PMSA Weekly Update
October 6, 2023
Today, October 6 marks the halfway point of first quarter! To support your student's success in school, we have provided two tools by which you can progress monitor grades and attendance: Power School and Schoology parent access. At the beginning of the school year, parents received an email from me with information on how to create an account in the Parent Portal of Power School. This included a unique Web ID and password for each student profile. This week, parents also received an email with a special Access Code and step-by-step instructions for creating a Parent Account in Schoology. If you have trouble accessing either of these accounts, please email Mr. Dejuan Moon at dmoon@pths209.org in our IT dept. We also encourage you to reach out to your student's teachers and support staff with any questions, as we want all our learners to persevere. In addition, as October is National Bullying Prevention Month, we hope that all families continue dialogue at home with regard to kindness and acceptance. Our students' social and emotional well-being deeply impacts their mental health while at school and at home, and we are here to provide support in every way.
On October 17, 2023, all PMSA freshmen will take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT8/9) and the sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). These assessments are both sponsored by the College Board, and this is the first year that they will be administered in a digital format. In preparation for the new online format, PMSA is incorporating a digital readiness check at the start of 2nd period on Thursday, 10/12. Students will receive their testing room locations early next week so that they can report to their actual testing rooms for the digital readiness check. The goal is to simulate testing conditions for the official test day (10/17). For the digital readiness check, all 9th-11th grade students will log into the testing app on their school-issued laptops to ensure the sign-in process is successful. Any technology issues will be noted and troubleshooted before the official testing day. Seniors will be directed to the auditorium during the digital readiness check. Once Period 2 ends, all students will resume their regular class schedule.
Details for the real PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT will be forthcoming from the school and district. Please note ALL STUDENTS in all grades will report for a full day of school on testing day: 10/17/23.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Cristin Chiganos
Mrs. Asselborn
Q: What do you love most about teaching here at PMSA?
A: Hands down the students are what I love most about PMSA. Through everything...the pandemic, the teacher strike, etc. they keep reminding me of why I am passionate about teaching (especially Psychology). I worked in another district for 15 years before coming to PMSA and nothing compares to the genuineness of a PMSA student.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment while teaching here at PMSA?
A: It is not exactly a moment, but I love graduation day. To see the enthusiasm of the students and their families is so exciting. It is all around such a great day.
Q: What is an interesting fact that many do not know about you?
A: I was a dancer growing up. I was on my high school dance team; I danced in college at UIC (with Ms. Chiganos 🙂) and was on the Chicago Rush (arena football team) for five years. Also, I was a competitive high school dance coach for six years.
Q: What book (s) are you currently reading?
A: Once the school year starts, I don't really get to read a lot for pleasure. Over the summer I read a lot of Coleen Hoover books. My recent favorite was Heart Bones. I am a sucker for romance novels, in addition to reading, I love to binge watch tv series. I just finished Friday Night Lights. I know I am late to the game on this one, but I was sad for it to end.
Oriana Walton
Oriana Walton is a senior at PMSA. She has been the team captain for three years of the Diamond Dancers at Proviso West. She is also a part of BSU (Black Student Union) and Student Council.
Oriana plans on joining the track team this year.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a student at PMSA?
A: Sophomore year spirit week was great. I always heard about how fun PMSA was and the seniors really showed us about having school spirit. Everyone was just one big family.
Q: What do you love most about PMSA?
A: I love the fact that there is no pressure. You can show up and just be yourself.
Q: What are your plans post high school?
A: I plan to go to a HBCU (Historically Black College and University) and major in kinesiology. I would like to become a sports athletic trainer and eventually work for the Bulls organization. While in college, I want to continue dancing and join the majorette team.
Q: What is your number 1 college choice?
A: I would like to attend Texas Southern University.
Q: What is your favorite subject(s)
A: English. Last year, Ms. Beresheim really pushed me to become a better writer. She helped develop my writing skills.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: How to Listen with Intention
Save the Dates
Homecoming Dates:
Homecoming Pep Rally- 10/13/23
Homecoming Dance- 10/14/23
Latin Cultural Assembly
PMSA's Latin Cultural Program will be 10.26.23 @ 6:30pm in the auditorium in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15/23 - 10/15/23).
The 2023 theme of Hispanic Heritage Month is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America,” shining a spotlight on the remarkable strides made by the Hispanic community in economics, politics and societal advancement.
Raza Unidos, one of PMSA's many extra-curricular clubs and sponsored first semester by Mr. Brown, is hosting the program, and will feature dancing, singing, and culturally significant performances by our students.
Homecoming Spirit Week
Monday:
Multicultural Club (214)- 3:30-4:30
Key Club (425)- 3:30-4:30
Genealogy Club (407)- 3:30-4:30
Yearbook Club (424)- 3:30-4:30
Tuesday:
Culinary Club (322)- 3:30-4:30
Black Student Union (307)- 3:30-4:30
Student Council (400)- 3:30-4:30
Wednesday:
Newspaper Club (316)- 3:30-4:30
Girls League Club (217)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2026 (210)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2024 (421)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2027 (400)- 3:30-4:30
Mental Health Club (213)- 3:30-4:30
Art Club (504)- 3:30-4:30
Thursday:
Gospel Choir (008)- 3:30-4:30
Class of 2025 (213)- 3:30-4:30
MESSAGE FROM PMSA PTO
Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year. Our first PTO Meeting of the year was on Wednesday evening, Sept. 13th. We loved hearing all these great ideas and new energy to make this the best year yet. Thanks to all who participated.
Our goal this year is grow our membership. By growing in numbers, forming committees, and planning events at our school, we can accomplish so much more to make PMSA great for our students.
This year we are asking for a $10 dollar membership fee per family. We are hoping to also collect an ADDITIONAL $10 fee for fundraising to allow us to do events, activities, and support our students and teachers without having to hold a formal fundraiser.
It’s not too late to sign up to be a member, pay your dues and participate. This year we are holding a raffle for membership. A box of Halloween Candy and goodies will be given away to one lucky parent or teacher that joins PTO and pays dues before October 23rd.
If you have already filled out our membership form and paid dues for the 2023-24 school year, we thank you. If you have not, please see below.
To officially join the PTO for the 2023-24 school year, please click on this link to sign up: https://form.jotform.com/232345952911154
To pay your dues you can use Zelle (thepmsapto209@gmail.com), OR bring a Check (PMSA PTO) or cash to a meeting.
Our PTO Treasurer spot is OPEN. Please contact us if you would be interested in taking over the duties of treasurer for our PTO. We are so grateful for Ms. Chris Serrano for serving as our treasurer for the last year.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the first Wednesday of the month this year for our PTO meetings. All meetings will be held in person and virtually on Microsoft TEAMS. The remaining dates are as follows: November 1, 2023, December 6, 2023, January 10, 2024, February 7, 2024, March 6, 2024, April 3, 2024, and May 1, 2024. Any questions? Thepmsapto209@gmail.com or text President Anissa Butler at 630-240-2191.
Thanks for your support,
Anissa Butler, Maria Barba, Chris Serrano, and Kathleen Franzwa
PMSA Club and Activity Bus
Arrives at PMSA at 4:45 PM
Departs PMSA at 5:00 PM
The activity bus will drop the students off at their bus stop location.
It is important that all students know their bus stop location and that they share it with the bus driver.
Click the button below and visit the Proviso Transportation page to find your bus stop location.
