. Ask your student what group they are participating in this year!
Last month, we had a school district visit Palombi and Mrs. Calabrese’s leadership class gave the visitors a tour and shared information about Leader in Me. Our students shared about student action teams and leadership portfolios. Great job leaders!
We are looking to grow our community involvement at Palombi. We are starting Leaders Who Brunch on November 3rd! Leaders Who Brunch is for any parents or community members to meet with some of our students to discuss their careers and goals for the future. Students who are interested in your field will be invited when you sign up. Please use the following link to sign up- https://www.signupgenius.com/g...
If you have any ideas about growing community involvement and participation, please email Kelsey Delahunty at kelsey.delahunty@district41.org.
Camp Duncan Reminder
6th graders that signed up for Camp Duncan will go with their Advisory group on a given day; Oct. 23rd or Oct. 24th. We will go rain or shine. It is important to dress for the weather and to wear gym shoes (No boots or sandals). Students going will get a reminder closer to the date. Please contact Tricia Pavell ppavell@district41.org if you have any questions.
Washington D.C
7th grade families and students! Enrollment has started for the 2025 Washington D.C & Charlottesville trip! If interested in more information, please RSVP for the info meeting that will be held virtually on October 10th at 7pm. Click here to RSVP. The meeting will go over everything related to the trip! If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still RSVP for additional information! If you have any questions, please contact Miss Koenig.
8th grade students! There is still time to register for the 2024 trip! If you want more information please email Miss Koenig kaitlin.koenig@district41.org
After School Enrichments
Sign-ups for session 2 of after school enrichments will now be digital through a Google Form. Session 2 enrichments will run from the week of November 6th until the week of December 18th. The Google Form to sign students up for enrichments will be sent out to all parents and guardians on Monday, October 23rd.
PINK OUT
In support of breast cancer awareness, Palombi will be having a Pink Out Day on Friday, October 27. We ask that everyone wear pink on that day. We will be sending home an order form for Palombi Pink Out shirts if anyone is interested in purchasing one for $10. The forms and money (cash or check payable to District 41) are due October 11 and the proceeds from the shirts will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
NJHS
Applications for Palombi’s National Junior Honor Society will be sent to all eligible 7th and 8th graders via their school Gmail on November 22nd. Students must have a cumulative middle school GPA of 3.8 to be invited to join. Please note that not all applicants will be invited to join. Application responses and teacher ratings will be taken into consideration when determining which students will be asked to join.
About NJHS - The purpose of the Lancer Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at Palombi is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage citizenship. This student-led organization is run by elected officers and overseen by faculty advisors. Meetings are typically held twice a month from 2:17-3:30 PM. Members are required to complete community service hours, maintain excellent grades, and be a positive role model at Palombi.
Palombi Players
Palombi Players rehearsals are off to a great start! The rehearsal schedule is posted on Google Classroom, please consult that for any information about times. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Dahowski emily.dahowski@district41.org or Ms. Stellwagen gretchen.stellwagen@district41.org with any questions.
Choir
The Lancer Choir has had a great start to the school year! We are looking forward to our District 41 Choir Festival on October 26th and our Fall Concert on November 7th! Please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Dahowski emily.dahowski@district41.org with any questions
Vendor Fair
Palombi’s Student Lighthouse Team is hosting their first annual vendor fair on November 4th from 10-3 in the Palombi Gym. We will have over 30 local crafters, bakers, vendors, and concessions. Admission to this event is $2 and each entrant will receive a free raffle ticket for the opportunity to win a prize from our raffle table! Additional raffle tickets will be available inside the event for purchase. Please reach out to Ms. Kobeski hailey.kobeski@district41.org or Ms. Gama cecilia.gamamendoza@district41.org if you have any questions.
OTHER
Graphic Artist Needed
Lake Villa District 41 is looking for a parent/guardian who is a graphic artist to help in the creation of our Portrait of a Graduate logo. If interested, please contact Sandy Keim at skeim@district41.org.
Front Office
For the safety and security of all students and staff, all our doors are locked. You are only allowed access into the building from the front doors. Please be patient while we answer the doorbell. Be advised, you will be asked for the reason of your entrance. Whenever you are visiting the building to volunteer or will be taking a student home, state identification is required. Thank you for your cooperation with keeping our schools safe.
Health Office
Immunizations and physicals are due by October 15th, 2023, for all sixth graders and new students. Letters were mailed home starting September 1st with missing requirements. Any students not up to date with these by October 15th are required to be sent home until an appointment has been made, or records have been received in the Health Office. Please contact Nurse Taylor francesca.taylor@district41.org if you have any questions.
Yearbook
The 2024 Yearbook is on sale for $30, but on October 7th the price increases to $35. Buy your yearbook now! Reserve your copy only online at jostensyearbooks.com or call 1-877-767-5217 to place your order. Don't delay, order today! Please contact Amanda Scheltens-Foy amanda.scheltensfoy@district41.org or Stephanie Horne stephanie.horne@district41.org
Curriculum Advisory Council
Please join us at the Upcoming Curriculum Advisory Council Meeting
Monday, November 13, 2023 at 5:00-6:00 PM
Palombi School
Topics: Lake Villa Standards Based Alignment, Priority Standards, and Evidence of Learning
Anti-Bullying Committee
Mrs. Rhodes, Dean of Culture and Student Discipline is starting an Anti-Bullying Committee. The Committee will comprise of several students from each grade level along with some staff members. The meetings will be held during the school day. The focus will be to identify general problems within the building and work towards solutions to better the climate. We will also create activities and lessons for staff and students surrounding bullying and being an upstander. Students should email Mrs. Rhodes if they are interested in joining the committee and share why they should be considered. mrhodes@district41.org
IMPORTANT DATES
Oct. 13 Deadline to register for tryouts for Basketball, Cheerleading, and Poms
Oct. 16/17 Girls Basketball and Cheer Tryouts
Oct. 18/19 Boys Basketball and Poms Tryouts
Oct. 15 All Immunizations Due
Oct. 16 Lake Villa School District 41 BOE Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 24-28 Red Ribbon Week
Oct. 26 District 41 Choir Festival 5:15 p.m. at Palombi Middle School
Oct. 30 Lake Villa School District 41 BOE Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 7 Fall Choir Concert 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m
Nov. 8 Fall Band Concert 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m
Nov. 11 First Trimester Ends/Tentative School Dance
Nov. 13 Curriculum Advisory Council
Nov. 13 Lake Villa School District 41 BOE Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 20-21 Parent Teacher Conferences - details to follow
Nov. 22-24 Thanksgiving Break