Dear Palombi families:
Happy New Year!
I hope 2025 is off to a smooth start for everyone and that you’re staying safe and warm. Over the next two weeks, Palombi students will be taking the MAP/NWEA Math and Reading assessments. Once we’ve reviewed the results, updated reports will be mailed home to you.
Angela Sisi
Principal
Teacher Shout-Out
What is a Teacher Shout-Out?
A Teacher Shout-Out is an unsolicited special recognition that acknowledges a Palombi staff member who has really helped you or your student or has been highly effective and motivating. Our staff takes great pride in helping students achieve their potential. Take a few minutes and let a staff member know how much you appreciate their work by clicking this link.
Palombi Alumni Wall
Palombi proudly recognizes alumni who have gone on to demonstrate leadership in their careers and beyond. Our “Leaders of Today and Tomorrow” Wall celebrates these individuals who have made a positive impact in various fields, showcasing their achievements as an inspiration to current students.
We are always looking to grow this recognition and would love your help! If you know a former Palombi student who has shown exceptional leadership—whether in their profession, community, or personal endeavors—please take a moment to share with us by submitting a nomination with this form.
Help us honor the incredible contributions of our alumni and inspire the next generation of leaders!
Graduation
8th grade graduation is Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00pm at Lakes High School. Please click here for more information.
You can order your graduation gown or tassel-only option through this form, Graduation 2025 and to pay for your order, please select:
Graduation Gown Cap& Tassel Fee or Graduation Tassel Only Fee
Orders and fees must be placed/paid by January 24, 2025
The MySchoolBucks account is active for graduation payments. If you have not opened a MySchoolBucks account or need the link to log in, please use the information below:
Get started today or log in:
Go to myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app.
Create your free account and add your students using their school name and student ID
If you have already created your account, simply log in.
If you do not prefer to use the MySchoolBucks system, you can bring in (or send with your student) exact cash or a check made payable to District 41 along with your confirmation email that the graduation form has been filled out.
Finally, graduation pictures are on Monday, January 13th. Retake/Absentee Picture Day will be February 21st. Please click here for more information.
Expanding Mental Health Access for Students and Families
We’re excited to launch the Lake Villa SD 41 CARES Program, a partnership with ReferralGPS that connects students and families to critical mental health resources (including individual therapy and/or psychiatric medication management).
With 8 initial visits free of charge and the potential for continued care based on funding and need, this program eliminates long waitlists and financial barriers, ensuring timely, equitable support.
Many families seek help for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress management, and the CARES Program provides connections with independent community mental health providers to address these challenges.
Take the First Step: Visit District 41 CARES to learn more and get started today!
Together, we can create a healthier future for our community.
NOTES FROM THE OFFICE
Student Supplies
Please check your student supplies and replenish any pencils, pens, notebooks, etc. if your child is out of supplies. In addition, Kleenex are always needed!
Midterms
We are at the midterm of trimester 2. Please check your child’s grades on PowerSchool. If you don’t have access to PowerSchool, please call our office for assistance.
Course Preferences
Course preference (formally course selection) will occur later this year than in years past. This year, we will be working on course preferences in April as opposed to February. The Dean of Students, Miss Koenig, will email families when the time comes for students to discuss next year’s elective course preferences with home and when students will complete the process in the classroom.
Nurse’s Office
During the winter months, it is especially important to take steps to stay healthy. Avoiding contact with others who are sick, washing your hands thoroughly, and keeping your hands away from your face are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses.
Students must stay home from school if they are vomiting, or have a fever greater than 100; and can return after being symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
Please ensure your student’s physical is up-to-date if they are planning on participating in Spring sports. Contact the nurse’s office with any questions!
ACTIVITIES
Feed My Starving Children Night
Please join us for a family volunteer night at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville. The Future Leaders Action Team encourages all students and families to sign up to help pack food for the less fortunate on Friday, February 21st from 7:15 - 8:45 pm. Please use the link below to sign up.
http://www.fmsc.org/join-group?joincode=6LWZX2
Yearbook
The 2024 Yearbook is on sale for $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!
Any questions? Please contact Lauren Hollander via email at lauren.hollander@district41.org.
Winter is here, bringing chilly temps and snowy days—perfect for puzzles, learning new board games, reading by a fireplace, or creating with household items. Need some inspiration? Flick on the Virtual T.V. Explore winter-themed books here. Also, check out 4 tips for kids to “Make Friends and Interact Safely Online”.
Session 3 Enrichment Clubs
The Google Form to sign students up for session 3 enrichment clubs will be available on the Palombi website on Tuesday, January 21st. Forms and payment will be due by Friday, January 31st!
Spelling Bee
The Palombi spelling bee will be on Tuesday, January 21st at 12:20 p.m. Students were notified by their ELA teacher and the morning announcements to sign up with the Google Form posted in their ELA teacher’s Google Classroom by Monday, January 6th in order to participate. Every student who signs up will be given a study list of words from their ELA teacher and sent an email with more information.
The finalists from the first spelling bee will be invited to participate in a final school spelling bee on Thursday, January 23rd at 12:20 p.m. Parents/guardians of the students who qualify to be in the final school spelling bee will be invited to attend. An email will be sent to those parents/guardians after school on Tuesday, January 21st with additional details. Please contact Ms. Kaplan at emily.kaplan@district41.org with any questions!
2026 Washington, D.C Trip
7th Grade Families! If you would like to sign your current 7th grade student up for the 2026 Washington D.C trip, please enroll at this link here. Please reach out to Miss Koenig at kaitlin.koenig@district41.org for more information.
National Junior Honor Society
Congratulations to the thirty-five newly initiated members of the Lancer Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society!
Esports 101: A Guide for Peter J. Palombi Middle School Parents
Have you heard your child talking about esports? It's likely they've been inspired by the growing popularity of competitive gaming, which is why we are looking at starting a club right here at Palombi.
Esports, or electronic sports, are organized competitions where players compete against each other in video games. Think of it like traditional sports like basketball or soccer, but with video games instead of a ball.
This short video provides a great overview of the esports world, including interviews with professional gamers and coaches.
Why Consider having your student participate in an Esports Club at Palombi?
Develops Key Skills: Esports can help students develop valuable skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and sportsmanship – all essential for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Builds Confidence: Participating in competitive gaming can boost self-esteem and encourage healthy social interaction.
Provides a Fun and Engaging Activity: Esports offers a fun and exciting way for students to connect with their peers who share similar interests.
Explore Potential Careers: The esports industry is rapidly growing, offering potential career paths in gaming, broadcasting, coaching, and more.
Important Considerations for a Palombi Esports Club:
Focus on Fun and Learning: The primary goal should be to provide a fun and engaging environment for students to learn and grow.
Safety and Supervision: A responsible adult advisor will be crucial to ensure a safe and positive experience for all members.
Balanced Participation: Encourage students to maintain a healthy balance between gaming, schoolwork, and other activities.
Positive Sportsmanship: Emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship, fair play, and respectful communication.
We encourage you to learn more about esports and consider supporting the potential launch of an Esports Club at Palombi. It could be a fantastic opportunity for your child to develop new skills, make friends, and have a lot of fun!
IMPORTANT DATES
Links to all dates can be found here: Palombi Full Calendar of Events
Jan 8 - 24 NWEA/MAP Testing
Jan 13 Graduation pictures (during the school day)
Jan 13 School Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m
Jan 15 - Mar 4 ACCESS testing for EL Students
Jan 16 & 17 Grayslake North meetings with 8th graders (during school day)
Jan 20 No School - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 21 & 23 Spelling Bee
Jan 27 School Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Feb 11 6th grade Band & Choir Concert, 6:30-8:30pm
Feb 14 No School for students - Institute Day
Feb 17 No School - Presidents Day
Feb 17 School Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m
Feb 21 Graduation pictures retakes (during the school day)
Feb 21 Feed My Starving Children Family Event 7:15p-8:45p
Feb 21 End of 2nd Trimester