October 1, 2021

Dear Palos 118 Families,

Welcome to fall.

Even though the first official day of the autumnal equinox was actually back on September 22, there's something about the calendar turning over to October 1st that seems to truly mark the start of sweater season for many of us.

It feels like October is also when we start hitting our stride with the school year too. Parents have figured out the daily schedule, the drop off and pick up procedures, and no longer have to rely on a phone alarm to remind us that it's Late Start Wednesday anymore. For students, they've figured out the best route to their home rooms, the best place to sit at lunch, and finally memorized their locker combinations.

It's a reassuring place to be, locked into our routines which, before we know it, will be carrying us through the winter and into the warm weather again.

All of our schools did a great job recognizing Start with Hello Week last week with activities and lessons aimed at creating a more inclusive and welcoming school environment for everyone.

At Palos West, students decorated pinwheels for peace and posted them outside the school, asking passersby to honk for peace. At Palos South, students and faculty lined up on the athletic field to form a giant 'hello!,' creating a video with the able assist of drone pilot and Palos South parent Mr. Narciso. If you haven't had a chance to see the video, you can check it out on our YouTube page. A photo from the event is also on the home page of the Palos 118 website.

Vaccination Clinic Oct. 16

If you missed the vaccination clinic hosted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) at Palos South over the weekend, there is another one coming up on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinic is free to the public.

Appointments can be made online through the IDPH website, and walk-ins are also welcome. The Pfizer two-shot vaccine will be available as well as the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

This Week's Metrics

The school district remains committed to keeping our students and staff safe during in-person learning. Thank you to our families for their continued partnership.

You can review this week's updated COVID-19 dashboard here.

Have a great weekend.

Best regards,

Dr. Anthony Scarsella

Superintendent of Schools