October 15, 2021

Dear Palos 118 Families,

Despite some 70 and 80-degree temperatures that have stuck around longer than expected, it's truly starting to look and feel like fall outside with foliage near the Palos 118 Central office showing the tell-tale hints of yellow, orange, and red.

The appearance of fall color adds to the anticipation that in just a couple of weeks, kids will be celebrating Halloween.

Whether you're a planner whose had your student's costume ready to go since July, or are just now panic-surfing over to Amazon to order one, you can mark down on the calendar that Palos trick or treating hours will be 3-7 p.m.

In the next couple of weeks, you can also brush up on some basic trick or treat safety precautions to ensure your night goes smoothly. Some recommendations include wearing reflective tape, carrying glow sticks, and choosing face paint over masks since masks can limit a child's vision. While you are out, Halloween night is also a wonderful time to reinforce perennial safety standards like reminding kids to look both ways before crossing the street and to cross at crosswalks.

Vaccination Clinic Oct. 16

Another way to stay safe this fall is to get a vaccination against COVID-19. If you haven't received either a two-dose or one-dose shot, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will be hosting a FREE vaccine clinic this Saturday, October 16 at Palos South from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Appointments can be made online through the IDPH website, and walk-ins are also welcome. The two-shot Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be available as well as the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. There will also be a third dose booster shot for those who qualify. The clinic is open to the public and walk-in appointments are also welcome.

Entrance to the clinic will be through the Rosemarie Carroll Center entrance (Door 1-S) at the middle school, 13100 South 82nd Ave., Palos Park, IL.

This Week's Metrics

The 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.

Twitter Hack

The District's Twitter account and the account of one of our school buildings was hacked late in the afternoon on Thursday resulting in an inappropriate message getting posted, and if you have the Palos 118 app, that message was also sent to some mobile devices. The accounts have been secured, and we apologize for the message that was sent to families. The District is investigating the incident.

Have a great weekend.

Best regards,

Dr. Anthony Scarsella

Superintendent of Schools