District Monthly Message

Dear Palos 118 Families,

The Board of Education and administration thank you for your continued support and cooperation during the mandated school closure.  This is an unprecedented time in our nation and Palos 118 stands ready to support our families as they navigate through the challenges associated with the shutdown.  To date, the school district is providing free lunches and E Learning opportunities for students. 

Lunch Pick Up

Lunches can be picked up weekdays at no charge at Palos South Middle School, Tuesday, March 17 through Monday, March 30. If you would like to use this meal service we kindly ask you to complete the form available at Emergency Lunch Service. Please complete one form for each student.

The lunches will be available for pickup between 11:00 a.m. and noon. To pick up the lunch, please enter Palos South off 133^rd Street and proceed to the turnaround outside of door 3W. You will not need to get out of the car. A food service staff member will bring the bag lunch to your car.

E Learning Opportunities

The school district will provide E Learning instructional activities during this school closure.  The activities are recommended but will not be graded.  Governor Pritzker has designated mandated school closure days as Act of God days, therefore participation by students is recommended but optional.  The district recommends students select 3-5 activities per day. 

The purpose of the activities is to provide families options for continued learning until schools are able to reopen.  Palos South teachers will be available via email to answer questions and provide support between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20. Palos East and Palos West teachers will be available via email between the hours of 8:55 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20.   More information regarding E Learning activities is available on our website at www.palos118.org.

In providing E Learning opportunities, Palos 118 is following all guidelines issued by the Illinois State Board of Education.  ISBE has told local school districts:

• It is expected that schools will provide instruction to students during these Act of God Days through whatever means possible and;
• School districts have full autonomy to provide continuous learning opportunities through whatever means possible, including through technology and free online resources.

Just yesterday, ISBE provided further clarification stating:

• Student work completed during the mandated statewide closure must not negatively impact a student’s grades or otherwise impact a student’s academic standing.

There is a real possibility of the closure extending beyond March 30.  Families should continue to prepare for a prolonged closure.  The format and extent of the E Learning opportunities we are currently providing students may look different overtime dependent upon additional guidance from ISBE.

Closing school has been incredibly difficult, however, the health and well-being of our students, staff and entire school community is paramount.  I will continue to provide updates to our families as new information becomes available.

Stay well.

Dr. Anthony M. Scarsella
Superintendent of Schools

Board Business