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August 2007
Welcome Welcome students, parents, teachers, and staff to an exciting new school year. Classrooms are up and running and students are busy getting to know their teachers and classmates. We have added attractive new landscaping to the front of all three schools, summer building projects have concluded; our schools are at their best. We look forward to another successful year of learning.
Board of Education At its August 14th board meeting, the Board of Education approved the Tentative 2007-2008 budget. The 2007-2008 Tentative Budget will be the fifth consecutive Operating Funds balanced budget in five years. Based on the Tentative Budget for the 2007-2008 school year, Palos 118 is projected to receive a designation of Recognition, placing the district in the highest category of financial strength. Two board members will attend a conference in California this fall on educational technology. The conference is designed specifically for school boards, not school administrators or teachers. Our school board is committed to bringing the finest technological opportunities to the students of Palos 118.
New Staff 2007-2008 Six new teachers joined the faculty of Palos 118 this summer. As a district, we are committed to hiring only the best and brightest teachers. Our new teachers came highly recommended to Palos 118. We are pleased that our school district attracts such high caliber educators to support the educational potential of our students.
Cancellation of Back to School Picnic On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire Palos 118 community, we regret the cancellation of our annual back to school picnic on the Palos Village Green. The Jesse White tumblers showed up eager to perform but were met with ominous skies and pouring rain. A number of district staff and community volunteers worked tirelessly to host a memorable evening to kick off the beginning of the school year. We thank each and every one of our Palos 118 family for their efforts. I am truly remiss that our students, families, staff, and community members were not able to gather on the green. We look forward to this special event next August.
Inclement Weather School buses were detained and students were contained in the schools Thursday, August 23rd as a result of hazardous weather conditions in the immediate area. School buses were not released until official word confirmed that the storm in the area had passed. Safety plans for inclement weather are in place at all times and exercised by school principals to ensure the well being of our students. Principals executed safety plans for inclement weather this week. As time and circumstance permits, we have the ability to issue a mass call to every parent in the district for emergency communications. Additionally, there is a scrolling white box on our district web site (www.palos118.org) with up-to-the minute school announcements including emergency messages. However, technology can and does fail. Our administration will always make the best decisions where the safety of students is concerned. Thank you for your cooperation Thursday as we delayed student dismissal.
E-Connect 2007-2008 This year, E-Connect will be sent out via email on the third Wednesday of every month. If you do not subscribe (for free) to E-Connect, you can read current and past editions on the district website. Comments and suggestions can be sent to econnect@palos118.org |
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