Dear Parent and/or Guardian:
Peter J. Palombi Middle School is pleased to inform you of a new, 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 tailored to 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). Just like last year, this year there 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.
Finally, thank you to all of the parents who took the Curriculum Night survey. We looked at the responses and are reviewing ways to adjust our practices, if possible, to make the event a better experience for families.
Sincerely,
Angela Sisi
Athletics
Wrestling, a no-cut sport open to all students, is back at Palombi! We have one co-ed team at Palombi that will be separated into specific weight classes. If you are interested in participating please fill out Wrestling Sign Up. The signup will be active on October 4th. The sign-up will close on November 8, and the deadline for physicals to be on file is November 13.
If you have any questions please get in touch with the coaches nathan.pereira@district41.org and cecilia.gamamendoza@district41.org
Late Fall Sports will be starting in October!
If your student(s) is interested in Basketball, Cheer, or Poms please complete this form Late Fall Sports Tryout Form. This form will close on October 9 at 2:30 pm.
You can sign up multiple students in the Google Form and will receive a confirmation email of your submission.
Tryouts for Girls Basketball and Cheer are 10/16 and 10/17
Tryouts for Boys Basketball and Poms are 10/21 and 10/22
Tryouts end at 4:30 pm. You must attend both days of practice.
Students can be picked up at the Activity Entrance at 4:30. Our late bus leaves at 4:00 pm.
All students MUST have a current physical on file with the health office by noon on October 15th to tryout
Please contact the Athletic Director, Steve Johnson if you have any questions sjohnson@district41.org
Activities
School Dance
Friday, November 1st
6th Grade Dance: 5-6:30
7th and 8th Grade Dance: 7-8:30
Tickets will be $5 presale during lunches on October 29, 30, and 31. Tickets will be $7 if bought at the door at the dance.
Theme TBD
Leader in Me Updates
We’re excited to announce the launch of our Student Action Teams, designed to promote leadership and engagement within our school community. These teams are formed based on suggestions from both students and staff. Be sure to ask your student about the group they’ve joined this year! Our next LEAD Day is Wednesday, October 2nd.
Additionally, students will begin working on their Leadership Portfolios this week. As part of their school supplies, each student should have brought a binder, which will serve as their Leadership Portfolio. Throughout the year, they’ll be adding to sections like My Self, My WIGS, My Learning, My Leadership, and My Celebrations. Students have created Wildly Important Goals (WIGS) based on their fall MAP scores that they will reflect on periodically.
Camp Duncan Reminder
Team building fun coming up soon. 6th graders that signed up for Camp Duncan will go with their Advisory group on a given day; Oct. 15th and Oct. 23rd. 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
If your 7th grade student is interested in attending the 2026 Washington, D.C trip, please RSVP here for a virtual information session on Wednesday, October 23rd at 7 PM. We will go over everything for the trip!
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
The sign-up form for session 2 enrichments will open Thursday, October 24th and close Friday, November 1st. The Google Form to sign up will be emailed to families and posted on the Palombi website. Session 2 enrichments will run from the week of November 4th until the week of December 16th.
NJHS
Applications for Palombi’s National Junior Honor Society will be sent to all eligible 7th and 8th graders via their school Gmail the week after trimester one report cards have become available. Students must have a cumulative middle school GPA of 3.8 to be invited to apply. Please note that not all applicants will be invited to join NJHS. Application responses and teacher ratings will be taken into consideration when determining which students will be asked to invite 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 November 12th at 6:30 pm! Please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Dahowski emily.dahowski@district41.org with any questions.
Band & Jazz Band
On October 9th, our 8th grade students will participate in the Grayslake North Marching Knights "Shadow-A-Knight" event. Good luck to our band students who auditioned for ILMEA Honors Band and Honors Jazz Band! Our first concert of the year for all band students will be on November 4th at 6:30 p.m. Both jazz bands are already working on the music they'll be performing on December 4th at 6:30 p.m. There will be some kickin' solos so come on out & support the jazz bands!
Vendor Fair
Palombi’s Student Lighthouse Team is hosting their second annual fall vendor fair on October 19th 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. Gama cecilia.gamamendoza@district41.org or Ms. Sarcinelli cecily.sarcinelli@district41.org if you have any questions.
Other
Curriculum Advisory Council
We are excited to invite you to an upcoming session where we will discuss our district's review of the Illinois Literacy Plan and its key components. This plan plays a crucial role in shaping literacy instruction across all grade levels, and your participation as stakeholders is invaluable to ensure we align our strategies with the needs of our students and educators. During this meeting, we will explore the core elements of the plan, including instructional practices, assessments, and resources that support literacy development. We hope you can join us in this important conversation as we work together to enhance literacy outcomes in our district.
November 18, 2024
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Palombi M.S.
Front Office
For the safety and security of all students and staff, all school 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. When ever you will be staying in the building as a visitor or will be taking a student home, state identification is required. Thank you for your cooperation with keeping our schools safe.
Attendance
We prefer that you report any absences using our online absence form.
Parents/guardians must report their child’s absence using the online form by 9:00 AM
on the day of the absence. The form will require the following information:
● Student’s Name
● Grade
● Date(s) of Absence
● Reason for Absence
● Parent/Guardian Contact Information
You can also call the school to report the student’s absence. (847) 356-2118 option 1. Please make sure to spell the student’s last name. Email Mrs. Harder with any questions jennifer.harder@district41.org
Health Office
Immunizations and IDPH physicals are due by October 15th, 2024, for all sixth graders and new students. Multiple letters were mailed home starting September 1st with your child’s specific requirements. All students not up to date by October 15th are required by Illinois state law to be sent home, and will not be allowed to return to school until complete records have been received in the Health Office, or proof of a scheduled appointment is provided. Please contact Nurse Taylor francesca.taylor@district41.org if you need further assistance.
Yearbook
The 2024 Yearbook is on sale for $30, but on October 4th 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 lauren.hollander@district41.org
Library
Check out our Library news here. We celebrate Hispanic Heritage through this month and you can find tips to help your children balance their media lives.
Tech Safety and Digital Citizenship
On Wednesday Grant Community High School will host a presentation by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. See this flyer for details.
Important Dates:
Oct. 7 Lake Villa School District 41 BOE Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 9 Deadline to register for tryouts for Basketball, Cheerleading, and Poms
Oct. 15 All Immunizations and Physicals Due
Oct. 11 Teacher Institute Day - No School
Oct. 14 Columbus Day - No School
Oct. 16/17 Girls Basketball and Cheer Tryouts
Oct. 21/22 Boys Basketball and Poms Tryouts
Oct. 28 Lake Villa School District 41 BOE Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 23-30 Red Ribbon Week
Nov 1 School Dance
Nov. 4 Fall Band Concert
Nov. 5 Election Day - No School
Nov. 8 First Trimester Ends
Nov. 8 Wrestling Sign Up Closes
Nov. 12 Fall Choir Concert
Nov 13 Fall Picture Retake Day
Nov. 18 Lake Villa School District 41 BOE Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 25-26 Parent Teacher Conferences - details to follow
Nov. 27-29 Thanksgiving Break